April 2020
Blackfalds & District Chamber of Commerce
Monthly Newsletter
COVID-19 INFORMATION
Government of Canada Resources

For ongoing general updates: www.canada.ca
For general business information:

Work-share Program:
The Government of Canada offers the Work-Sharing Program, which is designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. 
For more info check out the Work-Sharing program website or call the Employer Contact Centre at 1-800-367-5693. 

Employment Insurance Program:
The Government of Canada offers benefits for individuals who may qualify if they have lost their job. 
COVID EI claims can be made at: 1-833-381- 2725

Government of Alberta Resources

Current COVID updates:
https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

Information for employers and employees:
  • Income Support Program
Income Support can help you and your family with basic living costs and other necessities. Depending on your needs and situation you may be eligible to receive assistance through Alberta’s Income Support program. It is income/asset tested for your entire household and “ongoing” and/or “emergency benefit” streams.
Income support policy and contact info:    https://www.alberta.ca/income-support.aspx   
Note: your local office may be assessing via telephone, not in person at this time.   
Information on employment rules for layoffs and terminations:
https://www.alberta.ca/Layoff-and-recall-directive.aspx
Government of Alberta Resources
NEW INFO: The Alberta Emergency Management Agency Unsolicited Offers Program has been set up in response to growing offers of generosity from individuals and organizations to help with the challenges many Albertans are facing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Those wanting to help can go to www.alberta.ca/COVID19offersprogram for more information.

Municipal Resources
March 27, 2020
Government Delivers What SMEs Need to Protect the Jobs in Their Businesses 
This morning, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau delivered some welcome news for SMEs across the country. That news included the following announcements:

  • A 75% wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to three months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. This will help businesses to keep and return workers to the payroll. More details on eligibility criteria will start with the impact of COVID-19 on sales and will be shared before the end of the month.

  • Allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer all Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) payments until June as well as customs duties owed for imports. This measure is the equivalent of providing up to $30 billion in interest-free loans to Canadian businesses. It will help businesses so they can continue to pay their employees and their bills and help ease cash-flow challenges across the country.

  • The launch of the new Canada Emergency Business Account. This program will provide up to $25 billion to eligible financial institutions so they can provide interest-free loans to small businesses. These loans – guaranteed and funded by the Government of Canada – will ensure small businesses have access to the capital they need, at a zero per cent interest rate, so they can pay for rent and other important costs over the next number of months.

  • The launch of the new Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee program that will enable up to $40 billion in lending, supported through Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank, for guaranteed loans when small businesses go to their financial institutions to help weather the impacts of COVID-19. This is intended for small and medium-sized companies that require greater help to meet their operational cash flow requirements.
WE WELCOME YOU TO JOIN US!
CHAMBER MEETINGS
Chamber meetings take place the 1st Thursday of every month.
Where: Wadey Centre
When: 7pm - 8pm

APRIL MEETING:
CANCELLED
WE ARE DOING OUR PART BY COMMITTING TO SOCIAL DISTANCING.
You could be our next
Featured Business
Consider your local Chamber as a means to advertise your business.
  • Is there a new product or service you want to share?
  • Is there a community event you are planning that we could help spread the word?
For the low cost of $40/month, we will place your ad front and centre of our monthly newsletter and provide social media advertising throughout that same month.
Another opportunity is to be the Feature on our Website with a short video representing your business. The power of the internet goes a long way!
 
Contact us at 403-506-6735 for details or email:
yourblackfaldschamber@outlook.com
Canada's tax deadline extended until June, payment can be delayed until September
The federal government has announced Canadians will now have until June 1, 2020 to file taxes and the deadline to pay them will be extended.
If any business or individual finds they owe money, they will have until September 1 to pay.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said $55 billion dollars of the $82 billion package to keep Canadians afloat will account for these tax deferrals.
Trudeau said the government is focused on making sure Canadians have the money they need to support their families, buy groceries and pay the rent.
Blackfalds’ Municipal Facilities Closed Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
posted on Mar 16 2020 - Town Website
Blackfalds, Alberta (March 16, 2020) – In response to the Province of Alberta’s update to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Town of Blackfalds is closing all Town facilities effective Monday March 16, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. until April 15, 2020.
This includes the Abbey Centre (Field House, Fitness Studios, Program Room, Child Minding, Border Paving Fitness Centre, Red Deer Kinsmen Indoor Play Space, Running Track, etc.), Family and Community Support Services, Blackfalds Public Library, the Civic Cultural Centre, Multi-Plex Arena (Ag Room, Banquet Room, Dry Floor/Ice), Operations Centre, the Wadey Centre and the Community Centre (Main Hall and Multi-Purpose Room).
“The Town of Blackfalds has chosen to take a proactive approach to minimize risk to the health and safety of our citizens,” stated Mayor Richard Poole. “I know our Council has expressed their overwhelming confidence that existing emergency procedures are put in place to deal with both the expected, and the unexpected. Actions are being taken to enable our staff to work safely and ensure that all Town operations are maintained and any future actions taken reflect the best practices that are being suggested by the experts who [are] most able to provide direction.”
“It is paramount at this point in time that we close our facilities. Especially with the schools now closed, how do we ensure that we are minimizing the spread of the virus and ensure that we’re not being part of the problem?” said Emergency Management and Protective Services Manager Ken Morrison. “It’s not something we do lightly, but it’s something we obviously need to move forward with.”
  • Guest Services will be contacting all persons who have booked a facility for rent as soon as possible.
  • If Abbey Members have any concerns or questions regarding their memberships, please contact Guest Services.
  • The Civic Cultural Centre will be closed, but you can contact us by phone, social media platforms and/or email. If you require any information or forms regarding utilities, taxes, business licenses, or other town services please visit blackfalds.com. The Centre does have a drop-box available.
  • For your own protection and our staff, we ask that you please refrain from coming to the Municipal office in-person.
  • The Protective Services Building (Blackfalds Fire Department) will be closed to the public. Operations will continue with minimal effect on services. You can reach them at 403.885.3300 (RCMP Administration), 403.885.3333 (Police Assist -Complaints), 403.885.4144 (Fire Department) and 403.885.0020 (Community Peace Officers & Animal Control). For emergencies, please call 911.
  • All youth programs, fitness programs, arts and culture programs and events have been postponed until further notice – registrants of these programs will be contacted.





Servus Credit Union stands with you during this time. The health and safety of our members and employees is top of mind. Stay informed with the latest updates, including any changes to branch hours or temporary closures. We also have a number of support resources and a financial relief program to help ensure you and your family are taken care of at this time. We're committed to our members and are here to support you with banking services and financial advice, anytime. 

Servus and COVID-19
With the continued effects of COVID-19, the health and safety of our members and employees is top of mind. We know COVID-19 has had, and will continue to have, a big impact on many members and we're here to support you with banking services and financial advice, anytime.
During this time, you can expect the continued ability to bank with us by phone through our Member Contact Centre ( 1.877.378.8728 ) or through digital channels.

Servus's COVID-19 financial relief program
We're here to help you manage through these tough times. To support you, we’re offering flexible solutions including payment deferrals on mortgages and loans.
Online banking services
Convenient money management, wherever you are. Servus online banking is available for personal and business members. Manage everything from bill payments and money transfers, to savings and investment products. It's secure and quick to set up — give us a call at 1.877.378.8728 .

Stay up to date on branch hours and openings
As the situation is rapidly changing, there may be changes to branch hours. We'll post an alert to notify you of any changes as they happen.
Branch hours are being reduced effective March 19. Check for new hours on your branch page  before visiting and view the list of temporary closures.

A message from Servus President & CEO, Garth Warner
Hear from Garth about the measures Servus is taking to protect the health of Servus members and employees, and how we'll continue to support your financial needs during this time.

For more information, please view their web page:
 Laura Thevenaz, the Infrastructure Services Manager for the Town of Blackfalds is looking for feedback from our community.
The Town is currently working towards developing an Environmental Stewardship Strategy that will shape how the Town approaches environmental stewardship.
They are seeking input from the community through an online survey as to what they would like to see the Town do to reduce environmental impact through policy direction, standards improvement and community programs. 
The survey can be accessed through the website below:

Laura Thevenaz
Infrastructure Services Manager
Blackfalds Operations Centre
Box 220, 5200 Duncan Ave
Blackfalds, AB T0M 0J0
T: 403.885.6256 Ext. 203
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