COVID-19 Response Update 10

Not a lot of new information to share today, but we still want to stay in touch. But we do have a few things we are looking for feedback on.

  1. We have received a request to reach out to you our members and the business community at large to see if you have any potential medical supplies available including; masks (surgical and N95's) and gloves (latex & nitrile). If you have any other items that you believe might be useful, please send Tracy a list and count of what you would be willing to put on hold for potential use by local medical professional.
  2. We have had a request from Minister Joly, the minister responsible for Economic Development to find out if you are getting the support you need to get loans and other support from your bank. If you have gotten support or are working on it and want to tell us about your your success or troubles it will help the federal government.

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Free Access to Stress Management Training from Eddie LeMoine

Are you feeling stressed? I know I have seen my world turned upside down over this past week. 
I want to offer you something that may help you, your family or friends cope with the pressure you are feeling. 

We are offering our online stress program free for anyone who would like to take it.

This online stress management program will give you some tips to help you manage your stress as you maybe learn to work from home or find yourself temporarily displaced from the workplace.


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As a reminder we suggest you register with My Account (for individuals) or My Business Account (for businesses). Sometimes people my experience a delay if a PIN number is required to be sent through the mail. We are suggesting that this may save you time in the future.

To do so you can head to the following websites based on your needs;
My Business Account
My Account for Individuals

Even if you are not sure you will need support it does not hurt to sign up for these accounts for future use.

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Province of Nova Scotia

Rent Deferral Agreement
The following links are updated from yesterdays email around the rent deferral agreement. We suggest commercial landlords and tenants talk to each other soon.





BUSINESS SUPPORT PROGRAMS AVAILABLE

Small Business Development Program
NSBI has updated the Small Business Development Program to serve Nova Scotia businesses better. The program helps businesses work with a private consultant to overcome a pain point or barrier, or a business expert to help identify and develop the leadership skills needed to scale your company. 
Visit  nsbi.ca/bdp  to learn more.
 
Virtual Training
NSBI is providing more online digital content to support SME’s access programming at times that work for them – all the more important during the current climate. The virtual workshops and training courses provide companies with vital strategies and hands-on tips on how to deal with the current crisis. The first of many workshops include:
 

GOVERNMENT BUSINESS NAVIGATORS
Our Business Navigators are available to help you with any questions you may have. Find out more about the service at  https://novascotia.ca/regulatoryopportunity/business-navigators.asp
They can be reached Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm at  1-844-628-7347  ,  902-424-4475
 
 
USEFUL RESOURCES 
Provincial website:  https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

Government of Canada:  https://canada.ca/coronavirus

Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397

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Information from Atlantic Chamber of Commerce

Atlantic Chamber has created COVID-19 Business Resource & Information page

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Resources from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce

NGen has established a funding program to support companies in launching the production of critical products to fight COVID-19. To learn more, visit:  ngen.ca/covid-19-response

Deloitte has published a series of articles to help businesses manage through the pandemic. Read them  here

How We Are Helping Canadian Businesses
We remain in close contact with the federal government throughout this pandemic. We spoke to the Prime Minister prior to the stimulus announcement and our President and CEO, Perrin Beatty, was invited by Finance Minister Morneau to attend his press conference following the stimulus announcement. Additionally, we’ve recently spoken to Ministers Mendicino and Joly and will be speaking with Minister Ng on Friday.


Recorded Webinars to Watch

Destination Canada hosted a Visitor Economy webinar on March 20, 2020, sharing their approach amid the COVID-19 situation and providing information on available federal support initiatives.

As part of its ongoing support measures, the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) also published a webinar with BDC Chief Economist Pierre Cléroux and Alka Sood, Senior Business to share advice on how to manage your business through the COVID-19 crisis.


Tourism Operators

TIANS Tourism Strong Digital Hub Launch 
The Tourism Industry Association of Nova Scotia has launched a new digital hub to support industry during COVID-19.



Links to Other News:
Links

Nova Scotians can find accurate, up-to-date information, handwashing posters and fact sheets at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus  .

Anyone who has travelled outside of Canada or has been in close contact with someone who has travelled and are experiencing fever (above 38 C) and/or new cough should complete the online questionnaire before calling 811. The online questionnaire can be found at:  https://811.novascotia.ca/

Government of Canada:  https://canada.ca/coronavirus
 
Government of Canada toll-free information line 1-833-784-4397 Nova Scotia Public Health offices: http://www.nshealth.ca/public-health-offices


New resources/Nouvelles ressources :

Announcement by Minister of Finance, March 25 / Annonce du ministre des Finances, le 25 mars

Work-Sharing Program / Programme de travail partagé :
Service Canada a créé une unité de renseignements bilingue pour les employeurs touchés par COVID-19 qui recherchent des informations relatives au Programme de travail partagé. Les demandes de renseignements peuvent être envoyées à la boîte aux lettres ci-dessous pour obtenir des renseignements précis sur le Travail partagé ou pour demander des renseignements généraux sur le programme :  EDSC.DGOP.TP.REP-RES.WS.POB.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca
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Service Canada has created a bilingual enquiry unit for employers affected by COVID-19 that are seeking information related to the Work-Sharing Program. Enquiries can be sent to the mailbox below for specific Work-Sharing information or to request general information about the Program:


External Links: 
 
Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters COVID-19 Resources
 
Key Information Tools / Outils importants: 
 
For help understanding the definition of essential services across borders and to understand what documentation will be required at the Canada – US border: Pour des définitions et de l’information sur des services essentiels et la documentation requise à la frontière :
·          Canada Border Services Agency has established a toll free line, staffed 24/7, to answer specific questions about Border Crossing:  1-800-461-9999  from within Canada, and 1 -204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064  from outside Canada. 
·         L’Agence canadienne des services frontaliers a établi une ligne sans frais, 24 heures sur 24, pour des questions sur la frontière : 1 -800-461-9999  en provenance du Canada, et 1 -204-983-3500 ou 1-506-636-5064  de l’extérieur du Canada

Canada Revenue Agency - Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic / l’Agence du revenu du Canada - Aider les Canadiens avec l'impact économique de la pandémie de COVID-19
 
Exemptions to travel restrictions to protect Canadians and support the economy / Exemptions aux restrictions de voyage afin de protéger les Canadiens et d’appuyer l’économie

Expedited access to disinfectants, hand sanitizers and personal protective equipment to help limit the spread of COVID-19, as well as swabs for testing / Accès accéléré aux désinfectants, aux antiseptiques pour les mains et à l'équipement de protection individuelle pour aider à limiter la propagation de COVID-19, ainsi qu' aux écouvillons pour les tests

Business Credit Availability Program/ Programme de credit pour les entreprises
 
Resources for Canadian businesses: COVID-19 / Ressources pour les enterprises canadiennes: COVID-19
 
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan / Plan d'intervention économique du Canada pour répondre à la COVID-19
 
Stay Connected/Soyez informés
Canada Business App – Appli Affaires Canada :  www.canada.ca/business-app .
 
COVID-19 subscription for Public Health Updates/Inscription pour les mises à jour sur la santé publique:
 
Business Supports/ Appui aux entreprises :
Department of Finance - Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses / Ministère des Finances : Plan d'intervention économique du Canada pour répondre à la COVID-19

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses / Maladie à coronavirus (COVID-19) : Ressources pour les entreprises canadiennes
 
Work-Sharing Program - Temporary special measures / Programme de travail partagé - Mesures spéciales temporaires:

Canada Revenue Agency - Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic / l’Agence du revenu du Canada - Aider les Canadiens avec l'impact économique de la pandémie de COVID-19
 
What Canada’s Regional Development Agencies are doing to help business during the COVID-19 pandemic/ Ce que font les agences de développement régional (ADR) du Canada pour aider les entreprises pendant la pandémie de COVID-19 
English :  HTML  -  PDF version
French:  HTML  -  Version PDF
 
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada/Emploi et développement social Canada – maladie à COVID-19

Export Development Canada COVID-19/Exportation et développement Canada
 
Business Development Bank of Canada – Banque de développement du Canada

Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Chambre de commerce du Canada
 
World Health Organization COVID-19 - Business and Employees / Organisation mondiale de la santé – entreprises et employés
 
Council of Canadian Innovators – COVID-19 Slack Channel (you must create an account)
 
Facebook
English: Business Resource Hub:  https://www.facebook.com/business/boost/resource
 
Canadian Federation of Independent Business – Fédération canadienne de l’entreprise indépendante
 
Uber Eats

Innovative Medicines Canada
 
Innovative Medicines Canada: Statement on Canada’s Drug Supply / Déclaration portant sur l’approvisionnement en médicaments : IMC

Save Small  Business.ca

The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is providing regular Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and resources for the CFA member community to stay informed and be prepared.