Coronavirus and your Golf Business
Quebec Bulletin - March 25, 2020
The NGCOA Canada - Quebec Chapter has been closely monitoring announcements by the Government of Quebec over the past several days and has been working on our members behalf to capture the latest updates and information resources.

Below is a snapshot of resources currently available to Quebec golf courses as of 2:30 pm on March 25. We also advise you to carry out any spring maintenance necessary as quickly as possible as government decisions are happening daily and things may be adjusted as the situation with COVID-19 continues to change.

A reminder to also visit our Online Resource Page which is updated as new information and resources become available.

Please click here to access We Are Golf’s official COVID-19 position.
For Your Business
Government of Canada - Temporary Wage Subsidies
To support businesses that are losing income and to help prevent layoffs, the government is proposing to grant eligible small business employers a temporary wage subsidy for three months. The subsidy will be equal to 10% of remuneration paid during that period, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. Businesses will be able to take immediate advantage of this support measure by reducing their remittances of income tax withheld on employees' remuneration. Employers who benefit from this measure will include corporations eligible for the small business deduction, as well as not-for-profit and charitable organizations. For more information, please click here to visit the Government of Canada website.
Additional Steps You Can Take During the Temporary Closure
  • Contact your financial institution to request a mortgage payment deferral;
  • Contact your insurance company to reduce certain coverage during the temporary closure period;
  • Check with your municipality if there is a deferral of your next tax payments without penalty or interest;
  • Contact your various suppliers to request payment accommodations,
  • Consult the online resources page on the association's website.
For Your Employees
Government of Canada - Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The Government has announced for Canadians who do not have paid sick leave (or similar work arrangements) and who are sick, quarantined or forced to stay home to care for their children, the government will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to .

The portal for accessing the CERB would be available in early April with the start of payments within 10 days of application. The CERB would be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020. For more information, click here to visit the Government of Canada website.

Government of Canada - EI Sickness Benefits
Service Canada has made it easier for employees to access EI Sickness Benefits by waiving the 1 week waiting period, establishing a new toll-free number for EI Sickness Benefits, and removing the requirement for a doctor note. You are encouraged to visit the Government of Canada website for the most up-to-date information available.
Additional Suggestions for Employees
  • If you have a mortgage or loan, contact your financial institution to request a payment holiday. Many Canadian banks and institutions are offering a payment deferral options.
  • If you are a student, the Government of Canada has announced a plan to suspend the repayment of Canada student loans until September 30, 2020.
  • Several municipalities have announced a postponement of the next municipal tax payments, without penalty or interest. Check with your municipality.
  • The date for filing your taxes has been postponed without penalty to June 1, 2020 and any payments due are postponed to September 1, 2020
  • Hydro-Québec has announced that customers will not be penalized for late payments. Click here for more details.

Important Phone Numbers
• If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or are worried: 877-644-4545
• Regular employment insurance (unemployment): 800-808-6352
• Health insurance (unemployment), including COVID-19: 833-381-2725
• Temporary help for workers (ineligible for unemployment): 877-644-4545
• In case of stress, anxiety and concerns - Social Info Service 24/7: 811
• Hydro Québec for late payment (without penalty): 888-385-7252
• Young Adult Help Line: 800-263-2266
Your Association continues to monitor this fluid situation and will continue to keep you apprised of the latest developments.
 
Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions.
NGCOA Canada, Regional Director
Quebec Chapter
NGCOA Canada, President
Quebec Chapter