The Aurora Chamber of Commerce is proud to bring you our monthly communication, "The Advocate", focusing on government and advocacy news. We've compiled the most recent news and updates to keep you informed and up to date on business issues at the municipal, provincial and federal levels of government.


In The News

The Ontario government is providing $77 million to help people who were laid off due to the impact of COVID-19 find in-demand jobs in their local communities. This funding is being provided through the redesigned Second Career grant program and will help more than 2,750 job seekers with up to $28,000 for tuition, training materials and living expenses.

The Ontario government is allocating an additional $695 million to provide financial relief for municipalities and help ensure they do not carry operating deficits into 2021. This investment builds upon the first phase of the federal-provincial Safe Restart Agreement announced this summer and will help municipal partners deliver critical services during COVID-19.

This year has been filled with unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many Canadians unexpectedly had to work from home which resulted in millions of Canadians setting up their work space in their kitchens, bedrooms and living rooms. the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has made the home office expenses deduction available to more Canadians, and simplified the way employees can claim these expenses on their personal income tax return for the 2020 tax year.

Ontario Small Business Support Grant
Coming This Month!

Starting at $10,000 for all eligible businesses, the grant will provide businesses with dollar for dollar funding to a maximum of $20,000 to help cover decreased revenue expected as a result of the Province-wide Shutdown. Further details, including how to apply, will be available this month.
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on young Canadians who are trying to find work. Employers also face challenges when recruiting and hiring workers while adapting to the realities of the pandemic. That’s why the Canada Summer Jobs program continues to take action to provide good job opportunities for youth and to support employers across Canada.
 
This year up to 120,000 job opportunities will be available to young Canadians through Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. This represents a 50 percent increase from the 80,000 CSJ opportunities approved in 2020. 

The application deadline is January 29, 2021. For more information, click the link below.
Employers interested in applying for CSJ 2021 funding are encouraged to attend one of the free webinars Service Canada is offering. These will run from January 9th - January 27th.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extension has also been approved and is now extended to June 2021.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Rent Subsidy Program application is available today from the Canadian Government. The Rent Subsidy will run from September 2020 to June 2021.
Government Updates

Please click on the links below to read updates from the municipal, provincial and federal governments

Update from Mayor Mrakas, Town of Aurora, read here

Update from Christine Elliott, MPP Newmarket-Aurora, read here

Update from Michael Parsa, MPP Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, read here

Update from Leona Alleslev, MP Aurora-Oak Ridges-Richmond Hill, read here

Update from Tony Van Bynen, MP Newmarket-Aurora, read here
Virtual Town Hall with Mayor Mrakas
Join us to hear from Mayor Tom Mrakas about future plans for the Town of Aurora at the Virtual Town Hall. If you have a question you would like to ask Mayor Mrakas send it to s.ferri@aurorachamber.on.ca.