Weekly Update
April 21, 2020
There is a special resource page on the SNLA website where updates will be shared as they happen. Visit www.snla.ca .
Bulk order of surgical masks
Follow the live webinar on COVID-19 we continue to look at options. We have a local wholesaler who has a direct link for overseas import of surgical grade masks. Cost estimate is $1.00 per mask in orders of 50. Estimated two-weeks for delivery. Landscape Alberta would arrange curb-side pickup in Calgary and Edmonton.

If you are interested, please fill out the form below. This does not commit you to an order. A subsequent order form will follow in a few days that will include a deadline to order.

Changes to the CERB eligibility Rules
  • Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.
  • Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19.

These changes will be retroactive to March 15, 2020. More details will be posted shortly.

Note: The issue of employer ‘SUB’ plans to top-up CERB is not mentioned, which means that while top-ups to CEWS are encouraged, top-ups to CERB remain prohibited.
The Federal government also announced a transfer will allow provinces and territories will provide their low-income essential workers (those who earn less than $2,500 per month), with a top up.

Updated resource page for all Federal programs and supports

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Applications for The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are now being accepted via the Canada Revenue Agency’s My CRA Account portal here or via telephone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Update
CEBA provides much needed credit for small businesses to pay for immediate operating costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax, or debt service. It is 100 per cent funded by the Government of Canada.

  • NEW!! - It is available to Canadian employers with $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019, and operating as of March 1, 2020. This includes smaller (i.e., micro) businesses and other eligible employers such as not-for-profits. (This new range will replace the previous one of between $50,000 and $1 million, and will help address the challenges faced by small businesses to cover non-deferrable operating costs.)
  • Under CEBA, financial institutions will be able to provide interest-free credit facilities of up to $40,000 to eligible businesses.
  • If the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, 25 per cent (up to $10,000) will be forgiven.
  • If the loan is not repaid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a three-year term loan at 5 per cent interest.

This program is now available at various financial institutions and credit unions.
Introducing Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program
Announcing its intent to introduce the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. The program will seek to provide loans, including forgivable loans, to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June. Implementation of the program will require a partnership between the federal government and provincial and territorial governments, which are responsible for property owner-tenant relationships. We are working with the provinces and territories to increase rent support for businesses that are most impacted by the pandemic and we will have more details to share soon.

Where to Start? To get the help you need:
  1. Visit the website for businesses for information about supporting your employees and your business. It is constantly updated as the COVID-19 crisis evolves.
  2. Contact your local financial institution. Since we know most small businesses have a relationship with their local financial institution already, we’ve worked with the financial sector to increase their lending capability to support you in in this challenging time. They are a good first place to start for help.
  3. Download the Canada Business App to find tailored supports to address your needs in the face of COVID-19. 4. Consult the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s pandemic preparedness guide to help prepare you business in the days and weeks to come.

3 Key Steps to take NOW!
Get setup on CRA My Business account if you aren’t already.
Get setup on direct deposit if you are not already.
Get your accounting current and keep it current, will need real time info to evaluate eligibility
SAWP Worker Isolation Update
A member requested clarification on where isolation will occur as Seasonal Agricultural Workers arrive. Workers will be medically assessed in country of origin and again on arrival in Canada. If an individual shows symptoms at the arrival airport, they will be placed in to quarantine at a government approved site nearby. If they are deemed medically clear, they will be able to board a connecting flight and then proceed to the mandatory 14-day isolation at the farm or other designated residence.
Update on Social Distancing in Vehicles
Landscape Alberta’s official advice is to comply with he Chief Medical Officer of Health’s recommendation of only people from the same residence can travel in a vehicle together.
We received a response from Alberta’s Occupational Health & Safety office, that did not add any clarity. In summary, employers must be compliant with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and comply with directions from the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

We will continue to look for clarity on PPE use in work vehicles that would be compliant with both directives.

Many members are also considering modifications to vehicles in order to create safe work spaces. Marsh Canada has advised that unless the modifications are done within Transport Canada’s guidelines it may decrease safety of the vehicle (reduced sight lines, lack of emergency exits, airbag interference, etc.). Caution is advised with any modification to OEM specifications. 
New OHS Guidelines
Click here to download guide.

Upcoming Webinars

Garden Retail in the Age of COVID-19 with John Stanley – Presented by Greenhouse Canada
April 21 st , 2020 – 7am MT

LMN’s - How to Quickly Adapt to Change & Increase Efficiency in your Landscape Business with Frank Bourque – Free replay
There is a special resource page on the SNLA website where updates will be shared as they happen. Visit www.snla.ca .