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FEDERAL UPDATES

NEW 1) In yet another update to the $71 billion wage subsidy the federal government is in the process of rolling out (CEWS), the parameters to qualify are being relaxed. Previously, businesses would have to show a 30 per cent drop in revenues compared to this time last year, which some start-ups and new businesses would not be able to do. Now, companies can compare their lost revenue to what they made in January and February of 2020, and will only need to show a 15 per cent decline in March. The subsidy will be on 75 per cent of employees’ salaries, up to $847 a week per employee, retroactive to March 15, for companies big and small. Charities are also being granted the ability to choose whether or not to include government revenues in their calculations of lost revenue when applying. Info has yet to be updated: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/wage-subsidy.html

NEW 2) The government has also announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program. Now, employers who hire summer students can apply for a subsidy of up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial hourly minimum wage. This will help create up to 70,000 jobs for Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30, and will help give them work experience and an income despite the current economic situation. The timeframe for the job placements is being extended to the end of February, given some jobs will start later than usual. The student hires can also be employed part-time, given many businesses have had to scale back their operations.

3) The application process for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) opened on April 6. I f you stopped working because of COVID-19, you should apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, whether or not you are eligible for Employment Insurance. The Benefit is available for the period from March 15, 2020 to October 3, 2020. 
If you applied for EI regular or sickness benefits on March 15, 2020 or later, your claim will be automatically processed through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

NOTE: It's important to be aware that CERB payments are taxable income, and will be assessed as such for the 2020 tax year.



4) T here will be adjustments to the CERB in the coming days to include people such as gig workers, contractors, and volunteer firefighters who work 10 or fewer hours per week. He also said there would be support for those who continue to work but are making less than they would through CERB, such as home care workers or people caring for vulnerable seniors in long-term care facilities.

To access Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan,
including info for individuals and businesses:
HAVE YOU COMPLETED THE NATIONAL SURVEY?
As COVID-19 continues to disrupt economies around the world, it is essential to have current data to fully understand the extent of the impact on businesses in Canada, and for making informed decisions in the weeks and months ahead. Please participate in this urgent survey designed and delivered by the Canadian Chamber and Statistics Canada. The survey will take roughly 20 minutes to complete: Canadian Survey on Business Conditions (CSBC) .
PROVINCE OF MANITOBA

As of the April 8 media conference, public health officials advised the number of lab-confirmed positive and probable cases in Manitoba is at 221.

NEW 1) T he Manitoba government has made a special request for nitrile and vinyl gloves . The province is looking to purchase gloves and other medical supplies from the health and wellness industry, such as dentist offices, salons, therapy clinics or all other groups that are no longer using personal protective equipment. Click here to access the supplier form .

NEW 2) Due to the significant public health concerns surrounding COVID-19 and large public gatherings, major Manitoba 150 celebrations are being paused for 2020 . All remaining events and public activities associated with Manitoba 150 are being postponed, but funding will remain in place to support community projects and events when public health advice advises it is once again safe to hold large public gatherings.

NEW 3) Manitoba's Chief Public Health Officer reminds Manitobans to continue practicing social distancing even with the upcoming holidays.
To access all Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living COVID-19 news bulletins:   https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html
These are unprecedented conditions. We are being asked to physically distance, but to remain socially connected. We want to understand the risks to manage them effectively, but are advised not to immerse ourselves in too much media because it can become overwhelming. We want to help, but we’re not sure how to reach out safely and effectively, which can lead to feelings of helplessness.

The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything most of us have ever experienced, and stress stemming from concern and fear of the illness, knowing someone who is ill, financial effects, and worries about loved ones are escalating. Click here to access 10 tips to help you manage anxiety during this difficult time...

Are you an Early Child Educator or Child Care Assistant? Or maybe you’re a local Chamber of Commerce seeking information about government programs to support members in your local community… The Temporary Child Care Services Grant is a new program of the Government of Manitoba, developed in response to COVID-19, and designed to ensure dedicated child care spaces are available for critical front-line workers. The grant, valued at $3,000, is available to eligible Early Childhood Educators (ECE) II or III and Child Care Assistants interested in providing private care services.

To access information about this grant and how to apply, click here .
Chuck Davidson, President & CEO
Manitoba Chambers of Commerce
t: 204-948-0107
e: cdavidson@mbchamber.mb.ca