Thank-you to Our Newsletter Sponsor, Excel Career College, for helping make this newsletter edition possible.
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The Chamber's Weekly Zoom Meetings
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Join us each week on Thursday for a virtual meeting, featuring a different guest and topic. Next week's call discusses
how tourism plays an important role in our economic recovery. Join the Chamber as we host a panel discussion featuring:
Deana Simkin
Chair of Comox Valley Economic Development Society
Highlights about the new "Task Force" (Tourism Recovery Task force) and CVED's role in economic recovery
May Ruth Snyder
Executive Director of Campbell River Chamber
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Dianne Hawkins
CEO of Comox Valley Chamber
Discussing how can our Chamber's work together to better our business communities.
When: Thursday, May 28 from 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extended
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Finance Minister Bill Morneau announced that the Government of Canada will extend the CEWS by an additional 12 weeks to August 29, 2020. Extending the program will give workers greater confidence that they will continue to get the support they need during these difficult times. The Government will consult with key business and labour representatives over the next month on potential adjustments to the program to invent jobs and growth, including the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold. Any potential changes following the consultation will have as key objectives to maximize employment, ensure the CEWS reflects the immediate needs of businesses, and support the post-crisis economic recovery.
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Returning to Safe Operations - Phase 2
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Materials and information are available to help you and your business get back to operations, safely. Employers are required to develop a
COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Employers must involve frontline workers, joint health and safety committees, and supervisors in identifying protocols for their workplace.
During
phase 2 businesses can expect many more WorkSafeBC inspections, and while businesses do not need to submit a COVID-19 safety plan in order to reopen, they will be expected to have a written plan and safety policies in place.
WorkSafeBC currently has a 6-step guide available to assist businesses in ensuring workplace risk is minimized.
Visit the WorkSafeBC Phase 2 portal to view industry specific recommendations and requirements.
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Commercial Rent Subsidy Portal Opens May 25
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The portal for applications to the CECRA will open on May 25th. This program provides property owners with a 50% subsidy on commercial rents, with a further 25% being provided by business owners. In order to prepare for the application CMHC has published a "What You Need to Apply" section on their CECRA information page.
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Emergency Community Support Fund (ECSF)
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As part of
Employment and Social Development Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund,
United Way Central & Northern Vancouver Island is supporting local community service organizations to provide rapid, innovative emergency community support to vulnerable community members.
Individual organizations, or multi-agency collaborations, who are working to meet the needs of vulnerable people impacted by COVID-19 within the Central & Northern Vancouver Island region are welcome to apply.
Applications open at 3:00 pm, May 19, 2020 and close at 12:00 pm noon on June 15, 2020.
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Indoor Recreation Facilities Remain Closed
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The Comox Valley local governments are advising residents that indoor recreation facilities in Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland and the Comox Valley Regional District (CVRD) remain closed until further notice. These facilities have been closed since March 17 to help limit the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Please visit your local government website for details regarding individual recreation facilities closures:
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New Funding Options to Hire Co-op & Internship Students 2020
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The federal government has elevated its commitment to work-integrated learning (WIL) through several funding partners across a variety of industries. Take advantage of updates and changes to help employers continue to hire students during these challenging times.
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Vancouver Island Work-Integrated Learning (VIWIL) is a partnership between
North Island College (NIC)
and Vancouver Island University (VIU) to enhance opportunities for work-integrated learning in the form of co-operative education and internships by connecting employers with students on Vancouver Island, specifically in areas extending north of the Malahat.
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Sidewalk Café Program Expanded
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Downtown Courtenay
restaurants interested in opening a sidewalk café now have more options that will support their efforts to stay financially viable while they adapt to significant challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Courtenay Council has approved a change to the sidewalk café program that would expand outdoor seating capacity. The change is intended to help restaurants meet physical distancing requirements, while increasing potential income.
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Walk for Alzheimer's, Online
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IG Wealth Management
is participating in an ONLINE Walk for Alzeimer's this year on May 31. Visit their fundraising page to donate, volunteer or sign up to walk.
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Order Online with Gunter Brothers
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Local butcher shop,
Gunter Brothers
, has a new online website and place to shop online.
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VIRL Launches Online Videos for Creators
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Creativebug.com
has thousands of award-winning art & craft video classes taught by recognized design experts and artists. Access these videos FREE with your
Vancouver Island Regional Library
card number and pin.
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Grant Connect Available At-home Until May 31
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Vancouver Island Regional Library
is offering access to Grant Connect from home until May 31. Normally only available to access from VIRL branches, now you'll have access to:
• Over 11,000 Canadian foundations, 560 corporate giving programs, 370 government grant programs, 120 American foundations, and 200 other kinds of grant opportunities.
• Funder profiles that offer insights on specific grant programs, application preferences, financial summaries, and key decision-makers.
• Data on billions of dollars in past donations.
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Colin Sauer Acquires The Governance Group
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Colin Sauer
is proud to announce the recent purchase of all intellectual property from
The Governance Group
as he expands his current service model to now include deeper and more robust support for the non-profit sector. For more information contact Colin Sauer at 250 465 1245, or
colin@governance.ca
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ABC Printing Serves With New Products
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ABC Printing
remains open, but with doors closed to public visits. They have a range of products available for your business and personal needs during this time.
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We could not provide our advocacy, business resources, and services for business in the Comox Valley without the support of our members. Thank you to the members who have renewed their memberships this month:
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Thank you for staying in touch with The Comox Valley Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber sends a regularly scheduled Newsletter every second Thursday. From time to time, we will also send emails about important issues facing the business and/or local community, surveys, and information about upcoming events and E-Blasts. You may unsubscribe at any time.
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