Table of Contents
Our new format for Tuesday's e-Blasts will start with a table of contents so that you can easily see what will be outlined and so that you can scroll to the parts that interest you the most.
  1. Videography RFP Tendering Closes Today
  2. Canadian Chamber Budget 2021
  3. Member2Member Deals
  4. Webinar Recording: Federal Relief Funding with Vexxit
  5. Recovery and Restriction Survey
  6. Last Minute Tax-Filling Tips
  7. Vaccine Resource Hub
  8. Work Place Recovery Toolkit
  9. Committees
  10. OHS Code Review
  11. Patio Regulations
  12. Grant, Subsidy & Loan Updates
  • Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit
  • Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee
  • New CEBA application deadline extended to June 30
1) Videography RFP Tendering Closes Today
To continue with our Women of Influence Campaign which was launched on March 8, International Women's Day, the GPRC has a Request for Proposal (RFP) for a videographer who can create 2.5 minute highlight reels of each of the 5 Women of Influence.

The RFP is below, and we encourage you to share it with anyone who might be interested. Tendering will close April 20, 2021.
2) Canadian Chamber Budget 2021
Canada’s largest business association says today’s budget had many positives for businesses as they look to adapt and exit the pandemic, but our longer-term economic health will depend on the government managing debt and deficits.
3) Member2Member Deals
105.9 Shine FM and & 930 the Light - 15-25% off commercials
Sabre Publications Ltd - $6,000 program FREE for GPRC Chamber Members
3 B's Flowers - 15% off Floral and Giftware
Joffre's Water - One Free Water Refill Each Visit
Offers end 12/31/2021
For more information email Jodie at jmacpherson@gprchamber.ca
4) Webinar Recording: Federal Relief Funding with Vexxit 
The recording is now available from last week's webinar with Vexxit on the big three federal relief funds: CEWS, CERS and the CEBA loan. 
5) Recovery and Restrictions Survey
The Regional Business Impact & 3rd Wave Restrictions Survey will work in partnership with local municipalities to assess the implications of COVID-19 on the local business community. The results will provide insight on how our Region’s local business community (broken down to each Municipality) has been dealing with the economic impact of COVID-19 and its path to business recovery.
6) Last Minute Tax-Filling Tips
Have you completed your tax return? Don’t panic if you haven’t! The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is working to assist people during these difficult times, as this is a tax season like no other, so we’ve put together some helpful tips and information to make last‑minute filing easier. 

Click below for more information.
7) Vaccine Resource Hub
While the choice to get vaccinated is ultimately up to individuals, this resource hub’s goal is to equip businesses to play their part to get Canada to herd immunity.

Given the overwhelming volume of information available on vaccines, this resource provides companies of all sizes with a single focal point for the information they need to know as employers and the resources they can use to reassure and encourage their employees to get vaccinated.
8) Workplace Recovery Toolkit
Businesses have a critical role to play before mass vaccination is completed. This toolkit provides practical guidance for businesses to re-establish their operations while ensuring the health and safety of staff and customers.

The advice provided is intended to be adaptable for companies needing, or desiring, to bring employees back into physical locations for collaboration or enhancing productivity. At the core of successfully executing a return to workplace plan is building trust through transparency and communication. It is likewise important for leaders to build a culture of safety and lead by example to set the tone for the rest of the office. 
9) Committees
We welcome the participation of our members on one or more committees of their choosing. Each committee usually meets monthly for 1-2 hours. There may be tasks assigned to be completed between meetings as well. This is a great opportunity to expand your ideas and become active with your Chamber of Commerce. Outlined below is a brief description of each committee as they are an ideal training ground for future community leaders and Board members.
10) OHS Code Review
Over the next 3 years, the Government of Alberta is reviewing the Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code). It’s an opportunity to improve health and safety outcomes for workers and streamline requirements to reduce unnecessary administrative burden.

Learn more about proposed changes for each part of the OHS Code under review in year 1 and take the survey by May 10, 2021.
11) Patio Regulations
With the re-implementation of Step 1 COVID-19 restrictions, the Town of Stony Plain and the City of Spruce Grove have made temporary changes to their patio regulations.

See below for more information.
12) Grant, Subsidy & Loan Updates
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages.

The Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.

Next deadline is April 22, 2021

Next period opens May 9, 2021
Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit
Starting in mid-April, the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit will provide payments of up to $10,000 to eligible small and medium businesses most affected by the pandemic and ongoing public health restrictions.

The Government of Alberta has committed $120 million in funding for the Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee
Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs. These loans are for small and medium-sized businesses that have seen their revenues decrease by 50% or more as a result of COVID-19.

The HASCAP Guarantee is available until June 30, 2021.
New CEBA Application Deadline is Extended
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, the Honourable Mary Ng, announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications is being extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021.
We're always keeping the GPRC website current with information about new and updated grants and subsidies. Check it out!
THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR
THANK YOU TO OUR GOLD SPONSOR
This e-Blast is from: Greater Parkland Regional Chamber of Commerce

Name: Kendra Wambold
Title: Communications & Media Specialist
Company: GPRC
Contact: kwambold@gprchamber.ca