In this challenging and constantly changing business environment, the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce want to support our Members by providing relevant and up-to-date information. This includes government announcements and support programs, resources, webinars, surveys, and other important updates.
This is a collaborative email to share information that applies to our Memberships at large, sent on behalf of the Grimsby Chamber, Lincoln Chamber, and West Lincoln Chamber.
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Canada’s 2020 Fall Economic Statement
On November 30, the Government of Canada announced its 2020 Fall Economic Statement, offering the clearest picture of federal finances and economic assumptions in over a year.
Key Highlights or Employers
- Creating the Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) – a new program for the hardest hit businesses, including those in sectors, like tourism and hospitality, hotels, arts and entertainment. This stream will offer 100% government-guaranteed financing for heavily impacted businesses, and provide low-interest loans of up to $1 million over extended terms, up to ten years. Rates will be lower than those offered in BCAP and beneath typical market rates for hard hit sectors
- Proposing to increase the maximum Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) rate to 75% for the period beginning December 20, 2020 and to extend this rate until March 13, 2021
- Extending the current subsidy rates of the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) for an additional three periods. This means a base subsidy rate of up to 65% will be available on eligible expenses until March 13, 2021
- Committing a minimum of 25% of all the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund’s resources to support local tourism businesses, providing more than $500 million in program support through June 2021
- Allowing employees who are working from home due to COVID-19 and eligible to claim home office expenses to deduct up to $400 in 2020 using a simplified flat rate, and generally do not request form T2200 from these employees
Key Highlights or Employees
- Proposing to provide $20 million over 5 years, starting in 2021-22, with $4.3 million per year ongoing for a Federal Secretariat on Early Learning and Child Care. The Secretariat will build capacity within the government and engage stakeholders to provide child care policy analysis in support of a Canada wide-system
- Announced temporary changes for one year that have made the Employment Insurance (EI) program more simple, flexible and generous
- Intending to support up to 120,000 job placements through Canada Summer Jobs in 2021-22 – an increase of 40,000 from 2020-21 levels
- Proposing to invest $575.3 million over the next two years in the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to provide approximately 45,300 job placements for young people
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Province Proposes Cap on Delivery Fees to Support Local Restaurants
The Ontario government is helping local restaurants by introducing new legislation that would protect them from high delivery fees. The Supporting Local Restaurants Act, 2020, would cap fees charged by food delivery companies in areas where indoor dining is prohibited to help more small and independent restaurants stay in business.
If passed, the legislation would:
- Cap the rates charged by food delivery service companies and apps in areas where indoor dining is prohibited
- Permit fines of up to $10 million to food delivery service companies that do not comply with the law
- Provide food delivery service company employees or contractors who perform delivery services with protection that their compensation will not be affected by these changes
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Mall and Retail Recommendations
The Niagara Region is considering implementing additional recommendations for mall and retail operations.
These recommendations would be in addition to any provincial requirements, and pertain broadly to all retail operations. Niagara Region Public Health recommends retailers consider the following, where possible, to further limit the spread of infection, and protect both employees and patrons during the busy holiday shopping season:
- Have capacity limits within stores to prevent crowding and facilitate sufficient physical distance between shoppers
- During periods of heavy usage/crowding, limit the number of shoppers from the same household entering the store at once, to help lessen potential crowding
- Extended hours of operation to allow shoppers to spread out over time, and lessen crowding during peak times
- Offer appointment hours to manage crowding
- Offer exclusive hours to vulnerable populations (eg, elderly) to better protect them from crowds and risk of exposure to illness. Such hours should also be limited to Niagara residents
- Offer curbside pick-up options
- Manage food courts consistent with requirements on bars/restaurants, limiting any table to 4 person, spacing or closing off tables such that at least 2 metres distance will be present between people at two different tables, advising that only persons from the same household and/or a maximum of two persons essential to maintaining physical and mental health sit together at a table
- Have compliance officers (staff assigned) to ensure the keeping of physical distance, appropriate spacing in line-ups, and wearing of face coverings
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COVID-19 Update December 3
Today, the Public Health Agency of Canada gave an update on the COVID-19 vaccine rollout. It was stressed that it will work to immunize as many Canadians as possible as quickly as possible, and that Canada is well positioned to provide safe and effective vaccines to all Canadians in 2021.
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DJB Human Resources Advisory |
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Virtual Fireside Chat with HR Advisors
December 8 | 11:30 AM - 1 PM
Join DJB’s Human Resources Advisors for a 90-minute interactive fireside chat (via Zoom), exploring best practices for employers at this unprecedented time.
Participants are encouraged to grab some hot cocoa, BYOQ (Bring your own questions), and settle in by our cozy fireside for an HR update, followed by open discussion with our seasoned panel of HR advisors.
Drop on or off of the platform as it suits your schedule, or stay on for the full time to learn about employment-related matters.
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Contact Your Local Chamber |
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Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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West Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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This email was sent by on behalf of the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce, which consists of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. You have received this email because you subscribed to our newsletters; your email address will not be shared and will be used only for these updates.
You may unsubscribe from receiving these emails at any time.
Please contact your local Chamber if you have any questions or concerns.
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