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. ACC Letter to Premier Jason Kenny
  2. Update on Restrictions
  3. The City of Spruce Grove Patio Regulations
  4. The Town of Stony Plain Patio Information
  5. Videography RFP
  6. Committees
  7. OHS Code Review
  8. Grant, Subsidy & Loan Updates
  • Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Enhanced COVID-19 Business Benefit
  • Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee
  • Driving Back to Work Grant
  • New CEBA application deadline extended to June 30
1) ACC Letter to Premier Jason Kenny
The Alberta Chambers of Commerce sent a letter to Jason Kenney & all UCP caucus members on April 6 that requests an immediate meeting with the premier to discuss the government's decision-making process & data around public health orders. You can read the full letter below.


2) Update on Restrictions
Mandatory, provincewide restrictions are in effect to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19.

Some businesses are required to temporarily close, reduce capacity or limit in-person access.
3) The City of Spruce Grove Patio Regulations
The City has temporarily relaxed its regulations affecting outdoor/sidewalk patios for the 2021 season so that restaurants can provide outdoor seating available for customers while still meeting provincial guidelines and the City’s criteria.

Restaurant owners considering establishing or expanding an outdoor/sidewalk patio should contact the City’s Planning and Development department prior to starting construction at 780-962-7582 or email permits@sprucegrove.org
4) The Town of Stony Plain Patio Information
The province has re-implemented Step 1 COVID-19 restrictions this week, which includes the closure of indoor dining in restaurants. Take-out services and outdoor patio dining will be allowed to remain open. 

The Town of Stony Plain understands the hardships that the pandemic has caused local businesses and supports the opening of outdoor patios where it is safe and feasible to do so. An information package had bee put together to assist restaurant owners with developing temporary outdoor patios on private property in a timely manner, while ensuring the safety of the public.
5) Videography RFP Tendering Open
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.
6) 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.
7) 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.
8) 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.
Driving Back to Work Grant
The Government of Alberta announced the Driving Back to Work grant program would receive an additional $5 million to help train commercial Class 1 drivers. The Driving Back to Work grant program will cover up to 90 per cent of the cost of Mandatory Entry-Level Training to help eligible unemployed Albertans get their Class 1 commercial truck driver’s licence and pursue careers as professional truck drivers.

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