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COVID-19 RESOURCES

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We are closely monitoring the ongoing conditions of the COVID-19 virus and associated economic impact and we take the health and safety of our members seriously. At the time of posting this statement, the Public Health Agency of Canada   has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada, with continued reassessment as new information becomes available.

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Regardless of external events that arise, it is best to be proactive and have a plan. We have compiled the following resources and links to support your business planning.

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While it is important to treat the COVID-19 pandemic with seriousness, it is also important not to compound the real challenges this virus is causing our business community by unduly curtailing and restrict our own activities locally.

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The Chetwynd Chamber of commerce is urging everyone in our networking to support local businesses and to do business with a Chetwynd Chamber Member first. 

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PROVINCE'S RESTART PLAN AS OF MAY 7/2020

Click here

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UP-TO-DATE INFO

Be informed with the most current information on COVID-19 please visit:

Assessment & updates of the local situation – Northern Health

Assessment & updates of the local situation – District of Chetwynd 

Assessment & updates of the national situation - Health Canada

Assessment & updates of the global situation – World Health Organization

Businesses offering services in Chetwynd – Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce

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RESOURCES

Whether it is a public health issue, natural disaster, or other emergencies, it is important to be prepared and ensure you have an up-to-date business continuity and disaster recovery plan. Here are some other resources to assist you in your planning.

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WORKSAFE BC - as of June 2020

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We are currently in Phase 2 (click here)

 

Phase 1 below

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CNAADIAN FEDERATION OF INDEPENDENT BUSINESS

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BC RESTAURANT AND FOOD SERVICES ASSOCIATION 

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RETAIL COUNCIL OF CANADA

 

 

BCEDA

 

CERB

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EMERGENCY WAGE BENEFIT

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COMMUNITY FUTURES: 

 

FUTURPRENEUR

  • Futurpreneur offers support to existing clients

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EDUCATION 

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ICBC

  • ICBC Payment Deferrals and Online Tools 

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INDIGENOUS 

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FARM RELIEF

  • Farm Credit Canada Lending Increases - For Farmers

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FINANCIAL SUPPORT / RELIEF FOR BUSINESS

 

OPERATIONAL/STAFFING SUPPORT

  • Employment and Social Development Canada: Several measures are available to assist employees who have been laid off, or are unable to work due to quarantine. EI sickness benefits

  • Work-Sharing Program: Work-Sharing is a federal government adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. Temporary special measures have extended the maximum duration of work-sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for businesses affected by COVID-19 

  • Government of Canada Travel Health Notices

 

CHECKLISTS

 

GUIDES

 

TEMPLATES AND TOOLS

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REGIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS FROM THE PRRD

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PASSPORT SERVICES  Federal Government

Allowing Canadians with urgent travel needs to obtain Passport Services, if they:

  • Have a serious illness, or must tend to the serious illness or death of another individual they have had a relationship with;

  • Suffer from economic hardships due to loss of job or business (the cost of an airline, bus or train ticket does not constitute economic hardship); or

  • Must travel for humanitarian grounds, supported by the requesting organization.

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EMERGENCY CARE BENEFIT

Federal Government

An Emergency Care Benefit of up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks to provide income support to workers who must stay home and do not have access to paid sick leave. This measure could provide up to $10 billion to Canadians, and includes:

  • Workers, including the self-employed, who are sick, quarantined, or who have been directed to self-isolate but do not qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.

  • Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who is sick with COVID-19, such as an elderly parent or other dependents who are sick, but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits.

  • EI-eligible and non EI-eligible working parents who must stay home without pay because of children who are sick or who need additional care because of school closures

 

ENHANCED CHILD CARE BENEFIT

Federal Government

A proposed increase to the maximum annual Child Care Benefit (CCB) payment amounts, only for the 2019-20 benefit year, by $300 per child.

 

GOODS AND SERVICES TAX CREDIT

Federal Government

A proposed one-time special payment for low-and modest-income families, who may require additional help with their finances, through the Goods and Services Tax (GSTC) credit. This will double the maximum annual GSTC payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year. Single individuals will receive close to $400, and almost $600 for couples benefiting from this measure.

 

CANADA STUDENT LOANS

Federal Government

A plan to pause the repayment of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans until September 30, 2020, with no accrual interest.

 

REGISTERED RETIREMENT INCOME FUNDS

Federal Government

A reduction to the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds by 25% for 2020. This will provide flexibility to seniors that are concerned that they may be required to liquidate their RRIF assets to meet minimum withdrawal requirements.

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SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

BUSINESS CREDIT AVAILABILITY PROGRAM

Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank of Canada

The Business Credit Availability Program will provide $10 billion of additional funding to Canadian businesses facing economic challenges brought on by COVID-19. This program helps Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions gain access to credit through EDC, BDC and private sector lenders. The short-term credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector will also be increased through Farm Credit Canada.

 

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT BANK OF CANADA (BDC) RELIEF MEASURES

Business Development Bank of Canada

Effective March 18, 2020, new BDC Relief Measures for qualified businesses include:

  • Working capital loans of up to $2 million with flexible terms and payment postponements for up to 6 months for qualifying businesses;

  • Postponement of payments for up to 6 months, free of charge, for existing BDC clients with total

BDC loan commitment of $1 million or less;

  • Reduced rates on new eligible loans;

  • Additional details regarding Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) measures, including industry specific support, to be announced in the coming days.

 

WORK SHARING PROGRAM

Federal Government

Extension to the maximum duration of Work-Sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work Sharing Program is an income support program for employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers.

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CALLING ALL SUPPLIERS – HELP CANADA COMBAT COVID-19

Federal Government

The Government of Canada is asking suppliers that have products and services that can support Canada’s response to COVID-19 to consider completing a COVID-19 Products and Services submission form.

 

TAX FILINGS

Federal Government

All businesses are able to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any Income Tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as installments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period. This measure will result in businesses having more money available during this period.

 

FACEBOOK SMALL BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM

Facebook

The Small Business Grants Program is offering $100 million in cash grants and advertising credits for up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries.

 

TEMPORARY WAGE SUBSIDY

Federal Government

The proposed Temporary Wage Subsidy supports businesses that are facing revenue losses and help prevent lay-offs for a three month period. The subsidy will equal to 10% of remuneration paid during this period, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employers.

 

PST REBATE ON NEW HOME CONSTRUCTION

Provincial Government

The PST Rebate on New Home Construction will provide up to 42% of the PST paid on a new house contract up to $350,000 (excluding land) for new homes purchased after March 31, 2020, and before April 1, 2023. This not only helps the construction industry, Saskatchewan’s home builders and associated trades that are important job creators, it helps families afford a newly built home.

 

OIL INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT PROGRAM (approved, to be released)

Provincial Government

The Oil Infrastructure Investment Program, a SaskFirst new growth tax incentive administered by the Ministry of Energy and Resources, will support new and expanded pipelines, as well as new pipeline terminals, to flow oil to markets.

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LABOUR PROGRAM AND FEDERALLY REGULATED WORKPLACES

Federal Government

An online guide for workplaces wanting more information on how to handle the virus in the workplace.

 

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN TEMPLATES

Business Development Bank of Canada

Creating and maintaining a business continuity plan helps ensure that businesses have the resources and information needed to deal with an emergency. BDC has developed Business Continuity Plan Templates for businesses to plan for business continuity and mitigate the potential effects of an emergency.

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PANDEMIC PREPAREDNESS GUIDE

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Preparedness, not panic, is the best way to mitigate the risks posed by a COVID-19 pandemic to the Canadian economy and our citizens. The Pandemic Preparedness Guide includes links to the some of the most relevant and credible information, best practice tools and resources.

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BUSINESS INFORMATION

Government of Canada COVID-19 Information Services

 

 

For more information please contact the Chetwynd Chamber of Commerce at manager@chetwyndchamber.ca

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