A summary of COVID-19 updates and resources is found on this page, broken down by Federal, Provincial, Worksite, Health and Safety, and Business Resource Pages.
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 The $500 per week Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program will be extended by eight weeks to the end of August. More information on how to extend your application can be found here.
Monday, May 25, 2020 Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) OPEN NOW — provides relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. It offers unsecured, forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners to:
Friday, May 15, 2020 Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) OPEN NOW — Extended through to August 29, 2020 — To help companies of all sizes, non-profits, and charities. This subsidy will provide employers a 75 percent wage subsidy, back-dated to March 15 and will cover the first $58,700 per employee – up to $847/week per employee. Funds to be received starting May 7th (ensure you set up an online account.)
Employer Eligibility Eligible employees Calculate your subsidy How to Apply
Friday, April 24, 2020 Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program announced today will help small and medium-sized businesses cover their commercial rents (paying less than $50,000 per month) for April, May, and June which will lower payments by 75 percent. The tenant will be responsible for covering 25 percent, the property owner 25 percent, while the federal government and provinces would share the remaining 50 percent. It is expected that CECRA will be operational by mid-May, with commercial property owners lowering the rents of their small business tenants payable for the months of April and May, retroactively, and for June.
Thursday, April 16, 2020 Update to Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): As of April 16, CEBA is now available to businesses with payroll between $20,000 – $1,500,000 in 2019. Up to $40,000 loan, interest-free for one year through financial institutions but fully backed by the federal government. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). Apply through your financial institution.
NEW: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program will help small businesses cover their rents for April, May, and June. The assistance is being rolled out in collaboration with the provinces and territories as it’s within their jurisdictions. Full details to come.
More Federal Government Updates
Kevin Lee, CHBA CEO Provides backgrounder into the CEWS update on April 8, 2020.
June 19, 2020 The Government of British Columbia is extending the temporary rental supplement (TRS) until the end of August 2020 to continue to support renters and landlords.
May 19, 2020: Phase Two BC’s COVID-19 Four-Stage Plan is now in Stage two, as of May 19th. Businesses re-opening 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. WorkSafeBC has developed a six-step process to help you create your own plan. The tool is provided as a fillable PDF you can download and save with the details of the plan for your workplace.
NOTE: Your safety plan must be posted online and also available in the establishment for staff, customers and WorksafeBC inspections.
WorksafeBC Reopening Protocol for:
May 6, 2020 British Columbians will move forward with safely restarting their province beginning in mid-May, according to a plan announced by Premier John Horgan. Review the highlights of the staged plan, and access best practices and resources for BC’s Restart Plan.
May 4, 2020 Building and Safety Standards Branch – A central location for key information to help guide and inform the building construction and operations sectors.
On this page:
May 1, 2020 - Applications for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers is NOW OPEN for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, a tax-free, one time $1,000 payment for B.C. residents whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19. Apply
COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information (Live link)
COVID-19 Economic Development Resources Last Updated: April 16, 2020