Guide to COVID-19: Government Relief Programs in Canada

Guide to COVID-19: Government Relief Programs in Canada

As Canadian business leaders continue to face exceptional and wide-ranging challenges in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federal Government and each of the provincial governments have introduced various subsidy, tax and other relief to help businesses cope with the crisis. We have summarized these measures in a handy chart.

Federal

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Relief for Businesses – Wage Subsidies and EI Benefits

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

• Under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), the federal government will subsidize up to 75% of the wages paid to eligible employees between March 15 and June 6, 2020
• On May 15, Canada announced CEWS is extended by 3 months until August 29, 2020
• The CEWS is generally available at a rate of 75% of eligible remuneration paid to employees, up to a subsidy of $847 per week, per employee
• The subsidy generally applies to all businesses (including taxable corporations, individuals and partnerships consisting of eligible employers), regardless of size, as well as registered charities and certain non-profits, and partnerships consisting of eligible employers, but otherwise excluding tax exempts and public bodies
• On May 15, 2020, the list of eligible employers was expanded to include: (1) partnerships that are up to 50% owned by non-eligible members; (2) Indigenous government-owned corporations that are carrying on a business, as well as partnerships where the partners are Indigenous governments and eligible employers; (3) registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Associations; (4) registered Journalism Organizations; and (5) non-public colleges and schools, including institutions that offer specialized services, such as arts schools, driving schools, language schools or flight schools. See the list of eligible employers here
• To be eligible, employers must have had a drop of at least 15% of their revenue in March 2020, and 30% in April, May, and June 2020, as compared to either the same month in 2019, or to an average of its monthly gross revenues in January and February 2020. In applying for the subsidy, employers will be required to attest to the decline in revenue. Read more here
• Revenue for this purpose means revenue from a business in Canada earned from arm’s-length sources, is calculated using the employer’s normal accounting method (under the accrual method or the cash method, but not a combination of both), and excludes revenues from extraordinary items and amounts on account of capital
• Special rules exist for issues on corporate groups, non-arm’s length entities and joint ventures
• Employers eligible for the CEWS are also entitled to receive a 100% refund for certain employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan, and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan for employees on paid leave
• The government launched a calculator on April 21 to help employers apply for the CEWS
• Applications for the CEWS opened April 27
• Separate applications must be submitted for each “Claim Period”
• Claim Period “4” opened on June 7 and closes on July 4 

Small Business Wage Subsidy

• The subsidy is equal to 10% of the remuneration paid from March 18 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee and to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer
• Eligible employers are Canadian-controlled private corporations (including cooperative corporations) eligible for the small business deduction, non-profit organizations, registered charities, individuals and partnerships. Eligible employers must have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA as of March 18, 2020
• Partnerships are only eligible for the subsidy if their members consist exclusively of individuals (excluding trusts), registered charities, other partnerships eligible for the subsidy, or eligible Canadian-controlled private corporations
• Canadian-controlled private corporations are only eligible for the subsidy if they would have had a business limit for their last taxation year that ended before March 18, 2020, greater than nil (determined without reference to the passive income business limit reduction)
• If an eligible employer did not pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020, they cannot receive the subsidy, even if they are an eligible employer
• The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which provides a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers, is a separate program

Extended Work-Sharing Program

• The Work-Sharing program provides Employment Insurance (EI) benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers
• Work-Sharing is an agreement between employers, employees and the Government of Canada
• A Work-Sharing unit must reduce its hours of work by at least 10% to 60%. The reduction of hours can vary from week to week, as long as the average reduction over the course of the agreement is from 10% to 60%
• A Work-Sharing agreement has to be at least 6 consecutive weeks long and can last up to 26 consecutive weeks. However, due to COVID-19, employers who request an initial Work-Sharing agreement, which used to be for a duration of 26 weeks, automatically receive up to 76 weeks, even if they expect their employees to return to normal work hours sooner.
• Employers can end their Work-Sharing agreement at any time.

Changes to Canada Summer Jobs Program

• The Canadian government is implementing temporary changes to the program:

Relief for Registered Pension Plans and Deferred Salary Leave Plans

• On July 2, Canada released proposed amendments to the Income Tax Regulations (Regulations) that apply to (1) registered pension plans, and (2) deferred salary leave plans
• If adopted, the draft regulations would help employers who sponsor a registered pension plan or salary deferral leave plan for their employees manage and maintain their benefit obligations through the crisis. It would assure employees who participate in salary deferral leave plans that suspending their leave of absence (e.g., via a recall to essential-service work), or deferring their scheduled leave for up to one year, will not put their plan at risk
• The following changes are proposed:

Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)

• The Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) will provide bridge financing to large for-profit businesses – with the exception of those in the financial sector – as well as certain not-for-profit businesses (such as airports) with annual revenues generally of $300 million or higher.
• To qualify, eligible businesses must be seeking financing of $60 million or more, have significant operations or workforce in Canada, and not be involved in active insolvency proceedings.
• Companies seeking support must demonstrate how they intend to preserve employment and maintain investment activities. Recipients will need to commit to respect collective bargaining agreements and protect workers’ pensions. The LEEFF program will require strict limits to dividends, share buy-backs, and executive pay. In considering a company’s eligibility to assistance under the LEEFF program, an assessment may be made of its employment, tax, and economic activity in Canada, as well as its international organizational structure and financing arrangements. The program will not be available to companies that have been convicted of tax evasion. In addition, recipient companies would be required to commit to publish annual climate-related disclosure reports consistent with the Financial Stability Board’s Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures, including how their future operations will support environmental sustainability and national climate goals
• The LEEFF program will be delivered by the Canada Development Investment Corporation (CDEV), in cooperation with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Department of Finance.
• Applicants should register their interest at LEEFF-CUGE@cdev.gc.ca. A CEEFC representative will send applicants a non-disclosure agreement, an application form, and instructions. LEEFF will be open while the current economic situation persists.

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) ~ Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium Enterprises

• EDC Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises: Allows financial institutions to issue operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to existing clients, with 80% guaranteed by EDC
  • Money is to be used for operational expenses, not for dividend payouts, shareholder loans, bonuses, stock buyback, option issuance, increases to executive compensation or repayment/refinancing of other debt
  • This program is now available at various financial institutions and credit unions
• BDC Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium Enterprises. The program is designed in three segments to target support to different business sizes:

   

  • Loans of up to $312,500 to businesses with revenues of less than $1 million
  • Up to $3.125 million for businesses with revenues between $1 million and $50 million
  • Up to $6.25 million for businesses with revenues in excess of $50 million
  • Loans would be interest-only for the first 12 months, with a 10-year repayment period
  • Financed amount:  80% provided by BDC and 20 % provided by your financial institution
  • This support is available until or before September 30, 2020
• BDC Mid-Market Financing Program

   

  • Junior loans ranging between $12.5 million and $60 million for medium-sized businesses particularly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, co-managed by BDC and their primary financial institution, to cover operational liquidity needs and business continuity
  • The Bank anticipates that qualifying companies will have annual revenues in excess of approximately $100 million

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) ~ Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

• The federal government will provide interest-free credit facilities of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits to pay for immediate operating costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax, or debt service
• The program was expanded April 16 and is now available to Canadian employers with $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019, and operating as of March 1, 2020
• On May 19, eligibility for the program was further expanded to include many owner-operated small businesses. The program will now be available to sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.
• As of July 19, eligibility was further expanded. Owner-operated small businesses that have been ineligible for the program due to their lack of payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, as well as family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll are eligible.
• To qualify under the expanded eligibility criteria, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need: (1) a business operating account at a participating financial institution; (2) a Canada Revenue Agency business number, and to have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return; and (3) eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million
• CEBA applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 will need: a business operating account at a participating financial institution; a Canada Revenue Agency business number; a 2018 or 2019 tax return; and eligible non-deferrable expenses of between $40,000 and $1.5 million
• Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance. Funding will be delivered in partnership with financial institutions
• If the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, 25% (up to $10,000) will be forgiven
• If the loan is not repaid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a three-year term loan at 5% interest
• This program is now available at various financial institutions and credit unions

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)

• The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses program will lower rent by 75% for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19
• The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of three monthly rent payments that are payable by eligible small business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May, and June
• The loans will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner agrees to reduce the small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% under a rent forgiveness agreement, which will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The small business tenant would cover the remainder, up to 25% of the rent
• Impacted small business tenants are businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations
• To qualify for CECRA for small businesses, the property owner must meet the following requirements:

   

  • own or be the landlord of property that generates rental revenue from commercial real property located in Canada;
  • be the property owner or landlord of the commercial real property where the impacted small business tenants are located;
  • have a valid and enforceable lease agreement with the impacted small business tenant;
  • have entered or will enter into a rent reduction agreement for the period of April, May, and June 2020, that will reduce the impacted small business tenant’s rent by at least 75%;
  • the rent reduction agreement with impacted tenants includes a moratorium on eviction for the period of April, May and June 2020; and
  • have declared rental income on its tax return (personal or corporate) for tax years 2018 and/or 2019
• Impacted small business tenants are businesses, including non-profit and charitable organizations who:

   

  • pay no more than $50,000 in monthly gross rent per location (as defined by a valid and enforceable lease agreement);
  • generate no more than $20 million in gross annual revenues, calculated on a consolidated basis (at the ultimate parent level); and
  • have temporarily ceased operations (i.e. generating no revenues), or has experienced at least a 70% decline in pre-COVID-19 revenues.
• The deadline to apply is August 31, 2020
• Applications are accepted through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website beginning on May 25
• On June 29, CECRA was extended by one month until the end of July

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

• Fund of $675 million to small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access the government’s existing COVID-19 support measures, through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies
• Fund of $287 million to support the national network of Community Futures Development Corporations, which will specifically target small businesses and rural communities across the country
• Apply to the RRRF through your local Regional Development Agency 

Entrepreneurs, Innovators and Pre-Revenue Firms

• Futurpreneur Canada is a national non-profit organization that provides financing, mentoring and support tools to entrepreneurs aged 18-39. To support ongoing lending to young entrepreneurs, the government is injecting $20.1 million through Futurpreneur Canada
• Futurpreneur Canada offers collateral-free loans of $20,000 at favourable rates
• The Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP) provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market. To help support these firms, the government is investing $250 million through IRAP
• Funding is determined on a case-by-case basis and may come as a government grant
• On May 16, Canada announced it will provide $15 million in additional funding to support women entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES). This money will go directly to select organizations that are currently WES Ecosystem Fund recipients and will help women entrepreneurs through the COVID-19 pandemic. This investment can help ensure women across the country—whether they're a restaurant owner in New Brunswick, a manufacturer in Prince George, or a retailer in Nunavut—get the support they need through things like business workshops, mentorship and skills training to adapt to a digital marketplace

Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF)

• Canada launched a call for expressions of interest under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) youth innovation component, a Government of Canada grants and contributions program
• This EAF component engages and challenges youth to volunteer and collaborate with local community-based organizations, and apply for funding of up to $10,000 for accessibility projects

Indigenous Businesses

• The federal government will provide up to $306.8 million to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses
• The funding will allow for short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which offer financing and business support services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses
• To learn more about the Indigenous Community Support Fund, click here
• On May 21, Canada announced today, May 21, $75 million in new funding for Indigenous organizations providing services to Indigenous peoples in urban centres and off reserve
• This additional funding will support more community-based projects that address the critical needs of Indigenous populations during this crisis, including food security, mental health support services, and sanitation and protective equipment. It could also help with other needs, such as support for Elders, transportation, and educational materials for Indigenous children and youth
• Funding for projects will start rolling out in the coming weeks. This funding is in addition to the $305 million announced on March 18 for a new, distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund

Relief for First Nations through the First Nations Finance Authority

• On June 2, Canada announced that First Nations with existing loans under the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) will receive interest payment relief as a result of a $17.1 million support from the Government of Canada
• This announcement is in addition to the $380 million Indigenous Community Support Fund to help Indigenous communities prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19

Relief for Businesses – Financial Stability, Taxes & Tariffs

Insured Mortgage Purchase Program

• Under the Insured Mortgage Purchase Program there will be a purchase of up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
• The eligibility rules for portfolio insurance are being temporarily relaxed to assist mortgage lenders access to the IMPP
• Effective March 24, 2020, the following low loan-to-value mortgages funded prior to the date of this announcement, March 20, 2020, are eligible for government-guaranteed insurance: (1) low loan-to-value mortgages with a maximum amortization term up to 30 years commencing from when the loan was funded; and (2) low loan-to-value mortgages whose purpose is the purchase of a property, subsequent renewal of such a loan, or refinancing

Lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer

• The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets
• On June 23, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced that the Domestic Stability Buffer (DSB) will remain at 1.00% of total risk-weighted assets, unchanged from the level set on March 13, 2020 as part of OSFI's response to COVID-19. The DSB was lowered by 1.25% on March 13

More Time to Pay Income Taxes

• All businesses are allowed to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 1, 2020
• This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act
• No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period CRA extends some trust and corporate filing deadlines
• The Canada Revenue Agency is extending some of the filing deadlines for corporations and trusts in a move to help businesses and tax preparers dealing with COVID-19
• The agency says it will allow businesses to defer T2 corporation income tax returns otherwise due in June, July or August, to Sept. 1
• Any income tax balance due on or after March 18 and before Sept. 1 will also be due by Sept. 1. CRA also says the deadlines for trust returns that would otherwise have been due in June, July or August, have also been extended to Sept. 1 with any income tax due on or after March 18 and before that date due at the beginning of September
• Earlier this year, the agency extended the deadline to file individual income tax returns this year to June 1, instead of April 30. Payments are due Sept. 1.

Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments

• All businesses could defer, until June 30, 2020, remittances of the Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), as well as customs duties owing on their imports
• The deferral will apply to GST/HST remittances for the February, March and April 2020 reporting periods for monthly filers; the January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 reporting period for quarterly filers; and for annual filers, the amounts collected and owing for their previous fiscal year and instalments of GST/HST in respect of the filer’s current fiscal year
• For GST and customs duty payments for imported goods, deferral will include amounts owing for March, April and May
• On June 29, 2020, Canada confirmed that the GST/HST and customs duty payment deferral is ending as planned on June 30

Relief for Federally Regulated Pension Plan Sponsors

• The federal government will provide immediate, temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated, defined benefit pension plans
• This relief will be in the form of a moratorium, through the remainder of 2020, on solvency payment requirements for defined benefit plans
• For additional information federally regulated pension plans, click here

Bank of Canada

• The Bank of Canada has lowered its target for the overnight rate by 150 basis points
• The Bank Rate is correspondingly ½ percent and the deposit rate is ¼ percent
• On June 3, 2020, the Bank of Canada maintained its target for the overnight rate at the effective lower bound of ¼ percent. The Bank Rate is correspondingly ½ percent and the deposit rate is ¼ percent

Tariff Relief for Importers of Certain Medical Goods

• The federal government will waive tariffs on certain medical goods, including PPE such as masks and gloves. This will reduce the cost of imported PPE for Canadian businesses, which face tariffs of up to 18% in some instances. Tariff relief for these goods will remain in place for as long as necessary to deal with the COVID-19 crisis.
• Remission is granted for goods listed in the Certain Goods Remission Order (COVID-19), SOR-2020-101 , under the following conditions:

   

  • the good was imported into Canada on or after May 5, 2020 and subject to customs duties;
  • no other claim for relief of the customs duties has been granted under the Customs Tariff in respect of the good;
  • the importer files, on request, the evidence or information that the Canada Border Services Agency requires to determine eligibility for remission;
  • the importer agrees that it is subject, at any time, including after remission relief is provided, to review by the Canada Border Services Agency; and if a review is conducted, the Canada Border Services Agency must be able to conclude that the information supplied remains accurate and complete and that the facts remain unchanged in all material respects

Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Salesforce offer $10,000 Grant to Eligible Small Businesses

• APPLICATIONS ARE NOW CLOSED
• On May 25, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce announced a new program, the Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund, to provide small Canadian businesses from coast to coast to coast with $10,000 grants to help their recovery efforts during these unprecedented times
• The applications that best demonstrate how the funds will help the businesses, their employees and their communities will receive the funding. Businesses can use the $10,000 grants to support their recovery efforts, including paying salaries, acquiring safety and personal protective equipment for staff, replenishing materials or paying for the measures required to adapt business models to the economic impacts of COVID-19, among other key priorities
• The grant will be targeted at small, for-profit businesses that have been operating for several years and are now experiencing challenges because of COVID-19
• The application period opened on June 1, 2020 on the CBRN website and closed on June 12, 2020. The successful applicants will be announced in late June to early July 2020, with the funds being transferred to the successful applicants shortly thereafter

Canadian Chamber of Commerce Launched a National Toolkit for Business Reopening

• The Canadian Chamber of Commerce launched the Canadian Business Resilience Network’s guide for businesses moving to reopen, Reopening Canada’s Economy, A National Guide for Business. The guide is accessible electronically here
• The toolkit  provides advice, guidance, and identifies access to resources from across Canada for reopening businesses in light of the pandemic

• On May 25, Canadian Chamber and the Government of Canada team up with accounting profession to provide free advice to small to medium-sized business, not-for-profits and charities to navigate uncertainty

• The program, called the Business Resilience Service (BRS), is run through the Canadian Chamber’s Canadian Business Resilience Network in collaboration with EY and with support from Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and Imagine Canada. The BRS will provide options for any vulnerable small to medium-sized business, not-for-profit or charity to immediately connect with experienced accounting and tax professionals across the country from professional services firms. The program, delivered to organizations free of charge, will: (1) provide guidance on program options and eligibility; (2) rapidly direct businesses – including enterprises involving Indigenous peoples, women and diverse groups – to the most appropriate support organizations; (3) help organizations make decisions to support recovery plans; (4) provide real time insights and feedback to policymakers
• The BRS program, coordinated by EY, will be provided for four weeks from Monday, May 25, and will involve support from approximately 125 business advisors from across the accounting profession. Organizations can access the BRS seven days a week by calling 1-866-989-1080

Healthcare – Canada Loosens Regulatory Requirements for COVID-19-Related Clinical Trials

• Canada’s Minister of Health has authorized the following change for a more flexible process for clinical trials related to COVID-19: (1) to allow a wider range of health professionals, such as nurse practitioners, to be involved in running clinical trials. Under current regulations, only physicians and dentists can conduct clinical trials for drugs; (2) to allow a wider range of investigators, such as physicians, to be involved in running clinical trials for medical devices. Under current regulations, only manufacturers can conduct clinical trials for medical devices; (3) to reduce the burden associated with labelling and record-keeping requirements for clinical trials involving drugs that are already marketed for other indications and are being studied to treat COVID-19; (4) to enable multiple-stream clinical trials to continue even when one stream has been stopped; and (5) to enable more clinical trials by allowing trials where direct interaction with the participant is not feasible, for example when participants who live in remote locations are unable to travel

Online Hub for Organizations Looking to Find Resources on Buying and Supplying Personal Protective Equipment

• On June 9, Canada launched a new online hub to bring together available resources for organizations buying and selling personal protective equipment (PPE)
• The Supply Hub connects Canadian organizations across Canada with federal, provincial, territorial and other resources and information about PPE, including consumer guidance. Buyers will find PPE supplier lists, in addition to guidance to help plan their PPE purchases

Relief for Businesses – Specific Industries

Food & Agribusiness - Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

• Farm Credit Canada has put in place:
  • a deferral of principal and interest payments up to six months for existing loans or
  • a deferral of principal payments up to 12 months
  • access to an additional credit line up to $500,000, secured by general security agreements or universal movable hypothec

Food & Agribusiness - Support for Canadians and Workers in the Food Supply Chain

• Support of $50 million to help farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers following the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad
• Support of $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker will be given to employers or those working with them to ensure requirements are fully met. The funding is conditional on employers not being found in violation of the mandatory 14-day isolation protocols or any other public health order
• This program will be available as long as the Quarantine Act is in force and the isolation protocol is followed

Food & Agribusiness - AgriStability

• The AgriStability enrollment deadline for the 2020 program year has been extended without penalty, from April 30 to July 3, 2020
• The federal government is working with provinces and territories to increase interim payments from 50% to 75%

Food & Agribusiness - Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund

• Fund of $62.5 million to the fish and seafood processing sector to help businesses:
  • access short-term financing to pay for maintenance and inventory costs;
  • add storage capacity for unsold product;
  • comply with new health and safety measures for workers;
  • support new manufacturing/automated technologies to improve productivity and quality of finished seafood products; and adapt products to respond to changing requirements and new market demands

Food & Agribusiness – Additional Financial Support for Canadian Fish Harvesters

• On May 14, Canada announced up to $469.4 million in new measures to support Canada’s fish harvesters, who are economically impacted by the pandemic but cannot access existing federal measures
• This investment builds on the $62.5 million for the new Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund
• Canada launched the Fish Harvester Benefit, a program worth up to $267.6 million, to help provide income support for this year’s fishing seasons to eligible self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons crew who cannot access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Support will be provided to those that experience fishing income declines of greater than 25% in the 2020 tax year, compared with a reference period to be identified. This measure covers 75% of fishing income losses beyond a 25%  income decline threshold, up to a maximum individual entitlement equivalent to what is provided under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy ($847 per week for up to 12 weeks)
• Canada launched the Fish Harvester Grant, a program worth up to $201.8 million, to provide grants to help fish harvesters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are ineligible for the Canada Emergency Business Account or equivalent measures. This will give them more liquidity to address non-deferrable business costs. The program would provide non-repayable support of up to $10,000 to self-employed fish harvesters with a valid fishing licence. Size of the non-repayable support will vary depending on the level of fish harvesters’ historic revenue

Food & Agribusiness – Canada Launches the Agri-Food Pilot

• Effective as of May 15, 2020, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) began accepting applications to the Agri-Food Pilot. The 3-year pilot will test an industry-specific approach to help employers in the meat processing, mushroom and greenhouse production, and livestock-raising industries fill ongoing labour needs for full-time, year-round employees. It will provide a pathway to permanent residence for many temporary foreign workers already in Canada
• The Agri-Food Pilot will accept applications from May 15, 2020, to May 14, 2023

Food & Agribusiness – Relief for Farmers, Food Businesses and Food Processors

• The federal government is investing an additional $252 million to support farmers, food businesses and food processors and proposing an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the sector by:
  • creating a $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access more personal protective equipment (PPE), adapt to health protocols, automate or modernize their facilities, processes, and operations, and respond to emerging pressures from COVID-19;
  • launching national AgriRecovery initiatives of up to $125 million in funding to help producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19. This includes set-asides for cattle and hog management programs to manage livestock backed-up on farms, due to the temporary closure of food processing plants;
  • announcing the intention to increase the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to support costs associated with the temporary storage of cheese and butter to avoid food waste;
  • launching a first-ever Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories, which could include products such as potatoes and poultry, to local food organizations who are serving vulnerable Canadians; working with provinces and territories to explore possibilities for expanding the AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector. This work with provincial and territorial partners would insure against lost production due to an insufficient workforce, should producers be unable to find enough labour to harvest.

Food & Agribusiness – Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund

• On May 14, Canada announced the launch of a $100-million Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund to support proven, viable companies through unexpected business disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic
• The fund is set up to support a wide range of enterprises in the agribusiness and agri-food sector, including companies involved in primary production, agri-tech, manufacturing, packaging and distribution. The fund will help companies in times of need through innovative solutions such as convertible debt investments and other flexible financing solutions
• Applications will be assessed individually on their merit, and will be supported to a maximum of $10 million
• To qualify, companies need to demonstrate an impact from an unexpected business disruption, such as the loss of a key supplier, temporary loss of a facility or permanent loss of critical staff or leadership. Funds cannot be used to repay shareholder loans or purchase shareholder equity positions

Food & Agribusiness – Support for Canada’s Dairy Sector

• On May 5, Canada announced the government’s intention to amend the Canadian Dairy Commission Act and increase the Canadian Dairy Commission’s (CDC) borrowing limit by $200 million to allow cheese and butter to be temporarily stored and avoid waste
• On May 15, Canada adopted amendments that will increase the CDC’s borrowing limit from $300 million to $500 million

Food & Agribusiness – Emergency Processing Fund (EPF)

• The program will prioritize projects based on two objectives: Emergency COVID Response to assist companies to implement changes required by COVID-19 to ensure the health and safety of workers. This funding will assist with: plant retrofits or adjustments to existing operations to accommodate changes to processes and production, and increasing capacity for herd management. Strategic Investments to assist companies to improve, automate, and modernize facilities needed to increase Canada’s food supply capacity. Eligible applicants include for-profit organizations, cooperatives, and indigenous groups. Activities can be retroactive to March 15, 2020 and must be completed by September 30, 2020. Information on the application process is available through the Emergency Processing Fund or, to learn more, contact aafc.epf-fut.aac@canada.ca or call: 1-877-246-4682

Food & Agribusiness – support program for beef and hog farmers during COVID-19

• Canada and Ontario are investing up to $10 million in emergency assistance for beef and hog farmers. The funding will help cover the increased costs of feeding market ready cattle and hogs due to COVID-19 related processing delays, while redirecting surplus pork products to help those in need. The beef cattle set-aside program will provide beef farmers with up to $5 million in support. Farmers can claim $2 per head of cattle per day to help pay for additional maintenance costs. The hog sector support program will also provide hog farmers with up to $5 million to help cover additional maintenance costs. Ontario is also providing up to $1.5 million to process and package surplus pork for food banks

Youth Employment and Skills Program to Support Canada’s Agriculture Industry

• On May 26, Canada announced an investment of up to $9.2 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund up to 700 new positions for youth in the agriculture industry
• This additional funding will help the agriculture industry attract Canadian youth, ages 15 to 30, to their organizations to assist with labour shortages brought on by the pandemic. This program aims to provide youth, and particularly youth facing barriers to employment, with job experience in agriculture that will provide career-related work experience
• The YESP will provide agriculture employers up to 50 percent of the cost of hiring a Canadian youth up to $14,000. Indigenous applicants and those applicants hiring a youth facing barriers are eligible for funding of up to 80% of their costs
• Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities
• Employers may apply for this funding retroactive to April 1, 2020, with projects to be completed by March 31, 2021
• Application forms are available through the Youth Employment and Skills Program, or to get more information, please contact aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca, or call: 1-866-452-5558

Energy Industry Support

• Up to $1 billion to the Government of Alberta to support the province’s work to clean up inactive oil and gas wells across the province
• Up to $400 million to the Government of Saskatchewan to support work to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells across the province
• Up to $120 million to the Government of BC to support work to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells across the province
• $200 million to the Alberta Orphan Wells Association (OWA) to support its work to clean up orphan oil and gas wells and well sites across Alberta. The OWA will fully repay this amount

Emissions Reduction Fund

• $750 million is allocated to Natural Resources Canada over two years, starting in 2020-21, to create a new repayable loan program to work with conventional and offshore oil and gas companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on methane
• Of the total amount, $75 million will be allocated to investments in the offshore sector
• A portion of these loans will be convertible to grants

• For Canadian-based oil and gas producers, oilfield service companies and midstream providers
• Funds to be used for operational cashflow and business continuity purposes
• Qualifying businesses must have been financially viable prior to the current economic environment
• Loan size between $15 million and $60 million
• Offered at commercial rates, repayable within 4 years

Air Transportation Sector – Waiving Ground Lease Rents

• Waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government
• Providing comparable treatment for PortsToronto, which operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and pays a charge to the federal government

Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations

• Fund of up to $500 million to help address the financial needs of affected cultural, heritage and sport organizations so they can continue to support artists and athletes
• The Fund will be administered by Canadian Heritage with the support of its partners

• Canadian Journalism
• On April 17, the government released draft legislative proposals that would make adjustments to tax measures to support the Canadian journalism and broadcasting sectors

Non-Profit and Charitable

• Fund of up to $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need
• The Emergency Community Support Fund will provide funding to national intermediaries with networks across the country, including United Way Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Community Foundations of Canada
• Community-based organizations from across the country will be able to apply for funding to support a variety of activities, such as:
  • increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications;
  • providing transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments;
  • scaling up help lines that provide information and support;
  • providing training, supplies and other required supports to volunteers so they can continue to make their invaluable contributions to the COVID-19 response; and
  • replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences or the Internet.

• On May 16, Canada announced up to $100 million in funding to help the Red Cross meet increased demand due to COVID-19, and to support future floods and wildfire relief efforts. This funding includes up to $41 million to address immediate COVID-19 needs, with over $15 million committed to enhance the Red Cross’ response capacity and $25 million to support public health efforts. In addition, up to $59 million of this funding will be available to support additional relief and recovery efforts this year related to COVID-19, as well as for future floods and wildfires
• On May 18, Canada announced $306 million in funding to respond to annual humanitarian appeals through United Nations humanitarian agencies, non-governmental organizations and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. The funding is being distributed as follows:

Funding for Research 

• On May 15, 2020, Canada announced $450 million in funding to help Canada’s academic research community during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The investment will:
  • provide wage supports to universities and health research institutes so they can retain research staff who are funded from industry or philanthropic sources and are unable to access some of the government’s existing COVID-19 support measures. This would apply even if their work has been temporarily suspended. The government will provide up to 75% per individual, with a maximum of $847 per week, and
  • support universities and health research institutes to maintain essential research-related activities during the crisis, and to ramp back up to full research operations once physical distancing measures are lifted. This will cover up to 75% of total eligible costs, and will support activities such as the safe storage of dangerous substances, and restarting data sets that were interrupted during the pandemic

Canada Provides Rent Relief for Eligible Business Tenants in all National Parks, National Historic Sites and National Marine Conservation Areas

• Parks Canada will be contacting all holders of commercial leases and licences of occupation in national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas to provide details on this additional relief being provided by the government. Information will also be made available soon on the Parks Canada website. Visit pc.gc.ca regularly for updates

Canada Temporarily Extends Time Periods Given to Employers to Recall Employees Laid Off

• on June 23, Canada announced changes to extend time periods for temporary layoffs to allow employers more time to recall laid-off employees. The temporary changes will help protect the jobs of federally regulated private-sector employees and support employers facing economic hardship as a result of the pandemic
• Prior to these changes, employers could temporarily lay-off their employees for up to three months if no notice with a recall date was provided, or for a period of up to six months if they provided a notice with an expected recall date, before the lay-off became a termination
• The amendments, which are set out in the Canada Labour Standards Regulations, temporarily extend these time periods by up to six months: (1) For employees laid off prior to March 31, 2020, the time period is extended by six months or to December 30, 2020, whichever occurs first. (2) For employees laid off between March 31, 2020, and September 30, 2020, the time period is extended until December 30, 2020, unless a later recall date was provided in a written notice at the time of the layoff. These changes, which came into effect on June 22, 2020, do not apply to employees who are covered by a collective agreement that contains recall rights
• These changes also do not apply to employees whose employment had already been terminated prior to the coming into force of the amendments. The previous rules will apply to layoffs occurring after September 30, 2020. Read the official backgrounder here

Relief for Individuals

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

• For those who have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)may provide temporary income support of $500/week
• CERB wasextendedfrom 16 weeks to 24 weeks for workers who: (a) stopped working due to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance, regular or sickness benefits; or (b) have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020
• The benefits are available to workers:
  • residing in Canada who are at least 15 years of age;
  • who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit;
  • who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
  • who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment income
• The CERB replaces the Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support Benefit announced on March 18, 2020
• The Benefit is available from March 15 to October 3, 2020. Applications can be made no later than December 2, 2020 for payments retroactive to within that period
• On April 15, the government announced expanded eligibility rules to:
  • allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB
  • extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake regular seasonal work as a result of COVID
  • extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19
  • The federal government will also work with provinces and territories to top up the salaries of low-income essential workers (those who earn less than $2,500 per month)

Increase in Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

• Eligible parents will receive $300 more per child with their regular May CCB payment
• Canada announced that eligible Canadians, who are presently receiving the Canada child benefit (CCB) payments, will continue to receive payments until the end of September 2020
• This additional tax-free helps families pay for things such as food, clothes, and activities at home. The increase will be in place for the 2020-21 benefit year, and will raise the maximum benefit to $6,765 per child under age 6, and $5,708 per child aged 6 through 17

GST Rebate Increase

• A one-time special payment starting April 9 through the Goods and Services Tax credit is available for low- and modest-income families
• The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples
• There is no need to apply for this payment. Those who are eligible will automatically receive it

Employment Insurance

• Employment Insurance (EI)provides regular benefits to individuals who lose their jobs through no fault of their own (for example, due to shortage of work, seasonal or mass lay-offs) and are available for and able to work, but can’t find a job
• For most, the basic rate for calculating EI benefits is 55% of their average insurable weekly earnings, up to a maximum amount. As of January 1, 2020, the maximum amount is $54,200 ($573 per week)
• Those eligible can receive EI from 14 weeks up to a maximum of 45 weeks, depending on the unemployment rate in their region at the time of filing the claim and the amount of insurable hours accumulated in the last 52 weeks or since their last claim, whichever is shorter
• No one can be paid EI benefits and the CERB for the same period
• For those eligible for a new EI claim starting March 15, 2020 or after, the EI Regular and Sickness benefits will be delivered as part of the CERB
• The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim.  The requirement to provide a medical certificate is also waived

• More Time to Pay Income Taxes
• The filing due date for 2019 income tax returns for individuals has been deferred until June 1, 2020. Any new income tax balances due, or instalments, are also being deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties

Support Payment for Seniors

• On June 4, Canada announced that seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will receive their special one-time, tax-free payment during the week of July 6. Canada is providing nearly $900 more for single seniors and more than $1,500 for senior couples, on top of their existing benefits. Seniors eligible for the OAS pension will receive a payment of $300, and those also eligible for the GIS will receive an additional $200, for a total of $500. Allowance recipients will also receive $500
• Seniors do not need to apply for this one-time special payment. The payment will be issued automatically during the week of July 6, and seniors who reside in Canada can expect to receive the payment by direct deposit or cheque that week

Support for People with Disabilities

• This support includes a special one-time, tax-free payment to individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit as of June 1, 2020, as follows:

• $600 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate;
• $300 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension; and
• $100 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible for the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)
• Combined with the special payments of $300 for Canadians who are eligible for the OAS pension and the additional $200 for those eligible for the GIS, all seniors with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate will receive a total of $600 in special payments. People who are eligible for this special payment will receive it automatically

British Columbia

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

Relief for Businesses

Provincial Tax Changes

• British Columbia is extending filing and payment deadlines for the following taxes until September 30, 2020:
  • Employer Health Tax
  • Sales Taxes
    • Provincial sales tax (including municipal and regional district tax)
    • Carbon tax
    • Motor fuel tax
    • Tobacco tax
• Carbon tax rates will remain at their current levels until further notice
• School tax rates for commercial properties (Classes 4, 5 and 6) will be reduced by 50% for the 2020 tax year
• On April 16, the school property tax was lowered again and classes 7 and 8 are now included. Overall, the commercial property tax bill for most businesses will be reduced by 25% on average
• Late payment penalties for classes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are postponed to October 1, 2020

Worksafe BC

• Employers will still be required to report their payroll for the first and second quarters by July 20, 2020. However, the payments for the first and second quarters will not be due until October 20, 2020, when third-quarter payments are due. The deferral only impacts employers who are required to report payroll and pay premiums on a quarterly basis. Employers who report annually will not be impacted because they do not report payroll or pay premiums until March 2021. The release of the preliminary rates and consultation sessions were originally scheduled to occur in July, but WorkSafeBC has determined that additional time is required due to the economic uncertainty from COVID-19
• Waiver of premiums for employers who are approved to receive the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) for furloughed workers (employees on leave with full or partial pay) – announced May 26 and retroactive to March 15

BC Hydro

• Small businesses that have been forced to close due to COVID-19 will have their power bills forgiven for three months (April to June 2020)
• Major industries, like pulp and paper mills and mines, will have the opportunity to defer 50% of their bill payments for three months
• BC Hydro rates have been reduced by 1% effective April 1, 2020

Greenhouse Carbon Tax Relief Grants

• Greenhouse operators could apply for carbon tax relief grants for the 2020 production year, until May 1, 2020
• Commercial producers in B.C. who grow vegetables, ornamental flowers and plants, forest seedlings and nursery plants are eligible to apply for the grant if they:
  • had sales exceeding $20,000 in 2019;
  • used natural gas or propane to heat their greenhouses or produce carbon dioxide; and
  • had a production area greater than 455 square metres
• Cannabis is not an eligible crop at any phase of production

Contact for Support Service for Businesses

• A new B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service will serve as a single point of contact for businesses throughout the province looking for information on resources available during the COVID-19 pandemic
• The service will act as a one-stop resource to answer questions about supports available to businesses from the provincial and federal governments, industry and community partners
• Advisors are available Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Pacific time) and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1 833 254-4357. Inquiries can also be emailed to covid@smallbusinessbc.ca, or raised on the live-chat feature available on SBBC’s dedicated website: https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca

Forestry Sector Relief

• Stumpage, the fee operators pay the Province to harvest, buy or sell trees from Crown land, is being deferred for three months. The deferral with interest is available to Tree Farm Licence, Replaceable Forest Licence and First Nations’ Woodlands Licence holders who are in good financial standing with the Province
• To be eligible, operators must also be following through on their reforesting obligations

Buy BC E-Commerce for BC’s Farmers 

• New Buy BC e-commerce funding is available to help the province’s farmers and food and beverage processors overcome some lost sales during the COVID-19 pandemic by moving their products online
• The B.C. government is providing $300,000 to support industry-led Buy BC e-commerce activities. The funding is under the Ministry of Agriculture’s Buy BC Partnership Program
• Online applications are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis, from May 15 to May 29, or when the funding is fully subscribed

Oil & Gas Sector

• Further to the federal government’s announcement of $120 million to support cleaning up oil and gas sites, B.C. intends to invest this funding in three new programs:
  • The Dormant Sites Reclamation Program will provide $100 million to reclaim dormant oil and gas sites, which are wells that have been inactive for five consecutive years and are unlikely to be returned to service. This program will provide up to $100,000, or 50% of total costs, whichever is less
  • The Orphan Sites Supplemental Reclamation Program will provide $15 million to reclaim orphan oil and gas sites where the operator is insolvent, no longer exists or cannot be located. This program will be administrated by the BC Oil and Gas Commission (BCOGC)
  • The Legacy Sites Reclamation Program will provide $5 million to address the legacy impacts of historical oil and gas activities that continue to have environmental impacts, such as on wildlife habitat or on the traditional use by Indigenous peoples
• These programs will be open to oil and gas field service companies and contractors based in B.C., with registration, office and operations in B.C.

B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program

• Agriculture, seafood, and food processing businesses in British Columbia can begin to access consulting and planning services to help with COVID-19 response and recovery, through a program offered by the federal and provincial governments
• The latest intake of the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program is open to applications and has been expanded to include aquaculture and seafood companies in developing COVID-19 business recovery plans
• B.C. agriculture, seafood and food processing business owners are encouraged to apply if their revenues have decreased by at least 30% as a result of COVID-19
• The funding available includes up to $5,000 in business planning services and coaching for individuals, and up to $20,000 for groups, from a qualified business consultant, to develop an immediate and long-term recovery plan
• Eligible applicants may also apply to the specialized business planning stream of the program to further strengthen their business
• Information and application details for B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program is available here

British Columbia Launches an Online Tool to Connect Farmers, Seafood Businesses, and Food Processors with People Looking for Work

• British Columbia launched an online tool that will make it easier to learn about jobs and jobs in agriculture, and will provide farmers, seafood businesses, and food processors a one-stop shop to support their hiring and planning needs
• The new B.C. Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector will showcase current job vacancies throughout the province, including those for crop and seafood harvesters, food processing and farm workers, agrologists, large machinery operators, and marketing specialists. The B.C. Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector site can be found at: www.bcagjobs.gov.bc.ca

Support for the Hospitality Sector

• Effective May 22, B.C.’s Liquor and Cannabis Regulation branch (LCRB) will permit food-primary, liquor-primary and manufacturer licensees, such as wineries, breweries and distilleries, to apply through a simplified online process to temporarily expand their service areas until Oct. 31, 2020
• The temporary authorizations are focused on expanding a licensed service area’s footprint only and will not permit an increase in an establishment’s overall occupancy
• Licensees must comply with all local bylaws and liquor-primary and manufacturer licensees must also receive the approval of their local government. There are no fees associated with the temporary expansion applications, which will be reviewed in the order they are received using an expedited approval process for faster processing times. While there will not be a site inspection prior to approval of the permit, inspectors will conduct regular compliance inspections

Funding for Tourism Marketing Organizations

• Fifty-nine B.C. community destination marketing organizations (DMOs) severely impacted by COVID-19 travel restrictions will be supported with a $10-million grant from the Province
• B.C.’s community DMOs are not-for-profit organizations that promote tourism to their regions. They rely on funds generated by the municipal and regional district tax (MRDT), which is charged to visitors by hotels and other types of accommodation

City of Vancouver Relief

• Vancouver City Council approved a delay in the 2020 payment deadline for both residential and commercial property taxes
• The tax payment deadline has been extended from July 3 to September 30, 2020

City of Vancouver launches temporary expedited patio permits to support businesses

• On June 1, the City of Vancouver launched the Temporary Expedited Patio Program, which permits restaurants and liquor-serving establishments to set up temporary patios using street, on-street parking and sidewalk space in front or next to their business for free.
• Between now and October 31, 2020, these businesses can apply online for their temporary small, large, or curbside patio permit at vancouver.ca/temporary-patio
• Those who meet the mandatory requirements can expect to receive their permit within two business days of submitting their completed application. These new permits allow businesses to move their indoor seating outside. The City has provided template patio drawings for businesses to use in their online application. Businesses intending to serve alcohol on their patio must also meet Provincial liquor licensing requirements

Temporary Suspension of In-Person Execution Requirements for Wills and Personal Planning Instruments

• B.C. issued two emergency orders that temporarily suspend in-person execution requirements for wills and personal planning instruments, including representation agreements and enduring powers of attorney

• The Orders are effective as of May 19, 2020

Temporary Support for the Music Industry

• On June 1, British Columbia announced it is investing $7.5 million through Creative BC for Amplify BC. Amplify BC strengthens and supports B.C.’s music industry
• The Province’s music fund is delivered by Creative BC
• The suite of programs will focus on relief, recovery and renewal for B.C. artists, live music presenters and music companies in four areas:
  • industry initiatives: supporting the development of B.C.’s music industry, including up-and-coming talent, training, business development, export and research;
  • career development: focusing on emerging and established artists;
  • live music: providing support for B.C.-based live music events and the businesses that run them; and
  • music company development: focusing on innovation and supporting the sustainability of B.C.’s music companies

Commercial Tenant Eviction Protection

• On June 1, British Columbia announced that B.C. businesses eligible for rent support from the federal government will be protected from evictions as the B.C. government issues a new order under the Emergency Program Act (EPA)
• Eligible businesses whose landlords choose not to apply for the federal CECRA program will be protected from evictions due to unpaid rent payments through to the end of June 2020, as determined by the federal program timelines. The EPA order restricts the termination of lease agreements and the repossession of goods and property
• The emergency order restricting evictions is effective immediately

• British Columbia extended a temporary ministerial order until Dec. 31, 2020, to continue to allow health-care workers and other public sector staff to use communication tools not normally permitted for use during the COVID-19 state of emergency
• The order allows: (1) patient-care teams to use multiple communication tools, including things like smartphones, text messaging, chat programs and other applications during their response to the public-health emergency; (2) people in self-isolation to communicate with public health officials using chat apps they are most comfortable with, rather than having to learn how to use something new; and (3) K-12 schools and post-secondary institutions to provide online and digital learning platforms, so students can continue their studies while gatherings of 50 people or more are prohibited

Employment Benefits for Individuals

B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers

• The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) is a one-time, tax-free $1,000 payment for British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Most people who are eligible for the new federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are also eligible for the BCEBW, including those who have run out of employment insurance (EI) benefits and subsequently qualify for the CERB
• To be eligible for the BCEBW, you must:
  • have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020;
  • meet the eligibility requirements for the CERB;
  • have been approved for the CERB, even if you have not received a benefit yet;
  • be at least 15 years old on the date of application;
  • have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return; and
  • not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance
• You are also eligible if:
• You lost your employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days that began between March 1, 2020 and March 14, 2020, and
• During those 14 consecutive days, you did not earn:
  • more than $1,000 in combined employment or self-employment income
  • allowances, money or other benefits under a provincial plan because of pregnancy or for the care of your new-born or newly adopted child, and
• You have earned employment or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to March 15, 2020
• Applications opened on May 1, 2020
• You have until December 2, 2020 to apply

Enhanced B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit

• A one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid in July 2020 for moderate to low-income families:
  • An adult will receive up to $218.00 (increased from $43.50)
  • A child will receive $64.00 (increased from $12.75)

Pay Supports for Front-Line Health and Social Service Workers

• Health and social service workers delivering in-person, front-line care to some of B.C.’s most vulnerable people can receive a financial boost through temporary COVID-19 pandemic pay. More than 250,000 eligible front-line workers will receive temporary pandemic pay, a lump-sum payment of about $4 per hour for a 16-week period, starting on March 15, 2020
• Eligible workers will receive the payment directly through their employer and do not need to apply
• Temporary pandemic pay is part of government’s $5-billion COVID-19 Action Plan to provide relief to people, communities and businesses in British Columbia. It builds off the planned minimum wage increase of June 1, 2020, and existing supports for people during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers and the enhanced B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit boost in July 2020, which doubles the annual benefit for low- and middle-income people

Minimum wage increase takes effect in British Columbia

• The general hourly minimum wage is increasing to $14.60, and the minimum wage rates for liquor servers, resident caretakers and live-in camp leaders are also increasing, effective Monday, June 1, 2020
• Effective June 1: General minimum wage increases 5.4% to $14.60 per hour, an increase of $0.75 per hour Liquor server minimum wage increases 9.8% to $13.95 per hour, an increase of $1.25 per hour. Resident caretaker minimum wage, per month, increases 5.4% to $876.35 for those who manage nine to 60 units (an increase of $35.12/unit), or $2,985.04 for 61 or more units. Live-in camp leader minimum wage, per day, increases 5.4% to $116.86. These increases for low-wage workers are the third of four planned increases scheduled to take place on June 1 of each year since 2018

• British Columbia will maintain the moratorium on rent increases and evictions for non-payment of rent, while enabling other notices to end tenancy to resume. People who have already been approved for the TRS do not need to reapply. They will receive an email asking them to confirm they plan to live at the same address through July and August
• New applications will also be accepted until Aug. 31 and will be eligible for a supplement for the month they are received and all subsequent months. The moratorium on evictions has been in effect since March 30 and will continue for non-payment of rent. As the province moves forward with BC’s Restart Plan, the ban on evictions for reasons other than unpaid rent will be lifted later this month
• When these changes come into effect, landlords will be able to serve new notices for reasons including landlord/purchaser use, such as where a new owner has purchased a property and intends to move in, and for cause (e.g., where a tenant is putting the landlord or other tenants at risk, or has sublet the apartment without permission). Depending on the type, these will require a notice period of between one and four months

British Columbia Extends Temporary Layoff Provisions

• British Columbia has extended the temporary layoffs provisions to a maximum of 24 weeks expiring on Aug. 30, 2020. Section 72 of the B.C. Employment Standards Act allows employers and employees to extend temporary layoffs by making a joint application to the Employment Standards Branch