With the impact of COVID-19 being felt by businesses and individuals across the country, we have put together a list of resources for you to access accurate information and assistance.
In addition to the ever-growing stimulus announcements, the Government of Canada is offering financial assistance for those affected by this pandemic. We have also added links to other resources that may be of help.
Below you will find links to help you access these resources. Our team here at ECO Canada will do our best to keep up with the changes, but if you find a link has changed or you would like to see other resources added, contact us at media@eco.ca.
Government Resources For Businesses:
Federal Information and Assistance
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
Canada Public Health Services: For business and employees
Employment and Social Development Canada
Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Temporary Wage Subsidy (TWS)
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canada Summer Jobs Program
The temporary changes to the program for this year include:
- an increase to the wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee
- an extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021
- allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services
- allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis
Preventing COVID-19 in the workplace
Provincial Information and Assistance
- Alberta: COVID-19 support for employers
- BC: Financial Supports in Response to COVID-19
- Manitoba: Information for Workplaces and Employees
- New Brunswick: COVID-19 Guidance For Business
- Newfoundland and Labrador: Labour Standards and COVID-19
- Nova Scotia: Support for Nova Scotians, businesses and health care
- Northwest Territories: COID-19 Information for Businesses
- Nunavut: COVID-19 Latest News by Department
- Ontario: Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
- Prince Edward Island: For Business
- Quebec: Coronavirus disease in Quebec
- Saskatchewan: Support For Business – Business Response Team
- Yukon: COVID-19 support for Yukoners
Post-secondary Education and Assistance
Colleges and Institutes Canada
Other Resources For Businesses
Human Resources Executive: Answering your legal questions about coronavirus
Shopify: Government Relief Programs for Small Businesses Affected by COVID-19
Gartner: Lead New Ways of Working
Mentorworks: Webinars, Blogs and External Resources
iPOLITICS: COVID-19 Stimulus funding by region – Fundingportal Analysis
IABC: COVID-19 Resources including a Crisis Response Template
Osler: Canadian federal and provincial government relief
Resources For Employees and Individuals
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Emergency Benefits for Carers and Increased Canada Child Benefit Payments
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.
The Government increased the maximum annual CCB payment amounts, only for the 2019-20 benefit year, by $300 per child.
Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) Minimum Withdrawal
The minimum withdrawals requirement from RRIFs will be reduced by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors’ retirement savings.
Special Goods and Services Tax Credit Payment
The Government will provide a one-time special payment by early May 2020 through the GSTC. The average boost to income for those benefitting from this measure will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.
Extend the tax filing deadline for individuals to June 1, and allow all taxpayers 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.
COVID-19: Financial Help if You are Outside Canada
Canadians, and, in exceptional circumstances, Canadian permanent residents, outside the country who are directly impacted by COVID-19 will be able to apply for an emergency repayable loan to facilitate their return to Canada and to cover basic essential needs while they work towards their return.
Mortgage Deferral to Help Canadians Experiencing Financial Hardship Due to COVID-19
All customers who are currently in good standing and have been impacted by COVID-19 can apply for mortgage relief from their bank.
Indigenous Community Support Fund
This fund helps Indigenous communities prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19.
Moratorium on Repayment of Canada Student Loans
The government is placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for student loan borrowers.
