Provincial Government Support & Programs for Business Related to COVID-19

This document is the first attempt to provide the current status of all provincial and provincial programs of support for the economy and businesses in Canada in one place for members. It has evolved significantly over the past two weeks and is likely to continue to evolve and be updated by governments. As such please be sure to click the links provided to all governments for the most updated and available support for your business and ensure you take full advantage of the substantial support available via your respective levels of government. CPCA will assist where it can in exceptional cases related to access to funding, but we have limited resources to take on individual accounts for specific funding support as there will be challenges in accessing certain support in a timely manner. In some cases, various support initiatives already announced are still being defined in terms of benefit and who it applies to in some cases. Further information will be provided via the links provided below. CPCA will also monitor more specific actions taken, new announcements and report on them when they become available.

 

Provincial Government Announcements Related to COVID-19

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NOTE: Please consult the links for each Province highlighted in red below, as new announcements occur regularly that may be of benefit to member companies.

   ONTARIO

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Ontario has declared a provincial state of emergency under the province’s Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. For more information about this legislation and the government’s powers under it, see our “explainer”, here.

On March 17, 2020, the provincial Cabinet promulgated three Orders in Council. These closed certain establishments and prohibited gatherings of greater than 50 people. On March 25th, the Ontario Minister of Finance announced Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. The programs outlined in this action plan are included below.

COVID-19 contingency fund

• The Minister of Finance announced on March 25, 2020 that the provincial government is committing to a dedicated $1.0 billion COVID-19 contingency fund for emerging needs related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
• For more information, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 25, 2020.

 

Health sector relief

• The Minister of Finance announced on March 25, 2020 that the provincial government is investing $935 million for the hospital sector. This includes $594 million to address capacity issues, as well as $341 million for an additional 1,000 acute care and 500 critical care beds.
• The Minister of Finance also announced increased public health funding by $160 million to support COVID-19 monitoring, surveillance, and laboratory and home testing, while also investing in virtual care and Telehealth Ontario.
• The province is investing $243 million to increase surge capacity in the long-term care sector, fund 24/7 screening, send more staffing to support infection control, and provide supplies and equipment.
• The province is investing $75 million to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to front-line staff.
• For more information, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 25, 2020.

 

Support for individual and jobs

The Minister of Finance also announced that the Government of Ontario is providing $3.7 billion for individuals and job protection. This includes:

• A one-time payment help families pay for the extra costs associated with school and daycare closures during the COVID-19 outbreak. The Government of Ontario will provide a one-time payment of $200 per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those with special needs, including children enrolled in private schools;
• Doubling the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for low-income seniors for six months;
• Support more affordable electricity bills for eligible residential, farm and small business consumers, by providing approximately $5.6 billion for electricity cost relief programs in 2020-21. See the “electricity rate relief” section below for details;
• Cutting taxes by $355 million for about 57,000 employers through a proposed temporary increase to the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption;
• Providing $9 million in direct support to families for their energy bills by expanding eligibility for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and ensuring that their electricity and natural gas services are not disconnected for nonpayment;
• Emergency child care options to support parents working on the front lines;
• Expanding access to Ontario Works to help more people meet basic needs such as food and rent;
• Enhancing funding by $148 million for charitable and non-profit social service organizations;
• Providing six months of OSAP loan and interest accrual relief for students;
• Proposing a new Corporate income tax credit, the “Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit”, to help try to support employment growth;
• Providing an additional $26 million to indigenous peoples and communities, including emergency financial assistance and health care;
• For more information, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 25, 2020.

 

Supporting businesses to improve cash flow

• The Minister of Finance announced on March 25, 2020 the Government of Ontario will be making available $6 billion by providing five months of interest and penalty relief for businesses to file and make tax payments.
• Over $1.8 billion will be made available to businesses by deferring the upcoming municipal remittance of education property tax.
• $1.9 billion will be devoted to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), allowing employers to defer payments.
• For more information, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 25, 2020.

 

New legislation protecting workers

• Ontario recalled its provincial legislature on March 19, 2020. The legislature unanimously passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 to provide “job-protected leave” to workers during the COVID-19 crisis.
• The legislation provides job-protected leave for employees who are in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or employees that need to be away from work to care for children or relatives.
• The legislation is retroactive to January 25, 2020. The legislation is clear that employees cannot be required to show sick notes.
• Note that “emergency leave” is already available to many Ontario workers under s. 50.1 of the Employment Standards Act. For more information, see our blog post, here.
• For more information about the legislation, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 19, 2020.

 

New legislation ensuring the delivery of goods

• On March 19, 2020, the legislature also passed the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020, ensuring that delivery of goods to Ontario’s businesses and consumers is not impacted by municipal noise by-laws.
• The legislation also gives municipalities the ability to fully conduct Council, local board and committee meetings electronically in emergencies.
• For more information, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 19, 2020.

 

Front-line justice services

• On March 19th, the Ontario Attorney General announced that Ontario courts and tribunals are limiting in-person proceedings and making use of audio and video conferencing to hear priority matters remotely.
• Critical matters such as criminal and child protection proceedings are prioritized.
• All in-person proceedings are postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date, including:
• The Local Planning Appeal Tribunal, Landlord and Tenant Board, and Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario;
• The Superior Court of Justice, except for urgent matters;
• The Small Claims Court;
• All Provincial Offences Act hearings; and
• The Court of Appeal, except for urgent appeals.
• For more information, see the Ministry of the Attorney General news release of March 19, 2020.

 

Municipal measures

• On March 20, 2020, the Mayor of Toronto announced municipal tax relief measures. These measures provide businesses and property owners with a 60-day grace period on their City of Toronto property tax, Toronto Water, and Solid Waste bill payments, as of March 16, 2020. Additionally, late payment penalties on business properties will be waived for 60 days, starting on March 16, 2020.
• For property owners on the 11-instalment pre-authorized payment plan, Interim 2020 instalment due dates will be extended by 60 days. Late payment penalties for residential properties will be waived for 60 days, starting March 16, 2020.
• For more information, see the City of Toronto website or Municipal Tax Measures Summary Hub – COVID-19.

 

$200 million social services relief funding

• The province will be providing municipalities and organizations that administer social services with $200 million in relief funding to support them in their response to COVID-19. The funding will help municipalities and social service providers continue to deliver critical services and promote social distancing and self-isolation.
• For more information, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 23, 2020.

 

Specifics of electricity rate relief to families and small businesses

• The Government of Ontario is providing immediate electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms paying time-of-use (TOU) rates.
• The Government of Ontario is working to suspend TOU electricity rates for a 45-day period, holding electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour.
• The discount is applied automatically to electricity bills and is effective immediately.
• For more information, see the Government of Ontario’s news release of March 24, 2020.

 

   QUEBEC

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Temporary Aid for Workers Program (PATT COVID-19)

• Announced on March 17, 2020, this program grants a lump sum of $573 per week to an eligible person, for a period of 14 days of isolation. If justified, the coverage period could be extended to a maximum of 28 days.
• Beginning on March 19, 2020, workers could apply to PATT COVID-19 if they were (or are) in isolation because they had contracted the virus or are showing symptoms, had been in contact with an infected person or had returned from abroad.
• Workers are not eligible if:
• They are being compensated by their employer;
• They have private insurance;
• They are covered by another government program, including federal employment insurance.
• For more information, see the Government of Québec’s “PATT COVID-19” website. Applications can be made here.

Flexibility measures for individuals and businesses

• The deadline for individuals for filing provincial income tax returns for the 2019 taxation year is postponed to June 1, 2020, from April 30, 2020.
• For individuals and individuals in business, the deadline to pay any balances due related to income tax returns for the 2019 taxation year is postponed to September 1, 2020.
• The deadline to make instalment payments for the 2020 taxation year is postponed to September 1, 2020.
• The deadline to pay any Québec Pension Plan, Québec Parental Insurance Plan, Health Service Fund, and Québec drug insurance plan contributions for the 2019 taxation year is postponed to September 1, 2020.
• The minimum withdrawal by annuitants from their registered retirement income funds (RRIFs) is reduced by 25% for 2020.
• The deadline for businesses to pay tax instalments and the balance of tax otherwise due between March 18, 2020, and September 1, 2020, is suspended until September 1, 2020.
• The deadline to file a trust return will be postponed to May 1, 2020, for trusts (other than Specified Investment Flow-Through Trusts (SIFT)) whose tax return filing-due date, for the 2019 taxation year, is March 30, 2020.
• The deadline for a trust (other than a SIFT) to pay any balance of tax otherwise due no later than March 30, 2020, for the 2019 taxation year will be postponed to September 1, 2020 (Note that the March 19th press release applies the September 1 deadline to “individuals”, which we interpret to include trusts; in the alternative, the due date is August 31, 2020).
• The payment of tax instalments and the balance of tax otherwise due by SIFTs between March 17, 2020, and September 1, 2020, will be postponed to September 1, 2020 (Note that the March 19 press release applies the September 1 deadline to “businesses”, which we interpret to include SIFTs; in the alternative, the due date is August 31, 2020).
• Partnerships that had to file a Partnership Information Return (form TP-600-V) for 2019 by March 31, 2020, now have until May 1, 2020, to file the return.
• The payment of tax instalments and the balance of tax otherwise due by specified investment flow-through partnerships between March 17, 2020, and September 1, 2020, will be postponed to September 1, 2020(Note that the March 19 press release applies the September 1 deadline to “businesses”, which we interpret to include partnerships; in the alternative, the due date is August 31, 2020).
• To limit in-person contact, Revenu Québec will allow tax preparers to use an electronic signature on certain forms. The forms in question are form TP-1000.TE-V (for individuals) and form CO-1000.TE (for corporations).
• Revenu Québec will also limit its audits and collection activities. Concerning collection measures, Revenu Québec has indicated that it will be amenable, on a case-by-case basis, to extending payment agreements.
• For more information, see the Minister of Finance’s March 18th Press Releaseand a March 19th Press Release and the Ministry of Finance’s Bulletins 2020-3 and 2020-4

Municipal measures

• Announced on March 19, 2020, by the Mayor of Montréal, the owners of residential and commercial properties will have an extra month to make their second instalment of property taxes so that the deadline is postponed from June 1, 2020, to July 2, 2020. Also, effective March 19, 2020, private and social economy businesses who have received a loan through the PME MTL fund, Fonds Locaux de Solidarité, and Fonds de commercialisation des innovations will benefit from an automatic, six-month moratorium on capital and interest. The City will pay interest during this period. In addition to measures taken by the provincial and federal government, the City of Montréal is placing $5 million in an assistance fund for businesses to support targeted industries such as commerce, social economy and arts/creative industries.
• For more information, see the City of Montréal’s press release of March 21, 2020.
• Announced on March 20, 2020, for Québec City businesses and individuals:
• May 4, 2020, municipal tax payment has been postponed to August 4, 2020;
• July 3, 2020, municipal tax payment has been postponed to September 3, 2020; and
• September 3, 2020, municipal tax payment has been postponed to November 3, 2020.
• Québec City will process all cheques on the appropriate date and for taxpayers who have agreed to pre-authorized payments over 12 months with interest, the City will hold to the agreed direct debit and will adjust the costs downward for the last payment in February 2021.
• For more information, see Québec City’s press release of March 20, 2020.
• For more information regarding other municipal measures, see the press releases of the City of Laval, Longueuil and Lévis (in French only).

Student loans repayment deferral

• The Government of Québec announced that it is postponing the student loan debt repayments. According to this measure, individuals who have loan debt repayment will not have to make any payment during the next six months.
• Interest will not accrue during this period. Furthermore, students do not need to apply for the repayment deferral. This measure automatically applies to all Aide financière aux études
• For more information, see the Government of Québec’s “Repayment of a student loan” web page.

$2.5 billion program to help businesses

• The Government of Québec announced the Programme d’action concertée temporaire pour les entreprises (PACTE). The government is committing at least $2.5 billion to help companies overcome liquidity issues connected to the pandemic. This program is intended to support business’ working capital to help them continue operations. All industries will be eligible for this emergency program. Businesses will have to demonstrate that they are likely to be profitable after the crisis. The financial assistance is a minimum amount of $50,000, provided in the form of a loan guarantee, but may also take the form of a loan.
• For more information, see the Government of Québec’s “Financial assistance for Quebec businesses” website (in French only). Investissement Québec is currently evaluating requests for financial assistance. To make a request, visit Investissement Québec’s website (in French only).

Loans and loan guarantees

• In order to support businesses affected by the impacts of COVID-19, flexibility for outstanding loans and loan guarantees are being put in place by the Fonds local d’investissement (“FLI”).
• A three-month moratorium has been put in place for the repayment (principal and interest) of loans already granted through the FLI. Interest accrued during this period will be added to the loan balance. This measure is in addition to the moratorium already in place under most investment policies in effect, which can be as long as twelve months.
• For more information, see the Government of Québec’s “Ministère de l’Économie” website (in French only).

Hydro-Québec measures

• On March 22, 2020, Hydro-Québec announced that, starting March 23, 2020, it will suspend the application of charges for unpaid invoices for all its customers (individuals and businesses) until further notice. Customers who expect to have difficulties paying their bill are invited to make a payment arrangement with Hydro-Québec.
• For more information, see Hydro-Québec’s website. The payment arrangement can be here.

     BRITISH COLUMBIA

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Review of federal programs

• On March 18, 2020, the Premier of British Columbia announced that the provincial government will conduct a full review of the federal support package as it works on the details of the province’s own plan.
• The Premier has committed to “expand on the federal government’s efforts to offer immediate relief for people and businesses, and build our longer-term plan for economic recovery in collaboration with the business community”.

Changes to the Employment Standards Act

• On March 17, 2020, the Premier of British Columbia announced that the government is looking to amend B.C.’s employment standards act to enable greater worker support.

Specific relief to the agricultural sector

• On March 22, 2020, the Minister of Agriculture announced that they are working with the Federal Government to insure seasonal labour can still enter Canada to support the agriculture industry.
• In addition, the Minister of Agriculture stated that it will be providing financial support to develop an operating model for a farmer’s market better suited to times of a pandemic.
• For more information, please see the Minister of Agriculture’s press release of March 22, 2020.

B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers

• The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers program provides a one-time $1,000 payment to people who lost income because of COVID-19.
• Residents of B.C. who receive federal Employment Insurance or the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (replacing the federal Emergency Care Benefit and the federal Emergency Support Benefit) are eligible or, if the workers are not eligible for these benefits, based on certain criteria such as lay-offs, self-employment, voluntary quarantine, etc.
• Applications will open in April 2020, and the one-time payment will be made in May 2020.
• For more information, please see the Government of British Columbia’s “Financial Supports in Response to COVID-19” website.

Climate action tax credit

• In July 2020, a one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid for moderate to low-income families. Adults receive up to $218.00, and children receive $64.00.
• For more information, please see the Government of British Columbia’s “Financial Supports in Response to COVID-19” website.

Funding for housing supports

• Funding for housing supports is increased to ensure people can maintain their housing in the event of job or income loss. Further, B.C. housing has temporarily suspended evictions of tenants in subsidized and affordable housing due to non-payment of rent.
• For more information, please see the Government of British Columbia’s “Financial Supports in Response to COVID-19” website.

B.C. monthly bills and student loan payments

• C. Hydro customers can defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty.
• Grants up to $600 are available to B.C. Hydro customers experiencing job loss, illness or lost wages due to COVID-19. These grants are available through the Customer Crisis Fund.
• Insurance Company of British Columbia (ICBC) customers on a monthly payment plan who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19 may defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty.
• Starting March 30, 2020, B.C. student loan payments are automatically frozen for six months.
• For more information, please see the Government of British Columbia’s “Financial Supports in Response to COVID-19” website.

Tax relief for businesses

• The Government of British Columbia is extending filing and payment deadlines until September 30, 2020, for the employer health tax, provincial sales tax, municipal and regional district tax on short-term accommodation, carbon tax, motor fuel tax, and tobacco tax.
• The following tax changes for the 2020 budget announced on February 18, 2020 are postponed until at least September 30, 2020:
• eliminating the PST exemption for carbonated beverages that contain sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners.
• expanded registration requirements for Canadian sellers of goods, along with Canadian and foreign sellers of software and telecommunication services.
• carbon tax rates will remain at their current levels until further notice.
• School tax rates for commercial properties are reduced by 50% for the 2020 tax year.
• In July 2020, an additional one-time payment will be made on top of the regular climate action tax credit.
• For more information, see the Government of British Columbia’s “Provincial Tax Changes” webpage.

     ALBERTA

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Emergency Isolation Support Program

• Under the Emergency Isolation Support Program (EISP), announced on March 18, 2020, Albertans will receive a $1,146 payment for self-isolation. This is similar to the PATT COVID-19 program initiated by the government of Quebec, discussed above.
• EISP will be distributed in one payment instalment and will bridge the gap until federal emergency payments begin in April.
• The Government of Alberta expects EISP to be available through a simple online application on alberta.ca as of March 23, 2020, and that funds will be deposited in the accounts of eligible recipients beginning at that time.
• For more information, see the Government of Alberta’s “COVID-19 Info for Albertans” website. Applications can be made here.

Utility payment deferral

• Residential, farm and small commercial customers can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days, regardless of their service provider to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider. The payment deferral is also available to Albertans who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19.
• For more information, see the Government of Alberta’s “COVID-19 support for employers and employees” website.

Student loans repayment deferral

• The Government of Alberta announced on March 17, 2020, that it is implementing a six-month, interest free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments.
• Interest will not accrue during this period. Furthermore, students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
• Students may, however, decide to continue to make payments during this period if they choose. This will not affect their eligibility to receive the benefit.
• For more information, see the Government of Alberta’s “COVID-19 Info for Albertans” website.

Banks and credit unions

• Effective immediately, Alberta Treasury Branches (ATB Financial) customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB Financial loans, lines of credit, and mortgages for up to six months.
• Credit union members will have access to a broad range of programs and solutions designed to facilitate loan payments and short-term cash flow. In order to take advantage of this measure, credit union members need to contact their credit union to work out a plan, which will be tailored to each member’s personal situation.
• For more information, see the Government of Alberta’s “COVID-19 support for employers and employees” website.

Corporate income tax changes

• The Alberta government announced on March 18, 2020, that corporate income tax balances and instalment payments coming due between March 18 until August 31, 2020 will be defer until September 1st, 2020. This measure will allow employers to increase their access to cash so they can pay employees, address debts, and continue operations.
• Although penalties and interest are waived for this period of time, businesses must continue to file their Alberta corporate tax returns as required. Also, the deferral does not apply in respect of tax balances or instalment payments made prior to March 18, 2020.
• The Alberta Tax and Revenue Administration (“TRA”) also announced that it will modify its corporate income tax audit and collection practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• For more information, see the Government of Alberta’s “COVID-19 support for employers and employees” website.

WCB premium payment deferral

• Small, medium and large private-sector employers can defer Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) premium payments until 2021. For small and medium businesses, the government will cover 50% of the 2020 premium when it is due in 2021 and large employers will have their 2020 WCB premium payments deferred until 2021, at which time their premiums will be due. Employers who have already paid the WCB premiums in 2020 are eligible for a rebate or credit.
• For more information, see the Government of Alberta’s “COVID-19 support for employers and employees” website.

Job-protected leave

• The Government of Alberta announced on March 18, 2020, that it will amend the Employment Standards Code to allow full- and part-time employees to take 14 days of job-protected leave. To be eligible, the claimant employee:
  • Must either be required to self-isolate or caring for a child or dependent adult who is required to self-isolate;
  • Does not require a medical note; and
  • Does not need to have worked for an employer for 90 days.
• This measure covers the 14-day self-isolation period recommended by Alberta’s chief medical officer. This leave may be extended by Albert’s chief medical officer.
• For more detailed information, please see this blog from our Calgary Labour and Employment group.

Relief for the energy sector

• On March 20, 2020, the Government of Alberta announced the following initiatives to provide economic relief to Alberta’s energy industry:
• $113 million in industry relief to fund the Alberta Energy Regulator; and
• a $100 million loan extended to the Orphan Well Association to create up to 500 direct and indirect jobs through reclamation efforts, decommissioning about 1,000 wells, and starting more than 1,000 environmental assessments.
• For more detailed information, please see the Government of Alberta’s press release of March 20, 2020.

Establishing an Economic Recovery Council

• The Premier of Alberta has appointed an Economic Recovery Council to provide insight and expert advice on protecting jobs during the economic crisis, as well as strategies for long term recovery from the crisis.
• For more detailed information and a list of Council members, please see the Government of Alberta’s press release of March 20, 2020.

Education property tax freeze

• Residential education property tax rates will be frozen at last year’s level, reversing the planned 3.4% increase that had been added in the 2020 budget.
• For more information see the Government of Alberta’s “COVID-19 supports for Albertans” website

     SASKATCHEWAN

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Penalty and interest waiver for businesses

• On March 20, 2020, the Premier of Saskatchewan announced a penalty and interest waiver program.
• Businesses who have cash flow concerns and that are unable to remit their PST will have relief from penalty and interest charges for three months.
• Businesses directly impacted by COVID-19 and that are unable to file their provincial tax returns by the due date may submit a request for relief from interest or penalties that would otherwise apply to such late filings.
• Penalty and interest waiver requests can be submitted electronically through the Saskatchewan eTax Service (SETS) located at sets.saskatchewan.ca, by email (sasktaxinfo@gov.sk.ca) or at the following address: Ministry of Finance (Revenue Division), PO Box 200, Regina, SK, S4P 2Z6.
• For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s information notice.
• Audit programs and compliance activities have been suspended.
• For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s press release of March 20, 2020.

Establishing a Business Response Team

• On March 23, 2020, the Government of Saskatchewan launched a Business Response Team to support businesses in the province dealing with the economic challenges resulting from COVID-19.
• The Business Response Team will be led by the Ministry of Trade and Export Development and will work to identify program supports relevant to particular businesses.
• For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s press releaseof March 23, 2020. Businesses can contact the Business Response Team directly, call 1-844-800-8688 or e-mail supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca.

Amendments to the Saskatchewan Employment Act

• On March 20, 2020, the Saskatchewan Employment Act was amended to introduce a new unpaid public health emergency leave and remove the 13-week employment requirement to access sick leave and the requirement for a doctor’s note to access sick leave.
• The Employment Standard Regulations have been amended to provide that:
  • Businesses will not have to provide notice or pay in lieu of notice when they lay-off staff if it is for a period of 12 weeks or less in a 16-week period.
  • If an employer lays off employees periodically for a total of more than 12 weeks in a 16-week period, the employees are considered to be terminated and are entitled to pay instead of notice.
• For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s press release of March 20, 2020.

Self-Isolation Support Program

• On March 20, 2020, the Premier of Saskatchewan announced a support plan for employers and employees. The Self-Isolation Support Program will provide $450 per week for a maximum of two weeks (or $900) for residents who are forced to self-isolate. Workers can apply to the program if they were (or are) in isolation because they had contracted the virus or are showing symptoms, had been in contact with an infected person or had returned from abroad.
• Workers are not eligible if they are being compensated by their employer (including sick leave and vacation leave), they have private insurance, or if they are covered by another government program, including federal employment insurance.
• For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s press release of March 20, 2020.

Crown utility interest deferral

• The Crown utility interest deferral program waives interest on late crown utility bill payments for up to six months. The program is effective immediately and is available to all crown utility customers.
• For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s press release of March 20, 2020.

Student loans repayment deferral

• The Government of Saskatchewan announced on March 20, 2020, that it is implementing a six-month, interest free moratorium on Saskatchewan student loan payments.
• For more information, see the Government of Saskatchewan’s press release of March 20, 2020.

      MANITOBA

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Child care for essential workers

• On March 20, 2020, The Manitoba government announced the following measures to help provide child care to essential front-line workers:
  • Establish a new $18-million grant program to help early childhood educators begin independently offering child-care services at their homes or in the community;
  • Continue to provide licensed child-care centres with their full operating grants and subsidies;
  • Create a $2 million trust to provide capital gains to child-care providers; and
  • Encourage all centres to reimburse prepaid fees to parents for child care they can no longer access at this time.
• For more information, see the Government of Manitoba’s news release of March 20, 2020.

Extended tax filing deadlines for businesses

• On March 22, 2020, the Premier of Manitoba and Minister of Finance announced that the province will extend the April and May filing deadlines for small and medium-sized business with monthly remittances of not more than $10,000. Businesses will have up to two additional months to remit retail sales taxes, and the Health and Post-Secondary Education Tax Levy.
• The Minister of Finance also noted that it will work with businesses regarding flexible repayment options above the $10,000 cap.
• In person service at the Taxation Division Offices is not available. Services are continuing by telephone and online.
• For more information, see the Government of Manitoba’s news release of March 22, 2020.

Postpone eviction hearings and freeze rent increases

• On March 24, 2020, Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister and Finance Minister Scott Fielding announced that the Government of Manitoba is postponing eviction hearings and freezing rent increases.
• For more information, see the Government of Manitoba’s news release of March 24, 2020.

     NOVA SCOTIA

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Measures to support vulnerable Nova Scotians

• Every individual and family member on income assistance will receive an additional $50.
• $1 million to Feed Nova Scotia to purchase food and hire more staff
• Emergency funding of $230,000 to help vulnerable older adults through Senior Safety Programs and Community Links.
• For more information, see the “Support for individual, families, and businesses” section of the Government of Nova Scotia website.

Deferred government loan payments, suspended student loan payments, and small business renewal fee payments

• The Government will defer payments for all government loans and small business fees (including business renewal fees and workers compensation premiums) until June 30th.
• The Government will suspend payments on Nova Scotia student loans for six months, until September 30th.
• The Government will defer payments for small business renewal fees, including business registration renewal fees and workers compensation premiums, until June 30th.
• Small businesses that do business with the government will be paid within five days instead of the standard 30 days.
• For more information, see the “Support for individual, families, and businesses” section of the Government of Nova Scotia website.

Changes to the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program

• The program is enhanced to make it easier for businesses to access credit up to $500,000 and for those who might not qualify for a loan, the government will guarantee the first $100,000.
• For more information, see the “Support for individual, families, and businesses” section of the Government of Nova Scotia website.

Internet for Nova Scotia Initiative

• To ensure that more Nova Scotians can access the internet to work from home, the government is providing $15 million as an incentive to providers to speed up projects under the Internet for Nova Scotia initiative and complete them as soon as possible.
• For more information, see the “Support for individual, families, and businesses” section of the Government of Nova Scotia website

     NEW BRUNSWICK

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Relief on co-pay for drug plans

• Patients with drug coverage under New Brunswick’s public drug plans will only be responsible for the initial co-payment on a prescription fill or refill.
• For example, a patient with a 90-day prescription made up of three 30-day fills will only have a co-payment for the first 30-day fill payment.
• For more information, see the Government of New Brunswick news release of March 21, 2020.

Child care for those who lost income and essential workers

• The Government of New Brunswick has committed to covering the child-care fees of anyone who has lost their income due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak.
• The Government of New Brunswick will also cover any “double fees” for child care services for essential workers. This includes workers paying to reserve a space at their usual child care facility, but whose child is attending one of the emergency child care facilities.
• For more information, see the Government of New Brunswick news release of March 20, 2020.

One-time income benefit for unemployed workers

• The Government of New Brunswick will provide a one-time $900 income benefit to either workers or self-employed people in New Brunswick who have lost their job due to the pandemic.
• The benefit will be administered through the Red Cross and is meant to bridge the time between the when people lose their employment and when they receive their federal benefits.
• For more information, see the Government of New Brunswick’s Update on Covid-19 of March 24, 2020.

     PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

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$25 million COVID-19 Emergency Contingency Fund

• On March 16, 2020, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced the establishment of a $25 million COVID-19 Emergency Contingency Fund to support Island workers and small businesses who are affected by COVID-19.
• For more information, see the Government of Prince Edward Island’s news release of March 16, 2020. The Island businesses can call the phone number 1-866-222-1751 to share the effect COVID-19 has had on their finances.

Support for small businesses and employees

• On March 18, 2020, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced the following measures:
  • The scheduled loan payments are deferred for the next 3 months for clients of Finance PEI, Island Investment Development Inc., and the PEI Century Fund;
  • $4.5 million will be provided to Community Business Development Corporations across the province to deliver financing to small business and entrepreneurs; and
  • A temporary allowance of $200 per week for employees that have a significant drop in their working hours.
• For more information, see the Government of Prince Edward Island’s news release of March 18, 2020.

Educational and financial supports for Islanders

• On March 20, 2020, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced the following measures:
  • Creating a fund of up to $2 million to support early learning centres, maintain child care spaces and ensure parents do not pay fees during the period of closures;
  • Deferring repayments for provincial student loans for the next six months; and
• providing home learning activities for students.
• For more information, see the Government of Prince Edward Island’s news release of March 20, 2020.

Emergency Income Relief for the Self-Employed

• On March 16, 2020, the Government of Prince Edward Island announced a program for the self-employed individuals that consists of a maximum of $500 per week for the period of March 16 to March 29, 2020. The government notes that this period will be reviewed if necessary. To be illegible to the program, the individuals must have declared business income on their most recent tax return, business income must be their primary source of income, must be able to demonstrate direct financial losses related to COVID-19 isolation measures and don’t receive any other income support.
• For more information, see the Government of Prince Edward Island’s “Emergency Income Relief for the Self-Employed” website.

Worker Assistance Program

• The Worker Assistance Program is a temporary program aimed at providing financial support to employers to assist their employed workers. The employers eligible will receive a maximum of $250 per week for each employed worker that experienced a reduction of at least 8 hours per week during the two week period March 16-29, 2020. The eligible employers include the registered private sector businesses in Prince Edward Island and they are encouraged to complete one application for the two week period.
• For more information and to apply to the program, see the Government of Prince Edward Island’s “Emergency Relief – Worker Assistance Program” website. Online applications can be submitted until April 15, 2020.

Emergency Working Capital Financing

• The Emergency Working Capital Financing program is a temporary program aimed at providing emergency working capital financing to assist small business to maintain normal business operations during the economic disruption caused by COVID-19. Applicants to the program can receive a working capital loan of up to $100,000 with a fixed interest rate of 4% per annum to be used to assist with fixed operating costs with principal and interest payments deferred for a minimum of 12 months. In order to be eligible, companies must be:
• Existing small businesses (start-ups not eligible) located and operating in the Province of PEI, that have been generating revenue in PEI;
• Registered to conduct business within the Province of PEI; and
• In possession of a satisfactory credit rating and must not have any defaulted outstanding debt obligation on file in the Province’s Central Default Registry.
• For more information and to apply to the program, see the Government of Prince Edward Island’s “Emergency Working Capital Financing” website.

Employee Gift Card Program

• The Employee Gift Card Program is a temporary program aimed at providing a $100 Sobeys gift value to any employee, living and working on Prince Edward Island, who has received a lay-off notice as a direct result of the impacts associated with COVID-19. The employer is responsible to complete the application form and distribute the gift card letters to affected employees. To be eligible, the employer must:
• Have issued lay-off notice(s) to 1 or more employee(s) as a result of COVID-19, between March 13 and March 31, 2020; and
• Have affected employees with a salary of $25/hour or less.
• For more information and to apply to the program, see the Government of Prince Edward Island’s “Employee Gift Card Program” website

      NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR

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Government Link: https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/resources-2/

For Businesses and Workplaces

• The Federal Government has a framework for risk-informed decision making about public health actions for workplaces/businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. The tool can be used by employers and business owners to consider risks associated with their workplace/business, the implementation of risk mitigation strategies, and in consultation with local public health authorities regarding decisions to close workplaces. The tool can be found at the following link:
• Information Sheet for Workplaces (578 KB)
• COVID-19 and the Construction Industry (455 KB)
• Risk-Informed Decision Making Guidance for Construction Sites (345 KB)
• COVID-19 Guidance for Funeral Homes (488 KB)
• Alternative Service Delivery for Retail Stores (407 KB)
• Alternative Service Delivery for Craft and Microbreweries (395 KB)
• Guidance for Traveling in Vehicles (320 KB)