Thursday, April 16, 2020

Update | Expanded Canada Emergency Business Account & New Canada Emergency Rental Assistance Program

• An expansion of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) for businesses that paid between $20,000 - $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. This new range replaces the previous one of $50,000 and $1 million.
• Intent to introduce the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. The program will seek to provide loans, including forgivable loans, to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June. Implementation of the program will require a partnership between the federal government and provincial and territorial governments, which are responsible for property owner-tenant relationships. More details to come. 
• Read the OCC's response here.

Upcoming COVID-19 Webinar

• Charles Finlay - Executive Director, Rogers Cybersecure Catalyst, Ryerson University
• Dan Mathieson - Mayor of Stratford, Ontario
• Mark Falbo - President & CEO, Mircom Group of Companies

DEADLINE APPROACHING: Canadian Survey of Business Conditions

In Case You Missed It

• The federal government expanded the Canada Emergency Wage Benefit and proposed a new wage boost for essential workers, read our response here. 

• The list of essential businesses has now been expanded to construction projects that are due to be completed before October 4, 2020 and that would provide additional capacity in the production, processing, manufacturing or distribution of food, beverages or agricultural products.

• We are working with members from all sectors to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, support government and the health care system, and plan our recovery. If you are interested in joining this working group please contact, Ashley Challinor, Vice President of Policy.