Hello Everyone,

In an effort to keep you informed of the latest Covid-19 resources, please find below some important updates about rapid test availability and new Covid-19 supports available to you and your business in the New Year. 
 

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Rapid Covid-19 Testing Kits

We here at the Clearview Chamber of Commerce are not participating in the distribution program for rapid Covid-19 test kits for small & medium-sized businesses.

We have reached out to neighbouring Chambers that do offer test kits to check on the status of availability and can now report to you the following:

• Collingwood Chamber of Commerce – Out of stock with additional kits available mid-January
• Barrie Chamber of Commerce – Out of stock with additional kits available mid-January
   

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Ontario Launches New Supports for Businesses

In response to the Omicron variant, the Ontario government is introducing new supports for many businesses impacted by public health measures (we recently saw the reintroduction of capacity limits and other public safety measures).

Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program

Eligible businesses will receive rebate payments for 50% of the property tax and energy cots incurred while subject to current capacity limits. Some examples of businesses that will be eligible for this program include (but is not limited to): restaurants, smaller retail stores, and gyms. A full list of the eligible business types will be made available via a program guide mid-January in 2022. Online applications for this program will not be available until mid-January as well, but payments will be made retroactive to December 19^th, 2022. Property tax and energy bills will need to be submitted as part of the application process.

Six-Month Interest & Penalty-Free Period for Provincially Administered Taxes

This six-month period will begin on January 1^st, 2022 and will end on July 1^st, 2022. Up to $7.5 billion in relief will be provided to approximately 80,000 Ontario businesses. If eligible, you will have the option to delay your payments for the following provincially administered taxes:

• Employer Health Tax
• Beer, Wine & Spirits Taxes
• Tobacco Tax
• Insurance Premium Tax
• Fuel Tax
• International Fuel Tax Agreement
• Gas Tax
• Retail Sales Tax on Insurance Contracts & Benefit Plans
• Mining Tax
• Race Tracks Tax

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province plans to continuously provide Covid-19 support to businesses.
 

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As always, we will continue to inform you as soon as we can with any and all updates regarding Covid-19 supports available to you and your business. 
 
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