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COVID-19 Updates | Daily Workplace Round Up for April 23, 2020

COVID-19 Resources for Small Business
Sarah Visca | Apr 23, 2020

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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Ontario, and BC governments that touch on workplace issues for April 23, 2020. 

Federal

$1 Billion Invested in COVID-19 Medical & Vaccine Development

Justin Trudeau announced today that more than $1 billion will support a national medical research strategy to fight COVID-19. The research includes vaccine development, the production of treatments, and tracking of the virus.

This new funding builds on the $275 million investment announced in March for coronavirus research and medical countermeasures. The plan includes:

  • $155 million for research on vaccines and other treatments, support for clinical trials and expanding national testing and modelling.

  • $662 million for clinical trials led by Canada.

  • $350 million to expand national testing and modelling of COVID-19, including a COVID-19 immunity task force.

For more details, read this news release from the Prime Minister. 

Ontario

Ontario Extends Emergency Orders until May 06

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is extending all emergency orders that have been put in place to-date under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act until May 06, 2020.

In addition, the government has introduced a new measure to allow mental health and addictions agencies to redeploy staff within different locations or between programs, and employ extra part-time staff, temporary staff or contractors in order to ensure people continue receiving high quality care during the COVID-19 outbreak.

For a full list of emergency orders that have been extended until May 06, check out this news release.

British Columbia

$1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers
Applications Open May 01

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.

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 they 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.

Starting May 01, 2020, British Columbians can:

  • Apply Online. 
  • Call 778-309-4630 or 1-855-955-3545 (Mon - Fri from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST), for general support or questions. 

$38 Million Ensures B.C. Essential Service Workers Matched with Child Care

So far, the government has invested $38 million to ensure essential service workers continue to have access to reliable licensed child care, and centres that close are able to reopen.

As of April 16, 2,530 child care centres around B.C. are receiving funding through the Temporary Emergency Funding Program to remain open.

The program provides eligible licensed providers with funding at a rate of seven times their average monthly child care operating base funding.

Essential Workers looking child care can fill out a "parent" form online. 

Learn more from BC's official news release. 

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Sarah Visca
Sarah Visca is the Operations Manager at ConnectsUs HR, a company that provides tools & resources to quickly set up a Human Resources department.  
You can contact her here.