COVID-19 Updates | Daily Workplace Round Up for May 29, 2020
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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Ontario, and Alberta governments that touch on workplace issues for May 29, 2020.
Federal
Canadian Deficit Estimated at $260 Billion
To date, emergency federal aid is approaching $152 billion in direct spending, which has pushed the deficit to an estimated $260 billion this fiscal year.
Budget officer Yves Giroux says emergency programs will have to sunset or else the country could be looking at tax levels not seen for generations. The Prime Minister said on Wednesday that some of the aid programs will have to be phased out, and others would need to continue or be tweaked to aid in a recovery.
For example, the most recent CERB figures show more than $41 billion in benefits to 8.25 million people, pushing far past its $35 billion budget.
Parisa Mahboubi, a senior policy analyst with the C.D. Howe Institute says, ''the way that the CERB is designed may discourage people from accepting the job or looking for any job.'' A group of experts convened by the think tank recommended the government consider extending CERB eligibility beyond the July cutoff, but turn it into an income-tested benefit for those who go back to work.
For more information, see this news release.
Ontario
Ontario Commercial Landlords can Now Apply for CECRA
The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, has launched the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses.
CECRA is administered by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and will provide forgivable loans to eligible commercial landlords to help cover 50% of commercial rent for tenants for the months of April, May and June 2020. The tenant will be responsible for covering up to 25% of rent, so that up to 75% of the rent is covered.
All commercial landlords in Ontario can apply immediately for rental assistance to help their small business tenants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
To learn more and apply for the CECRA for small businesses, visit the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) application portal.
For more information, check out this news release.
Alberta
Common Business Number Program Cuts Red Tape for Alberta Job Creators
Alberta is one of the more recent provinces to partner with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to provide federal business numbers for newly created corporations, non-profit organizations, and unincorporated businesses such as sole proprietorships and partnerships.
The Common Business Number Program in Alberta:
- Streamlines the incorporation process for corporations and non-profit organizations.
- Simplifies and speeds up interactions with government by providing corporations and non-profits with one easy method of identification.
- Allows for information sharing between different levels of government.
Albertans can submit ideas about how to reduce red tape for small businesses reopening after COVID-19 restrictions at Alberta BizConnect
For more information, check out this news release.
Preschools Allowed to Reopen on June 1
Alberta preschools are now allowed to reopen as long as facilities first meet heightened safety standards. Precautions include preparations for buildings before reopening and mandatory measures during operation.
Detailed guidelines for preschools can be found here.
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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.
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