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COVID-19 Updates | Daily Workplace Round Up for May 5, 2020

COVID-19 Resources for Small Business
Sarah Visca | May 5, 2020

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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Ontario, and Alberta governments that touch on workplace issues for May 5, 2020. 

Federal

$252 Million Aid Package for Canadian Agricultural & Food Sectors

On May 5, 2020, Justin Trudeau announced an investment of more than $252 million to support farmers, food businesses, and food processors as well as an additional $200 million in borrowing capacity for the sector. Specifics of this investment include:

  • Creating a $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access more personal protective equipment, adapt to health protocols, automate or modernize their facilities, processes, and operations, and respond to emerging pressures from COVID-19;
  • Launching a national AgriRecovery initiative of up to $125 million in funding to help producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19 including set-asides for cattle and hog management programs to manage livestock backed-up on farms, due to the temporary closure of food processing plants;
  • Announcing the intention to increase the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to support costs associated with the temporary storage of cheese and butter to avoid food waste;
  • Launching a first-ever Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories, which could include products such as potatoes and poultry, to local food organizations who are serving vulnerable Canadians;
  • Working with provinces and territories to increase interim payments from 50% to 75% through AgriStability, a federal, provincial and territorial program that supports producers who face significant revenue declines (this change has already been enacted in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Quebec and Prince Edward Island); and
  • Working with provinces and territories to explore possibilities for expanding the AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector.

Details on when and how this funding will become available will be announced soon. 

For more information, check out this news release from the Prime Minister. 

Ontario

$12 Million Commitment to Mental Health Funds Free Internet-Based Programs

The Ontario government is expanding virtual mental health services with with Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programs that were developed in partnership with MindBeacon and Morneau Shepell and will be provided at no out-of-pocket costs to Ontarians across the province.

As part of the government's $12 million commitment to mental health during COVID-19, the emergency funding is helping mental health agencies hire and train more staff, purchase the necessary equipment and technology they need to help patients, and support the creation and enhancement of virtual and online supports for mental health services including:

  • Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT): Clients can self-refer to programs through the various service providers listed and be guided through their client journey to find the appropriate supports they need. Online iCBT is supported by therapists and available in English and French.
  • Supports for frontline health care workers: Online iCBT is available to frontline health care workers experiencing anxiety, burnout or post-traumatic stress disorder. Those requiring intensive levels of care could be referred to virtual face-to-face care, as well as weekly online peer discussion groups and access to confidential support from a clinician.
  • Virtual mental health support services: These include BounceBack telephone coaching and workbooks, and Kids Help Phone for children and youth.

For more information, check out this news release. 

Alberta

Introduces Bill 14: Utility Payment Deferral Program Act on May 6

Bill 14, the Utility Payment Deferral Program Act, will be introduced on May 6, when the legislature reconvenes.  

The bill states that residential, farm, and small commercial customers can defer bill payments for electricity and natural gas until June 18.

  • The program is intended for Albertans who are experiencing financial hardship as a direct result of COVID-19, such as those who have lost their employment or have had to leave work to take care of an ill family member.
  • Customers need to contact their utility directly to sign up for the deferral program.
  • Customers will still have to pay for their deferred electricity and natural gas bills after the program ends on June 18.

For more information, check out this news release.

$2 Million Allocated to Charitable Donation Matching Program

Government has allocated $2 million to match donations to COVID-19 response efforts by designated Alberta-based charities.

The province will match donations made by Albertans to these designated organizations between April 15 and May 31. Organizations include:

So far, individual Albertans and Alberta-based corporations have donated generously to the eight designated charitable organizations. The province’s contribution will boost these donations.

Visit the Charitable Donation Matching Program. 

For more information, check out this news release.

$4.5 Million Invested in New Virus Detecting Equipment & Technology

The Alberta Government has announced a $4.5 million investment in new virus detecting equipment and technology to help strengthen Alberta’s COVID-19 response. 

The funding includes a $1.7-million donation by Calgary Health Trust, with Alberta Health Services and the Government of Alberta making up the balance.

This investment will increase COVID-19 testing from 7,000 to 16,000 tests per day, more than doubling Alberta’s maximum capacity for testing.  Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) is also expanding testing capacity by securing additional supplies including swabs and reagents, and taking steps toward achieving 24-7 testing.

For more information, check out this 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.