COVID-19 Updates | Weekend Workplace Round Up for May 23, 24 & 25, 2020
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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Alberta and BC governments that touch on workplace issues for May 23, 24 & 25, 2020
Federal
CECRA Now Open for Applications
Justin Trudeau announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. Applications will now be accepted through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website.
CECRA is for small business tenants that are paying less than $50,000 per month in gross rent, with annual consolidated revenues of less than $2 million, and that have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID-19 revenues.
To manage the large volume of expected applications, the intake of applications will be staggered based on the size and location of the commercial property. Property owners can submit their applications according to the following timetable:
- Monday, May 25: Property owners who are located in Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec, with up to 10 tenants who are eligible for the program.
- Tuesday, May 26: Property owners who are located in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the Territories, with up to 10 tenants who are eligible for the program.
- Wednesday, May 27: All other property owners in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the Territories.
- Thursday, May 28: All other property owners in Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.
- Friday, May 29: All property owners across Canada.
Check out this news release for more information.
Financial Planning Advice for Small Businesses
Today the federal government announced the Business Resilience Service, a four-week hotline service offering tailored financial advice to vulnerable, Canadian small businesses with pressing financial needs.
This service will help entrepreneurs and small business owners in need of financial planning advice, particularly those who may not have access to an accountant. The service will also be open to not-for-profit organizations and charities.
As of today, May 25, 2020, small business owners with pressing financial needs can call
1-866-989-1080 (toll-free) seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (EST).
Check out this news release for more information.
Alberta
New Tool Available for Commercial Rent Feedback
The Alberta Commercial Rent Survey is an opportunity for commercial landlords and tenants (businesses) to share the challenges they are facing as the government works to improve supports for Albertans and Alberta businesses.
The results of the survey will help measure any challenges commercial landlords and tenants may be experiencing while working together to develop a payment schedule, paying their rent, or meeting other financial obligations during COVID-19. This will help provide the government with insight to assist in determining whether additional measures are needed to support businesses struggling to pay rent during this time.
To fill out the survey, visit the government’s website.
Learn more from Alberta's official news release.
British Columbia
Drive-In Events with 50+ Vehicles Prohibited
On May 22, a revised Provincial Health Officer Order was issued relating to mass gatherings. This order continues to permit gatherings of more than 50 people for indoor or outdoor events, other than for a drive-in event.
For drive-in events, the Order requires:
- Patrons must not be permitted to be present except in a vehicle;
- No more than 50 vehicles are to be present;
- Patrons must be told to stay in their vehicles except to use washroom facilities;
- Washroom facilities must have running water, soap and a sanitary means for drying hands; and
- The sale of food and drinks is prohibited.
Campground & Recreation Sites Limited to B.C. Residents Only
As of May 25, 2020, reservations for overnight camping can only be made two months in advanced, and only by B.C. residents.
To allow for physical distancing, some campgrounds will have fewer sites available, there may be some changes to services and communal facilities, and some campgrounds may open later in the season. Hot springs, backcountry communal cabins and campgrounds that require visitors to use shared cooking facilities will remain temporarily closed, as will group campsites.
Most provincial campgrounds and recreation sites are scheduled to open on
June 1, 2020. For status updates on park closures, visit BC Parks.
Check out this news release for more information.
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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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