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COVID-19 Updates | Weekly Workplace Recap from October 30 to November 5, 2020

Sarah Visca | Nov 5, 2020

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Below are the key announcements from the Federal, Ontario, Manitoba and BC governments that touch on workplace issues from October 30 to November 5, 2020.

Federal

CanExport SMEs Helps Small Businesses Grow into Global Markets

The federal government launched the CanExport SMEs program in 2016. As an investment totalling $190 million, this program has helped thousands of small business owners and entrepreneurs break into new international markets with funding of up to $75,000 to cover travel costs and other expenses. With international travel restricted due to COVID-19, the CanExport SMEs program is now pivoting to help small businesses:

  • Develop and expand their e-commerce presence by covering partial costs associated with online sales platforms and digital strategy consulting, as well as advertising and search engine optimization
  • Attend virtual trade shows and other business-to-business events
  • Navigate new COVID-19-related trade barriers by helping pay for new international market certifications and requirements.

Small business owners and entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for CanExport SMEs program funding. 

Ontario

$300 Million available for Businesses subject to Stage 2 Public Health Restrictions

The Ontario government is making $300 million available to businesses required to close or significantly restrict services in areas subject to modified Stage 2 public health restrictions or, going forward, in areas categorized as Control or Lockdown.

Beginning November 16, 2020, eligible businesses will be able to apply for temporary property tax and energy cost rebates directly to the province through a single online application portal.

Currently, this applies to businesses in:

  • Ottawa
  • Peel
  • Toronto
  • York Region

Types of businesses that are eligible for support include:

  • restaurants and bars
  • gyms, facilities for indoor sports and recreational fitness activities
  • performing arts and cinemas
  • bingo halls, gaming establishments, casinos, conference centres and convention centres
  • community centres, multi-purpose facilities, and museums
  • personal care services (with exception of oxygen bars)
  • racing venues
  • meeting or event space
  • in-person teaching and instruction

Visit the  online application portal for information about rebates, eligibility, and how to apply. 

Manitoba

Workplace Guidance for Business Owners 

Information has been developed and updated to support businesses permitted to operate as per Manitoba's Pandemic and Economic Roadmap for Recovery.

The Workplace Guidance for Business Owners provides overarching advice applicable to all businesses to help reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among employees, volunteers and customers.

For more information, check out the Restoring Safe Services webpage. 

British Columbia

Updated List of COVID-19 Supports for BC Small & Medium-sized Businesses

A wide-range of supports are available to small and medium-sized businesses in British Columbia affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 supports for businesses website was last updated on November 4, 2020 and contains the following list of available supports:

Please visit the B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service for more information. 

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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.