Canada’s Economic Response Plan against Covid 19 Pandemic

The Government of Canada has taken and continuously providing immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.

The outbreak of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus originating in Wuhan, China, is a significant challenge for the entire world.

In fact, the Government of Canada has created the infrastructure to respond to the public health threats of the virus, and is well prepared to act—in collaboration with provincial and territorial governments and international partners—to minimize the health, economic, and social impacts of this rapidly evolving public health issue.

Per Canada.ca, Canada's response is based on plans and guidance related to pandemic preparedness, with the following guiding principles:

Collaboration - all levels of government and stakeholders need to work in partnership to produce an effective and coordinated response.
Evidence-informed decision-making - decisions should be based on the best available evidence.
Proportionality - the response to a pandemic should be appropriate to the level of the threat.Flexibility - actions taken should be tailored to the situation and evolve as new information becomes available.
A precautionary approach - timely and reasonable preventive action should be proportional to the threat and informed by evidence to the extent possible.
Use of established practices and systems - well-practised strategies and processes can be rapidly ramped up to manage a pandemic.
Ethical decision-making - ethical principles and societal values should be explicit and embedded in all decision-making.

These principles build on lessons learned from past events, particularly the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003, which led to dedicated legislation, plans, infrastructure, and resources to help ensure that the country would be well prepared to detect and respond to a pandemic outbreak.

Government support to date for COVID-19
$ millions	Total
Immediate public health response	50
Repatriation of Canadians	7
Initial support to the World Health Organization	2
Sustained communications and public education	50
Investing in research	275
Support for provinces and territories	500
Personal protective equipment	50
International assistance	50
Employment Insurance Sickness Benefits	5
Work Sharing Program	12
Additional public health response, including funding for Indigenous Services Canada	100
Total	1,101

Protecting the health and safety of Canadians

The Government of Canada's response complements the pandemic public health and safety measures and strategies of the provinces and territories, which are designed to meet the unique requirements of each jurisdiction.

The Government of Canada is committing more than $1 billion dollars to public health measures to ensure the health and safety of Canadians.

To support the immediate response to the outbreak, $50 million was allocated to support initial actions, including border and travel measures and sustained activation of the Health Portfolio Operations Centre and the National Microbiology Laboratory. In addition, $7.1 million was provided to support the repatriation of Canadians and $2 million was contributed to the World Health Organization to support their efforts to contain the outbreak.

Informing Canadians

The Government of Canada has undertaken significant communications and public education on COVID-19 to inform Canadians of the Government's action, to help them make informed decisions and to enable them to take action to protect their health and their communities. Canadians have access to information, updated daily, through:

The Canada.ca/coronavirus website, which includes information resources that Canadians can download on the novel coronavirus, how to be prepared and how to limit the spread of the virus.
The Government of Canada's coronavirus information line (1-833-784-4397), which is available from 7:00 a.m. to midnight (EST) seven days a week.
Regular briefings and information sharing by Canada's Chief Public Health Officer and federal cabinet ministers, including multiple Government of Canada social media accounts.

As the situation evolves, the Government of Canada will expand existing communications and public education to ensure that Canadians can make informed decisions on how best to protect themselves.

To ensure Canadians get trusted and accurate information, the Government of Canada is providing $50 million to the Public Health Agency of Canada's dedicated communications capacity and public education efforts.

Supporting Canadian travellers

Border measures: Travellers arriving at all major Canadian airports receive information and, if coming from high-risk areas, are screened to determine steps needed to protect their health and that of others. Similar information is available at Canada's land border crossings. All travellers are advised to monitor themselves for symptoms and to contact the local public health authority in their province or territory if they feel sick.

Travel advice: Global Affairs Canada is continually updating its guidance to travellers through travel health notices to inform Canadians of countries where the level of risk to health associated with COVID-19 is elevated. Global Affairs Canada is actively monitoring response measures being implemented by countries around the world that could impact travellers and is regularly updating the Travel Advice and Advisories for all countries on Travel.gc.ca. It is also distributing a publication on travelling in the context of COVID-19 at consular outreach events, via the Canadian Air Transportation Safety Authority, and in missions around the world to provide information to travellers. Canadians should regularly consult the Travel Advice and Advisories for their destination(s) and register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad in order to receive updates on local developments.

Consular assistance: Global Affairs Canada is providing 24/7 consular support to Canadians affected by COVID-19 through the Emergency Watch and Response Centre and through consular staff at its network of missions abroad. Consular staff are assisting Canadians by providing information and updates on local situations, providing assistance in incidents involving quarantine and hospitalization, and liaising with family members in Canada.

Assisted departures: The Government of Canada has supported the repatriation of Canadians from high-risk areas, including Wuhan, China, the Diamond Princess cruise ship that was docked in Yokohoma, Japan, and the Grand Princess cruise ship docked in San Francisco, USA.

Issuing public health guidance

Federal, provincial, and territorial health officials and experts have been and will continue to work closely to develop and disseminate guidance to ensure a coordinated and consistent approach to the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes guidance on infection prevention and control, surveillance, how to reduce the spread of disease in community settings such as schools, workplaces and mass gatherings. It also includes strategies to protect vulnerable populations including seniors and remote populations, and the appropriate use and prioritization of personal protective equipment and other countermeasures by health workers and first responders.

Investing in research

To further contribute to global efforts to address the outbreak, the Government of Canada has invested nearly $27 million to fund coronavirus research in Canada. This investment will support 47 research teams from across Canada that will focus on accelerating the development, testing and implementation of measures to deal with the outbreak.

Ensuring Canadians' access to vaccines and antivirals is a top priority. That's why the Government of Canada will invest $275 million in additional funding to enhance research capacity on vaccine and antiviral development and clinical trials, including in Canada.

Collaborating with provinces and territories as well as Indigenous leaders and communities

The Government of Canada is working closely with provinces and territories to ensure that all necessary and appropriate supports are available to ensure a comprehensive coordinated response to COVID-19. As the outbreak evolves, the Government of Canada will enhance its coordination efforts to support a larger-scale, harmonized response. This will include working together across jurisdictions to ensure consistent implementation of pandemic responses in the health system.

While provinces and territories are generally responsible for the provision of direct health care services to Canadians, the Government of Canada is ensuring that the needs of federal populations such as First Nations communities, members of the Canadian Armed Forces, and consular staff abroad, are being met and that measures are in place to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.

To further support public health preparedness, the Government of Canada will provide $500 million to provinces and territories for critical health care system needs preparedness and mitigation efforts. Financial considerations should not and will not be an obstacle to hospitals and health systems making the necessary preparations.

Activating response measures

On January 15, 2020, the Public Health Agency of Canada, which had for several weeks been monitoring the situation in China, activated its Health Portfolio Operations Centre and triggered the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Public Health Response Plan for the Biological Events. These important steps have helped to ensure improved coordination across the country.

At the end of January, a federal-provincial-territorial Special Advisory Committee on the Novel Coronavirus (SAC) was established to advise Deputy Ministers of Health across Canada on the coordination, public health policy, and technical content related to the COVID-19 outbreak. SAC comprises members of the Pan-Canadian Public Health Network Council and the Council of Chief Medical Officers of Health of Canada.

It is supported by three expert groups that bring together senior federal-provincial-territorial officials and public health experts: a Technical Advisory Committee, a Logistics Advisory Committee and the Public Health Network Communications Group.

Since January, the Minister of Health has held weekly Health Ministers' calls with her provincial and territorial counterparts, as has the Deputy Minister of Health Canada, to understand the situation in each jurisdiction and accelerate collaboration to meet common needs.

Working with Indigenous leaders and communities

Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) is working closely with the Public Health Agency of Canada, other departments, and provincial and territorial counterparts to protect the health and safety of First Nations to support them in responding to public health threats, including the novel coronavirus. ISC's regional emergency management coordinators, communicable disease coordinators, and regional medical officers are working with First Nations communities and the BC First Nations Health Authority in support of public health emergency preparedness and response activities. The Government of Canada will also engage with First Nations and Inuit communities to support access to health services that are comparable to that of other Canadians. ISC is working closely with Indigenous partners, provincial and territorial governments to share information to prepare for and respond to COVID-19.

Supporting testing and laboratory capacity

The Public Health Agency of Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory is central to the response to COVID-19. It has been working collaboratively with Canadian provincial and territorial public health laboratories to ensure there is additional testing capacity, including in the rapid diagnosis of COVID-19 in multiple jurisdictions, and is integral to Canada's research on the novel coronavirus, vaccines, and treatment.

Pan-Canadian surveillance

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments have been closely monitoring and reporting on COVID-19 cases through existing systems and protocols to ensure that decision-makers have timely information to inform response efforts. This surveillance enables decision-makers to understand where illness is occurring, who is most affected, and the overall impact on the health system. Surveillance and testing are being continuously strengthened through federal-provincial-territorial cooperation.

Essential supplies and medicines

Federal, provincial, and territorial governments are working closely to ensure that Canada has the health supplies and surge capacity needed to respond in the event of a pandemic. This includes adding to federal and provincial stockpiles, collaborating on bulk purchases, identifying options to diversify domestic supply sources, and investing in Canada's National Emergency Strategic Stockpile to ensure critical resources can be deployed to provinces and territories if needed.

The Government of Canada will invest $50 million towards the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other necessary medical supplies and equipment to support federal requirements. Additional PPE supplies—such as nitrile gloves, surgical masks, N95 respirators, face shields, isolation gowns and coveralls—will be made available to help address the anticipated demands on local, provincial and territorial governments and health workers.

Contributing to the international response

The Government of Canada has engaged with its international counterparts through various means since the novel coronavirus emerged. With the situation related to COVID-19 evolving rapidly around the world, the Government of Canada will continue to work closely with its international partners, including the World Health Organization, to reduce risks to Canadians and the global community.

Collaboration with international organizations: In support of global efforts to combat COVID-19, the Government of Canada provided $2 million to the World Health Organization to help vulnerable countries prepare and respond to coronavirus events.

The Government of Canada will provide an additional $50 million in international assistance to the World Health Organization and other partners for potential bi-lateral support for developing countries in response to COVID-19.

Federal G7 health and finance ministers have held regular calls to share approaches and discuss responses with the aim of protecting the health of their citizens and the global population as well as mitigating other issues related to the outbreak.

The Government of Canada will also continue working with international health regulators, including the European Medicines Agency and the United States Food and Drug Administration, to support and coordinate rapid regulatory responses for potential vaccines and other medical countermeasures.

Support for other countries: The Government of Canada has provided China with approximately 16 tonnes of personal protective equipment—such as clothing, face shields, masks, goggles and gloves—to support China's response to the outbreak without diminishing needed supplies in Canada. The Government continues to support other global initiatives that are helping to strengthen health systems and improve early detection of viruses such as COVID-19.

Ensuring economic resilience

As the number of countries affected by COVID-19 increases, the risk of a domestic and international economic downturn also rises, given the impacts on supply chains, commodity prices and global financial markets.

G7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors issued a joint statement in early March reaffirming their commitment to using all policy tools to safeguard against risks to the global economy and to encourage strong economic growth.

In Canada, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Finance are closely monitoring the spread of the virus and its impact on Canadian jobs, workers, entrepreneurs, and economic growth. As the channels of impact become clearer, the Government of Canada will be ready to take action to support affected workers and businesses, where and when appropriate.

The Government of Canada will waive the one-week waiting period for people who are in quarantine or have been directed to self-isolate and are claiming for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits, at an estimated cost of $5 million. The Government of Canada will also introduce enhancements to the Work-Sharing Program at an estimated cost of $12 million to help employers who are experiencing a downturn in business due to COVID-19, and their workers. We are exploring additional measures to support other affected Canadians, including income support for those that are not eligible for EI sickness benefits.

To support businesses should the economy experience tightening credit conditions, the Government will act swiftly to stimulate the economy by strengthening investment in federal lending agencies such as the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada. This partnership between Canada's financial Crown corporations and private sector financial institutions, in response to credit conditions during the 2008-2009 financial crisis, provided $11 billion of additional credit support to 10,000 firms. In addition, flexible arrangements could be made for businesses trying to meet payment obligations to the Canada Revenue Agency.

Maintaining government services to Canadians

A committee of Deputy Ministers, supported by the Government Operations Centre, has been struck to ensure preparedness and coordination of federal efforts and the continuity of government services to minimize health, economic, and social impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak

To ensure the ongoing delivery of critical services, the Government of Canada has initiated whole-of-government contingency planning informed by the best available health and scientific advice regarding COVID-19.

Each federal department and agency is assessing its preparedness by reviewing its business continuity plans to ensure continuity of the Government's services to Canadians.

As the situation evolves, the Government will continue monitoring threats to critical services and infrastructure to ensure continuity of essential services and supports across all levels of government. The Government Operations Centre will increase its level of activity to coordinate federal actions, including to potentially reallocate human resources across the Government to ensure delivery of key functions.

To complement these ongoing actions, the Government of Canada will provide $100 million in funding to sustain the Public Health Agency of Canada's current public health measures and the sustained funding of the Health Portfolio Operations Centre and the National Microbiology Laboratory. Funding will also support Health Canada's regulatory readiness. Funding for Indigenous Services Canada will be used to support First Nations and Inuit communities in sustaining health services and managing impacts of COVID-19.

Among the support given by Canada for individuals and businesses are as follows:

SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS

Individuals and families

1. Temporary salary top-up for low-income essential workers

The Federal government works with provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost-share a temporary top up to the salaries of low-income workers (those who earn less than $2,500 per month on a full time basis), that the provinces and territories have deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19.

This will provide a much-needed boost to those on the front-line in hospitals, those caring for seniors in long-term care facilities, those working so hard to make sure that there that is food on our shelves and tables, and others.

Details of this support are being watched by all front liners. As of date, some of the essential workers were not covered under this support, vis. Paramedics, funeral workers, health workers working in hospitals (not in acute hospitals) etc.

2. Increasing the Canada Child Benefit

The Federal Government is providing up to an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019-20. This will mean approximately $550 more for the average family.

This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May. Note that those who already receive the CCB do not need to re-apply.

3. Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment

Canada is providing a one-time special payment starting April 9 through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low- and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.

NOTE: There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.

4. Extra time to file income tax returns

The filing due date for 2019 income tax returns for individuals has been deferred until June 1, 2020. Any new income tax balances due, or instalments, are also being deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.

NOTE: If you expect to receive benefits under the Goods and Services Tax credit or the Canada Child Benefit, we encourage you not to delay filing your 2019 income tax return to ensure that your entitlements are properly determined.

5. Mortgage support

Canadian banks have committed to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis to find solutions to help them manage hardships caused by COVID-19. This includes permitting lenders to defer up to six monthly mortgage payments (interest and principal) for impacted borrowers. Canadians who are impacted by COVID-19 and experiencing financial hardship as a result should contact their financial institution regarding flexibility for a mortgage deferral. This gives flexibility to be available − when needed − to those who need it the most. You are encouraged to visit your bank's website for the latest information, rather than calling or visiting a branch.

People facing loss of income

1. Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

The Federal Government provides a taxable benefit of $2,000 every 4 weeks for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.

The CERB is available to workers who meet all of the following conditions:

· live in Canada and are at least 15 years old

· stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits

· have not voluntarily quit their job

· had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application.

On April 15, changes to the eligibility rules were announced to:

· Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.

· Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work because of COVID-19.

· Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job because of COVID-19.

NOTE: Do not apply for the CERB if you have already applied for EI.

Indigenous peoples

1. Addressing immediate needs in Indigenous communities

Canada is providing $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.

These funds could be used for measures including, but not limited to:

· support for Elders and vulnerable community members,

· measures to address food insecurity,

· educational and other support for children,

· mental health assistance and emergency response services,

· preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

2. Supporting Indigenous communities public health needs and preparedness

The Federal government is providing $100 million to support a range of federal health measures, including support for preparedness in First Nation and Inuit communities. These funds will:

· respond to identified needs to update and activate pandemic plans

· support an effective allocation of public health and primary health care capacity to respond to the COIVD-19 outbreak

· align response efforts with scientific evidence as determined by a medical officer of health

· address immediate needs in the short term

3. Making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable

The government is providing an additional $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies so families can afford much-needed personal hygiene products and nutritious food.

4. Providing support to Indigenous post-secondary students

In addition to the measures above, Indigenous peoples can also access benefits listed under Support for individuals and Support for businesses.

People who need it most

1. Improving access to essential food support

Canada is providing $100 million to national, regional, and local organizations across Canada to:

· Purchase, transport and distribute food and other basic necessities

· hire temporary help to fill volunteer shortages

· implement safety measures, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among volunteers and clients.

These organizations – including but not limited to Food Banks Canada, Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada – will work with partners to meet the urgent food needs of Canadians.

2. Supporting people experiencing homelessness

The government continues to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $157.5 million to the Reaching Home initiative. The funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.

3. Supporting women and children fleeing violence

Canada suppors women and children fleeing violence, by providing up to $50 million to women's shelters and sexual assault centres, including facilities in Indigenous communities, to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.

4. Providing youth with mental health support

We invested $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.

The investment will flow through national organizations that have the ability to get funds quickly to local organizations that serve vulnerable populations. It will support a variety of activities, such as:

· Increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications

· Providing transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments

· Scaling up help lines that provide information and support

· Helping vulnerable Canadians access government benefits

· Providing training, supplies, and other required supports to volunteers so they can continue to make their invaluable contributions to the COVID-19 response

· Replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, or the Internet

Seniors

1. Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds

The required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) has been reduced by 25 per cent for 2020.

2. Supporting the delivery of items and personal outreach

Canada contributes $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals' needs and connect them to community supports.

3. Providing immediate and essential services to seniors

Canada announced that organizations who received funding under the 2019-2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream will be able to use their funding to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.

Activities can start immediately and can include:

· supporting seniors in staying connected with their community and family by providing electronic devices, virtual activities and remote tutorials;

· supporting the delivery of food and medication to self-isolated seniors at home;

· assisting seniors to undertake essential activities, such as visits to the doctor;

· hiring staff to replace a loss of a senior volunteer due to the outbreak;

· providing information to seniors regarding how to care for themselves during the pandemic.

Youth, post-secondary students and recent graduates

1. Canada Emergency Benefit (CESB)

The government has proposed the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) that would provide support to students and new graduates who are not be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or Employment Insurance or unable to work due to COVID-19.

This benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities.

NOTE: This benefit would be available from May to August 2020. More details will be made available soon.

2. Creating new jobs and opportunities

Canada is expanding existing federal employment, skills development, and youth programming to create up to 116,000 jobs, placements, and other training opportunities to help students find employment and develop valuable skills this summer and over the coming months.

3. Launching a new national service initiative

The Federal government is launching the Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG), which will help students gain valuable work experience and skills while they help their communities during the COVID‑19 pandemic.

For students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new CSSG will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall.

NOTE: More details will be made available on the “I Want to Help” platform soon.

4. Helping students continue their studies in the fall

Canada is proposing changes to the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) to allow more students to qualify for support and be eligible for greater amounts.

The changes would include:

· doubling the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.

· broadening eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21.

· raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020-21 from $210 to $350.

Support for student researchers and post-doctoral fellows

Canada is also providing $291.6 million to support student researchers and post-doctoral fellows through the federal granting councils.

Funding would support a one-semester extension for eligible students whose research scholarships or fellowships end between March and August 2020 and who intend to continue their studies. It would also provide a 3-month extension in funding for holders of federal research grants to support eligible trainees and staff paid out of these awards.

5. Supporting international students working in an essential service

We will remove the restriction that allows international students to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.

NOTE: This temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020.

6. Suspending repayment and interest on student and apprentice loans

All student loan borrowers will automatically have their loan repayments and interest suspended until September 30, 2020. Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.

This moratorium applies to the federal portion of student loans. Borrowers should check with their provincial or territorial student loan provider to see if payment is required on the provincial or territorial portion.

7. Providing youth with mental health support

The government is giving $7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time.

SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees

1. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) supports employers that are hardest hit by the pandemic and protect the jobs Canadians depend on. The subsidy generally covers 75% of an employee's wages – up to $847 per week - for employers of all sizes and across all sectors who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May. The program will be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.

Employers who are eligible for the CEWS are entitled to receive a 100% refund for certain employer contributions to Employment Insurance, the Canada Pension Plan, the Quebec Pension Plan, and the Quebec Parental Insurance Plan paid in respect of employees who are on leave with pay.

For employers that are eligible for both the CEWS and the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for a period, any benefit from the Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy for remuneration paid in a specific period will generally reduce the amount available to be claimed under the CEWS in that same period.

2. Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy

The Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deduction required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

You are an eligible employer if you:

· are a(n):

o individual (excluding trusts),

o partnership.

o non-profit organization,

o registered charity, or

o Canadian-controlled private corporation (including a cooperative corporation) eligible for the small business deduction;

· have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020; and

· pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee.

· Note: Partnerships are only eligible for the subsidy if their members consist exclusively of individuals (excluding trusts), registered charities, or Canadian-controlled private corporations eligible for the small business deduction.

3. Extending the Work-Sharing program

The government is extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19. This measure will provide income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.

Access to credit

1. Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)

We established a Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to provide additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC).

BDC and EDC are working with private sector lenders to coordinate on credit solutions for individual businesses, including in sectors such as oil and gas, air transportation, exports and tourism.

This program includes:

· Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

EDC is working with financial institutions to issue new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to SMEs.

· Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

BDC is working with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.

Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts of up to $6.25 million through the program.

NOTE: These programs are now available at various financial institutions and credit unions.

2. Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.

To qualify, these organizations will need to demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks and credit unions.

3. Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)

We reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.

The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of three monthly rent payments that are payable by eligible small business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May, and June.

The loans will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner agrees to reduce the small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% under a rent forgiveness agreement, which will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The small business tenant would cover the remainder, up to 25% of the rent.

Impacted small business tenants are businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.

NOTE: It is expected that CECRA will be operational by mid-May, and further details will be announced soon.

4. Rural businesses and communities

Canada is providing $287 million to support rural businesses and communities by providing them with much-needed access to capital through the Community Futures Network.

5. Assisting innovative and early-stage businesses

The government is investing $250 million to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports through the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).

IRAP provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.

6. Young entrepreneurs

Canada is providing $20.1 million in support for Futurpreneur Canada to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges due to COVID-19. The funding will allow Futurpreneur Canada to provide payment relief for its clients for up to 12 months.

7. Businesses in the Territories

The government is making available $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories to help address the impacts of COVID-19. This support will assist businesses with operating costs not already covered by other Government of Canada measures.

8. Small and medium-sized businesses unable to access other support measures

Canada is providing $675 million to give financing support to small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports, through Canada's Regional Development Agencies.

Creating new jobs and opportunities for youth

1. Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

The government is providing $153.7 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market.

Funding will support a range of measures in high-demand sectors such as agriculture, technology, health and essential services, creating over 6,000 additional job placements.

2. Student Work Placement Program

$80 million is being provided for the Student Work Placement Program to support up to 20,000 post-secondary students across Canada to obtain paid work experience related to their field of study.

3. Mitacs and the Business/Higher Education Roundtable

$40 million is being invested to support Mitacs in order to create 5,000 new job placements. The Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) will also create a further 5,000 to 10,000 new student placements, by reorienting existing federal support and building online tools.

4. Temporary changes to Canada Summer Jobs program

The Canada Summer Jobs program provides opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills within the not-for-profit, small business, and public sectors, and supports the delivery of key community services.

We are making temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program to allow employers to:

· receive an increased wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee;

· extend the end date for employment to February 28, 2021;

· adapt their projects and job activities;

· hire staff on a part-time basis.

Deferred payments

1. More time to pay income taxes

We are allowing all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.

2. Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments until June

Businesses are allowed, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the GST/HST, as well as customs duty owing on their imports.

Any GST/HST payment that becomes owing from March 27 until the end of May can be deferred until the end of June. For GST and customs duty payments for imported goods, deferral will include amounts owing for March, April and May.

These amounts were normally due to be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency as early as the end of March 2020.

Support for self-employed individuals

1. Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Canada provides a taxable benefit of $2,000 every 4 weeks for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.

The CERB is available to workers who meet all of the following conditions:

· live in Canada and are at least 15 years old

· stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits

· have not voluntarily quit their job

· had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application.

On April 15, changes were announced to the eligibility rules to:

· Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.

· Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work because of COVID-19.

· Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job because of COVID-19.

An online questionnaire will help us direct you to the service option that best fits your situation (i.e. eligibility for Employment Insurance benefits or not).

NOTE: Do not apply for the CERB if you have already applied for EI.

2. Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments until June

Businesses, including self-employed individuals, are allowed to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the GST/HST, as well as customs duty owing on their imports.

These amounts were normally due to be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency as early as the end of March 2020.

3. More time to pay income taxes

NOTE: No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.

Indigenous businesses

1. Funding for small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and Aboriginal Financial Institutions

Canada announced up to $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.

The funding will allow for short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which offer financing and business support services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses. These measures will help 6,000 Indigenous-owned businesses get through these difficult times.

Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.

In addition to the measure above, Indigenous peoples can also access benefits listed under Support for individuals and Support for businesses.

Supporting financial stability

1. Relief for federally regulated pension plan sponsors

The Government is providing immediate, temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated, defined benefit pension plans in the form of a moratorium, through the remainder of 2020, on solvency payment requirements for defined benefit plans.

This relief will help ensure that employers have the financial resources they need to maintain their operations and their pension plans, and to protect the retirement security of their workers and retirees.

2. Launching an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program

An Insured Mortgage Purchase Program is being launched, in which the government will purchase up to $150 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

This action will provide long-term stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders, help facilitate continued lending to Canadian consumers and businesses, and add liquidity to Canada's mortgage market.

3. Bank of Canada's actions

The Bank of Canada is acting in several ways to support the economy and financial system and stands ready to take any and all actions that it can to protect the well-being of Canadians during this difficult time. The Bank has responded by lowering interest rates, intervening to support key financial markets and providing liquidity support for financial institutions.

4. Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions actions

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. This action will allow Canada's large banks to inject $300 billion of additional lending in to the economy.

SUPPORT FOR SECTORS

Agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture, fisheries

1. Keeping workers in the food supply chain safe

Canada is providing $50 million to help farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers, put in place the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad.

The Government provides support of $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker, to employers or those working with them to ensure requirements are fully met. The funding is conditional on employers not being found in violation of the mandatory isolation.

An exemption is granted for temporary foreign workers from travel restrictions to Canada, along with other foreigners with student and work visas, provided they adhere to a strict 14-day isolation protocol upon arrival.

2. Increasing credit availability

A Farm Credit Canada has been enabled to provide an additional $5 billion in lending to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. This will offer increased flexibility to farmers who face cashflow issues and to processors who are impacted by lost sales, helping them remain financially sound during this difficult time.

Cultural, heritage and sports

1. Addressing the financial needs of cultural, heritage and sport organizations

Canada is establishing a $500 milllion COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for cultural, heritage and sport organizations that will help address the financial needs of affected organizations so they can continue to support artists and athletes.

2. Waiving payments for Part I licence fees

The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will not issue letters requesting payment for Part I licence fees by broadcasters for the 2020–21 fiscal year.

The Goverment will provide the CRTC with an equivalent amount to the waived Part I licence fees to support CRTC's operations.

Air transportation

1. Continuing the supply of essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities

Up to $17.3 million is provided to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support critical air services to Northern and remote communities, in partnership with investments by the territorial governments, to ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities.

2. Waiving ground lease rents

Canada is waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government. We are also providing comparable treatment for PortsToronto, which operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and pays a charge to the federal government.

Tourism

1. Deferring payments on commercial leases and licenses of occupation

The Federal Government will work with tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas to defer payments on commercial leases and licences of occupation without interest until September 1, 2020.

Energy

1. Cleaning up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells

Up to $1.72 billion is provided to the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, and to the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. This will help maintain approximately 5,200 jobs in Alberta alone.

2. Launching the Emissions Reduction Fund

Canada provides up to $750 million to create a new Emissions Reduction Fund to support workers and reduce emissions in Canada's oil and gas sector, with a focus on methane.

This fund will provide primarily repayable contributions to conventional and offshore oil and gas firms to support their investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Of this amount, $75 million will be allocated to the offshore sector.

Non-profit and charitable

1. Delivering essential services to those in need

$350 million is invested to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.

· Increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications

· Providing transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments

· Scaling up help lines that provide information and support

· Helping vulnerable Canadians access government benefits

· Providing training, supplies, and other required supports to volunteers so they can continue to make their invaluable contributions to the COVID-19 response

· Replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, or the Internet

There are other benefits and services already previously provided by the Federal Government (even before covid 19) which can be availed of by those affected. Among others are the following:

Employment Insurance

Employment Insurance (EI) includes temporary benefits for workers, sickness, fishing and family-related benefits as well as how to apply online and submit a report.

GST/HST benefits

The GST/HST extra payment amount will be received automatically if you normally receive the GST/HST credit and have filed a 2018 tax return. This benefit has been increased (one-time) sometime in early April during the outset of the Covid 19 pandemic.

Aside from the Federal government, the province of Ontario has also been decisive and fast in delivering services and support to its residents, among others:

Ontario Support for Families

The Ontario government is offering immediate and direct financial support to parents while Ontario schools and childcare centres remain closed from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Support for Families initiative was launched, offering a one-time payment of $200 per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those up to 21 years of age with special needs. The money will be made available through cheques and direct deposits. The one-time funding will allow parents to access additional tools for their kids to use while at home and studying remotely. Residents can complete a simple online application at Ontario’s Support for Families web page to access this financial support.

Ontario Delivers Action Plan to Increase Protection for Vulnerable People and Those Who Care for Them

The Action Plan builds on current measures implemented by the government to protect vulnerable populations, including visitor restrictions, flexibility for staff hours, expanded access to emergency daycare for frontline workers, and providing alternate settings for care.

The province has also suspended evictions, provided funds through the province’s $200 million Social Services Relief Fund to Service Managers and invested over $37 million to support outbreak planning, prevention and mitigation efforts to ensure the health and well-being of Indigenous people and communities. Constant monitoring is also underway with local public health organizations.

The government is expanding the list of eligible expenses under Special Services at Home and for Passport funding. We will also continue to assist families and provide greater clarity about what expenses are eligible under the Ontario Autism program, including Childhood Budgets and Interim one-time funding, for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Canada and the Ontario Government Invest $2.5 Million to Grow Agri-food e-Business During COVID-19

The governments of Canada and Ontario are investing up to $2.5 million to help the agri-food sector expand online, providing more opportunities for producers to grow their business and offer more food choices for families who are shopping from home during the COVID-19 outbreak. The funding is being provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (the Partnership).

The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will help food producers, farmers markets, retailers, garden centres, greenhouses, nurseries, and agricultural associations develop online business, providing consumers with greater access to a wide variety of food and agriculture products.

Ontario Provides Urgent Relief for Small Businesses and Landlords

The Ontario government is partnering with the federal government to provide urgent relief for small businesses and landlords affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. The province is committing $241 million through the new Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA). The total amount of provincial-federal relief that would be provided is more than $900 million, helping to ensure small businesses are ready to reopen their doors when the emergency measures are lifted.

Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program

The Ontario Government is committing $241 million to partner with the federal government and deliver more than $900 million in urgent relief to small businesses and their landlords through a new program, the Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (OCECRA).

The OCECRA will provide forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners experiencing potential rent shortfalls because their small business tenants have been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

The program has been developed to share the cost between small business tenants and landlords. Small business tenants and landlords would each be asked to pay 25 per cent of the before profit costs and the provincial and federal government would cost share the remaining 50 per cent.

For example, a monthly rent for a small business is $10,000. In this example, assume the landlord doesn't make a profit. The landlord forgoes $2,500 (25 per cent of rent). The small business would be responsible for paying $2,500 (25 per cent of rent). The government would cover the remaining $5,000, with $3,750 from the federal government (37.5 per cent of rent) and $1,250 (12.5 per cent of rent) from the provincial government.

To receive the loan, property owners will be required to reduce the rental costs of small business tenants for April to June 2020 by at least 75 per cent. The loan would also be contingent on the signing of a rent forgiveness agreement between impacted tenants and landlords. This would also include a moratorium on evictions for three months.

Ontario Supporting Frontline Heroes of COVID-19 with Pandemic Pay

Ontario government recognizes the dedication and sacrifice of frontline workers. In recognition of the dedication, long hours and increased risk of working to contain the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government is providing frontline staff with a temporary pandemic payment.

This increase will provide four dollars per hour worked on top of existing hourly wages, regardless of the qualified employee's hourly wage. In addition, employees working over 100 hours per month would receive lump sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months. This means that eligible employees working an average of 40 hours per week would receive $3,560 in additional compensation. Those eligible to receive the payment will be staff working in long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, social services congregate care settings, corrections institutions and youth justice facilities, as well as those providing home and community care and some staff in hospitals.

DOLE-AKAP ONE-TIME FINANCIAL Assistance of USD200 (or CAD equivalent)

The Philippine Consulate General is also taking care of all its Filipino nationals in Canada by providing financial support to those who are eligible.

The Philippine Consulate General in Toronto through the Philippine Overseas Labor Office (POLO)-Toronto has launched the Philippine Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) AKAP one-time Financial Assistance of USD200 or its equivalent in Canadian Dollars for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The above Advisory is part of the Consulate General and POLO-Toronto's continuing effort of reaching out and ensuring that appropriate assistance is provided to Filipino nationals (most especially OFWs) affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Maraming tulong ang bumuhos para sa lahat na naapektuhan ng Covid 19 sa buong Canada. Dahilan dito, mapalad tayong mga narito sa Canada. Kasama ng pagpapasalamat, nawa’y paigtingin natin ang pagdasal at pagsuporta sa ating mga kababayang mga ‘frontliners’ lalong lalo na ang mga health workers na patuloy na nagsisilbi at inilalagay ang buhay sa bingit ng kamatayan. Ipagdasal natin ang kanilang kaligtasan, tulungan natin sila sa pamamagitan ng pagsunod sa ‘stay home order’ na ipinapatupad laban sa Covid 19.

Let us do our part. For now, let us stay home and save lives.

Source: www.canada.ca

By Earl Francis Dacara, RCIC. LL.B/J.D. (Ph)

Disclaimer: The above is NOT intended as legal practice/advice from the writer. Readers are enjoined to seek advice from a legal professional.

The writer is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and CEO of Northern Quest Canadian Immigration Services Inc. with offices at Suite 203, 169 Dundas St. East, Executive Offices, Suite 203 Mississauga, ON L5A 1W6. He is also an associate Paralegal from Y.S.N. & Associates Professional Corporation with offices at 1018 Finch Ave. West, Suite 100, Toronto, ON M3J 3L5 with contact # Direct: 647-302.3508, Tel. 905-232.4553, Fax 905-232.4551, email: dacaralegal@hotmail.com / earldacara@gmail.com

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