Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. For information on eligibility and how to apply, please visit:

 

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

New Recovery Benefits

As the CERB begins to wind down, the Government plans to introduce a suite of 3 new recovery benefits to provide needed support to Canadians who continue to face financial hardship even as the economy starts to re-open.  The 3 new benefits are:

• Canada Recovery Benefit
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

 

NOTE: Those who are eligible for the CERB are also eligible for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers, which provides a one-time $1,000 payment to people whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19.

As the CERB begins to wind down, the Government plans to introduce a suite of 3 new recovery benefits to provide needed support to Canadians who continue to face financial hardship even as the economy starts to re-open.  The 3 new benefits are:

• Canada Recovery Benefit
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

This site provides information on:

• Who is an eligible employer
• Which employees are eligible
• Wage subsidy calculator
• How to apply
• Contact information for the CRA

 

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

 

NOTE: if your business is not eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, you may be eligible for a wage subsidy from:

• National Research Council of Canada’s IRAP Innovation Assistance Program
• Columbia Basin Trust Wage Subsidies, including:
  • Basin Food Producer Wage Subsidy
  • Apprentice Wage Subsidy
  • Co-op Wage Subsidy
  • Summer Works Wage Subsidy
  • School Works Wage Subsidy
• WorkBC
  • BC Employer Training Grant

This $962-million Government of Canada Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) was created to support small and medium size businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information, please visit our Regional Relief and Recovery Fund page.

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

• provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits through their financial institutions.
• Up to 25% of the loan will be forgiven if repaid by December 31, 2022.
• Apply at the financial institution (now includes credit unions) where you do your business banking
• The Federal Government has said that they will authorize more money so that anyone who’s eligible can receive this funding.

 

Canada Emergency Business Account

 

 

NOTE: if your business is not eligible for the CEBA, you may be eligible for:

• Columbia Basin Trust’s Small Business Working Capital Loan

• The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund – Community Futures Stream

The Work-Sharing Program (WS)

• helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer.
• The program provides EI benefits to eligible employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours and share the available work while their employer recovers.
• Work-Sharing is an agreement between employers, employees, and the Government of Canada.

 

Work-Sharing Program

Information from the Canada Revenue Agency:

COVID-19: Changes to Canadian taxes and Benefits

Financing available through:

• Export Development Canada
• Business Development Bank of Canada Co-Lending Program for Small- or Medium-sized Enterprises

 

Funding and Grants:

• Innovation Canada: helps you search for government grants and loans, including COVID-19 related funding: Government of Canada financial support programs

To find out how this program has been adapted to provide greater support during COVID-19, visit Canada Summer Jobs 2020 temporary flexibilities for employers

For general information about the program and how to apply, visit: Funding: Canada Summer Jobs – Overview

NOTE: if your business is not eligible for the Canada Summer Jobs Program, you may be eligible for:

Columbia Basin Trust’s Wage Subsidies, including:

• Basin Food Producer Wage Subsidy
• Apprentice Wage Subsidy
• Co-op Wage Subsidy
• Summer Works Wage Subsidy
• School Works Wage Subsidy

WorkBC

• BC Employer Training Grant

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides much needed relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19.

For more information on eligibility and how to apply, visit CMHC’s site:

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance

The Government of Canada will provide up to $306.8 million in short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses. For more information, visit:

Support for Indigenous businesses

Canadian Border Information

For up-to-date information, visit Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Current border measures and requirements or call the Canada Border Services Agency at 1-800-461-9999.

International Trade Information

For up-to-date information, visit COVID-19 and Canada’s international trade

The Trade Commissioner Service has experts in 160 cities worldwide who can provide small businesses with market-specific insights and guidance to help you mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, as well as access to funding to help you in global markets.

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For free export advice, contact Michael Hoher (michael@exportnavigator.ca) the Export Navigator Advisor for the Kootenay Boundary Regions. Or visit exportnavigator.ca for more information about the program.

 

 

• Main provincial information page: COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information: in addition to supports for businesses and workers, it includes information on: health, child care, education, housing and monthly bills, transportation, travel and tourism, reduced services, being prepared, and health care.
• COVID-19: Supports for Businesses in B.C. [clear table outlining provincial supports, updated regularly]

 

Support for Businesses in BC

The BC Restart Plan takes a phased approach to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. Each phase provides guidance for individuals and businesses. Everyone is free to go at their own pace as we move between phases, as long as they follow the guidance and orders of the Provincial Health Officer. Businesses and organizations may not follow the same timelines for reopening and expanding interactions.

Learn more about BC’s Restart Plan

The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a one-time $1,000 payment to people whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19.

 

BC Emergency Benefit for Workers

The B.C. government has made the following changes:

Small Business BC has created the Non-Medical PPE Marketplace to connect businesses with suppliers of non-medical safety equipment.

Find PPE

ARE YOU A PPE SUPPLIER?

List your services on the PPE marketplace to help supply other businesses with the safety equipment they need to operate.

Add Your PPE Listing

Promote and market your small business to a new audience on Small Business BC’s free online marketplace.

View BC Marketplace  Create your Business Profile

• Latest Updates and Announcements about COVID-19 programs, services, and resources
• Resources for Restarting Your Business including health and safety, strategy planning, and marketing communications.
• COVID-19 Support Directory prepared by the BC government, this practical document contains links to a list of resources and websites to help businesses.
• Supply Goods to the Government: supply essential goods and services arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

COVID-19 information and resources

At WorkSafeBC, we are actively monitoring and adjusting to the COVID-19 situation to determine how we can best support workers, providers, and employers around the province, while ensuring the health and safety needs of our own employees. We continue to follow guidance from public health officials and provide health and safety protocols and information to industries as the province moves through the phases of BC’s Restart Plan.

WorkSafeBC is working to support the direction of public health agencies for slowing the progression of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) by helping workplaces to take appropriate preventative measures. To support this effort, they have provided the following information about COVID-19 and the workplace:

• What employers should do
• What workers should do
• Staying safe at work
• Industry information
• Frequently asked questions

COVID-19: Industry information – Phase 1

To help workers stay safe at work during the COVID-19 outbreak, WorkSafeBC developed health and safety protocols and information for industries that remained open in Phase 1 of BC’s Restart Plan.Follow the link for information on these sectors:

• Agriculture
• Community social services (non-residential)
• Community social services (residential)
• Construction
• Forestry
• Health care
• Hospitality
• Manufacturing
• Municipalities
• Retail
• Small business
• Transit
• Transportation

WorkSafeBC recognizes the importance of worker safety as businesses look to resume operations following COVID-19 related work stoppages or interruptions and we move into Phases 2 and 3 of BC’s Restart Plan. The following materials provide employers with information and resources to assist them in ensuring the risk of exposure to the virus that causes COVID-19 is minimized at their workplace.

Includes information for the following sectors:

• Accomodation
• Arts & Culture
• Child care & day camps
• Education (K-12) 
• Education (post-secondary)
• Faith-based organizations
• Gyms & fitness centres
• Health Professions
• In-person counselling
• Motion picture & television production
• Offices
• Parks, camping, & tourism
• Performing arts
• Personal services
• Real Estate
• Restaurants, cafes, pubs, & nightclubs
• Retail
• Sports & recreation

Employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This tool will guide you through a six-step process to help you create your plan. The tool is provided as a fillable PDF you can download and save with the details of the plan for your workplace.

The COVID-19 Safety Plan can also be completed on any mobile device using the COVID-19 Safety Plan app.

Additional resources and information about COVID-19 are also available.

• COVID-19 frequently asked questions
• Returning to safe operations frequently asked questions

The Basin Business Advisors Program provides free one-on-one business advisement service available to businesses located in the Columbia Basin. This program can help you determine what the best government programs are for you.

 

To be connected with the advisor in your region, visit Basin Business Advisors Program Application for Services

 

Apply for Services

The Basin Business Agriculture Advisor Program provides free one-on-one business advisement service available to agriculture businesses located in the Columbia Basin.

To be connected with the agriculture advisor, Nyree Marsh, visit Basin Business Advisors Program Application for Services

Apply for Services

On March 18^th, 2020, Community Futures Central Kootenay hosted the first Business Community Weekly Roundtable on COVID-19. This launched the weekly meetups that gave the business community a place gather (virtually) and get help navigating the complexities of the COVD-19 shutdown. Each week, our staff member, Barb Williams from the Basin Business Advisors Program gave a weekly update and fielded questions on the government supports available to business owners. Experts were also brought on the calls, providing advice on accounting, insurance, legal considerations, pivoting, mental health, reopening safely, and business continuity planning. The focus was foremost on answering questions and providing timely and useful information. Over the 13 calls that were held, 718 people attended. Attendees included business owners, business service providers, municipal staff and government, representatives from the provincial and federal governments, lenders, and health and safety experts. These calls were an excellent way to share resources and provide support, building community across the region.

At this time, the roundtables are paused. We will resume the roundtable as the need arises.

To see videos and the minutes from the past roundtables, visit our page Business Community Weekly Roundtable on COVID-19

This $962-million Government of Canada Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) was created to support small and medium size businesses that have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To learn more or apply, visit our Regional Relief & Recovery Fund page.

The OPEN FOR BUSINESS Campaign

In the early days of the COVID-19 shutdown, the Open for Business awareness campaign was created as a way for business owners to let their community know that while they may not be operating “business as usual”, they were still Open for Business, whether that’s with online shopping or pick-up and delivery services. To get the word out, we provided graphics that businesses could use on social media as cover images, profile pictures, profile overlay, in a post, or on your websites.

Learn more

The Regional District Central Kootenay covered the cost of large posters to put up in windows of Central Kootenay businesses that let the community know that they can still support local business. Note: we are no longer printing posters, however the printable PDF is available at the link above.

COVID-19 Safety Protocols Sticker Campaign

Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism spearheaded the “We follow recommended COVID-19 protocols” sticker campaign to customers know that it is safe to shop.

S – STAY HOME if you are not feeling well. M – MEASURE your physical distancing and take responsibility for your actions. A – APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR is essential: stay in your vehicle when on the ferry, cough into your sleeve, wear a mask in public, wash hands regularly, and travel in small, familiar groups. R – RESPECT the protocols and culture of our area. Accept the new ways of travelling, which are put in place to keep ALL of us safe. Be kind to other people, do not judge, do not alienate or discriminate because of their choices. You do not know their situation, and until you do, compassion will be your most valuable action. T – TOGETHER through SMART choices, we can all enjoy this amazing region.

S.M.A.R.T Posters

CFCK, Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism and the Regional District Central Kootenay launched a regional initiative to support business owners as they navigated the high tourism season. This initiative included posters that businesses could display and highway signs to get the word out to:

• STAY HOME if you are not feeling well.
• MEASURE your physical distancing and take responsibility for your actions.
• APPROPRIATE BEHAVIOUR is essential: stay in your vehicle when on the ferry, cough into your sleeve, wear a mask in public, wash hands regularly, and travel in small, familiar groups.
• RESPECT the protocols and culture of our area. Be kind to other people, do not judge, do not alienate or discriminate because of their choices. You do not know their situation, and until you do, compassion will be your most valuable action.
• TOGETHER through SMART choices, we can all enjoy this amazing region.

Columbia Basin Trust has rolled out several programs to support businesses in the Columbia Basin including:

• Basin Food Producers Loan
• Small Business Working Capital Loan
• Wage Subsidies, including:
  • Basin Food Producer Wage Subsidy
  • Apprentice Wage Subsidy
  • Co-op Wage Subsidy
  • Summer Works Wage Subsidy
  • School Works Wage Subsidy

The Food Policy Council is now hosting monthly round tables to provide space for those involved in food systems (farmers, food processors and businesses, non-profits, local government) who live and work in the Columbia Basin to discuss their work, their challenges and to help find a path forward in this pandemic – for the immediate and the long term.

• Visit their site for upcoming meetings: ckfoodpolicy.ca/pandemic-food-systems-roundtable
• Sign-up for their E-Newsletter

Government of Canada

• Canada Emergency Business Account: an interest-free loan of $40,000 for qualifying businesses. Up to $10,000 of that amount will be eligible for complete forgiveness if $30,000 is fully repaid on or before December 31, 2022.
• Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is offering support for entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19 including: Small & Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee Program: BDC co-lending with financial institutions. This program is available through your primary financial institution.
• Export Development Canada (EDC): Is enhancing their financing and insurance programs to ensure that financially viable impacted companies have access to the credit and support they require during the coronavirus pandemic. EDC Business Credit Availability Program Guarantee: available through your primary financial institution.

Columbia Basin Trust

• Small Business Working Capital Loan: This is a one-time loan of up to $25,000 (minimum request $5,000). The interest rate on this loan is 2% per annum. No interest will be charged for the first three months. Interest only payments will continue for the following nine months at which point payments will begin in an amount to sufficiently repay the loan over a maximum period of five years.

Community Futures Central Kootenay

• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund – Community Futures stream

Government of Canada

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages, retroactive to March 15, 2020. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease you back into normal operations. Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

Columbia Basin Trust

Columbia Basin Trust Wage Subsidies, including:

• • Basin Food Producer Wage Subsidy
  • Apprentice Wage Subsidy
  • Co-op Wage Subsidy
  • Summer Works Wage Subsidy
  • School Works Wage Subsidy

WorkBC

• BC Employer Training Grant

Canada Revenue Agency

Updates on changes to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) services, due dates and programs affected by the pandemic available at COVID-19 changes to taxes and benefits

 

Government of British Columbia

COVID-19 Provincial Tax & Revenue Changes

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID‑19.

Virtual Connection Day

The Basin Business Advisors Program are teaming up with BC Tech Association, Kootenay Association for Science & Technology (KAST), and Columbia Basin Trust to offer Virtual Connection Days. Business owners in the Columbia Basin meet for free with a tech expert to discuss: digital marketing, e-commerce or remote working in order to adapt new tools and tactics to thrive in this uncertain time. >>More info.

 

New Ventures BC

• Get up to $10,000 a year to hire a student
  • Eligibility: you are either a Tech company or tech-focused non-profit hiring for a business or tech role or a business or non-profit hiring for a tech role (new!)
• Learn more at New Ventures BC’s site.

Go Digital Canada

Shopify has partnered with the Federal government to help small businesses bring their operations online with an extended 90-day trial to Shopify’s eCommerce platform and access to a suite of resources to build an online store.

 

Digital Economic Response (DER3) Program

Kootenay Association for Science and Technology (KAST), Innovate BC and the BC Acceleration Network are expanding the Digital Economic Response (DER3) program in the Kootenays. The program helps businesses transition into the digital economy or expand their digital footprint.

 

Small Business BC

• Taking your business online

Export Navigator Program

For free export advice, contact Michael Hoher (michael@exportnavigator.ca) the Export Navigator Advisor for the Kootenay Boundary Regions. Or visit exportnavigator.ca for more information about the program.

 

COVID-19 and Canada’s international trade

Part of the Trade Commissioner Services, this site provides information and links to:

• Financial support and services for businesses operating globally
• Keeping supply and trade links open
• Additional resources for businesses operating internationally
• The Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) helps connect Canadian businesses with international opportunities, funding and support programs, and their on-the-ground network of Trade Commissioners in 160+ cities worldwide. The TCS is here to help your business navigate this time of uncertainty and provide country-specific advice and guidance to help you mitigate the impacts of COVID-19.
  • CanExport applicants and recipients should consult the program-specific measures for information about how applications or approved activities may be impacted by COVID-19.
• Export Development Canada (EDC) offers businesses expert advice as well as insurance and financial support. They have expanded their offering in response to increased demand during these challenging times. Working in collaboration with federal partners and Canadian financial institutions, EDC is helping Canadian companies to swiftly access capital and protect their business.
• The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) is offering financing, venture capital, growth and transition capital and advisory services. It also provides information to help your business take action during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn more about options for accessing credit, federal and provincial measures available and useful advice to support you through to a more stable time.

Pandemic Preparedness & Business Continuity

Guides & Planning Tools

• Pandemic Preparedness for Business guide, Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• Planning for Coronavirus: A Guide for Business and Organizations, British Columbia Economic Development Association
• Pandemic Preparedness, Government of British Columbia
• Emergency Plan for Small Businesses. PreparedBC
• COVID-19 Small Business Survival Guide. CanadaOne
• Business Continuity and COVID-19: Key Considerations for Small Businesses in BC [pdf] Small Business BC

 

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Checklists

• Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
• COVID-19 Update (Checklists, Guides and Tools). Greater Vancouver Board of Trade

 

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Financial Planning

• Cash Flow and Working Capital During Challenging Times. Greater Vancouver Board of Trade: Huey Lee, Partner, KPMG, on Finance

 

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Other Resources

• Regularly updated Google Doc: #COVID19 Resources for BC Businesses BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA)
• Coronavirus and small business: keeping you and your employees safe. Canadian Federation of Independent Business
• A risk management guide for your business during COVID-19. BC Business

 

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Commercial Insurance & Leases

• Insurance Bureau of Canada: COVID-19 and business insurance: how is coverage triggered
• Benchmark Law Corporation: COVID-19 and your Lease

Basin Business Advisors Program

The Basin Business Advisors Program (BBA) supports and inspires entrepreneurship and builds economic capacity in Basin communities by strengthening and supporting existing businesses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, they are available to businesses in the Columbia Basin who need help deciding which programs are right for them; looking at cash flow and budgeting; marketing; online selling; and pivoting your business.

They provide free, one-to-one, confidential business advisement and assessment services to businesses, farmers, agri-food producers, and social enterprises in the Columbia Basin who need someone to talk to, get feedback from, and decide what to do next.

Apply for Business Advisory Services

 

Community Futures Central Kootenay

Community Futures Central Kootenay provides free 45 minute business counselling sessions to anyone in the Central Kootenay region. This is available to both business owners and people thinking about starting a business. To book an appointment, email info@futures.bc.ca or call (250) 352-1933 extension 100 and leave a message.

COVID-19 Support For Kootenay Business Facebook group

We’ve created this group as a place to check in with our business community, answer questions, and share resources.

Small Business BC

Small Business BC has a site dedicated to COVID-19 supports for business: BC Business COVID-19 Support Service

If you are having trouble finding the answer to your question, you can get help from a business advisor by phone, email or chat. The B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service is open: Monday-Friday: 8:00AM-6:00PM, and Saturday 10:00AM – 4:00PM. Phone: 1-833-254-4357 or Email: covid@smallbusinessbc.ca

The Government is advising Canadians to: avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice and if outside of Canada, return home and self-isolate for 14 days

To help bring Canadians home, the Government has created the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad.

When it comes to business conferences and events, the Government is advising against gatherings of over 50 people.

Increased access to EI and recovery benefits

The Government of Canada is continuing to take significant and decisive action to support Canadians and protect jobs during the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) was an important and necessary temporary response to support Canadians who had to stop working due to the pandemic. As we safely restart Canada’s economy, the Government will be transitioning to a simplified Employment Insurance (EI) program, effective  September 27, 2020, to provide income support to those who remain unable to work and are eligible, and introducing a new suite of temporary and taxable recovery benefits to further support workers. While the Government prepares for this transition, and to ensure support continues for Canadians whose employment has been impacted by the pandemic, the CERB will be extended by an additional four weeks, providing a new maximum of up to 28 weeks of benefits.

 

ROEs (Record of Employment)

ROE information for employers can be found at Record of Employment.

 

Self-Employed/ Not Eligible for EI:

If you stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support.

Apply for CERB

 

New recovery benefits

As the CERB begins to wind down, the Government plans to introduce a suite of 3 new recovery benefits to provide needed support to Canadians who continue to face financial hardship even as the economy starts to re-open.  The 3 new benefits are:

• Canada Recovery Benefit
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit

 

BC Emergency Benefit for Workers

The BC Emergency Benefit for Workers provides a one-time $1,000 payment for people who lost income due to COVID-19. To apply, visit: COVID-19 Financial Supports: Emergency Benefit for Workers

If you need help figuring out what programs and resources you should use to get through the COVID-19 pandemic, contact the Basin Business Advisors program to be connected with a free business advisor who will work with you to determine what’s best for your business.

WorkSafeBC

• Accommodation: Protocols for returning to operation
• Hospitality and COVID-19 Safety

 

BC Centre for Disease Control

• Guidance for BC’s Hotel Sector to Prevent COVID-19 Transmission

 

Hotel Association of Canada

• Coronavirus (COVID-19)

For more information on resources from Tourism resources, see our section for the Tourism Sector.

Basin Business Agriculture Advisor Program

• Our Agriculture Advisor, Nyree Marsh, provides free business advisements to farms and agri-food producers in the Columbia Basin.

 

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Columbia Basin Trust

Columbia Basin Trust has rolled out several programs to support businesses in the Columbia Basin including:

• Basin Food Producers Loan
• Small Business Working Capital Loan
• Wage Subsidies, including:
  • Basin Food Producer Wage Subsidy
  • Apprentice Wage Subsidy
  • Co-op Wage Subsidy
  • Summer Works Wage Subsidy
  • School Works Wage Subsidy

 

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Central Kootenay Food Policy Council

The Food Policy Council is now hosting bi-weekly round tables to provide space for those involved in food systems (farmers, food processors and businesses, non-profits, local government) who live and work in the Columbia Basin to discuss our work, our challenges and to help find a path forward in this pandemic – for the immediate and the long term.

• When: Every Second Thursday at 1:30PM Pacific / 2:30PM Mountain.
• Where: On Zoom: https://tinyurl.com/y86bjfhh Click link to join.

 

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Government of BC

• British Columbia: Ministry of Agriculture’s Response to COVID-19

 

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Health & Safety

• WorkSafeBC: Agriculture and COVID-19 Safety
• Ag Safe BC has developed templates to assist agricultural employers in building their Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Program during COVID-19. Employers are encouraged to customize these documents to fit their individual operation’s needs when building or enhancing their OHS Program.

 

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Farmers Markets

• Farmers markets are designated as an essential food and agriculture service provider.
• All BC Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) markets currently operating in B.C. have put the following protocols in place to help ensure the health and safety of vendors, organizers and customers.
• In addition to the continuing physical markets, BCAFM is helping member markets move to an online model to continue providing consumers with locally grown and prepared food products. Online farmers markets will also enable vendor-direct-to-consumer delivery at some markets.
• BC Centre for Disease Control: Farmers’ Markets 
• BC Government News: BC Farmers’ Markets Online opening soon

 

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Farm Credit Canada

• Increased credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada:
  • COVID-19 Support Program
• Update your HR Plan for COVID-19
• March 17: COVID-19 impacts to the economy and agri-food markets
• March 23: FCC Lending Capacity increases to $5b to alleviate industry financial pressure

 

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Temporary Foreign Worker Program

• Government of Canada: Frequently asked questions: Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program regarding COVID-19

 

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Government of Canada

• AgriStability provides support when producers experience a large margin decline
• AgriInvest provides cash flow to help producers manage income declines
• AgriInsurance provides cost-shared insurance against natural hazards to reduce the financial impact of production or asset losses. The Western Livestock Price Insurance program will continue to play an important role in protecting incomes
• Canada: Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Information for the agriculture and agri-food industry

 

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Other Resources

• Canadian Horticulture Council: COVID-19 Information Centre
• Canadian Federation of Agriculture: COVID-19 Resources
• Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council: Information & Tips on COVID-19
• Canadian Produce Marketing Association: COVID-19 Updates
• BC Agriculture Council: COVID-19 Resources
• Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is closely monitoring developments related to COVID-19 and its impacts on the Canadian agricultural industry and is taking the necessary steps to ensure that producers and processors can continue to operate effectively and keep supply lines open.
• Canadian Veterinary Medical Association has resources on keeping pets and livestock safe. To date, there have not been any reports of livestock being infected by COVID-19 anywhere. However, livestock producers should follow normal biosecurity measures as always. This includes limiting visitors or workers who may have travelled to, or been in contact with, someone from an affected area.

Canada Council for the Arts

• COVID-19 Updates and Information: includes information on government support measures, financial losses, travel, event cancellations, core funded organizations, grant deadlines & cut-off dates, and cancellation and reimbursement of grants.

 

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Government of Canada

• ARTS & CULTURE: the Canada Emergency Response Benefit is available to artists and culture workers whose income has been disrupted due to the closing of artistic venues or cancellation of productions and exhibitions or whose income has been disrupted due to self-isolation or because they must care for other family members, or they have children at home.
• Government of Canada: COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations

 

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Government of British Columbia

• Ministers statement on COVID-19 supports for arts and culture sector [March 27, 2020]

 

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British Columbia Arts Council

• COVID-19 FAQs for Arts & Culture Grant Recipients & Applicants

• This page includes an extensive Frequently Asked Questions section on: staff operations; projects that involve travel or in-person gatherings; cancelled or postponed events and activities for which you have already received funding; operating assistance funding; eligible expenses; upcoming deadlines and program changes; financial support for artists and organizations.

Supports for the Arts and Culture and Non-profit Sectors:

• Vancouver Foundation’s Community Response Fund
• Community Gaming Grants – FAQs
• BC Alliance for Arts + Culture: COVID-19 Resources
• Imagine Canada: COVID-19 Resources for the Nonprofit Sector, including Implications of Federal Measures
• Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Business Resilience Service

 

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CreativeBC

• Update for the Creative Industries of BC
• Survey: COVID-19 Impact of Business Activity, Event or Project Cancellation

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WorkSafeBC

• Arts and culture: Protocols for returning to operation
• Performing arts: Protocols for returning to operation

Government of British Columbia

• Guidance to Construction sites operating during COVID-19

 

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WorkSafeBC

• Construction and COVID-19 Safety

 

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British Columbia Construction Association

• Construction Briefing COVID-19

BC Centre for Disease Control & BC Ministry of Health

• How You Can Slow the Spread: COVID-19 Guidance for Retail Food & Grocery Stores
• BCCDC: Food Businesses: Information for grocery stores, restaurants and other food premises for employers and workers.

 

 

WorkSafeBC

• Hospitality and COVID-19 Safety
• Restaurants, cafés, pubs, and nightclubs: Protocols for returning to operation

 

Restaurants Canada

• Restaurants Canada: Navigating coronavirus: COVID-19 Resources for Food Service Operators
• BC Restaurant and Food Services Association: Navigating COVID-19

WorkSafeBC

• Gyms and fitness centres: Protocols for returning to operation

WorkSafeBC

• Health professions: Protocols for returning to operation
• In-person counselling: Protocols for returning to operation

Government of Canada

• CALL TO ACTION: Canadian Manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19: if you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed.

Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters

• Coronavirus (COVID-19) Resources

 

Government of British Columbia

• Guidance to BC Manufacturers during COVID-19 [information bulletin, March 25, 2020]

 

WorkSafeBC

• Manufacturing and COVID-19 safety

WorkSafeBC

• Personal services: Protocols for returning to operation

WorkSafeBC

• Real estate: Protocols for returning to operation

 

The Real Estate Council of British Columbia

• COVID-19 and Real Estate Services: Guidance for Real Estate Professionals

Retail Council of Canada

• COVID-19 Updates and Information
• Retail Recovery Checklist – templates
• Q&As for Retailers on COVID-19
• Relief Measures by Region
• Planning Checklist for Retailers: COVID-19

 

BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) & BC Ministry of Health

• How You Can Slow the Spread: COVID-19 Guidance for Retail Food & Grocery Stores
• BCCDC: Food Businesses: Information for grocery stores, restaurants and other food premises for employers and workers.

 

WorkSafeBC

• Retail and COVID-19 Safety
• Retail: Protocols for returning to operation

BC Tech Association

• COVID-19 Resource Centre

Western Economic Diversification Canada

• Assistance for tourism operators, small businesses or organizations: if you are a tourism operator, a small business or an organization affected by COVID-19 and need pressing assistance, the Western Economic Diversification Canada, as the regional development agencies (RDA) for western Canada could assist you with access to federal funding and services.

 

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Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism

• Join the NKL Tourism Partners Facebook group for tourism-specific updates on COVID-19.
• Nelson Kootenay Lake Tourism COVID-19 updates: includes information about the #FindingAwesome…within campaign; list of businesses that are open/ providing alternative services in the Nelson-Kootenay Lake region.

 

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Destination BC

• Coronavirus Update
• Destination BC Response: Response, Recovery, Resilience

 

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Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada

• COVID-19 Development Stimulus Fund Application

 

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WorkSafeBC

• Hospitality and COVID-19 Safety
• Parks, camping, and tourism: Protocols for returning to operation