BC COVID-19 DASHBOARD

Jan. 7, 2021: Province-wide public health orders extended to Feb. 5, 2021 

Dec. 7, 2020: Province-wide public health orders extended to Jan. 8, 2020 

(BC Centre for Disease Control Website)

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Nov. 19, 2020: Province-wide restrictions

* MASK REQUIREMENTS / SOCIAL GATHERINGS & EVENTS

New Provincial Health Order

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Sept. 8, 2020 NEWS RELEASE: Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates.

“Liquor sales in all bars, pubs and restaurants must cease at 10 p.m. and they must close at 11 p.m., unless providing a full meal service, in which case they may stay open, but may not serve liquor until 11 a.m. the following day.

“Music or other background sounds, such as from televisions in bars, lounges, pubs and restaurants, must be no louder than the volume of normal conversation.

 

 

 

August 21, 2020 NEWS RELEASE: Province introduces new measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety

Police and other provincial enforcement officers are being given the ability to issue $2,000 violation tickets for owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events.

They will also be able to issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or who refuse to comply with requests to follow PHO orders or safe operating procedures, or respond with abusive behaviour.  

Effective immediately, these new measures are enacted under the provincial state of emergency, using the extraordinary powers of the Emergency Program Act (EPA) in ongoing support of B.C.’s COVID-19 response and Restart Plan.

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- Operating a business in the Fraser Health Authority during the COVID-19 pandemic VIEW LETTER

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Get the latest information from the Public Health Agency of Canada about COVID-19

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BC CENTRE FOR DISEASE CONTROL

Managing COVID-19 Stress, Anxiety & Depression

Hand Sanitizer Recall

RCMP in BC - FRAUD ALERT LINK

CRIME STOPPERS - Business Closures, Securing your premises

Adapt BC, Rehire BC, WorkBC: Get support to adapt and grow your business. WorkBC is helping businesses like yours rehire and create new opportunities, right across the province.

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WorkSafeBC releases industry-specific guidance for next phase of restart

COVID-19 and returning to safe operation - Phase 2

Re: COVID-19: Support for workplaces resuming operation  VIEW LETTER - LINK to Additional Information

COVID-19 PROVINCIAL AND FEDERAL BENEFITS

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Support for Individuals

 

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)  August 20, 2020 NEWS RELEASE  CERB extended another 4 weeks  /  Introduction of 3 new benefit programs  to take the place of the CERB once it expires: the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit. (The new benefit programs require legislative approval). / Announced June 16, 2020. CERB extended by 8 weeks. (You can also apply over the phone: 1‑800‑959‑2019 or 1‑800‑959‑2041) 

After CERB: Transitioning to new benefits

Applications For The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) and the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB). 
The programs, part of the package replacing the CERB, may now be applied for. Applications are available through the Canada Revenue Agency. CRA’s new CRSB, CRCB and CRB web pages provide extensive information about these benefits including eligibility requirements, how to apply and eligibility period dates.

• B.C Emergency Benefit for Workers (You can apply by telephone. This option is for people who don’t have internet access or have other accessibility needs. We anticipate high call volumes and strongly recommend applying online if you can. Call us Monday to Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm: 1-855-955-3545 (within BC only) 1-778-309-4630 (outside B.C.)

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Support for Businesses ​

 

• 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy  The 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Note: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which provides a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, is a separate program. For more information on that program, see below.

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) 

  Jan 6, 2021 - Changes to CEWS (Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy)

  Changes to CEWS as of January 6, 2021:

• details for claim periods 11 to 13 (December 20, 2020, to March 13, 2021):
  • the maximum top-up subsidy rate is 35%
  • the maximum subsidy amount for employees on leave with pay is $595
  • the base revenue drop comparison months for period 11 will be the same as period 10
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(July 13, 2020): CEWS Extended to December / NEWS RELEASE (July 17, 2020)  Government Of Canada Rolls Out Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Improvement Details: On July 20th the proposed extension with improvements was passed in the House. Some of the changes include:

 - extension of the CEWS until December 19, 2020.

- Make the subsidy accessible to a broader range of employers by including employers with a revenue decline of less than 30% and providing a gradually decreasing base subsidy to all qualifying employers.

- Introduce a top-up subsidy of up to an additional 25% for employers that have been most adversely affected by the pandemic. 

- Provide certainty to employers that have already made business decisions for July and August by ensuring they would not receive a subsidy rate lower than they would have had under the previous rules.

- Address certain technical issues identified by stakeholders

LINK TO MORE INFO

HOW TO APPLY

Frequently asked questions - Canada emergency wage subsidy (CEWS): 
The Canada Revenue Agency has published a helpful FAQ document intended to provide more in-depth technical information on the most commonly anticipated technical questions from businesses and tax professionals. 

• Work Sharing Program - COVID-19  Work-Sharing (WS) is a program that helps employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of the employer. The program provides Employment Insurance (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.

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Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) 

Go to the eligibility criteria for:

RRRF Community Futures Stream

• For rural businesses
• Up to $60,000
•  

RRRF Women’s Enterprise Initiative Stream

• For women-owned or women-led businesses
• Up to $60,000

• The Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is providing loans of up to $60,000 for eligible women-run businesses to help small businesses cope with financial hardship and recovery from economic disruption resulting from COVID-19.

  Women’s Enterprise Centre is pleased to provide access to this Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to women entrepreneurs in BC. If your business is majority woman-owned and controlled, and struggling to meet working capital needs due to COVID-19, then this may be a good option for you.

  This option is available for sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporations.

•  

RRRF funding for all other small- and medium-sized businesses

• Up to $60,000
• Initial funding of up to $40,000
• Funding expansion of up to $20,000
• Funding of up to $1,000,000

Deadline is March 31, 2021

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Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) 

Dec 4, 2020 - Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): Requirements and Deadlines have changed.

As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.

Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.

All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. An agent will return your call within 3 business days between Monday and Friday from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm EST and can address the following types of questions:

• What is the status of my application?
• Why was my application declined?
• Why was my submitted document rejected?

August 31, 2020 NEWS RELEASE: Government announces greater flexibility and extension of Canada Emergency Business Account. 

The application deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is extended from August 31 to October 31, 2020.

The government is working closely with financial institutions to make the CEBA program available to those with qualifying payroll or non-deferrable expenses that have so far been unable to apply due to not operating from a business banking account. Further details on these changes will be released in coming days, including a new business account opening process through which qualifying businesses will be able to apply.

The Deputy Prime Minister is also announcing that the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) is extended to June 2021. Through BCAP, the government is supporting the flow of additional credit that businesses need to maintain operations and keep employees on the payroll. Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will continue to work with lenders to support access to capital for Canadian businesses of all sizes in all sectors and regions.

​NEWS RELEASE (June 15, 2020): Access for more small businesses.  To ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges, the Government of Canada has launched the new Canada Emergency Business Account, which has been implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC). This $25 billion program provides 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, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus. This will better position them to quickly return to providing services to their communities and creating employment. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). NEWS RELEASE (May 19, 2020): Expansion of Support for Workers and Small Businesses. Some expanded eligibility criteria for the CEBA loan program to allow more sole proprietors and businesses with contract workers into the program. This includes family-owned corporartions that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. 

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Dec. 1, 2020: COVID-19 recovery programs to support farmers

                                  - Small Farm Business Acceleration Pilot Program

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Nov. 23, 2020 - Applications Open: Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy  (One-page breakdown - image)

• The new CERS is a successor to the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) and delivers direct, targeted, and accessible rent support to qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19 without the need to claim the assistance through their landlords.
• The new rent subsidy supports businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop by providing support up to a maximum of 65% of eligible expenses.
• Qualifying organizations that were required to shut down or significantly limit their activities under a public health order will have access to Lockdown Support, a top-up subsidy of 25%, meaning that they could receive rent or property expenses support of up to 90%.
• Eligible expenses include commercial rent, property taxes (including school taxes and municipal taxes), property insurance, and interest on commercial mortgages (subject to limits) for a qualifying property, less any subleasing revenues. Any sales tax (e.g., GST/HST) component of these costs is not be an eligible expense.
• The rent subsidy parameters apply until December 19, 2020 with future parameters in 2021 to be adapted and targeted as needed.

• Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)  NEWS RELEASE (June 30, 2020): Extension. Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides much needed relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. It offers forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners so that they can reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants by at least 75% for the months of April, May and June, 2020.

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UPDATE Nov. 19, 2020: NEW RENTAL SUBSIDY PROGRAM; EXTENDED WAGE SUBSIDY PROGRAM << NEWS RELASE Nov. 2, 2020: Government introduces legislation for new, targeted support to help businesses through pandemic

NEWS RELEASE Oct 9, 2020: Government announces new, targeted support to help businesses through pandemic

The government plans to introduce legislation to provide support that would help these businesses safely get through the second wave of the virus and the winter, cover costs so they can continue to serve their communities, and be positioned for a strong recovery, including:

• The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, which would provide simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. The rent subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners. The new rent subsidy would support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. Organizations would be able to make claims retroactively for the period that began September 27 and ends October 24, 2020. <<<>>> CECRA October 1 brought about more challenges for many businesses across Canada with rents now due. Unfortunately, the government support program that was promised to replace the CECRA program has not been announced, much less implemented. We continue to work to have this situation addressed with the urgency required. 

• A top-up Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy of 25 per cent for organizations temporarily shut down by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy. This follows a commitment in the Speech from the Throne to provide direct financial support to businesses temporarily shut down as a result of a local public health decision.

• The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 2021, which would continue to protect jobs by helping businesses keep employees on the payroll and encouraging employers to re-hire their workers. The subsidy would remain at the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020. This measure is part of the government’s commitment to create over 1 million jobs and restore employment to the level it was before the pandemic. Extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - October 14, 2020

• An expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which would enable businesses, and not-for-profits eligible for CEBA loans—and that continue to be seriously impacted by the pandemic—to access an interest-free loan of up to $20,000, in addition to the original CEBA loan of $40,000. Half of this additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. Additionally, the application deadline for CEBA is being extended to December 31, 2020. Further details, including the launch date and application process will be announced in the coming days. An attestation of the impact of COVID-19 on the business will be required to access the additional financing.

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Support for Industries

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COVID-19 PROVINCIAL SUPPORT AND INFORMATION

BC ESSENTIAL SERVICES

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B.C. taking further action to support essential service providers during pandemic

Office of the Premier (March 23, 2020) COVID-19 Action Plan: B.C.’s first steps to support people, businesses

BC's RESTART PLAN

NEWS RELEASE (June 24, 2020): B.C. begins next phase of restart plan (phase 3). 

Claiming Home Office Expenses for Canadians working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic

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Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Resumes Additional Activities
The CRA is resuming additional business activities, which may affect some business tax users. The activities include appeals, audits, collections, compliance measures, and outreach activities. The CRA is also providing information on how to protect yourself from scams, it’s important to know when and how the CRA might contact you.

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New T4 reporting requirements for employers

COVID-19 Update: New T4 reporting requirements for employers.  In order to maintain public confidence in the integrity of Canada’s tax and benefit system, the CRA has a number of verification measures to ensure that individuals are eligible for the benefits they are receiving. 

For the 2020 tax year, the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will be introducing additional reporting for the T4 slip, Statement of Remuneration Paid. 
These reporting requirements will apply to all employers, and will help the CRA validate payments under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), and the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB). 
We are communicating these requirements now to give employers enough time to prepare for next tax-filing season. 

How to report employment income during COVID-19 pay periods
 
For the tax year 2020, in addition to reporting employment income in Box 14 or Code 71, use new other information codes when reporting employment income and retroactive payments in the following periods: 

• Code 57: Employment income – March 15 to May 9
• Code 58: Employment income – May 10 to July 4
• Code 59: Employment income – July 5 to August 29
• Code 60: Employment income – August 30 to September 26

Eligibility criteria for the CERB, CEWS, and CESB is based on employment income for a defined period. The new requirement means employers should report income and any retroactive payments made during these periods.  
Example: If you are reporting employment income for the period of April 25 to May 8, payable on May 14, use code 58.
For more information about T4 reporting requirements, go to Information for employers: CRA and COVID-19.
CERB and CESB repayments
Any payments that the CRA finds to have been made to an individual who is later deemed to be ineligible will need to be returned, and we will contact these individuals to make arrangements for repayment.

Resources for COVID-19 fiscal measures and benefits

• Applying for CERB with CRA
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• FAQ - CEWS
• Canada Emergency Student Benefit
• Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

Changes to taxes and benefits: CRA and COVID-19

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How the Program Works

 

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Buy Holiday gifts locally on BC Marketplace

Support small businesses by finding gift ideas, products and services in the BC Marketplace

VIEW BC MARKETPLACE

SHOP MAPLE RIDGE / SHOP PITT MEADOWS

REGISTER YOUR BUSINESS

 

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Have you had a particularly great experience with a local business lately? Maybe a menu item was particularly tasty at  a restaurant, maybe a local grocery store went above and beyond to make sure you felt safe shopping in their store, or maybe a local vendor made a curbside pickup exceptionally convenient? Whatever the case may be, here’s your chance to give them a shout out. Just make a post describing your good experience and use the hashtag #shoutoutMapleRidge and we’ll share your experience on our Facebook page. Don’t forget to include the business’ name and website.

Have you purchased exceptional produce from a local farmer? Did you have a great take-out experience from a local restaurant? Maybe you used one of the many curb-side product pickups that businesses have been offering and were impressed with the level of service you received. We want to share photos and stories of creative ways that resident’s have been accessing their favourite restaurants, services, and goods. These submissions will be shared to drive business and strengthen the local business community during a time when it needs it .

Are you a business owner that would like to be highlight what your business is doing during this time to stay open,or if you are a resident that would like to submit a photo and brief description of a positive Shop Local Pitt Meadows story, send to ertf@pittmeadows.ca and have your business and/or experience featured on The City of Pitt Meadows social media channels and webpage. 

• The Neighbourhood Small Grants (NSG) program, a partnership between the Vancouver Foundation and the City of Maple Ridge, is a great way to connect neighbours and build community. Neighbourhoods are not just a physical location; they are where we gather, connect and build strong relationships!  Responsive Neighbourhood Small Grants Application (NSG) provides grants of up to $500 for projects that connect people socially or involve sharing skills or talents with each other. Projects must stay within guidelines for physical distancing. Responsive NSG accepts applications on a rolling basis. Applications open Feb. 22 to April 30, 2021

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CITY OF MAPLE RIDGE. COVID-19 Information

COVID-19 UPDATES - LINKS FOR BUSINESSES 

HEALTH ORDER RESPONSIBILITIES - Who to Contact for Non-Compliance

WHO TO CALL

#SHOUTOUT - MAPLE RIDGE

CITY OF PITT MEADOWS. COVID-19 Information

PITT MEADOWS ECONOMIC RESILIENCY TASK FORCE

PITT MEADOWS LOCAL BUSINESS & SERVICES GUIDE

PITT MEADOWS SHOP LOCAL EXPERIENCE

 

CANADIAN CHAMBER: Preparedness, not panic, is the best way to mitigate the risks posed by a COVID-19 pandemic to the Canadian economy and our citizens” - The Canadian Chamber of Commerce: 

COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness for Business

CBRN.ca (Canadian Business Resilience Network)

RESOURCES FOR BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY COVID-19

Have questions about your current extended health plan or how to make an extended health plan work for you during this time?

Visit our website or give us a call at 604-463-8151 we’d be happy to help! 

AVANTI PLANNING

MAPLE RIDGE PITT MEADOWS NEWS - CORONAVIRUS

 

The Maple Ridge - Pitt Meadows News is happy to work with local businesses in their COVID-19 marketing and advertising plans whenever they are ready. We have developed an extensive Communication Strategy Plan for you during these trying times on both offline and online platforms, and we are happy to present it whenever you are ready to discuss via Zoom. As a local business and employer we understand the unprecedented times we are all having to navigate. Let us help you, we’re ready when you’re ready - contact Lisa Craik at 604-476-2728 or email her at lisa.craik@mapleridgenews.com for further details.

B.C. Business COVID-19 Support Service: 

Phone: 1-833-254-4357 / Email: covid@smallbusinessbc.ca

- COVID-19: Supports for Small Businesses in B.C - Download pdf

Business Continuity & COVID-19: Key Considerations for Small Businesses in B.C.

 

VIEW LISTINGS

 

ADD YOUR BUSINESS

 

 

COVID 19 Resources for BC Businesses

Planning for Coronavirus: A Guide for Businesses and Organizations

Coronavirus: Workplace and Employer Resources and Suggestions

marcdaltonmp.com

604-466-2761

marc.dalton@parl.gc.ca

Changes to BC’s Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant program:

Read the letter from MLA, Bob D'Eith

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bobdeith.ca

604-476-4530 (leave message)

bob.deith.mla@leg.bc.ca

BUSINESS SUPPORTS document

Provided by the office of Maple Ridge – Mission MLA, Bob D’Eith. We know that businesses in BC are hurting due to this pandemic. MLA D’Eith is committed to helping support businesses in Maple Ridge during this extraordinary time. If you would like more information on these supports, or a chance to discuss particular concerns with MLA D’Eith please reach us at 604 476 4530 (it’s very important to leave a message) or at bob.deith.mla@leg.bc.ca.

We encourage participation in active surveys as these are important opportunities to provide your feedback that will assist the government in making informed decisions. 

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Click the image to be taken to the survey. 

 

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Statistics Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce collaborated to launch the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions. Click Here to view the results.

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"Pulse Check" Survey 4 - Closed July 14th. LINK TO VANCOUVER SUN ARTICLE, July 16, 2020

"Pulse Check" Survey 3 - Closed May 15th. LINK TO VANCOUVER SUN ARTICLE, May 22, 2020

"Pulse Check" Survey 2 - Closed April 17th. LINK TO VANCOUVER SUN ARTICLE, April 21, 2020

"Pulse Check" Survey 1 - Closed April 1st.   LINK TO VANCOUVER SUN ARTICLE, April 3, 2020

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Survey Closed March 18th. LINK TO VANCOUVER SUN ARTICLE, MARCH 19, 2020

Thank you to all those who took the survey. The intelligence you shared is helping shape how government reacts to this pandemic crisis. The insights from the survey have been sent to both the federal and provincial government. 

Here’s the quick analysis:

• 90% of businesses are “currently being impacted by COVID-19”
• Of those impacted, 83% are seeing a “drop in revenue, business, or deal flow”
• 91% anticipate a further “decrease in revenue in the near-term” [sic]
• 73% of businesses expect their revenues will drop by 50% or more (with nearly a quarter saying revenues will drop by 100%)
• Half of the respondents say they will be “temporarily shutting down” their offices.
• 64% of respondents expect to reduce their staff by over half (with a quarter saying they will be reducing their staff by 100%)

NEWS RELEASE: CHCI (Canada Healthy Communities Initiative) - 

Community Foundations take part in new Healthy Communities Initiative