NEWS RELEASE FEB. 22, 2021 / FLYER
The Work Experience Opportunities Grant helps vulnerable British Columbians impacted by COVID-19. The grant supports a sustainable, resilient and inclusive post-pandemic labour market recovery by providing opportunities for up to 2,000 individuals to increase their ability to participate in the labour market.
Grants are available to businesses and organizations to deliver 12 weeks of work experience throughout the province. Applications are being accepted until midnight on March 8, 2021.
CRA:
Work from home during the pandemic? Here’s what you need to know for tax season
Posted February 10, 2021 1:46 pm
GOVERNMENT OF BC:
Key changes include:
GOVERNMENT OF CANADA:
Go to the eligibility criteria for:
RRRF Women’s Enterprise Initiative Stream
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
Applications Open: Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
If you are eligible for the base subsidy, you may also be eligible for lockdown support if your business location is significantly affected by a public health order for a week or more.
Nov. 23, 2020 - Applications Open: Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (One-page breakdown - image)
* MASK REQUIREMENTS / SOCIAL GATHERINGS & EVENTS
“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.
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.
- Operating a business in the Fraser Health Authority during the COVID-19 pandemic VIEW LETTER
Get the latest information from the Public Health Agency of Canada about COVID-19
WorkSafeBC releases industry-specific guidance for next phase of restart
Re: COVID-19: Support for workplaces resuming operation VIEW LETTER - LINK to Additional Information
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.
Key changes include:
The B.C. government has enhanced the Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program to make it easier for businesses to qualify. Businesses impacted by the pandemic will now be eligible to receive a grant up to $30,000, there are also grants of up to $45,000 for those hardest-hit businesses in the tourism sector. New eligibility criteria and a simplified application process have also been put in place.
Small and medium-sized businesses are vital to BC’s economy. The Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program provides fully-funded grants to businesses to ensure they have the support they need during & beyond COVID-19.
Last updated: October 23, 2020
On this page:
The Small and Medium-Sized Business Recovery Grant program will invest up to $300 million in targeted financial support for some of the hardest hit businesses in B.C. that employ between two and 149 B.C. residents and have experienced declines in revenue since March 10, 2020.
Grants of $10,000 to $30,000 are available. An additional $5,000 to $10,000 grant is available to eligible tourism-related businesses that have been hit especially hard by COVID-19.
The program runs until March 31, 2021 or until the funds are fully allocated, whichever comes first.
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)
Changes to CEWS as of January 6, 2021:
(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
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.
Go to the eligibility criteria for:
RRRF Women’s Enterprise Initiative Stream
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
Deadline is March 31, 2021
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:
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.
Dec. 1, 2020: COVID-19 recovery programs to support farmers
Nov. 23, 2020 - Applications Open: Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (One-page breakdown - image)
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.
B.C. taking further action to support essential service providers during pandemic
Claiming Home Office Expenses for Canadians working from home due to the COVID-19 pandemic
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.
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:
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
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we have created a website to allow customers to purchase gift certificates for local, independent businesses in British Columbia. This helps us support our community, encourage social distancing, and will allow businesses to maintain some cash flow while we tackle this incredibly difficult situation.
The buyer gets an order confirmation email which has a unique order number and also serves as their gift certificate. This includes the business name and the amount. The buyer will print it off and bring it to you (once we're in the clear from the pandemic). On the back end, you will have access to our business portal powered by Duoplane to manage and redeem gift certificates in real-time. You do not need to issue your own gift certificates. It would be best to keep track of the balance for partially redeemed gift certificate through the business portal. We use a service called WayPay to send weekly direct deposit payments for the gift certificates sold in the previous seven days. Please note: There is no charge to your business - you will receive the full value of the gift certificates purchased.
Buy Holiday gifts locally on BC Marketplace
Support small businesses by finding gift ideas, products and services in the BC Marketplace
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.
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:
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!
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.
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.
Click the image to be taken to the survey.
Statistics Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce collaborated to launch the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions. Click Here to view the results.
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.
The Chamber of Commerce serving Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows acknowledges the
Katzie First Nation and Kwantlen First Nation on whose traditional unceded territories, Chamber activities take place.
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