Daily COVID-19 Update: May 25, 2020

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance now open for applications

Applications are now being accepted for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. Over the course of the program, property owners will reduce rent by at least 75 per cent for the months of April and May (retroactive), and June, for their small business tenants. CECRA will cover 50 per cent of the rent, with the tenant paying up to 25 per cent and the property owner forgiving at least 25 per cent. 

As of today, applications will be accepted through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) website. The CMHC expects a large number of applications. To manage this volume, the intake of applications will be staggered based on the size and location of the commercial property. Property owners can submit their applications according to the following timetable: 

• Monday, May 25: Property owners who are located in Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec, with up to 10 tenants who are eligible for the program.
• Tuesday, May 26: Property owners who are located in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the Territories, with up to 10 tenants who are eligible for the program.
• Wednesday, May 27: All other property owners in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario, and the Territories.
• Thursday, May 28: All other property owners in Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec.
• Friday, May 29: All property owners across Canada.

This program is for small business tenants that are paying less than $50,000 per month in gross rent, with annual consolidated revenues of less than $2 million, and that have experienced at least a 70 per cent drop in pre-COVID-19 revenues. It will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.

Give Feedback on Commercial Rent Challenges

Tenants and landlords can fill out an online survey to help gauge any challenges they may be experiencing while working together to develop a payment schedule, paying their rent, or meeting other financial obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Survey results will give government further insight into the types of issues businesses and landlords are experiencing and whether they have been able to access available supports. These insights will aid in determining whether additional measures are needed to support businesses struggling to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. The online survey, including alternative methods of submitting feedback by email or phone, can be found on the Commercial tenancy support feedback page.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund Applications Now Open

The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund provides funding to support businesses that have not been approved for supports through the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) or the Emergency Loan Program delivered through Aboriginal Financial Institutions. Find program details and eligible uses for loan funding here . Use the application portal to apply now.

Coming Soon: Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund

Applications are opening Monday, June 1 for our Canadian Business Resilience Network Small Business Relief Fund. We are offering grants to Canadian small businesses that have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a lifeline and support their resilience. These grants are possible through the generosity of Salesforce (NYSE:CRM) and will be offered as a one-time payment of $10,000 to 62 businesses across the country. Applications will be accepted from June 1 to June 12, 2020. 

Bargaining with Unions and Statutory Freeze

As many collective agreements in the province are set to expire, employers' attention is going to shift from the day to day management of their business or organization to the bargaining table. During bargaining it is not uncommon for many employers to re-assess how they best organize their organization in the most efficient ways possible. Read more.

The Business Resilience Service Hotline

The Business Resilience Service (BRS) allows small- to medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits and charities to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate to support them and their recovery.

The program, delivered free of charge, provides: 

• Guidance on COVID-19 financial support program options and eligibility
• Direction on accessing the most appropriate support organizations
• Help to make decisions to support recovery plans
• Real time insights and feedback to policymakers

To access the BRS call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8am – 8pm ET (5am – 5pm PT).

MNP COVID-19 Planning Tips for Workplace Re-Entry

While organizations are anxious to get employees back into the workplace, determining who will return and when is a complex

process. It’s important to consider health authority guidelines, local government requirements, sector issues, job-specific risks

and landlord policies — and ensure employees feel safe returning to work. The areas outlined by MNP can help ensure you are

addressing the key requirements for an effective re-entry into the workplace.

Global Trade Alliance COVID-19 Resource Hub

The Covid-19 outbreak has highlighted the vital importance of smooth, efficient trade in getting essential goods such as medical supplies, to those who need them. To help you stay informed, the Alliance Covid-19 hub brings together useful resources on the pandemic in one place and provides tips on how to keep essential goods moving in these challenging times. 

Tip from the American Water Works Association

Before you reopen, has water been stagnant in your building? As water sits stagnant in pipes and tanks within buildings, water quality issues can arise. That means the stale water should be flushed out of buildings before they re-open. Read more