Weekly Update: November 27-December 3, 2020

Face Covering Requirements for Business

Every Operator of a Public Place or Public Vehicle is required to prominently display a sign, as provided by the City, so that it is visible to a person immediately upon, or immediately prior to, entering the Public Place or Public Vehicle. Failure to display signage may result in a penalty of $50. A business is not expected to evict a customer or refuse service to people who are not complying with the bylaw.

Bylaw #4637 Downloadable Sign (PDF)

Fast Track Permit (FTP) process

The City of Medicine Hat's new Fast Track Permit (FTP) process meant to reduce regulatory red tape and timelines for issuing a Building Permit for the construction of all new detached “Single Family Detached Dwellings”. The new FTP application process will ensure construction starts will not be delayed, while ensuring compliance is maintained with all provincial regulations. Read more.

Attracting private investment for public infrastructure

The Public-Private Partnership Framework and Guideline (P3 framework) and the Unsolicited Proposal Framework and Guideline (USP framework) will help Alberta’s government find alternative ways to build infrastructure, create jobs and stimulate the economy while making the most of limited taxpayer dollars. Read more.

Building roads to economic recovery

During the 2020 construction season, almost $1 billion was invested in more than 150 projects across Alberta. These projects will be built over the next few years and support more than 9,200 jobs. Read more.

Understanding the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations or charities that have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses up to 65% of eligible expenses, retroactively from September 27, 2020 until June 2021.  Qualifying organizations that are under a lockdown or have significantly limited 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%. This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords. The Canada Revenue Agency has shared useful infographics that can determine your actions and eligibility.

• Take a Look at the New CERS
• CERS: Got You Covered
• CERS: Here to Help
• Watch the recent webinar session here or register for the next one on December 9th

The CRA also encourages organizations who haven’t already done so to sign up for My Business Account or Represent a Client, as well as for Direct deposit. Please also refer to Protect yourself against fraud. Please visit the CERS webpages for updates.

Support for the Tourism and Hospitality Sectors

The Government of Canada announced additional COVID-19 funding support in its Fall Economic Statement 2020 yesterday. Businesses in highly-affected sectors like tourism will have access to additional funding through government-guaranteed financing, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF), support for workers in the live events and arts sector, and continued support for businesses. See details of new support for the tourism and hospitality sectors.

$55 million for Energy Savings for Business Program

Last month, the Government of Alberta announced up to $55 million in funding for Emission Reduction Alberta’s (ERA) new Energy Savings for Business Program. This program will help accelerate the uptake of commercially available energy efficiency technologies, leading to operational efficiencies and cost reductions for small and medium-sized industrial and commercial facilities. The program objectives are to stimulate investment, create jobs and address longer-term environmental sustainability priorities. You can find out more about receiving incentives through the program or becoming an eligible contractor by:

• Going to the Energy Savings for Business webpage
• Submitting an Expression of Interest (bottom of the page)
• Watching the informational Energy Savings for Business webinar recording from Nov. 25

Make A Change Canada’s GoRemoteNOW Program for Employees with Disabilities

The GoRemoteNow! program provides job-ready candidates and wage subsidies to Canadian employers. This national initiative is being offered to people who self-identify as living with a disability across Canada. Make A Change Canada is looking for employers who are interested in diversity and inclusion hiring to integrate and complete their teams. There are many benefits to the program including a full wage subsidy for the employer for full-time, part-time and contract positions (for up to 25 weeks or until March 31, 2021) along with the opportunity for interested candidates to engage in meaningful employment. Other benefits include access to an untapped talent pool, mentorship, home office set-up and retrofits for employees, training, support for employers including possible retrofits, and ongoing follow-up and support from Make A Change Canada’s team of remote professionals. In these changing times, we need to think differently and this is a way for business to add diversity and inclusion to their teams. Reach out to www.anycareer.ca/employers or 1-888-927-7473 Ext 3 to learn more.

View the fact sheet here.

Department of Finance Releases Draft Legislative Proposals for Employee Life and Health Trusts

Revised draft legislative proposals for the Income Tax Act were released that would:

• facilitate the conversion of existing Health and Welfare Trusts into Employee Life and Health Trusts before 2022;
• amend the existing Employee Life and Health Trust tax rules to allow what are currently Health and Welfare Trust arrangements to continue to operate in a manner similar to that in which they currently operate; and
• relax the current restrictions that apply to the participation of “key employees”.

Details on the proposed tax changes can be located here.

Start Up Energy Transition Award 2021 Applications for Global Competition Open

The Start Up Energy Transition Award is an international competition for start-ups and young companies worldwide who are working on ideas affecting global energy transition and climate change. What's in it for start-ups? Apply now for your chance to become one of the top 100 energy start-ups of 2021, a cash prize, access to the SET Global Network (400+ Start-ups), pitch training and much more! For more details on the program, watch this video. Deadline to apply: Jan 31, 2021 Click to apply.

Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge

The Cisco Global Problem Solver Challenge aims to recognize new business ideas that leverage technology for social impact from entrepreneurs around the world. This year's $1,000,000 USD prize pool will help accelerate the adoption of breakthrough technology, products, and services that drive economic development and/or solve social or environmental problems. Apply now.

Funding Opportunity: New Photonic Quantum Technology Challenge

The National Research Council of Canada is looking for a solution that will help it detect and distinguish photon number states for the development of photonic quantum technologies. The deadline to apply is January 19, 2021.