Daily COVID-19 Update: June 19, 2020

Applications For Expanded Canada Emergency Business Accounts (CEBA) Are NOT Available Today

Please note that the applications for the CEBA expansion, which the government had indicated would become available today, are in fact not available. The Finance Minister tweeted the news late Thursday, indicating the government is working to launch as quickly as possible. At the time of this writing, a new launch date has not been provided. 

Emergency Support Fund For Heritage Organizations: Museums Assistance Program

The Museums Assistance Program (MAP) - COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Heritage Organizations provides financial assistance to organizations, apply here. Not-for-profits, Indigenous and museums owned by municipalities or universities may be eligible. More information 

New hazard allowance for Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on  COVID-19 frontlines

The Exceptional Hazard Allowance has been amended to compensate Canadian Armed Forces members who are deployed in COVID-19 risk environments. 

Eligible Canadian Armed Forces members deployed on Operation LASER, and the domestic portion of Operation GLOBE, who were/are at risk of exposure to COVID-19 due to their duties, will receive the allowance. The $78 per day allowance is retroactive to when they commenced their duties, and will be in effect until September 30, 2020. More information

Investing in the Future of Youth With Green Jobs in the Natural Resources Sectors

Today, government announced $15.8 million to create green jobs and training opportunities for Canadian youth in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the energy, forestry, mining, earth sciences and clean technology sectors. The funding is part of the $9-billion Government of Canada COVID-19 response for students announced by the Prime Minister on April 22, 2020. Organizations will provide 500 green job internships, ranging from six to 12 months in length, for youth to gain valuable on-the-job experience and explore careers in the natural resources sectors. Apply here

Infrastructure Grants to Municipalities

The Government of Alberta has awarded $200 million in grants to municipalities across the province to upgrade local bridges, roads and community airports and make improvements to water supply and treatment facilities. The additional grant funding will support about 1,800 jobs in communities across Alberta. About $50 million in additional STIP funding will go to municipalities across Alberta to support 69 projects and about 480 jobs. The program funds bridge improvements, upgrades to resource roads and community airports and other municipal initiatives.

Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund

The Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta was allocated just over $363,000 for the Government of Canada’s Emergency Community Support Fund to support charities in need who are serving vulnerable populations across Southeast Alberta. The ECSF is an opportunity to make sure we are not leaving any Canadians behind during COVID-19. Many different types of projects are eligible for funding with a maximum ask of $40,000. Registered charities and other “qualified donees” can apply through community foundations for projects that:

1. Address a well-being need caused by COVID-19;
2. Serve one or more vulnerable groups such as seniors, persons with disabilities, veterans, newcomers, refugees, women, children and youth, LGBTQ2 people, Indigenous people and racialized people, such as Black Canadians and others.
3. Will be completed before March 31, 2021.

The ECSF is being distributed to organizations through Community Foundations, United Ways and the Canadian Red Cross. Applicants can apply to more than one of these partners if the projects that you are applying for are different. For the applicant guide and to apply, please visit: https://cfsea.ca/news/emergency-community-support-fund/

Covid-19 Response Fund For SE Alberta – Open

The COVID-19 response fund would not have been made possible without community supporters, donors, volunteers, the City of Medicine Hat, the Government of Alberta and proceeds from the Stay-at-Home Gala. Applications to this fund are open and will be reviewed on a weekly basis over the coming months to ensure funds can be distributed to agencies as soon as possible. Grants will be made based on alignment to a priority focus area (see below); services to vulnerable populations and to areas that have not received funding through private, corporate, provincial, or federal funding initiatives.

PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS: 

• Food Security 
• Shelter 
• Healthcare (physical and mental health)

To apply: https://cfsea.ca/covid-19/. For more information or questions, contact Niki niki@cfsea.ca  

Ross Glen Towne Centre, Saamis Rotary Park Spray Parks Open June 2 and Additional City facilities reopening week of July 6

Effective Saturday, June 20, the spray parks in both the Ross Glen Towne Centre and Saamis Rotary Park will be operating for public use. The park washrooms at both locations will be open with safety protocols in place. The City will reopen select recreation facilities and arenas, with modified availability, beginning the week of July 6, including:

• Hill Pool
• Strathcona Pool
• Family Leisure Centre (FLC) Cenovus Arena & South Country Co-Op Fitness Centre

The Family Leisure Centre will reopen in a staggered approach, with additional amenities tentative reopening staggered through the last three weeks of July, including:

• Kinsmen Aquatic Park
• Gymnasium
• Field House

Park washrooms in high-traffic areas are also reopening this weekend while the City continues to review other amenities, including Crestwood Recreation Centre and Echo Dale swim lake.

Information about registering for swimming lessons, admission and bookings will be available on the City website prior to the reopening of the facilities. As a reminder, community parks, playground equipment, trail systems, court spaces, and campground facilities are available for your use and enjoyment.

#YXH2Gether

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“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

– Christopher Reeve

For more resources visit our COVID-19 page