Weekly Update: August 21-27, 2020
Supports for Business
August extension for CECRA for small businesses is now available
The August extension is based on the existing program parameters for the April, May and June period. No new documents are needed to opt-in. Not all tenants in the original application need to be included in the request for the July and/or August extension. Property owners can only opt-in once and no new tenants can be added. The deadline to submit an extension is September 14, 2020. If a property owner has not yet submitted their application or is still creating it, the deadline to submit new applications that include the July and/or August extension is August 31, 2020. Learn more.
Looking for a Side Hustle?
Futurpreneur Canada supports young entrepreneurs with up to $60,000* in financing, an expert business mentor for up to two years, and resources to help you plan, manage and grow your business.
- Side Hustle Program - Side hustling entrepreneurs ages 18 to 39 may be eligible for up to $15,000 in loan financing to support the launch and growth of their side business. Entrepreneurs are also matched with a business mentor who can help the entrepreneur navigate the first two years of business.
Cooperative Investment Program: Intake 2 September 1-30, 2020
The Cooperative Investment Program is to assist tourism operators and regions across Alberta to RESTART consumer marketing activities and aid in the development of traveler products, experiences, and packaging in a COVID-19 travel environment. Main intent with the revised program is to assist businesses in developing and delivering experiences in a COVID-19 travel environment, stimulate revenue to tourism businesses, get Albertans back to work and inspire pride of place in local communities and the province.
Business Link Resilient Recovery Program
The Resilient Recovery Program will help Alberta entrepreneurs get their businesses back on their feet, and help position them to mitigate the effects of any future business interruptions. Business owners will receive four hours of one-on-one coaching from experts in disaster recovery and will develop tools and strategies that they can apply to their operations immediately and to any emergencies that arise in the future.
Alberta builds stronger softwood lumber case
The World Trade Organization (WTO) panel responsible for reviewing the softwood lumber dispute has released its final report with findings highly favourable to Canada. More information
Fish Harvester Benefit and Fish Harvester Grant now open for applications
Today the Fish Harvester Benefit and Grant Program is open to self-employed fish harvesters wishing to apply. The application period will be open from August 24 through to September 21, 2020. Harvesters interested in applying should go to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada website.
Statistics Canada Releases Second Quarter 2020 Financial Statistics For Enterprises
In the second quarter, Canadian corporations reported a decline of 8.0% in net income before taxes, a decrease of $4.5 billion, to $52.3 billion. Operating revenue declined 11.6% to $940 billion during the quarter, with the decrease amplified by compounding weeks of confinement followed by a gradual reopening. These numbers reflect the very serious challenges that Canadian businesses are facing and underscore the need for a pro-growth agenda. More information
The Canada Post Small Business Tales Of Triumph Contest Is Still Open To Small Businesses!
The Small Business Tales of Triumph Contest is an opportunity for small businesses to share their stories of perseverance, grit and determination for a chance to win prizes worth up to $15,000. Entering the contest is easy: small businesses can simply share their story by August 31, 2020 for a chance to win. Enter today
Contact CRA
CRA is back up and running, but if you do need to call, you can reach them at 1-833-966-2099 to speak to an agent about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), or Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Businesses can reach the CRA through their Business Inquires line 1-800-959-5525.
Supports for Individuals
Shop or dine local August 28-30 for a chance to win* one of 25 $10,000 cash prizes.
Local businesses need your business, now more than ever. And when you give them your business, you could earn a chance to win big money. Here’s how it works.
- Shop or dine local at eligible businesses, August 28, 29 and 30
- Select “Enter Contest” below to complete a simple entry form that includes your name, contact info, and confirmation that you’ve made an eligible purchase
- We will conduct a random draw after the contest ends
- If you’re selected, we’ll contact you to confirm your purchase and verify eligibility
And if you win, we’ll celebrate together! Contest opens August 28.
Post Secondary Projects Create Jobs
Universities, colleges and polytechnics received an extra $98 million to restore learning spaces and get hundreds of Albertans back to work. Over the past month, Alberta’s government rolled out funding for 12 projects at 10 post-secondary institutions. These projects range from large-scale redevelopment and expansion of existing buildings, to upgrading mechanical and electrical systems and replacing cooling and heating infrastructure. More information
New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada
Visitors who are currently in Canada and have a valid job offer will be able to apply for an employer-specific work permit and, if approved, receive the permit without having to leave the country. This temporary policy change takes effect immediately. More information
Responding to immediate Indigenous mental wellness demands during the COVID-19 pandemic
The government announced $82.5 million in mental health and wellness supports to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improving access and addressing growing demand, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Community Supports and Resources
Alberta Fiscal Update
The first quarter report for 2020-21 forecasts Alberta’s deficit at $24.2 billion after the devastating economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and oil price crash. Watch the update
Community Foundation Grant application goes online
As of September 1st, all organizations will be required to submit applications through an online platform. The virtual Fall 2020 Grant Writing Workshop will be August 31st from 12:00-1:00 pm via zoom! Please email niki@cfsea.ca by August 30th to receive the link to join!
Changes to Alberta’s Cabinet
Doug Schweitzer has moved from Justice and Solicitor General to serve as Minister of Jobs, Economy and Innovation. Kaycee Madu has moved from Municipal Affairs to serve as the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General. Tracy Allard, MLA for Grande Prairie, will be the new Minister of Municipal Affairs. More information
New Provincial Cancer Therapy Announced
Albertans with specific types of leukemia and lymphoma will soon have access in Calgary and Edmonton to a $15-million provincial cancer therapy program, commonly known as CAR T-cell therapy. More information
Crestwood Recreation Centre Reopening Delayed
The Crestwood Recreation Centre, originally scheduled to reopen this fall, has been delayed as part of the City’s review of safely reopening facility operations. More information
Seniors Consultation Helps Identify Priority Program Areas in Medicine Hat
A report on a community consultation process to help shape priority program areas and future service offering for seniors in Medicine Hat was shared at today’s Public Services Committee meeting. The consultation process explored the overarching question: How can we better support older adults to be active, connected and age well in the community – now and into the future? More information
Transit Updating Single Ride Fare, September Passes Now Available
Beginning Tuesday, September 1, Medicine Hat Transit (MHT) will be increasing single ride fare to $2.00 per passenger following a successful return to non-essential travel. Transfers will continue to be unavailable until further notice, as well as the sale and use of MHT tickets. More information
Prime Minister announces support for a safe return to school
The Prime Minister announced up to $2 billion in support for provinces and territories through the Safe Return to Class Fund. This will provide the complementary funding they need, as they work alongside local school boards to ensure the safety of students and staff members throughout the school year.
Government of Canada provides support for a safe return to First Nations schools on reserves
The government announced $112 million to support a safe return to elementary and secondary schools on reserves.
Advocacy
Canadian Chamber Launches National ‘Our Restaurants’ Campaign
The Canadian Chamber has launched OurRestaurants.ca, a campaign dedicated to sharing stories and updates of one of the hardest hit industries by the pandemic. With the support of 14 food service businesses, representing more than 60 brands, we are putting a spotlight on the current situation faced by Canada’s restaurants amidst COVID-19 — high costs, fewer customers and government programs that are ill equipped for the unique, long-term challenges confronting the industry — and are urging governments to take measures to ensure their survival.
Canadian Chamber Welcomes Federal Funding To Support Safe, Full-Time Return To School Policies
We welcomed Wednesday’s announcement by the Government of Canada to provide more than $2 billion in funding to help provinces and territories reopen their schools safely. Read the statement
New Resources
All You Need to Know: The Canada Wage Subsidy - Version 2.0
The federal government recently made significant changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. The new CEWS rules, (referred to as CEWS 2.0 in this article) are effective beginning July 5, 2020. The application deadline for the CEWS program has also been extended until January 31, 2021. Read more.
Futureproofing Your Business With BDC
Across the country we see many examples of business resilience, but in difficult times the way ahead isn’t always clear. Read our latest blog from the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) to learn the importance of continuing to plan for the future while looking at ways to adapt in order to remain resilient post-COVID-19.
Featured Webinars
MNP: Supporting Your Workforce During a Pandemic: Employment Law and HR Considerations
Businesses everywhere are facing new challenges as they get their operations back on track and their employees back to work. If you manage a workforce and want to learn more about the impacts businesses are facing and solutions to address them, this webinar is for you. Watch on Demand.
Exit Planning 101 Masterclass
During this 16 week program receive instructional lessons, workbooks and templates for how to draft your written Exit Plan. Gain clarity on the journey toward a sale and learn how to prepare yourself and your business to be operated by your successor. This online program is results driven & designed with small groups, confidentiality, workbooks & exercises and paired accountability partners. Register Now
September 10, 12:30 P.M. ET | Presentation And Q&A With Tiff Macklem, Governor Of The Bank of Canada
We are hosting the Governor of the Bank of Canada, Tiff Macklem, for the Bank of Canada’s Economic Progress Report. The event will take place on September 10 at 12:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on the Bank of Canada’s website. Register now
September 1, 2020: Leveraging The SDGs To Achieve A Sustainable And Competitive Canadian Economy Post-COVID-19
We have partnered with Competent Boards and Global Compact Network Canada to engage board members and executives delivering the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development through a series of online panel discussions about natural resources and sustainable growth . Register here
Surveys and Consultations
Aluminum Tariff Countermeasures Consultation
In response to the United States’ tariffs on Canadian aluminum, the federal government has launched a consultation on proposed retaliatory tariff measures. Given the impact on Canadian businesses, we will be holding a briefing with Finance Canada officials on Tuesday, September 1 at 2:00 p.m. ET. If you are interested in participating, please contact Mark Agnew.
Consultation on 5G Services in Canada
The government has launched a consultation on repurposing the 3800 MHz spectrum band to support 5G services. This consultation will enable new technologies, in turn leading to the creation of good jobs and innovative products and services for Canadians.
UN Private Sector Consultation on Integrity
ICC has been closely tracking the UN’s High-Level Panel on International Financial Accountability, Transparency and Integrity (FACTI) since it launched in February 2020. The FACTI Secretariat has extended an invitation for ICC members to participate in an anonymous survey to understand private sector views on financial accountability, transparency and integrity issues.
Upcoming Webinars
September 1: Natural Resources and Sustainable Growth. Register here
September 10: Presentation And Q&A With Tiff Macklem, Governor Of The Bank of Canada. Register by Emailing the Canadian Chamber.
November 5: Mental Health S.O.S. Register here.