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Resources for Business Contingency
Planning in Response to COVID-19
Table of Contents Programs At A Glance ......................................................................................................................... 4
8
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses .................. 8
Support for businesses ...................................................................................................................... 9
Support for Canadians .................................................................................................................... 11
Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents................................................................ 11
Longer-Term Income Support for Workers ............................................................................... 12
Income Support for Individuals Who Need It Most ................................................................... 12
Flexibility for Taxpayers ............................................................................................................ 13
Role of Financial Institutions ..................................................................................................... 14
Mortgage Default Management Tools ....................................................................................... 14
Supporting Canadian Business through the Canada Account .................................................... 15
Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes ...................................................................................... 15
Ensuring Businesses Have Access to Credit .............................................................................. 15
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Toolkit for Reopening Canadian Businesses .............................. 16
Special Goods and Services Tax Credit Payment.............................................................................. 16
Extra Time to File Income Tax Returns ............................................................................................ 17
Indigenous Community Support Fund............................................................................................... 22
Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs for the Greater Toronto Area ........................................ 23
The Community Economic Development Centre of Thunder Bay ................................................... 24
BDC’s Co-Lending Program during COVID-19 ............................................................................... 25
Ontario Orders the Mandatory Closure of All Non-Essential Workplaces to Fight Spread of
COVID-19 ......................................................................................................................................... 25
List of Essential Services ................................................................................................................... 25
Calling all suppliers – Help Canada combat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) ............................... 25
Public Services and Procurement Canada .................................................................................. 26
Ontario Together: help fight Coronavirus ......................................................................................... 27
WSIB COVID-19 RESPONSE ......................................................................................................... 28
Continued Support for Workers Receiving WSIB Benefits Prior to COVID-19 .......................... 28
Support for Workers Contracting COVID-19 on the Job .............................................................. 28
Businesses: WSIB financial relief package ....................................................................................... 29
More information ........................................................................................................................... 30
Farm Credit Canada -COVID-19 support program ........................................................................... 30
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit ................................................................................. 31
Eastern Ontario Specific COVID-19 Resources................................................................................ 34
City of Ottawa ................................................................................................................................ 34
City of Pembroke ............................................................................................................................ 40
The City of Peterborough ............................................................................................................... 42
Covid 19 Municipal actions – North Eastern Ontario ....................................................................... 43
Sault Ste Marie ............................................................................................................................... 43
White River .................................................................................................................................... 43
Hornepayne .................................................................................................................................... 43
Dubreuilville................................................................................................................................... 44
Wawa .............................................................................................................................................. 44
Timmins ......................................................................................................................................... 44
Cochrane......................................................................................................................................... 44
Kirkland Lake ................................................................................................................................. 44
Temiskaming Shores ...................................................................................................................... 44
Temagami ....................................................................................................................................... 44
North Bay ....................................................................................................................................... 44
Sudbury .......................................................................................................................................... 45
Enhancing the Reaching Home initiative .......................................................................................... 45
ODSP Supports .................................................................................................................................. 48
Senior Support ................................................................................................................................... 48
Canada Emergency Student Benefit .................................................................................................. 48
Student Support and Recent Graduate ............................................................................................... 48
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) ............................................................................................................. 51
Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centers .................................................................. 52
Financial Support if You Are Outside of Canada .............................................................................. 55
References.......................................................................................................................................... 57
Programs At A Glance COVID 19 CARE PACKAGE:
Canadian Government Support & Other
Resources for Businesses
This section prepared by Export Help
Updated April 6th, 2020 as of 2:30 PM
ONTARIO
The Coronavirus (COVID-19) is a rapidly evolving global challenge. In addition to the health
risks posed to Canadians by COVID-19, businesses operations and supply chains are particularly
vulnerable as the disease spreads across borders. In response to COVID-19, federal, provincial
and municipal government departments and agencies have launched a series funding programs,
supports, resources and other announcements meant to assist Canadian businesses and their
employees during this difficult time. EDC’s Export Help Team has assembled the following care
package of information on the many new and revised programs and supports available to
Canadian businesses, as well as other critical advisories relating to trade and travel.
FEDERAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
• Canada’s COVID-19’s Economic Response Plan is the Government of Canada’s set of
immediate, significant and decisive economic measures to help stabilize the economy and
provide support to Canadian workers and businesses. These measures include:
o Measures to Support Workers and Help Avoid Layoffs:
Temporary wage subsidies:
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would apply at a rate of 75% of the first $58,700
normally earned by employees – representing a benefit of up to $847 per week, for qualifying
businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Eligible employers who suffer a
drop in gross revenues of at least 30% in March, April or May, when compared to the same
month in 2019, would be able to access the subsidy by applying through the Canada Revenue
Agency’s My Business Account portal as well as a web-based application. More details about
the application process will be made available shortly on the CRA’s website.
• Those organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may
continue to qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 10% of remuneration paid
from March 18 to before June 20, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and
$25,000 per employer. Eligible small businesses do not need to apply for this subsidy, and will
be able to benefit immediately from this support by reducing their remittances of income tax
withheld on their employees’ remuneration. Businesses also do not need to demonstrate a
30% drop in revenue in order to qualify. The CRA has put together an FAQ detailing the
eligibility criteria for this subsidy, how to calculate and deduct, and other related information.
Employment and Social Development Canada is responsible for managing
and delivering programs related to employee protection & benefits and
workplace safety, that will help minimize the impact of COVID-19 - help
employers and employees avoid layoffs and prevent the spread of COVID-
19 in the workplace. Some of the programs include:
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) with CRA we will
provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months
to qualified workers: people facing unemployment, people who are
sick, quarantined, or in directed self-isolation, and people who are
unable to work. This new measure has replaced the previously
announced Emergency Care Benefit and the Emergency Support
Benefit.
• The Work-Sharing Program (WSP) helps avoid layoffs when there
is a temporary decrease in business activity beyond the control of
the employer. The program provides EI benefits to eligible
employees who agree to reduce their normal working hours
and share the available work while their employer recovers. The
WS has been extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks to help
employers who are experiencing a downturn in business due to
COVID-19, and their workers.
• For the benefit of your business and workers, you are encouraged
to contact Service Canada at 1-800-OCanada (1-800-622-6232)
for more information on additional government support available
to you.
o More flexibility to Pay:
Income Taxes: Deferral of income tax payments for businesses owing on or after
March 18 until August 31, 2020. Please see the CRA page Income tax filing and
payment dates: CRA and COVID-19 for more details.
Sales Tax and Customs Duties: Deferral of GST/HST Remittance and
Customs Duty Payments until June 30, 2020. Please refer to the CRA’s
FAQs for deferral of GST/HST Tax Remittances (COVID-19 measures)
for more details.
o Extended Access to Credit for Businesses:
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) - in cooperation with
Export Development Canada (EDC) and Business Development Bank of
Canada (BDC), financial institutions will provide additional additional
financial support to help Canadian companies facing challenges as a result
of the COVID-19 crisis. This program includes:
• Canada Emergency Business Account - a new loan program that
will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to eligible small
businesses, to help cover their operating costs during a period
where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.
• A New Loan Guarantee for SMEs – in cooperation with EDC,
financial institutions will issue new operating credit and cash
flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to eligible SMEs in export
sector and domestic operations.
• A New Co-Lending Program for SMEs - in cooperation with BDC,
financial institutions will co-lend term loans to eligible SMEs for
their operational cash flow requirements.
o Supporting Financial Market Liquidity, and other measures.
• Employment and Social Development Canada is responsible for managing and delivering
programs related to employee protection and benefits, as well as workplace safety, that
will help minimize the impact of COVID-19 - help employers and employees avoid
layoffs and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the workplace. o For the benefit of your
business and workers, you are encouraged to contact Service Canada at 1-800-OCanada
(1-800-622-6232) for more information on additional government support available to
you.
• FedDev Ontario (Southern Ontario region) is Canada’s regional economic development
agency (RDA) monitoring the COVID-19 global challenge and the potential impact it
could have on business and workers, as well as the broader economy. o The RDAs can
assist SMEs or organizations affected by the impact of COVID-19 with access to federal
funding to help you stay in business, advice and pathfinding service to other federal
programs and support. Please refer to this Info Sheet for more information.
o For assistance, please contact FedDev Ontario directly.
• FedNor (Northern Ontario region) is Canada’s regional economic development agency
(RDA) monitoring the COVID-19 global challenge and the potential impact it could have
on business and workers, as well as the broader economy. o The RDAs can assist SMEs
or organizations affected by the impact of COVID-19 with access to federal funding to
help you stay in business, advice and pathfinding service to other federal programs
and support. Please refer to this Info Sheet for more information. o For assistance,
please contact FedNor officers by selecting the nearest location to your business or
organization.
REGIONAL SUPPORT PROGRAMS
• Ontario Government has launched the Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to
COVID‑19 which among other measures includes direct support for employees and
businesses in Ontario. These measures include but not limited to:
o Support for businesses:
5-month Interest and Penalty Relief for Ontario businesses who are unable to
file or remit select provincial taxes on time;
Education property tax remittance deferral for 90 days;
WCB payments deferral for up to six months; o Support for workers:
Job-protected leave: amendments to the provincial employment legislation to
provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine, or those
who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or
daycare closures due to the COVID‑19 outbreak.
• The Ontario Together Fund helps companies retool, build capacity or adopt the
technological changes needed to produce supplies and equipment for hospitals, long-term
care homes and other critical public services.
o To learn more about this fund visit Ontario Together Fund - Press
Release o For help to make an online submission contact 1-
888-777-0554.
• The province of Ontario has launched a toll-free line to provide support to Ontario
businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order. Call 1-888-
444-3659.
• The City of Toronto o The Toronto Mayor’s Economic Support and Recovery Task Force
was launched to help protect Toronto’s economic success in the wake of the COVID-19
pandemic. The immediate measures include extended grace period for property tax
payments and utility bills for businesses, employee protection measures, and other.
o See a complete list of all Economic Support & Recovery for Business o You can
contact the City of Toronto for more information at [email protected].
• The City of Vaughan o Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua has launched the Vaughan Business
Action Plan to safeguard the city’s local economy and support small-business owners
impacted by COVID-19. The plan includes support for enhancing the movement of
goods; improving business ground transportation; and maintaining small-business
services.
o For up to date information and a list of business resources please visit
vaughan.ca/business
o You can contact Vaughan’s Economic and Cultural Development at
[email protected] or by phone at 905-832-8526.
BUSINESS PREPAREDNESS
The following guides will help your business prepare for and manage through a potential COVID-
19 escalation in Canada:
• Business travel and movement of goods: o Please refer to the Government of Canada’s Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): Travel
Advice, which lists an official global travel advisory in effect: Avoid non-essential
travel outside Canada until further notice. o However, there are exemptions for workers who are essential to the movement of
goods, people and providing critical services (e.g. healthy workers in the trade and
transportation sector, healthy people who have to cross the border to go to work, etc.). o
U.S. Travel: On March 18, 2020 Canada and the United States agreed to temporarily restrict
non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. border. These restrictions however
will not affect trade, or workers involved in essential work, since preserving
supply chains is critical for both countries. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security also publishes information on
COVID-19 travel restrictions which includes details on the US-Canada
restrictions for non-essential travel.
• Business continuity planning:
o A guide to Business Continuity Planning by Canadian Centre for Occupational
Health and Safety (CCOHS) describes how an organization will continue to
function during or after some kind of emergency, disaster or event. It involves
planning how your key services or products can be continued, and the recovery of
key business and systems. o The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has a guide on
Pandemic Preparedness for Business, which is compiled based on best practice
documents and designed to assist business planning and continuity efforts.
o BDC has a guide for Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs.
See also their guide on 8 steps for planning your emergency and disaster
plan.
• Supply Chain Management:
o You can also find useful guides on supply chain management in these difficult
times arising from COVID-19 in the guides published by Deloitte on Managing
Supply Chain Risk and Disruption and by PWC on COVID-19: Operations and
supply chain disruption.
SUPPORT FOR EXPORTERS
The resources below will help explain how Canadian exporters can be prepared to take on the risk
of doing business in rapidly changing international markets due to COVID-19:
• The Trade Commissioner Service is committed to supporting Canadian exporters and the
free flow of goods and services across our international borders and has dedicated a page
to COVID-19 and Canada’s international trade that combines resources to help exporters
navigate through these challenges.
• EDC has released a number of trade highlights, articles and webinars to help exporters
navigate business risks and impacts of COVID-19 when doing business internationally. o
See for instance our recent webinar on Coronavirus (COVID-19): Managing the impact
on global supply chains, which, together with the article How to manage business risk
during the COVID-19 crisis, provides information on how the coronavirus is affecting
global trade and how your company can be protected.
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and
Businesses From: Department of Finance Canada
*All information derived directly from the Government of Canada website; citation to follow.
Support for businesses
*For more information regarding each of the following programs visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html#businesses
Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy
Extending the Work-Sharing program
Access to credit
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
Rural businesses and communities
Assisting innovative and early-stage businesses
Young entrepreneurs
Businesses in the territories
Small and medium-sized businesses unable to access other support measures
Creating new jobs and opportunities for youth
Youth Employment and Skills Strategy
Student Work Placement Program
Mitacs and The Business/Higher Education Roundtable
Temporary changes to Canada Summer Jobs program
Deferred payments
More time to pay income taxes
Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments until June
Support for self-employed individuals
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments until June
More time to pay income taxes
Indigenous businesses
Funding for small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and Aboriginal Financial
Institutions
In addition to the measure above, Indigenous peoples can also access benefits listed under Support
for individuals and Support for businesses.
Supporting financial stability
Relief for federally regulated pension plan sponsors
Launching an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program
Bank of Canada's actions
Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions actions
Find the support you need for your business
Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support
Support for sectors
Agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture, fisheries
Keeping workers in the food supply chain safe
Increasing credit availability
Cultural, heritage and sports
Addressing the financial needs of cultural, heritage and sport organizations
Waiving payments for Part I licence fees
Air transportation
Continuing the supply of essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities
Waiving ground lease rents
Tourism
Deferring payments on commercial leases and licenses of occupation
Energy
Cleaning up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells
Launching the Emissions Reduction Fund
Non-profit and charitable
Delivering essential services to those in need
We invested $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit
organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.
The investment will flow through national organizations that have the ability to get funds quickly to
local organizations that serve vulnerable populations. It will support a variety of activities, such as:
o Increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications
o Providing transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons
with disabilities to appointments
o Scaling up help lines that provide information and support
o Helping vulnerable Canadians access government benefits
o Providing training, supplies, and other required supports to volunteers so they can
continue to make their invaluable contributions to the COVID-19 response
o Replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact
through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, or the Internet
For more information regarding specifics: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-
response-plan.html#businesses
Economic Response Plan – Cost and Implementation
Support for Canadians
Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents
For Canadians without paid sick leave (or similar workplace accommodation) who are sick,
quarantined or forced to stay home to care for children, the Government is:
Waiving the one-week waiting period for those individuals in imposed quarantine that claim
Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. This temporary measure is in effect as of March
15, 2020.
Waiving the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits.
Introducing the Emergency Care Benefit providing up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks.
This flat-payment Benefit would be administered through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
and provide income support to:
Workers, including the self-employed, who are quarantined or sick with COVID-19 but do not
qualify for EI sickness benefits.
Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who is sick with
COVID-19, such as an elderly parent, but do not qualify for EI sickness benefits.
Parents with children who require care or supervision due to school or daycare closures, and are
unable to earn employment income, irrespective of whether they qualify for EI or not.
Application for the Benefit will be available in April 2020, and require Canadians to attest that
they meet the eligibility requirements. They will need to re-attest every two weeks to reconfirm
their eligibility. Canadians will select one of three channels to apply for the Benefit:
By accessing it on their CRA MyAccount secure portal;
By accessing it from their secure My Service Canada Account; or
By calling a toll free number equipped with an automated application process.
Longer-Term Income Support for Workers
For Canadians who lose their jobs or face reduced hours as a result of COVID’s impact, the
Government is:
Introducing an Emergency Support Benefit delivered through the CRA to provide up to $5.0
billion in support to workers who are not eligible for EI and who are facing unemployment.
Implementing the EI Work Sharing Program, which provides EI benefits to workers who agree to
reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their
employers, by extending the eligibility of such agreements to 76 weeks, easing eligibility
requirements, and streamlining the application process. This was announced by the Prime
Minister on March 11, 2020.
Income Support for Individuals Who Need It Most
For over 12 million low- and modest-income families, who may require additional help with
their finances, the Government is proposing to provide a one-time special payment by early May
2020 through the Goods and Services Tax credit (GSTC). This will double the maximum annual
GSTC payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year. The average boost to income for those
benefitting from this measure will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for
couples. This measure will inject $5.5 billion into the economy.
For over 3.5 million families with children, who may also require additional support, the
Government is proposing to increase the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment
amounts, only for the 2019-20 benefit year, by $300 per child. The overall increase for families
receiving CCB will be approximately $550 on average; these families will receive an extra $300
per child as part of their May payment. In total, this measure will deliver almost $2 billion in
extra support.
Together, the proposed enhancements of the GSTC and CCB will give a single parent with two
children and low to modest income nearly $1,500 in additional short-term support.
To ensure that certain groups who may be vulnerable to the impacts of COVID-19 have the
support they need, the Government is proposing targeted help by:
Providing $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to
address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
Placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all
individuals currently in the process of repaying these loans.
Reducing required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by
25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors’
retirement savings. This will provide flexibility to seniors that are concerned that they may be
required to liquidate their RRIF assets to meet minimum withdrawal requirements. Similar rules
would apply to individuals receiving variable benefit payments under a defined contribution
Registered Pension Plan.
Providing the Reaching Home initiative with $157.5 million to continue to support people
experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak. The funding could be used for a
range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing
accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.
Supporting women and children fleeing violence, by providing up to $50 million to women’s
shelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in
their facilities. This includes funding for facilities in Indigenous communities.
Flexibility for Taxpayers
In order to provide greater flexibility to Canadians who may be experiencing hardships during
the COVID-19 outbreak, the Canada Revenue Agency will defer the filing due date for the 2019
tax returns of individuals, including certain trusts.
For individuals (other than trusts), the return filing due date will be deferred until June 1,
2020. However, the Agency encourages individuals who expect to receive benefits under the
GSTC or the Canada Child Benefit not to delay the filing of their return to ensure their
entitlements for the 2020-21 benefit year are properly determined.
For trusts having a taxation year ending on December 31, 2019, the return filing due date will be
deferred until May 1, 2020.
The Canada Revenue Agency will allow all taxpayers to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the
payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September
2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the
Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this
period.
In order to reduce the necessity for taxpayers and tax preparers to meet in person during this
difficult time, and to reduce administrative burden, effective immediately the Canada Revenue
Agency will recognize electronic signatures as having met the signature requirements of the
Income Tax Act, as a temporary administrative measure. This provision applies to
authorization forms T183 or T183CORP, which are forms that are signed in person by millions
of Canadians every year to authorize tax preparers to file taxes.
The Canada Revenue Agency is adapting its Outreach Program to support individuals during
COVID-19. Through this service, the Canada Revenue Agency offers help to individuals to
better understand their tax obligations and to obtain the benefits and credits to which they are
entitled. Traditionally available in-person, this service is now available over the phone, and
through webinar, where possible.
The Canada Revenue Agency fully expects that many community organizations are considering
whether to significantly reduce or perhaps cancel the provision of services provided under the
Community Volunteer Income Tax Program. Additional efforts to encourage individuals to file
their tax and benefit returns electronically, or where possible, through the File My Return
service, will be put forward.
Role of Financial Institutions
The Minister of Finance is in regular contact with the heads of Canada’s large banks, and
continues to encourage them to show flexibility in helping their customers whose personal or
business finances are affected by COVID-19. The Superintendent of Financial Institutions has
also made clear his expectation that banks will use the additional lending capacity provided by
recent government actions to support Canadian businesses and households.
In response, banks in Canada have affirmed their commitment to working with customers to
provide flexible solutions, on a case-by-case basis, for managing through hardships caused by
recent developments. This may include situations such as pay disruption, childcare disruption, or
illness. Canada’s large banks have confirmed that this support will include up to a 6-month
payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products. These
targeted measures respond to immediate challenges being faced across the country and will help
stabilize the Canadian economy.
Mortgage Default Management Tools
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and other mortgage insurers offer tools
to lenders that can assist homeowners who may be experiencing financial difficulty. These
include payment deferral, loan re-amortization, capitalization of outstanding interest arrears and
other eligible expenses, and special payment arrangements.
The Government, through CMHC, is providing increased flexibility for homeowners facing
financial difficulties to defer mortgage payments on homeowner CMHC-insured mortgage loans.
CMHC will permit lenders to allow payment deferral beginning immediately.
Supporting Canadian Business through the Canada Account
The government is changing the Canada Account so that the Minister of Finance would now be
able to determine the limit of the Canada Account in order to deal with exceptional
circumstances. The Canada Account is administered by Export Development Canada (EDC) and
is used by the government to support exporters when deemed to be in the national interest. This
will allow the government to provide additional support to Canadian companies through loans,
guarantees or insurance policies during these challenging times.
Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes
The Canada Revenue Agency will allow all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the
payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September
2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the
Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.
The Canada Revenue Agency will not contact any small or medium (SME) businesses to initiate
any post assessment GST/HST or Income Tax audits for the next four weeks. For the vast
majority of businesses, the Canada Revenue Agency will temporarily suspend audit interaction
with taxpayers and representatives.
The Liaison Officer service offers help to owners of small businesses to understand their tax
obligations. Traditionally available in-person, this service is now available over the phone and
will be customizing information during these challenging times by ensuring small businesses are
aware of any changes such as filing and payment deadlines, proactive relief measures, etc.
Ensuring Businesses Have Access to Credit
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)* will allow the Business Development
Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC) to provide more than $10
billion of additional support, largely targeted to small and medium-sized businesses. This will be
an effective tool for helping viable Canadian businesses remain resilient during these very
uncertain times. BDC and EDC are cooperating with private sector lenders to coordinate on
credit solutions for individual businesses, including in sectors such as oil and gas, air
transportation and tourism. The near term credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector will
also be increased through Farm Credit Canada.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced it is lowering the
Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, effective immediately. This action
will allow Canada’s large banks to inject $300 billion of additional lending in to the economy.
The Bank of Canada also took a series of actions to support the Canadian economy during this
period of economic stress, enhance the resilience of the Canadian financial system, and help
ensure that financial institutions can continue to extend credit to both households and businesses.
This included cutting the interest rate to 0.75% as a proactive measure in light of the negative
shocks to Canada’s economy arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent sharp drop in
oil prices.
For More Information About the Economic Response Plan – Cost and Implementation
Visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-
economicresponse-plan-support-for-canadians-and-
businesses.html?fbclid=IwAR0RTYxdaLhrwBg2iuWvOychzZ5vV_UINgviVDTDuCq2l5Iza80
A68KASHE
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Toolkit for Reopening Canadian Businesses *Information directly sourced from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
As businesses prepare to reopen or revamp their operations amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,
there are numerous issues and challenges to consider. This toolkit prepared by the Canadian
Chamber of Commerce’s Canadian Business Resilience Network is designed to provide guidance,
or access to guidance, for business owners and senior managers responsible for re-establishing their
operations while ensuring the health and safety of operators, staff, customers and the general public
is at the forefront.
With this document in hand, you should have the resources you need in order to:
Update your Operations Plan.
Update your Health and Safety Plan.
Communicate those plans and procedures to your staff, customers and suppliers.
Know how to access any required personal protective equipment.
Continue to access government financial supports.
Understand the social services, such as childcare, that are available to you and to your staff.
Be aware of the wide array of additional supports, resources and guides that are available.
For more information, click here:
https://www.canadianbusinessresiliencenetwork.ca/resources/toolkits/toolkit-for-reopening-
canadas-
economy/?fbclid=IwAR1q0xy4ZVTN62p0rTydnVTfEV8H69Q57eqjaNagj61uwLibOwfk56zAj
aA
Special Goods and Services Tax Credit Payment A one-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for
low- and modest-income families.
The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for
couples.
There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it
automatically.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-
plan/covid19individuals.html#increased_goods_services_tax_credit
NADF Supports and Funding
NADF is currently administering three (3) COVID-19 emergency loan funds to support Aboriginal
businesses in Northern Ontario who have been impacted by COVID-19. These funds are not
intended to replace or duplicate government or other bank/lender emergency program that are
available to businesses in Canada.
NADF COVID-19 Emergency Loan Fund (ELF) (up to $25,000)
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) (up to $40,000)
Indigenous Business Stabilization Program (IBSP) (up to $40,000)
The Government of Canada has also provided support of up to $250,000 to FedNor to invest
directly in small businesses and organizations through its Regional Economic Growth Through
Innovation Program. Details of the Regional Economy Stream funding program is available on
FedNor's website.
For more information, email [email protected]
Extra Time to File Income Tax Returns We are deferring the filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals.
For individuals (other than trusts), the return filing due date will be deferred until June 1, 2020.
We will also allow any new income tax balances due, or instalments, to be deferred until after
August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.
Note: If you expect to receive benefits under the Goods and Services Tax credit or the Canada
Child Benefit, we encourage you to not delay your 2019 return filing to ensure that your
entitlements are properly determined.
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-
plan/covid19individuals.html#extra_time_income_taxes
Individuals: Filing date for 2019 tax year June 1, 2020 extended
Payment date for 2019 tax year September 1, 2020 extended
Includes the June 15, 2020, instalment payment for those who have to pay by instalments.
-------------
Self-employed and their spouse or common law partner
Filing date for 2019 tax year June 15, 2020 unchanged
Payment date for 2019 tax year September 1, 2020 extended
Includes the June 15, 2020, instalment payment for those who have to pay by instalments.
Corporations
– Due dates ……………. June 1, 2020 extended
Filing date for current tax year
Applies to corporations that would otherwise have a filing due date after March 18 and before
June 1, 2020.
Payment date for current tax year September 1, 2020 extended
Applies to balances and instalments under Part 1 of the Income Tax Act due on or after March,
18 and before September 1, 2020.
More time to pay income taxes
We are allowing all businesses to defer, until August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax
amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This relief would
apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.
No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.
Learn more
Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments
We will allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020
payments of the Goods and Services Tax / Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST), as well as
customs duties owing on their imports.
The deferral will apply to GST/HST remittances for the February, March and April 2020
reporting periods for monthly filers; the January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 reporting
period for quarterly filers; and for annual filers, the amounts collected and owing for their
previous fiscal year and instalments of GST/HST in respect of the filer’s current fiscal year.
For GST and customs duty payments for imported goods, deferral will include amounts owing
for March, April and May.
These amounts were normally due to be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency and the
Canada Border Services Agency as early as the end of this month.
DEFERRAL PAYMENTS
FedDev Ontario 1-866-593-5505.
FOR EXISTING CLIENTS
What does a deferral on repayments mean?
FedDev Ontario will apply a three-month deferral for all clients currently in the repayment phase
of their projects to relieve some of the pressure businesses may be facing during this difficult
time. The deferrals will take effect from April 1, 2020, through to June 30, 2020.
Will FedDev Ontario be contacting me about my repayment deferral?
Yes, all clients currently in the repayment phase will be contacted directly via email and phone
by their FedDev Ontario officer.
Will I receive an updated repayment schedule?
Yes, FedDev Ontario will work with you to formalize the three-month deferrals into an amended
repayment schedule.
A three-month deferral is not enough for my company, what do I do?
Your FedDev Ontario officer is prepared to discuss your unique situation and explore
additional measures to support your business during this difficult time.
You are encouraged to look at the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response
Plan, which provides support for Canadian businesses and workers. As this situation is evolving
rapidly you are encouraged to visit the web site on an ongoing basis for information and actions
in support of workers, businesses and all Canadians.
My account is already in areas how does this payment moratorium affect my situation?
The three-month deferral only applies to scheduled repayments during the period of April 1,
2020, to June 30, 2020. It does not apply to any repayments already in arrears nor does it
waive any existing interest charges already incurred. Your FedDev Ontario officer will
review your individual situation and explore measures to assist your business.
FOR ALL CLIENTS
Penalties and interest will not be charged if the deferred payment requirements are met by
September 1, 2020. Penalties and interest relief will be considered on a case-by-case basis for
income tax balances that are not covered by the COVID-19 relief provisions described below.
1. Individuals – Due dates
2. Self-employed and their spouse or common law partner – Due dates
3. Corporations – Due dates
4. Trusts – Due dates
5. Charities – Due dates
Filing date for current tax year June 1, 2020 extended
Applies to corporations that would otherwise have a filing due date
after March 18 and before June 1, 2020.
Payment date for current tax
year
September 1, 2020 extended
Applies to balances and instalments under Part 1 of the Income Tax Act
due on or after March, 18 and before September 1, 2020.
Filing date for 2019 tax year June 1, 2020 extended
Payment date for 2019 tax year September 1, 2020 extended
Includes the June 15, 2020, instalment payment for those
who have to pay by instalments.
Filing date for 2019 tax year June 15, 2020 unchanged
Payment date for 2019 tax year September 1, 2020 extended
Includes the June 15, 2020, instalment payment for those
who have to pay by instalments.
6. Part XIII non-resident tax – Due dates
7. Payroll remittances – Due dates
Filing date for current tax year
(including the associated T3
information return)
May 1, 2020 extended
Applies to trusts with a tax year end date of December 31, 2019
June 1, 2020 extended
Applies to trusts that would otherwise have a filing due date in April or
M
Payment date for current tax
year
September 1, 2020 extended
Applies to income tax balances and instalments due on or after March 18
Filing date for the 2019 T5013 Partnership
Information Return
May 1, 2020 extended
Filing date for the 2019 NR4, Statement of
Amounts Paid or Credited to
NonResidents of Canada information
return
May 1, 2020 extended
Filing date December 31, 2020 extended
Applies to charities with Form T3010 due between
March 18, 2020 and December 31, 2020
Payment date Not Applicable
Filing date for the 2019 NR4 information return May 1, 2020 extended
Payment date The 15th of each month following an amount paid
o persons. unchanged
Payment date See Payroll pag e for filing deadlines. unchanged
8. Information returns
Indigenous Community Support Fund About the Fund
Communities are incredibly resilient and full of solutions and innovative ideas. This is why we
must support distinctions-based measures to improve public health response for Indigenous
communities and provide them with the flexibility they need to address the specific needs
identified by communities and their members.
In response to COVID-19, Gov’t of Canada announced the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
Which includes $305 Million for new, distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund
to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. This funding will also
provide support to regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations.
These funds will flow directly to Indigenous communities and groups across the country and will
provide Indigenous leadership with the flexibility needed as they prepare for and react to the
spread of COVID-19. These funds could be used for measuring including, but not limited to:
• Support for Elders and vulnerable community members
• Measures to address food insecurity
• Educational and other support for children
• Mental health assistance and emergency response services
• Preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
Who this supports
• First Nations communities (including self-governing and modern treaty nations)
• Inuit communities in Inuit Nunangat
9. Other information returns June 1, 2020 extended
Applies to other information returns that would otherwise
be due after March 18, 2020, and before June 2020.
• Metis governing members in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and
Ontario
• Regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations including Friendship Centres,
Metis Settlements General Council of Alberta and Metis in the Northwest territories
Deadline
No deadline as of yet, funding will flow as quickly as possible through existing agreements.
Deadline will be announced soon.
How it Works
Communities identified jointly by Indigenous Services Canada, the National Indigenous
Organizations and other Indigenous leaders, based on emergency needs, do not need to apply:
• on-reserve and self-governing First Nations communities will receive funding directly
from ISC
• Inuit Nunangat Regions will receive funding directly from ISC
Metis will receive funding through existing mechanisms to facilitate the speed at which funding
can be received
Regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations need to apply through a call for
proposals. This call will be opened soon and available on this web page.
Source
https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198
Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs for the Greater Toronto Area *All content directly sourced from BDC website; citation to follow.
Resource: https://www.bdc.ca/en/documents/woman-entrepreneur/toronto-complete-guideen.pdf
BDC is proud to provide you the Resource Guide for Women Entrepreneurs*. This guide
identifies the various initiatives of BDC partner organizations that can help women entrepreneurs
grow their businesses.
The initiatives are presented according to their needs and stage of development. Women
entrepreneur needs Inspiration: Benefit from sharing success with other women entrepreneurs
Access to resources:
Learn more about relevant resources and available support options
Financing: Access to financing
Development: Knowledge and access to resources/initiatives that allow women to develop the
necessary business skills to succeed
Network of contacts, partners and mentors: Connect with key players and a community of
industry experts
Growth stage of target businesses Start-ups: Businesses in the early stages of development
Expansion: Businesses looking to grow or scale up Reaching new markets: Businesses
expanding in Canada or in international markets.
For more information about the services and programs in your area click here:
https://www.bdc.ca/en/documents/woman-entrepreneur/toronto-complete-guide-en.pdf
The Community Economic Development Centre of Thunder Bay *All content directly sourced from The Community Economic Development Centre of
Thunder Bay
Resource: https://www.thunderbay.ca/en/entrepreneur-
centre.aspx?fbclid=IwAR3Nisa5bEiQiOVhGrDPYqrtucgmi4AWcT1hd_s9oBQANJ90VANEx8
fEy7I#
Self-isolation & closures don't mean you have to put your business on hold.
The Thunder Bay & District Entrepreneur Centre has some tips & tricks to keep you and your
business on track.
1. The biggest thing would be to really plan for how things will look once this is over. How
will you respond to the upturn and not do so in a hectic or frenzied manner? Take the time now
to plan.
2. Time to explore product ventures. Remember that side project that you never had time to
experiment on or that new recipe?
3. Website enhancements. Go through your website with a fine toothed comb. Are the
product photos up to date? Is your contact information current? Is it time to simplify or
condense?
BDC’s Co-Lending Program during COVID-19
To provide additional liquidity support for Canadian businesses, the Co-Lending Program will
bring the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) together with financial institutions to
co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts up to $6.25 million BDC’s portion of
this program is up to $5 million maximum per loan. Eligible financial institutions will conduct
the underwriting and manage the interface with their customers.
Small and medium-sized businesses can also get support through a new Co-Lending Program
that will bring the Business Development Bank of Canada together with financial institutions to
co-lend term loans to these businesses for their operational cash flow requirements. Eligible
businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts of up to $6.25 million through the program,
which will be risk-shared at 80 per cent between the Business Development Bank of Canada and
the financial institutions. Eligible financial institutions will conduct the underwriting and
funding directly for customers.
Ontario Orders the Mandatory Closure of All Non-Essential Workplaces to
Fight Spread of COVID-19
Information regarding the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces in order to fight the
pandemic. Further information and links are encapsulated on the website: http://ow.ly/dIAn50yUqw1
List of Essential Services *All information directly derived directly from the Government of Ontario Website; citation to
follow.
Resource: https://s3.amazonaws.com/files.news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/list-of-
essentialworkplaces-2.html
For the purposes of this order, businesses include any-for-profit, non-profit or other entity
providing the goods and services described herein.
This does not preclude the provision of work and services by entities not on this list either online,
by telephone or by mail/delivery.
Note that teleworking and online commerce are permitted at all times for all businesses.
Calling all suppliers – Help Canada combat Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) *All information directly derived directly from the Government of Canada Website; citation to
follow.
Resource: https://buyandsell.gc.ca/calling-all-suppliers-help-canada-combat-covid-19
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Business that can supply products and services - Public Services and Procurement Canada
(formerly PWGSC) is asking companies who can supply products and services in support of
Canada’s response to COVID-19 to share their information through its online portal, available
here.
Canadian manufacturers or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for
medical supplies – Open to businesses that manufacture in Canada with facilities that can be
retooled and skilled workers. Learn more and submit proposals here.
In support of the Government of Canada’s whole-of-government response to Coronavirus disease
(COVID-19), we are asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services.
Products and services needed:
If you can provide items from the list, or other items not listed, please complete our submission
form for Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) products and services.
Products
Disposable N95 masks
Disposable surgical masks
Nitrile gloves
Vinyl gloves
Gowns
Bottles of hand sanitizer
Other prevention products
Services
Guard / security services
Nursing services
Food services
Laundry services
Accommodation maintenance services
Personal services
IT support services
Other services
For more information:
https://buyandsell.gc.ca/calling-all-suppliers-help-canada-combat-covid-19 For
more information, please contact:
The InfoLine: [email protected]
If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for
medical supplies, your help is needed.
If you can say yes to the following, we want to hear from you:
You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply
chain.
You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including
for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns; sanitizers;
wipes; ventilators; and other medical equipment and supplies.
You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the
current circumstances.
The Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up
production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help
in the fight against COVID-19.
The National Research Council's Industrial Research Assistance Program will build on its
existing relationships with thousands of Canada's most innovative small and medium-sized
businesses to pose challenges to the marketplace for innovative solutions to fight COVID-19.
The most promising solutions will be selected for procurement, working with Innovative
Solutions Canada.
Please send a short summary of your offer to [email protected].
Thank you for your commitment to the health of Canada and Canadians.
Ontario Together: help fight Coronavirus *All information directly derived directly from the Government of Canada Website; citation to
follow.
Resource: https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus
We welcome help from businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and
innovative solutions to support our response to COVID-19.
If you need help making an online submission, call 1-888-777-0554
We need supplies
If your business or organization can provide medical products such as ventilators, swabs, masks
and eye protection:
The Government of Canada also needs products and services
Find out what they need
We need your innovation
If your business or organization can help communities withstand the pandemic and you have a
solution for:
• virtual mental health services for people who are vulnerable or living in remote
communities
• supply chain resiliency monitoring
• financial planning and advising for small businesses that can be delivered online at
lowcost including advice about relief programs and how to apply
We need your ideas
If your business or organization has ideas, other products or services that could help Ontarians:
Tell us your idea
WSIB COVID-19 RESPONSE
Source: https://www.wsib.ca/en/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-update
Continued Support for Workers Receiving WSIB Benefits Prior to COVID-19
We are continuing to pay all wage-loss benefits and we have ensured all loss-of-earning (LOE)
benefits are up to date. We also have staff in place to help manage any new claims as quickly as
possible.
If your workplace shuts down temporarily, you will continue to receive the same benefits that
you were receiving at the time of the shut-down.
We understand that people may not be able to attend, or may be uncomfortable attending,
claimrelated appointments. If you are unable to attend an appointment, please cancel it directly
with the applicable person or organization. You do not need to contact your adjudicator/case
manager to let them know. Your decision to avoid an appointment will not affect your
entitlement to benefits or services.
If you are planning to attend a scheduled appointment, we suggest you call ahead to confirm or
determine if a virtual option is available.
Support for Workers Contracting COVID-19 on the Job
While the nature of some people's work may put them at greater risk of contracting the virus, for
example those treating someone with COVID-19, any claims received by the WSIB will need to
be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the facts and circumstances.
Tel l u s you r solutio n
Read more about how we make decisions about COVID-19 claims (PDF),
We all have a role to play in reducing the spread of infection. Measures developed for managing
influenza outbreaks continue to be recommended by public health officials including:
• practice physical distancing as much as possible
• wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
• cough or sneeze into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand, and wash hands
afterward
• avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
• clean high-touch surfaces frequently
Further information on preparing workplaces for COVID-19 (PDF) is available from the
WHO.
The WSIB continues to actively monitor the guidance of provincial and national health
authorities, including the Ontario Ministry of Health and the Public Health Agency of
Canada, with regard to COVID-19.
Businesses: WSIB financial relief package
Source: https://www.wsib.ca/en/financialrelief
The financial relief package allows businesses to defer premium reporting and payments until
August 31, 2020. Businesses who report and pay monthly, quarterly or annually based on their
insurable earnings are eligible for this deferral.
Each customer reports and pays on the previous full month or quarter, for example March 31
reporting and payment obligation covers the period of February 1-29. The following payments
are eligible for deferral:
• Monthly: March 31, April 30, May 31, June 30, July 31, Aug 31
• Quarterly: April 30, July 31
• Annual: April 30
The relief package also applies to Schedule 2 organizations – publicly funded organizations
(municipalities, hospitals, school boards), and other businesses who are involved in federally
regulated industries. All payment obligations (weekly and monthly) for Schedule 2 businesses
will be deferred until August, 31, 2020.
No interest will accrue on outstanding premium payments for Schedule 1 businesses and no
penalties will be charged during this six-month deferral period. Schedule 2 account balances will
not accrue debit interest as part of the financial relief package.
More information
The best way to manage your account is through our online services or email us
at [email protected]. If you need urgent assistance with your account, please call
us at 1-800-387-0750, Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Farm Credit Canada -COVID-19 support program All information directed derived from the following source.
Source: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html
To ensure producers, agribusinesses and food processors can remain focused on business-critical
functions rather than worrying about how to access funds to keep operating through this
challenging period, effective immediately, FCC has put in place:
a deferral of principal and interest payments up to six months for existing loans; or a
deferral of principal payments up to 12 months
access to an additional credit line up to $500,000, secured by general security agreements or
universal movable hypothec (Québec only)
Please note: FCC is a lending organization. We do not provide grants or interest-free loans.
Normal lending due diligence will be taken on all applications.
Q&A: FCC COVID-19 support program
What options are there for customers in financial difficulty right now?
We have a number of options available. In addition to our portfolio of lending products, we’re
providing additional support options that may include:
a deferral of principal and interest payments for six months OR a deferral of principal payments
for up to 12 months;
access to an additional credit line of up to $500,000
Is FCC providing grants or interest-free loans? No. FCC is not providing funds in the form of
grants or other interest-free loans.
Can you tell me more about the credit line option?
It is a 24-month credit line up to $500,000 at a rate of Prime +1% and no fees. The loan is
secured by general security agreements or universal movable hypothec (Québec only).
The purpose is to ensure producers, agribusinesses, and food processors have access to the cash
flow they need to manage through this challenging time.
It is not intended to pay out other debts
How does FCC decide who qualifies for loans? - Each situation is different, and we’ll assess
each application on a case-by-case basis. Businesses applying for FCC lending products are
subject to normal lending due diligence, which considers business viability, credit history, and
management integrity and experience.
What about non-customers? FCC customers and non-customers are eligible to apply for FCC
lending products.
Customers facing financial pressure are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager or
the FCC Customer Service Centre at 1-888-332-3301 to discuss their individual situation and
options.
Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
The government is proposing to introduce a new 10 per cent refundable Corporate Income Tax
credit for capital investments — the Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit. The purpose
is to support business investment in regions of the province where the employment growth has
dipped significantly below the provincial average. The Regional Opportunities Investment Tax
Credit will save companies up to $45,000 in the coming year.
Eligible Corporations
A Canadian‐controlled private corporation that makes qualifying investments that become
available for use on or after March 25, 2020 in specified regions of Ontario would be eligible for
the tax credit. “Available for use” refers to the rules set out in the Income Tax Act (Canada) that
determine the taxation year in which a taxpayer can start to claim capital cost allowance for a
depreciable property.
Qualifying Investments
Qualifying investments would be eligible expenditures for capital property included in Class 1
and Class 6 for the purposes of calculating capital cost allowance. Qualifying investments would
include expenditures for constructing, renovating or acquiring eligible commercial and industrial
buildings and other assets.
Spending Requirement
The tax credit would be available for expenditures in excess of $50,000 and up to a limit of
$500,000 for qualifying investments that become available for use by a Canadian‐controlled
private corporation in the taxation year.
Three-Year Reviews
The government proposes to include a mandatory review to be undertaken every three years. The
review would evaluate the credit for effectiveness, compliance burden and administrative costs.
Application
The Income Tax would be reported when you file your Annual Income Tax return.
Eastern Ontario Specific COVID-19 Resources All information derived from the associated sites.
Table begins below:
City of Ottawa
Type of
Support
Description Eligibility Link
Buy Local
Campaign
An online
resource
promoting
local
businesses
who have an
online
feature
Any business with an online feature can register http://www.otta
wa.ca/buylocal
Economic
Partners
Task
Force
Identifies
issues and
opportunitie
s to support
local
economy
All business owners are able to communicate with
the task force to report hardships or requests for
support
http://www.otta
wa.ca
Interim
Property
Tax Grace
Period for
All
Property
Owners
The City is
offering a
Property
Tax
Hardship
Deferral
Program for
City of
Ottawa
residential
property
owners and
small
business
property
owners
(assessed
property
value of up
to $7.5 M)
that have
been
financially
affected as a
result of the
Property owners must apply for the deferral
before July 31, 2020 to be considered.
In order to qualify for this deferral a property
owner must meet the following criteria:
1. The property owner must have experienced
financial hardship
directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
2. Property taxes must have been paid up to
date before the March 2020 interim
installment.
https://ottawa.ca
/en/livingottawa/
taxes/covid-19-
property-
taxrelief
COVID-19
pandemic.
The
program
will extend
the interim
property tax
and final
property tax
deadlines of
March 19,
2020 and
June 18,
2020 to
Friday,
October 30,
2020.
3. The property must be either;
a) A taxable residential property with a residential
structure; or
A taxable property assessed in the following tax
classes; occupied commercial,
shopping, office, industrial, multiresidential or new
multiresidential class and have a total taxable 2020
property assessment value equal to or under $7.5
million.
All other property tax classes and sub classes do not
qualify for the deferral; these include but are
not limited to
farm, landfill, pipeline, managed forest,
parking, vacant land, excess land, farmland
awaiting development and all payment in lieu.
5. Property owners must be experiencing
hardship in one or more of the following
categories; temporary suspension of pay,
loss of employment, excessive business
revenue loss or temporary business closure.
6. Property owners who have received
compensation from Business
Interruption Insurance towards the payment
of property taxes will not qualify.
7. Property owners must not be enrolled in the
Farm Grant
Program or the
Low-Income
People with
Disabilities Tax
Deferral program.
8. Eligible
Property
owners must
apply for the
deferral
before July
31, 2020 to
be
considered.
9. The property
will be
ineligible if
false or
inaccurate
information is
provided in
the
application.
10. Property
owners with
tenants who
do not pass
on the
deferral are
deemed
ineligible and
all taxes,
penalty and
interest are
payable
immediately.
Tax and
Water Bill
Deferral
Program
for
Seniors
and
Persons
with
Disabilitie
s
The City of Ottawa
already offers two
deferral programs for
property
taxes for low-income
seniors and low-
income people with
disabilities. Under
these existing
programs, eligible
homeowners may
apply
for a full or
Low
income
seniors
and
persons
with
disabilities
https://ottawa.ca/en/livingottawa/water/water-
utility-bills/howpay-your-bill#property-tax-
andwater-utility-deferral-programs
partial deferral of their
annual property taxes. The
City also offers a deferral
program for water utility
bills for
low-income seniors and
low-income people with
disabilities. Eligible
homeowners
may apply for a deferral of
their water utility bills
Corporate
real estate
relief
program
The City will provide
rental adjustments or any
businesses that rent space
within a City
facility that has closed in
response to the
COVID-19 Pandemic. The
adjustment
will reflect the amount of
time these
facilities remain closed.
Case-by-
case basis;
business
owners
encouraged
to call to
discuss
eligibility
https://ottawa.ca/en/health-andpublic-
safety/covid-19ottawa/support-and-
assistance
Various
Supports –
Economic
Support
and
Recovery
[varies by service] [varies by
service]
https://ottawa.ca/en/business/economi
c-support-and-
recovery#businessclosure-best-
practices-during-covid19-pandemic
City of Pembroke
Type of
Support
Descriptio n Eligibilit y Link
First
property
tax
installment
The first interim property ax
installment
installment due date was
extended from March 31,
2020 to
May 29, 2020.
Home owners in the City of
Pembroke
Water and
sewer
billing
The second quarter water
and sewer billing due
date was extended from
April 30, 2020 to May 29,
2020
Home owners in the City of
Pembroke
https://www.pembroke.ca/userfiles/file/COVID19%20Media%20Release%20-
%20Payment%20Extensions%20March%2026%2C%202
020.pdf
disconnect policy
during this time.
Transit continues
to operate for all
essential services.
For the safety of
our riders and
drivers, all
loading/exiting of
the bus will be
done at the rear
doors with the
exception of those
who require the
ramp. March
passes have been
extended through
April. Fares will
no longer be
accepted by our
drivers in an
additional effort to
further promote
social distancing.
The City of Peterborough
Type of
Support
Description Eligibility Link
Online
webinars
for
businesses
Peterborough
& the
Kawarthas
Economic
Development, its
local partners
and Provincial
and National
agencies are
offering
webinars and
online events to
equip local
businesses in this
Open to all
with a focus
on the
sustainability
of small
businesses
https://peterboroughed.ca/events/
unprecedented
time.
Property
taxes
waived
late fees
No penalties for
60 days March
31 and May 29
for property
City home
owners
https://www.peterborough.ca/en/cityservices/city-
services-during-covid19.aspxe
Covid 19 Municipal actions – North Eastern Ontario Will attempt to keep this updated, but please reach out to individual communities for the
most up to date information Covid-19 supports.
Sault Ste Marie
• Waiving property tax interest and penalty provisions until May 31, 2020. This applies
mainly to the next due date (May 5th). Pre-authorized payments (PAP) are not impacted
by this measure – if a taxpayer on the PAP is affected they would need to cancel if the
payment schedule cannot be maintained.
• Waiving interest and penalty provisions for remittance of the Municipal
Accommodations Tax until June 30, 2020.
• Waiving interest on accounts receivable until June 30, 2020.
White River
- Due date for property taxes changed from March 31st, now due April 30th
-
Hornepayne
- Will extend deadlines on municipal services accounts, details to come April 15th
Dubreuilville
- Nothing as of April 1, 2020
Wawa
- Property tax, water/sewage and all interest and penalties waived June 30th.
- Pre-authorized payments not impacted
- Call finance department 705-856-2244 ext 233 to discuss options if you are unable to
make payments or to cancel/change pre-authorized payments
Timmins
- Public transportation fees waived
- Waiving penalties and interest on property taxes, water and sewer
Cochrane
- Waived interest and penalties for taxes, water and sewage for 60 days (March 26th)
- Fee increases waived for 60 days, then re-evaluated
- Additional measures potentially April 28th
Kirkland Lake
- Nothing as of April 1, 2020
Temiskaming Shores
- Public transportation running free of charge
- Memberships for pool and fitness will be honoured for the length of time of closure
Temagami
- Nothing as of April 1, 2020
North Bay
- Business hotline 705-474-0626 ext 0626 and email address [email protected]
to provide assistance.
- Payment solutions for North Bay hydro (based on individual l need) contact 705-4748100
Sudbury
- Economic Support o Late payments for April 2 tax will not incur interest or late
payment fees until June 4th. If businesses feel they have difficulties making the
payments due to outbreak, contact 705-674-4455 ext 2601 to review options
- Building and Planning Services have modified processes for drop off or electronic
submission of Building Permit and Planning Application submissions.
o Option 1 – To schedule an appointment or for more information call
311. Residents attending Tom Davies Square for appointments will be
screened as per Public Health guidelines.
o Option 2 – Electronic submission of building permits to
[email protected] or planning applications to
- Providing outreach to businesses and collecting surveys to be able to adapt support
- Businesses encouraged to reach out to Economic Development Office –
Enhancing the Reaching Home initiative All information derived from the following source.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
We continue to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak by
providing $157.5 million to the Reaching Home initiative.
The funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for
social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.
The steps to access this funding
Initial step is to work with a First Case Manager
Referred by Shelter Support Worker, Hospital Counsellor, Support worker for people
incarcerated.
Eligibility Criteria
Long-term homelessness (in and out of shelters)
Hospitalized long term
Recently released from Incarceration
Protection from COVID-19 if homeless
Support People have a network of Landlords/Community Centers/Churches that are willing to
work through this initiative – Landlords are paid a portion of rent.
Clients are usually recipients of Ontario Works, ODSP, Trillium, or have employment typically
part time
Shelters now provide short-term emergency stays only and it is the responsibility of the First
Case Manager to assist clients with locating and moving into an apartment. However with the
COVID 19 they can access churches/community centers and in some cases hotels. Clients can
access additional funding via Ontario Works/ODSP or Trillium via their caseworker.
The funding will be related to what the individual requires initially they can access the $500 start
up and now via their First Case manager can pursue additional funding resources. Clients who
can’t get placed/housing immediately can be referred to churches, community centers with social
distancing in place.
Copied from The Reaching Home initiative Gov Site:
The main activities of those who provide housing and housing supports under Housing First
could include:
working with shelters and individuals living on the street to identify and locate Housing First
clients
securing housing for clients by working with groups like private and public local real estate and
landlord associations to identify housing units
determining clients' preferences and needs for housing and type of supports
building and maintaining relationships with landlords providing apartment
set-up assistance
managing short-term, time-limited rent subsidies with the objective of transitioning clients either
to provincial/municipal system of supports or other sustainable solutions for the long-term ( for
example self-sufficiency)
applying for or negotiating access to social housing, non-profit housing, provincial rent
supplements and the like providing landlord mediation assisting with money
management
providing access to grants to cover utility bills
assisting with repairs and cleaning to ensure general maintenance and to cover damages as
needed
providing other supports requested by the client (for example, obtaining legal advice)
2. Clinical supports
Recovery-oriented clinical supports are required for most clients to maintain housing stability,
improve quality of life and, to the extent possible, foster self-sufficiency. Clinical services based
upon client self-determination are provided by a case management approach, which either
provides or links the client to needed mental health and addictions services.
The clinical case management approach includes support services from outreach/referral to
existing treatment in communities or health services offered by provinces and territories, to more
intensive coordination with multi-professional specialists. In all cases, the types of services
offered through case management reflect the clients' self-determined needs assessment and
would be carried out in the community setting. This approach ensures that clients receive the
necessary support to maintain their housing. Case managers would also coordinate with the
Housing Team and complementary service providers that are needed.
3. Complementary supports
Access to supports other than housing and clinical is often a priority for Housing First services.
Although not necessarily the initial focus for an Housing First approach or intervention, they can
help to foster the longer-term goals of community integration and autonomy.
These supports include providing access to:
income supports to those who are entitled to them life
skills (budgeting, meal preparation)
pre-employment support and bridging to the labour market
services to support educational opportunities (tutors) supports
to reduce isolation (volunteer work)
One factor in improving clients' long-term housing stability and autonomy is to provide supports
that help them to integrate within the community. For example, employment supports would help
clients to take part in the labour market, where practical. Education supports and supports that
promote volunteering in the community would help clients to learn skills to participate in the
labour market or in the community as a whole.
Partnering with provincial/territorial programs
Service providers would be expected to provide access to existing provincial or territorial
programs to the extent possible, and avoid creating new services where current supports already
exist. Access to these programs could be provided by housing or complementary support teams,
or by existing clinical support teams. Examples of existing programs include those that remove
barriers to employment and those that provide skills enhancement to facilitate labour market
readiness among Housing First clients who are capable of workforce attachment. There are also
programs available in many communities that promote broader participation in the community.
ODSP Supports Covid-19 Benefit
$100 one time benefit for these clients
For clients on ODSP Supports and on Ontario Works
Clients need to call their caseworker and request this benefit.
Senior Support
Confirmed with the TD Bank when a senior is making a withdrawal from their RRIF they
will be taxed less 25%
Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
We are reducing the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds
(RRIFs) by 25% for 2020.
Canada Emergency Student Benefit We are proposing the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) that would provide support to
students and new graduates who are not be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit or
Employment Insurance or unable to work due to COVID-19.
This benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible
students with dependents or disabilities.
This benefit would be available from May to August 2020.
More details will be made available soon.
Student Support and Recent Graduate Support for students and recent graduates Students
who have bank loans:
Loan payment Interest and principal will be deferred until August 2020 (this date may
change)
The Universite de Quebec a Montreal announced on Friday the creation of an emergency
assistance fund with an initial amount of $300,000. Petitions have circulated calling for other
universities to follow UQAR's example
Some students may be able to tap into emergency aid that Ottawa recently unveiled and which
will provide workers affected by COVID-19 with $2,000 monthly for up to four months. To
qualify, workers must have earned at least $5,000 in work income in 2019, or the 12-month
period prior to application. In a post to her website, federal cabinet minister Maryam Monsef said
students who satisfy the income threshold qualify for the benefit.
University Of Toronto: If you are experiencing immediate financial hardship, you can apply for
an SGS Emergency Loan or SGS Emergency Grant (school of graduate studies).
Below you will find more information about how universities are partnering in the global fight
against the pandemic, links to each Ontario university’s COVID-19 page and additional
resources.
COU statements:
• March 31, 2020 – COU Statement: Response to Provincial Support of Postsecondary
Students During COVID-19
For more information related to this issue we encourage you to contact your local institution
or visit their website for updates:
• Algoma University – https://www.algomau.ca/students/campus-safety/coronavirus/
• Brock University – https://brocku.ca/coronavirus/
• Carleton University – https://newsroom.carleton.ca/coronavirus-covid-19/
• University of Guelph – https://news.uoguelph.ca/2019-novel-coronavirus-information/
• Lakehead University – https://www.lakeheadu.ca/about/coronavirus
• Laurentian University – https://laurentian.ca/COVID-19
• McMaster University – https://covid19.mcmaster.ca/
• Nipissing University – http://nipissingu.ca/coronavirus/
• OCAD University – https://www.ocadu.ca/about/coronavirus/
• Ontario Tech University – https://ontariotechu.ca/coronavirus/
• University of Ottawa – https://www.uottawa.ca/coronavirus/
• Queen’s University – https://www.queensu.ca/covidinfo/
• Ryerson University – https://www.ryerson.ca/coronavirus
• University of Toronto – https://www.utoronto.ca/coronavirus
• Trent University – https://www.trentu.ca/coronavirus/
• University of Waterloo – https://uwaterloo.ca/coronavirus/
• Western University – https://www.uwo.ca/coronavirus/
• Wilfrid Laurier University – https://students.wlu.ca/coronavirus/
• University of Windsor – http://www.uwindsor.ca/coronavirus/ York University –
https://coronavirus.info.yorku.ca/
A moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans
Effective March 30, we are placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of
Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers. No payment will be required and interest
will not accrue during this time.
Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
All student loan borrowers will automatically have their loan repayments and interest suspended
until September 30, 2020.
Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
This moratorium applies to the federal portion of student loans. Borrowers should check with
their provincial or territorial student loan provider to see if payment is required on the provincial
or territorial portion.
COVID-19
The following measures are being put in place to support student loan borrowers during
COVID19:
• Student loan repayment will be suspended until September 30th, 2020:
• If you are registered for pre-authorized debit, they will be automatically stopped so you
do not have to do anything.
• If you are making payments by cheque or other means, you are not required to make
payments during the suspension period.
• If you want to continue making payments on your loan, you may do so by logging in to
your secure NSLSC account and using the Make a Payment option or through online
banking.
• Interest will not be charged to borrowers on their student loans from March 30th, 2020 to
September 30th, 2020.
If your loan was issued by NL, NB, ON, SK or BC, this applies to both the federal and provincial
portions of your student loan.
If your loan was issued by PEI, NS, AB or MB, NSLSC only administers the federal portion of
your loan, and therefore, this applies to your Canada Student Loan only. However, your province
may already have announced similar measures for the provincial portion of your loan; please
contact the issuing province for more information.
Note: It may take some time for these measures to be applied to your NSLSC online account. As
such, your student loan account may temporarily reflect incorrect information.
How does the suspension affect you if:
You are still in school
The suspension does not impact your loan since you have no payment to make and interest does
not accumulate while you are in-study.
You are in your six-month non-repayment period
Payments are never required during the non-repayment period.
• The non-repayment period is already interest-free for Canada, BC and NL loans;
• Interest accrues on the provincial portion of the loan for ON, NB and SK; however,
between March 30th and September 30th, ON, NB and SK loans will be interest-free.
If your non-repayment period is set to end during the suspension period, payments and interest
will automatically be suspended until September 30th and you will start repaying your loan in
October 2020.
You have already started to repay your loan
You do not have to do anything; your loan will be interest and payment free until September 30th
and you will resume repaying your loan in October 2020. We will provide further information
over the coming weeks on repayment options for October.
Apprenticeship:
Important notice: Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency the College has extended the
deadline for payment of any renewal membership fees coming due during this emergency
situation. The deadline is being extended for any membership payments due from March 17 until
30 days after the provincial emergency declaration is lifted. College members may still pay their
fees when normally due and are encouraged to take advantage of electronic payment methods.
Canada Child Benefit (CCB) All information directly derived from the following source.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
The government will increase the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit payment amounts for
the 2019-2020 benefit year, by $300 per child. This additional money will be based on your
current CCB calculation. The average household will receive an extra $550. This payment will
be automatically added to your May payment. If you are already receiving CCB you do not need
to reapply for this additional money. In total, this measure will deliver almost $2 billion in extra
support.
If you are not currently receiving CCB, you should apply for the Canada child benefit (CCB) as
soon as any of the following situations happen:
• your child is born
• a child starts to live with you, or returns to live with you after a temporary period with
someone else
• you begin, end, or change a shared custody arrangement
• you get custody of a child
• you, or your spouse or common-law partner, start to meet the eligibility conditions under
Who can apply
If the child started living with you more than 11 months ago, you will need to provide additional
documents.
You don't need to apply separately for related provincial and territorial programs. The CRA will
determine your eligibility when you apply for the CCB.
Apply here: online
Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centers All information directly derived from the following source.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-
development/news/2020/04/canadaannounces-support-to-those-experiencing-homelessness-and-
women-fleeing-gender-basedviolence-during-the-coronavirus-disease-covid-19-pandemic.html
Every day, shelters turn away 379 women and 215 children because of space constraints,
according to a 2019 report from Women’s Shelters Canada.
The federal government will be supporting women and children fleeing violence, by providing
up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, including facilities in
Indigenous communities, to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their
facilities.
People who are surviving violence in their relationships and families may be experiencing
increased isolation and danger caused by social distancing measures during the Coronavirus
pandemic. People who are already more vulnerable to economic and health insecurity are facing
additional challenges during this unprecedented time.
Women’s shelters and transition houses are open during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect
women and children fleeing violence. If you or someone you know needs help or wants to speak
to a shelter worker, you can find your closest women’s shelter and their crisis line on this
website, www.sheltersafe.ca. Remember that you can get advice and safety planning through
their crisis line without moving into the shelter.
Find a Shelter Near you: https://www.sheltersafe.ca/ontario/ How
abuse can escalate during isolation:
Abusive partners may withhold necessary items, such as hand sanitizer or disinfectants.
Abusive partners may share misinformation about the pandemic to control or frighten survivors,
or to prevent them from seeking appropriate medical attention if they have symptoms.
Abusive partners may withhold insurance cards, threaten to cancel insurance, or prevent
survivors from seeking medical attention if they need it.
Programs that serve survivors may be significantly impacted –- shelters may be full or may even
stop intakes altogether. Survivors may also fear entering shelter because of being in close
quarters with groups of people.
Survivors who are older or have chronic heart or lung conditions may be at increased risk in
public places where they would typically get support, like shelters, counseling centers, or
courthouses.
Travel restrictions may impact a survivor’s escape or safety plan – it may not be safe for them to
use public transportation or to fly.
An abusive partner may feel more justified and escalate their isolation tactics.
Create a safety plan:
• A safety plan is a personalized, practical plan that includes ways to remain safe while in a
relationship, planning to leave, or after you leave. Local Women’s Shelters or assault Centres
will create a safety plan with victims, friends, family members, and anyone who is concerned
about their own safety or the safety of someone else.
• You and your partner may be told by either or both of your employers to work remotely
to limit social interaction. Having a safety plan laid out can help you to protect yourself during
this stressful time.
Internet Resources:
Staying Safe on Your Computer: https://owjn.org/stay-safe/#computer
Creating a safety plan: https://owjn.org/2008/12/creating-a-safety-plan/#Res If
you are unsafe in your home, reach out:
IF YOU ARE IN IMMEDIATE DANGER CALL 911
Assaulted Women’s Helpline 24-hour crisis line 416-863-0511 or 1-866-863-0511
http://www.awhl.org/ or TTY 1-866-863-7868 • Provides support, safety planning, information
and referral to services throughout Ontario
Talk 4 Healing: is a culturally grounded, fully confidential helpline for Indigenous women
available in 14 languages all across Ontario - 1 855 554 HEAL or live chat
https://www.talk4healing.com/
Femaide 1-877-336-2433 or TTY 1-866-860-7082 http://femaide.ca/ • 24-hour crisis line for
French-speaking women
Find your nearest Women’s Shelter at: Sheltersafe.ca
National Aboriginal Circle Against Family Violence Shelters:
Kitchenuhmaykoosib Equaygamik
P.O. Box 66, Big Trout Lake, ON P0V 1G0 Tel.:
807-537-2242 Fax: 807-537-2308
Le Thi Nis Ten: Ha Le Thi Non Ronh Khwn
Akwesasne Family Violence Program
P.O. Box 579, Cornwall, ON K6H 5T3
Tel.: 613-937-4322 Fax: 613-937-4979
Fort Albany First Nation Women’s Shelter
P.O. Box 1, Fort Albany, ON P0L 1L0 Tel.:
705-278-8000
Mishkeegogamang Safe House
P.O. Box 29, Mishkeegogamang, ON P0V 2H0 Tel.:
807-928-2407 Fax: 807-928-2612
Ganohkwa Sra Family Assault Support Services
P.O. Box 250, Ohsweken, ON N0A 1M0 Tel.:
519-445-4324 Fax: 519-445-4825
Naotkammegwanning Women’s Shelter
General Delivery, Pawitik, ON P0X 1L0
Tel.: 807-226-2605 Fax: 807-226-2606
Nimkii- Naabkawagan Batchewana Family Crisis Shelter
Rankin Reserve 15D, Sault Ste Marie, ON P6A 5K9
Tel.: 705-941-9054 Fax: 705-941-9055
Onyota’a:ka Family Healing Lodge
Southwold, ON N0L 2G0
Tel.: 519-652-0657 Fax: 519-652-9091
Wikwemikong Health Centre
16A Complex Drive, Wikwemikong, ON P0P 2J0
Tel.: 705-859-3164 Fax: 705-859-3300
Find a Sexual Assault/Domestic Violence Treatment Centre near you:
https://www.sadvtreatmentcentres.ca/find-a-centre/
You are not alone.
Financial Support if You Are Outside of Canada
1. You should avoid non-essential travel outside Canada until further notice.
2. If you are already outside Canada, think about returning as soon as possible and find out
what commercial travel options are still available to you. There are fewer remaining options
and you may experience a sudden hike in prices
For Canadians who have no available source of funds to return home, Canada has announced the
creation of the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad.
Criteria:
1. Canadian
2. In exceptional circumstances, Canadian permanent residents (facing a thread to life or other
grievous harm, you may be eligible, even if not traveling with a Canadian citizen who is a
family member)
3. Directly impacted by COVID-19
Will be able to apply for an emergency repayable loan to facilitate their return to Canada and to
cover basic essential needs while they work towards their return. Each application will be
assessed according to their specific situation and needs.
How to apply
Eligible Canadians currently outside Canada who need financial assistance can contact the
nearest Gov’t of Canada office or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response
Centre in Ottawa at +1613-996-8885 (call collect where available) or
For all other consular emergencies, contact the nearest Gov’t of Canada office or Global Affairs
Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (call
collect where available) or email [email protected].
FAQS
Up to how much?
Will be able to apply for an emergency loan of up to $5000 to help you return to Canada and to
cover your short-term needs while you work toward returning
Who is Eligible
Traveling with an immediate family member that is a permanent resident of Canada, immediate
being defined as a spouse, parents and children
What expenses are covered?
• Air travel to return to Canada
• Local transport related to return to Canada
• Reasonable costs for essentials needs, including food and shelter
• Medical costs not covered by either local public health services or private insurance
• Hospitalization
• Prescription drugs required for treatment of COVID-19 or pre-existing conditions if
return is delayed due to COVID-19
•
How do I apply?
Eligible Canadians currently outside Canada who need financial assistance can contact the
nearest Government of Canada office or Global Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch
and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (call collect where available) or
For all other consular emergencies, contact the nearest Government of Canada office or Global
Affairs Canada’s 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885
(call collect where available) or email [email protected]. Source
https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help
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