In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, CARI strongly recommends that our members ensure they have taken all possible safety precautions.
APRIL 2021 UPDATE: WORKSAFEBC
On April 8th, the provincial health officer (PHO) announced an order delegating specific powers of the Public Health Act to WorkSafeBC prevention officers. The powers delegated to WorkSafeBC’s prevention officers are limited to serving a closure order on a business with a known COVID-19 outbreak. Read the full update HERE.
DECEMBER 2020 UPDATE: PROVINCE OF ONTARIO TO ENTER LOCKDOWN
On December 21, the Government of Ontario announced the province would enter a provincewide shutdown, effective December 26, 2020. Recycling facilities in the province continue to fall under essential business categories (Manufacturing & Community Services) and may continue to operate. Read the Government’s full guideline document HERE.
AUGUST 2020 UPDATE: APPLICATION FOR SMALL BUSINESS FUNDING EXTENDED
On August 31, the Federal Government announced the extension of two COVID-19 financial assistance programs, which are part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.
The application deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) is extended from August 31 to October 31, 2020. The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) is extended to June 2021.
Read the full press release here.
AUGUST 2020 UPDATE: NEW FEDERAL SAFETY GUIDANCE FOR COMMERCIAL TRANSPORTATION
Transport Canada has collaborated with the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) to develop guidance to help protect drivers and employees working in commercial vehicle operations. This document has been prepared to summarize recommendations made to date to limit the spread of COVID-19 in the context of commercial vehicle operations. It is intended for use by fleet managers and commercial vehicle drivers undertaking local, inter-provincial or inter-territorial, and international activity.
JULY 2020 UPDATE: SOME MUNICIPALITIES ADOPT MANDATORY MASK BYLAWS
Mandatory mask usage bylaws for all indoor public spaces are coming into effect in parts of Canada. Check your local health authority for specific requirements.
Bylaws are now in effect in Ontario cities including Toronto, Peel Region, Kingston, Ottawa, and Waterloo Region. Businesses and operators in these regions must ensure policies are in place and customers are informed of the requirement for face coverings. While a number of businesses currently provide customers with masks, there is nothing in the existing bylaws requiring them to do so.
NEW MASK REQUIREMENT FOR TRUCK DRIVERS
The Public Health Agency of Canada has issued an order requiring all people entering Canada to wear a non-medical face mask or covering while proceeding to their final destination in Canada. This requirement includes truck drivers. If they do not have a mask, one will be provided on arrival at the port of entry.
CARI staff remain fully active and reachable (all staff work remotely). Despite this extraordinary situation, CARI is continuing its advocacy work with governments at all levels, communicating important information to members, and offering assistance to members as needed.
CARI continues to examine if and how we will move forward with our upcoming events and will keep members apprised of these decisions. As always, every activity CARI undertakes is done in the best interest of our members.
Should you have any questions or concerns in this challenging time, please do not hesitate to reach out to CARI president Tracy Shaw [email protected].
Government announcements have been issued on business closures and operating conditions in the following provinces:
1. FEDERAL SUPPORT
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Any business who has seen a reduction of at least 15% of their revenue in March 2020 and 30% for the following months is eligible for a 75% wage subsidy for its employees. The program is available until the end of August. Eligible employers must submit a separate application for each CEWS claim period.
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers: Organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may qualify for a subsidy of 10% of remuneration.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP): Includes loan guarantees for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises and a co-lending program for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. Apply through your current financial institution.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): Provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses to help cover operating costs. To qualify, businesses will need to demonstrate they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. Up to $10,000 of the loan is non-repayable. Apply through your current financial institution.
Extended tax filing/payment dates
Income Tax: Businesses can defer payment of income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18, 2020 without penalties or interest if the deferred requirements are met by September 1, 2020. This applies to due tax balances as well as instalments.
Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments: Businesses can defer their GST/HST remittances until June 30, 2020 as well as customs duties owing on their imports.
2. PROVINCIAL SUPPORT
We’re here to help! If you have problems getting through you can email us and we’ll get back to you soon.
French