COVID-19 News and Resources for Canadians and Businesses

As the city continues opening and more COVID-19 cases are reported daily, this is the perfect time to prepare your business to handle changing conditions. Emery Village BIA is the proud sponsor of SkillsPass’ FREE COVID-19 Work Safe Course.

View a CTV feature on the course HERE.

View a Toronto.com feature on the course HERE.

The course is the first program in Canada, free to all Emery BIA business owners and all of their employees. We strongly encourage as many employees as possible to take advantage of this, from management to skilled trade workers. The course will cover crucial information about safe working conditions which is important for all employees to know. Register today for this exclusive opportunity!

The City of Toronto is preparing to oversee the safe restart of some services and partial reopening of many businesses. Resources have been developed to help support business through this time. For guidance on safely reopening, business operators can reference the Toronto Public Health Planning Guide, and visit the COVID-19: Reopening Guidelines for Businesses & Organizations to view sector specific resources.

Decisions about when and how businesses can begin operating will be made by the Government of Ontario in accordance with its framework to reopen the province after COVID-19.

This guide provides you with the information you need to re-open your restaurant, or other food premise, after being closed or limited to take-out and delivery only. Part 1 provides advice on preparing your restaurant for food service, and Part 2 helps you to modify your premises and practices to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19.

You are advised to start preparing now for re-opening, but you are not permitted to start operating dine-in services until the revised order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act is announced by the provincial government and comes into effect. Please note that announcement may contain conditions, which may result in amendments to Part 2 of this document. These conditions are likely to be minor, and you will be informed of them immediately. Please check the City’s website at www.toronto.ca/COVID19 for updates and new information.

FedDev Ontario and the Province have provided funds to expand Digital Main Street’s services and resources across Ontario. You can see the overview here: https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca/eic/site/723.nsf/eng/02590.html?OpenDocument

What this means for municipalities and BIAs is that the following resources will be available to help you support your main street businesses over the coming months:

Digital Main Street Grant – there will be $2,500 grants available to main street businesses to support their purchase of technologies. These will be available July 1^st.
Future-Proofing Program – Digital Main Street will be launching a new program focused on helping future-proof businesses. More details will follow on this in the coming weeks.

In addition, this also means the ShopHERE program, which builds an online store for small businesses and artists at no-cost, is also available across Ontario. You can find the details about the program here: www.digitalmainstreet.ca/shophere.

Last week, the Emery Village BIA hosted a tele-town hall to address members’ questions about the impacts of COVID19 and the steps being taken by our governments to provide assistance to the business community. The one hour town hall featured commentary from local Humber River-Black Creek government representatives including Toronto City Councillor Anthony Perruzza, MPP Tom Rakocevic and Honourable MP Judy Sgro. Based on the feedback received in the discussion, the BIA is issuing a letter to Mayor Tory and the City’s Economic Support & Recovery Task Force outlining recommendations for a responsible approach to reopening the economy. If you were not able to make it to the tele-town hall, you may listen to a recording here:

Our office may be closed, but like many others, we’re still actively working on your behalf. Recently, we have made changes to our website to reflect the most immediate needs in support of our businesses. We believe that our priority in this time of crisis is to ensure that the Emery Village Stakeholders and Community have the tools and timely information from the most appropriate sources to guide us through, build sustainability, and safeguard the health and safety of our residents, employees and business operators.

We will, from time to time renew and update our links to continue to serve you. Also, please see the section on the latest changes to our Mobile Security Patrol Program through VP Security.

If you are a business or a commercial property owner, please register to obtain access to e-mail blasts and other news feeds to keep you keep informed and updated to the latest news and changes to our services and programs.

As part of our security patrol service we will be prepared and be operating security patrol in the BIA Business Community 24/7. We have increased our operating patrols to include the following:

2- Day patrol cars (6am-6pm)
4- Evening patrol cars (6pm-6am)

This will ensure full coverage of our area and act a as a deterrence.

Please ensure that your alarm company has the most up to date contact information and telephone numbers in the event of an alarm call. Below are the two telephone numbers for VP Protection Dispatch:

416-218-3226 or 647-202-3022

If you have not signed the VP Protection Security Form please do so immediately and scan the form and sent by to: info@emeryvillagebia.ca

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CHANGE OF OPERATIONS FORM

What is the Government of Canada doing to support businesses?

The Government of Canada’s relief package includes the following supports for businesses:

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Any company can qualify no matter what size. This includes non-for-profits and charities. Companies must demonstrate their revenues have decreased by 30% or more to be eligible. The federal government will cover up to 75% of an employee’s salary on the first $58,700 earned which means up to $847 a week. Funds will be back-dated to March 15. The Prime Minister encouraged businesses that have the means to pay the remaining 25% of salaries.The Government of Canada also warned against companies seeking to take advantage of this subsidy or make fraudulent claims. Learn more.
A smaller wage subsidy of 75% for eligible small businesses that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. The 75% subsidy covers 75% of wages paid from March 18 to before June 20, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.
Access to additional credit. More than $10 billion in credit will be available through:
- Interest-free loans to small businesses. Through a new Canada Emergency Business Account, financial institutions and Export Development Canada (EDC) will offer interest-free loans of up to $40,000. Small businesses should apply through their financial institutions. Learn more.
- A loan guarantee for SMEs through EDC for loans of up to $6.25 million. Learn more.
- A co-lending program for SMEs between financial institutions and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Learn more.
- Additional credit from EDC and BDC as part of the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP). Businesses seeking support through BCAP should contact the financial institutions with whom they have a pre-existing relationship. Learn more.
- Credit for the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada. Learn more.
Deferrals on:
- Income taxes until August 31.
- GST/HST remittances until June 30.
- Customs duty and sales tax for importers until June 30.
Audit suspensions by the Canada Revenue Agency.
An Insured Mortgage Purchase Program to provide stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders and support continued lending to Canadian businesses and consumers.

For more information about these and other federal measures, click here.

What Federal program assistance is available for Small Business impacted by Covid-19?

What is the Province of Ontario doing to support businesses?

The Government of Ontario has introduced the following measures to support businesses:

Lower electricity rates for small businesses, farms, and residents until at least May 8, and banning electricity disconnection for those that fail to pay their utility bills until July 31. Click here for more information.
Tax deferrals:
- $6 billion in provincially administered taxes deferred from April 1 to August 31
- $1.8 billion in property taxes deferred for 90 days (including the provincial education tax) in collaboration with municipal partners
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) premium and expense deferrals of $1.9 billion for employers for 6 months.
Postponement of the 2021 property tax reassessment.
Changes to the Employer Health Tax (EHT) to retroactively reduce the tax and temporarily increase the exemption to $1 million
A Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit to support regions lagging in employment growth.

For more information about these and other provincial measures, click here. Today, (April 27th) Premier Ford announced Guidelines to Re-opening the Economy. The Guidelines are meant as benchmarks, and not a calendar, to be considered and reviewed every 2-4 weeks, before any decision to be made about the gradual re-opening of businesses and allowing for gatherings and other activities. He further announced the formation of a Ministerial Task Force to look at the Economic Recovery for the province, and future training and resources to enable businesses to re-open safely.

What is the City of Toronto doing to support businesses?

Toronto's COVID-19 - City Responds The City of Toronto is supporting businesses in Toronto with the following measures:

An extended grace period for tax and other payments for businesses (payment and payment penalties) for 30 days, beginning March 16.
A contingency fund to support businesses and affected groups.
Expanded small business advisory services to help businesses as they plan to recover from impacts.

Exemptions to the Noise Bylaw for all retail businesses to facilitate after-hour deliveries and ensure essential goods remain in stock.

Is my organization eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy?

Employers of all sizes and across all sectors of the economy would be eligible, with certain exceptions including public sector entities including municipalities, Crown corporations, public universities, colleges, schools, and hospitals. Learn more.

Businesses will need to demonstrate a 15 per cent reduction in gross revenues for March given many businesses did not experience the effects of the crisis until mid March. A 30 per cent reduction will still be required to receive the subsidy in April and/or May.
Employers can compare their revenue of March, April and May 2020 to that of the same month of 2019, or to an average of their revenue earned in January and February 2020.

Additional Information Employers eligible for the CEWS will be entitled to receive a 100% reimbursement for employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance (EI), Canada Pension Plan (CPP); Quebec Pension Plan (QPP); and Quebec Parental Insurance Plan premiums. If an employee is receiving remuneration through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, their employer would not be eligible to claim the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for that period. Learn more about the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Small businesses that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may be eligible for a smaller wage subsidy covering 75% of wages paid from March 18 to before June 20, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. Today, (April 27th) Premier Ford announced Guidelines to Re-opening the Economy. The Guidelines are meant as benchmarks, and not a calendar, to be considered and reviewed every 2-4 weeks, before any decision to be made about the gradual re-opening of businesses and allowing for gatherings and other activities. He further announced the formation of a Ministerial Task Force to look at the Economic Recovery for the province, and future training and resources to enable businesses to re-open safely.

How does the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy interact with access to other programs being offered?

75% Wage Subsidy: For employers that are eligible for both the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the 75% wage subsidy for a period, any benefit from the 75% subsidy for remuneration paid in a specific period would generally reduce the amount available to be claimed under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in that same period.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit: An employer would not be eligible to claim the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for remuneration paid to an employee in a week that falls within a 4-week period for which the employee is eligible for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit. Employers who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy would still be able to furlough employees who will receive up to $2,000 a month.

Is my organization eligible for the 75% wage subsidy?

Organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may continue to qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 75%. This subsidy is equivalent to 75% of remuneration paid between March 18 and June 19. The maximum subsidy amount is $1,375 per employee to a maximum of $25,000 for the employer. Corporations can only qualify if they have taxable capital up to $15 million. For employers that are eligible for both the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the 75% wage subsidy for a period, any benefit from the 75% subsidy for remuneration paid in a specific period would generally reduce the amount available to be claimed under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in that same period.

What supports are available to workers impacted by COVID-19?

The Government of Ontario is protecting workers impacted by COVID-19 with legislation that:

Provides protected leave to individuals needing to go into isolation or quarantine and for those who need to miss work in order to care for family members, including children who are at home due to school or daycare closures. The protected leave will be retroactive to January 25 (the date of the first presumptive case of COVID-19 in Ontario).
Makes explicit that doctor’s notes will not be needed in such instances.

For more information on the provincial government’s response, click here. The Government of Canada’s relief package includes the following protections for workers and unemployed Canadians:

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for workers who lose income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, whether or not they are eligible for EI. The CERB provides $2,000 per month for up to 4 months. Applications opened on April 6. Click here to apply, or apply by calling 1-800-959-2019.
Easier access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits by waiving the one-week waiting period for individuals in imposed quarantine and waiving the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits. Employers should provide a Record of Employment (ROE) following the code instructions below.
Enhanced Work-Sharing Program to provide EI benefits to workers that agree to reduce their normal working hours as a result of COVID-19 developments beyond the control of their employers. For more information about the temporary Work-Sharing measures, click here.
Income tax filing deferrals without penalty until June 1 and payment of amounts owing until August 31.

For more information about the federal government’s response, click here.

Do I need to provide employees with a Record of Employment (ROE) for them to access benefits, and what are the appropriate ROE codes?

If your employees are directly affected by COVID-19 and they are no longer working, you must issue a Record of Employment (ROE) using the following codes:

When the employee is sick or quarantined, use code D (Illness or injury) as the reason for separation (block 16). Do not add comments.
When the employee is no longer working due to a shortage of work because the business has closed or decreased operations due to coronavirus (COVID-19), use code A (Shortage of work). Do not add comments.

When the employee refuses to come to work but is not sick or quarantined, use code E (Quit) or code N (Leave of absence), as appropriate. Avoid adding comments unless absolutely necessary.

What supports are available to self-employed workers impacted by COVID-19?

Self-employed Canadians who lose income as a result of COVID-19 should apply to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). To be eligible for the CERB, self-employed people need to cease working and not receive income for at least 14 days because of COVID-19 disruptions. The CERB provides taxable income of $2,000 per month for up to 4 months. It will be paid every 4 weeks and be available retroactively from March 15 until October 3, 2020. Applications will open on April 6 at Canada.ca/coronavirus. Applicants will also be able to apply by calling 1-800-959-2019. Canadians will begin receiving their CERB payments within 10 days of application. Learn more. Additionally, all Canadians will have until June 1 to submit their income tax returns. Income tax payments can be deferred until August 31 without penalty.

What are the new tax payment and filing deadlines?

Federal tax filing and payment deadlines:

T1, T2 – June 1, 2020
T3, T5013 – May 1, 2020
T3010 – December 31, 2020
Federal income tax payments – September 1, 2020
GST/HST filings and remittances – June 30, 2020
The CRA is NOT deferring payment of payroll source deduction remittances.

Ontario (provincial) tax filing and payment deadlines:

Employer Health Tax – August 31, 2020
Tobacco Tax – August 31, 2020
Fuel Tax – August 31, 2020
Gas Tax – August 31, 2020
Beer, Wine, and Spirits Tax – August 31, 2020
Mining Tax – August 31, 2020
Insurance Premium Tax – August 31, 2020
International Fuel Tax Agreement – August 31, 2020
Retail Sales Tax on Insurance Contracts and Benefit Plans – August 31, 2020
Race Tracks Tax – August 31, 2020

Notes: It is recommended that you file returns electronically, as the CRA will not process paper returns until it resumes operations. Additionally, the CRA is permitting electronic signatures for federal T183 and T183 Corp. If you are in a net refund position, you are encouraged to file as soon as possible to help with your cash flows.

What actions should my organization take to help contain the spread of COVID-19?

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s recommendations for workplaces include:

Encouraging employees to use individual measures such as frequent hand washing and social distancing.
Introducing policies that reduce social contact as much as possible. Where feasible, use teleworking arrangements to allow employees to work from home.
Increasing frequency with which surfaces are disinfected, and providing access to handwashing facilities and sanitizing dispensers throughout the workplace.
Following the federal government’s travel health advisories.

For a full list of recommendations, click here.

Are businesses required to close to aid with social distancing?

The Government of Ontario has mandated the closure of all non-essential workplaces for at least 14 days, beginning on March 25. Essential workplaces include supermarkets, pharmacies, LCBOs, restaurants for takeout and delivery, agri-food businesses, utilities, insurance, and more. Click here for a full list. For more information about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact you, please call 1-888-444-3659. Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

How should my business respond if a worker becomes ill with COVID-19?

Currently under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, if an employer is advised that a worker is ill resulting from an exposure at work (including COVID-19), or a claim has been filed with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board with respect to COVID-19 exposure at work, the employer must notify the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in writing within four days. The employer must also notify the workplace joint health and safety committee or a health and safety representative and trade union, if any.

Should we cancel business travel arrangements?

At this time, the Public Health Agency of Canada recommends avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Canada. Keep in mind that travellers may be forced to remain outside Canada longer than expected, as many countries have introduced travel restrictions and quarantines, and airlines have cancelled flights. Additionally, travellers are expected to self-isolate for 14 days upon their return. Click here for more information.

How do Canada’s travel restrictions affect my business?

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends avoiding all non-essential travel outside of Canada to stem the spread of COVID-19. This may require you to cancel or postpone business travel arrangements. Additionally, the United States and Canada have agreed to close the border between the two countries to non-essential travel. Supply chains, including trucking, will not be affected by this measure. The Government of Canada has also put in place measures to restrict entry into Canada by foreign nationals, with exemptions for temporary foreign workers and other foreign nationals who have already committed to working, studying, or living in Canada. For more information about travel implications, click here.

How can my organization help the government respond to COVID-19?

The Governments of Ontario and Canada are calling on businesses to help meet the challenges of COVID-19. If your organization can provide medical products and services, visit these two portals to see which supplies are needed:

If you or your organization has ideas or solutions to help the government respond to COVID-19, visit Ontario Together. Solutions could include virtual mental health services, supply chain resiliency monitoring, or financial advising for small businesses.

Where can my business access funding to manufacture essential supplies needed to support the response to COVID-19?

If your company is able to manufacture technology, equipment, and medical products to aid in the fight against COVID-19, you may be eligible for funding from:

The Ontario Together Fund. $50 million in provincial funding to help 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. Funding will go towards the most viable, innovative proposals. Learn more.
Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen). Supercluster funding to support companies as they rapidly respond to the COVID-19 pandemic by building a Canadian supply of essential equipment, products, and therapeutics. Learn more.
The National Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program and Innovative Solutions Canada. Funding for small- and medium-sized businesses (fewer than 500 staff) to supply products or solutions in response to COVID-19 related challenges. Learn more.

Welcome to Emery Village BIA

COVID-19 News and Resources for Canadians and Businesses

Participate in an exclusive free webinar on the evidence behind the COVID-19 Work Safe Course, and how it helps protect employees, customers, & corporate reputations. Highly recommended for those who have not yet signed up for the course!

Federal Resources

CERS (Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy)

RRRF (Regional Relief and Recovery Funds)

Support for Indigenous businesses

COVID-19 benefits and services for businesses

CEBA (Canada Emergency Business Account)

Canada United Small Business Relief Fund

Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility

After CERB: Transitioning to New Benefits

Recovery benefits for Canadians

Canada United Small Business Relief Fund

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

BCAP (Business Credit Availability Program)

BEP (Black Entrepreneurship Program)

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

Provincial Resources

Ontario’s Small Business News Updates

Ontario Workplace PPE Supplier Directory

Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs

Sector-Specific COVID-19 Resources for Businesses

COVID-19 Workplace Safety Plan

Ontario’s Regulation 82.80 Orders the Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses

Digital Main Street Ontario Grants

Municipal Resources

COVID-19: Bills & Tax Relief for Businesses

COVID-19: Posters & Graphics

COVID-19: Credit, Mortgage & Banking Support for Businesses

COVID-19: Reopening Guidelines for Businesses & Community Organizations

COVID-19: Business & Sector Resources

COVID-19: Employee Wage Support for Businesses

COVID-19: Reopening Guidelines for Businesses & Community Organizations

Mobile Security

Other Resources

Emery Village has prepared an Emergency Security Plan due to the lockdown of non-essential businesses in the province.

416-218-3226 or 647-202-3022

Financing available as part of the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)

How EDC is helping Canadians during COVID-19

COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for businesses

Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs

Resources for Canadian Businesses

WSIB -Novel coronavirus (COVID-19) update

Frequently Asked Questions