Government resources and supports during the pandemic

In response to the global pandemic, governments across Canada have moved swiftly to help impacted organizations and workers weather the challenges and uncertainty presented by COVID-19. This blog summarizes the latest work-related information, guidance and support offered by government during this unprecedented time. We are updating our Marketing Connected platform frequently to reflect updates from government. Visit us often for the latest news.

The federal government has provided advice for workers and employees, with employers encouraged to review new risk-informed guidelines to help them make critical workplace decisions. At the same time, employees are encouraged to familiarize themselves with their rights at work, including the right to be safe at work under relevant occupational health and safety legislation, and in some cases, the right to unpaid, job-protected infectious disease emergency leave under relevant employment standards legislation.

Is your organization deemed essential?

Eight provinces have implemented “lists of essential businesses” that may stay open during the pandemic. Those not on the list must close unless they are able to operate remotely or adapt to meet public health requirements, such as switching to pickup or delivery. If you find yourself wondering how your organization fits on the list of essential businesses, you should contact your provincial government for advice.

In Ontario, the provincial government has launched a hotline to answer your questions. The onus is on businesses to self-identify whether they’re essential, and to adjust their operations to reduce social contact. In the case of businesses that are suppliers to other essential businesses or services within Ontario, for example a marketing agency printing essential materials for a grocery delivery company, a case could be made for certain in-person operations to stay open. For businesses who feel they are in the “grey area” of the list, the hotline provides guidance to help businesses make a decision – one that is subject to justification in the face of potential future enforcement – but stops short of providing anything legally definitive on whether an individual company can stay open or closed.

In terms of the level of risk companies are taking, there are fines under each province’s emergency legislation, including the potential for corporate fines up to $500,000 in Ontario. As employers adjust to the new rules, enforcement officers are said to be looking at an education-first approach.

When is travel for work acceptable?

With regards to cross-border travel for work, most employers are heeding official travel advisories urging against non-essential travel, and staying put.

When it comes to the Canada/US border, which is officially closed to non-essential travel until April 21st (and potentially longer), there are some exemptions for essential workers. For more information on what this means and what documents are required at the border, you can call Canada Border Services 24/7 hotline.

What government supports are available for your organization and your employees?

All three levels of government are providing support for individuals and organizations during this time. New details continue to be announced, and the CMA is committed to keeping you informed through Marketing Connected. Here are some highlights:

Supports from the Federal Government

The federal government has implemented a  support package for individuals and businesses; the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

For individuals, the plan provides support for those who have stopped working, or have a reduced ability to work due to the pandemic, including temporary income support of $500 a week for up to 16 weeks through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). To assist low to modest income individuals, the government has temporarily increased the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) and issued a one-time Special Goods and Services Tax Credit Payment. Banks have been asked to provide mortgage support to individuals, and targeted relief has been announced for a number of groups, including Indigenous peoples, seniors and students.

For organizations, the plan includes the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy providing a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks (and for those not eligible the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy). It also includes temporary special measures for the Work Sharing Program to help employers avoid layoffs, as well as $65 billion in direct lending and other types of financial support to businesses through the Business Credit Availability Program BCAP).

In addition, all Canadians will benefit from a deferral of their income tax filing and payment dates, including a deferral of GST, HST and customs duty payments owed by businesses.

For more details, including information on eligibility and how to apply, see the CMA's charts on federal support measures for individuals and businesses.

Supports from Provincial and Municipal Governments

Provincial governments across Canada, to varying degrees, are implementing measures for impacted organizations and workers, including halts on eviction orders, provincial tax deferrals and more. In Ontario, there is an increased Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption for eligible employers, as well as a deferral of payments due to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board.

At the municipal level, measures may include the lifting or relaxing of certain bylaws (such as parking or noise bylaws) and grace periods for tax and other municipal payments. For example, the City of Toronto has provided 60-day extensions for property tax payments and utilities (water/sewer services and solid waste management). To learn more about what your provincial and municipal governments are doing, check out Marketing Connected.

Keep healthy and help flatten the curve!

It is important to keep yourselves, your staff and your customers healthy by following the advice of public health officials. As more information becomes available, we  recommend signing up for the Public Health Agency of Canada’s email updates, or downloading the Canada COVID-19 App.

The CMA team is available to keep the marketing community connected and informed at this unprecedented time. If you have questions or require further information, please reach out.