Monday, May 25th
On Monday, the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance began accepting applications. This program will provide relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 by reducing their rent by 75%. As of today, landlords from every region of the country canapply.
The Prime Minister also stated the federal government’s intention to pursue discussions with the provinces and territories on a way to implement 10 days of paid sick leave for Canadian workers.
Later that day, Minister Ng launched the Business Resilience Service to help entrepreneurs who may not otherwise have access to tailored financial advice. This fully bilingual hotline provides Canadian business owners with customized financial guidance from accountants – from navigating tax regulations and government supports, to planning their path to recovery. Small business owners with pressing financial needs can call 1-866-989-1080, 7 days a week, in either official language. Please feel free to share this free service with your network and the small businesses in your community.
In addition, Minister Ng met virtually with Tran Tuan Anh, Vietnam’s Minister of Industry and Trade, to discuss the importance of open and stable supply chains for business owners, workers and all Canadians, especially through this uncertaintime. They also discussed the CPTPP as an important foundation of the COVID-19 recovery effort by giving Canadian business owners and workers access to the dynamic and important Pacific Rim markets.
Tuesday, May 26th
In our efforts to support Canadian agriculture and the food supply chain amid labour shortages caused by COVID-19, it was announced that funding to support 700 youth jobs in the industry. This will create new opportunities for young Canadians andhelp agricultural and agri-food businesses meet their labour needs.
Wednesday, May 27th
On Wednesday, Minister Ng appointed Janet De Silva, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Toronto Region Board of Trade, to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Business Advisory Council (ABAC).
For over 30 years, Ms. De Silva has helped businesses grow in the global marketplace. She will play a key role in representing and advancing the interests of the Canadian business community throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
Thursday, May 28th
This week,the Prime Minister, along with the United Nations Secretary-General and the Prime Minister of Jamaica, brought more than 50 global leaders from around the world together to discuss the current global economic challenges and how to support developing countries.Canada is ready to do its part to help bring the world together in the fight against COVID-19.
Back at home, the Prime Minister spoke with premierson continued efforts to address the impacts of COVID-19.Top of mind was improving care for seniors, ensuring every worker has access to ten days of paid sick leave a year, and how the federal government could further assist them to safely reopen their economies.
Last week (Week of May 18th)
Last week, it was announced that the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) program is accepting applications. This program is there to protect
millions of Canadians jobs, as this bridge financing will allow Canada’s largest employers and their suppliers to remain active during this difficult time and position them for a rapid economic recovery.
On May 16th, Minister Ng provided $15 million in additional funding to support women entrepreneurs through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy Ecosystem Fund. The pandemic has disproportionately impacted women entrepreneurs, and this investment will help thousands of women entrepreneurs and business owners navigate this crisis.
On May 17th, Minister Ng and her foreign affairs colleagues recognized the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia. Canada continues to be a global leader in defending LGBTQ2 rights in Canada and around the world.
On May 19th, Canada agreed with the United States to extend current restrictions on nonessential travel across the Canada-US border by 30 days, prolonging the agreement until June 21st. The flow of essential goods, services, and workers will continue unimpeded.
As you know, the government also expanded the criteria for businesses to qualify for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), for sole proprietors, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay wages in dividends rather than payroll. The government is working on a solution to help entrepreneurs who operate through their personal bank account, or have yet to file a tax return.
Additionally, the government announced $75 million in funding to help Indigenous peoples who live in urban centres and off reserves and address their unique needs amid COVID-19. This funding will support more community-based projects that address the critical needs of Indigenous populations during this crisis, including food security, mental health support services, and sanitation and protective equipment.
Lastly, Public Health came out with its recommendation that Canadians wear non-medical cloth masks when outside the home, where consistent physical distancing isn’t possible. For more information on preventing the spread of COVID-19 at home and in public, please see general guidelines, including those on non-medical masks, from the Public Health Agency of Canada.