Daily COVID-19 Update: May 14, 2020
Supports for Business
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Program Expanded
It was announced today that the CECRA program will now be administered for properties with mortgages, other forms of debt or no mortgages at all with the application process open in the second half of May. The website has been updated with new information and answers to questions that have been received concerning eligibility, role of property owner/landlord, mortgage requirements, and process.
To qualify for CECRA for small businesses, the commercial property owner must:
- own or be the landlord of the commercial real property* which is occupied by one or more impacted small business tenants
- enter (or have already entered) into a rent reduction agreement for the period of April, May and June 2020, reducing an impacted small business tenant’s rent by at least 75%
- ensure the rent reduction agreement with impacted tenants includes a moratorium on eviction for the period of April, May and June 2020
- have declared rental income on your tax return (personal or corporate) for tax years 2018 and/or 2019
What is an impacted small business tenant?
Impacted small business tenants are businesses — including non-profit and charitable organizations — that:
- pay no more than $50,000 in monthly gross rent per location (as defined by a valid and enforceable lease agreement)
- generate no more than $20 million in gross annual revenues, calculated on a consolidated basis (at the ultimate parent level)
- have experienced at least a 70% decline in pre-COVID-19 revenues **
NOTE: Eligible small business tenants who are in sub-tenancy arrangements are also eligible, if these lease structures meet program criteria.
** Small businesses can compare revenues in April, May and June of 2020 to that of the same period in 2019 to measure revenue losses. They can also use an average of their revenues earned in January and February of 2020.
How to apply
The online application process will include both fillable fields and templates of the documents required. Property owners will need to provide information to prove eligibility including:
- proof of an existing rent reduction agreement
- proof of a moratorium on eviction, and
- proof of small business tenant financial hardship (i.e. attestation of 70% decline in revenue)
More program details will be provided soon — including when and how to apply for CECRA for small businesses. Visit the website and Sign up to receive details when they’re available.
Workplace plans to address COVID-19
With Albera's relaunch, all workplaces are expected to develop and implement policies and procedures to address COVID-19, including a plan to reduce the risk of transmission among staff and customers.
The completed plan must be posted in places of business or online within seven days of the public being able to attend the business. Information and the plan template is available at alberta.ca/BizConnect
Guidance available on mask use
Where physical distancing isn’t possible, wearing non-medical masks can help limit the risk of exposure to COVID-19, especially when used with other preventative measures.
Details on non-medical masks, including when and how to use them and what to consider when making or buying them, is available online.
Government of Alberta red tape form
Is red tape affecting your ability to reopen your business? Fill out the Government of Alberta form to tell the government how it can better support your business through the relaunch transition.
Farm Credit Canada-backed fund offers support to agricultural sector
The federal government, on behalf of Farm Credit Canada (FCC), today announced the launch of a $100-million Agriculture and Food Business Solutions Fund to support proven, viable companies through unexpected business disruptions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government Announces Fish Harvester Benefit And Fish Harvester Grant Programs
Today the Government of Canada announced its intention to provide up to $469.4 million in new measures to support Canada’s fish harvesters, who are economically affected by the pandemic but cannot access existing federal measures. This investment builds on the $62.5 million for the new Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund announced last month to help Canada’s fish and seafood processing sector.
Supports for Individuals
Driver’s licence and vehicle renewal
Albertans are reminded that if their driver’s licence, ID card, or vehicle registration expired or is set to expire March 17 through May 14, they have until May 15 to renew. Albertans whose documents are expiring are encouraged to connect with their local registry agent by phone and explore options to renew their documents by phone, secure email, fax or mail.
Community Supports and Resources
Medicine Hat Farmers’ Market will open 23rd Season
The Medicine Hat Farmers’ Market along with their sponsor Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede is pleased to announce the opening of the 23rd season of the Farmers’ Market. The Farmers’ Market will run Saturdays starting June 13 from 9-1 and will run through until October 3rd, 2020 with fresh produce, homemade baking, fruits, meats, crafts, jewellery, fresh roasted coffee and many more items to choose from. Admission is always free!
This years’ Farmers’ Market will look a little different from previous years but these are different times with the guidelines for Farmers’ Markets from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer and Alberta Health Services. Social distancing and hand sanitizing stations will help keep you, your family, our vendors and staff safe. Alberta Health Services encourages all Albertans to visit alberta.ca/COVID-19 for the latest information, guidance and resources.
Advocacy
ACC business pulse check - what is the state of your business today?
Is your business planning to reopen? Are government COVID-19 relief measures working for your business? Are you having difficulty accessing government COVID-19 business supports? The Alberta Chambers of Commerce network is collaborating with Economic Developers of Alberta and Community Futures to collect insights and inform government responses to help business with the Phase 1 economic relaunch. Share your feedback on government relief measures and business supports by taking our short survey here
https://albertaperspectives.vision-critical.com/c/r/ab-covid-pulsecheck2-2020-chambers
Liquidity And Cost Deferrals Provide Easy Options For Government To Help The Energy Sector
We have made it clear that Canada’s resource sector and, in particular the oil and gas sector, faces unique challenges from this pandemic. The federal government has simple, easy to execute options at its disposal to help. Read more.
The Business Of Business: Strengthen Our Supply Chains
Canadian Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, the Hon. Perrin Beatty is joined by Lou Smyrlis, Managing Director of Newcom Trucking and Supply Chain Group, to discuss the importance of our supply chains, how they have been affected by COVID-19 and what businesses can do to strengthen them. Watch now.
New Resources
Introducing Ownr Grants by RBC Ventures
Ownr Grants is launching a $25,000 fund to help support Canadian entrepreneurs with a grant of up to $1000 for each successful applicant. Starting and running a business isn’t easy, but with Ownr and some funding to get you on your way, entrepreneurs can feel inspired to thrive during a time of uncertainty and change.
Does your company require PPE as Canada returns to work?
As Canada's industries return to work, there is an increased demand for PPE. The Rapid Response Platform automatically matches supply with demand, simplifying supplier discovery during the procurement process. View here and don’t forget to check out the local PPE suppliers here.
New University of Calgary Online Community Support Hub
The University of Calgary has established an online Community Support Hub that is designed to provide members of the broader community with useful information and resources. This includes a podcast (COVIDCast) and webinars from UCalgary experts on topical issues such as children's learning, tips for working from home and coping through a crisis.
Recording Available: Ensuring The Recovery And Resilience Of Canada’s Food Service Sector
The post-COVID recovery of Canada’s food service industry is essential to our economy rebounding successfully. We were joined by Molson Coors Canada President Frederic Landtmeters, Boston Pizza President and CEO Jim Treliving, Firkin Group of Pubs President Larry Issacs and our very own President and CEO, the Hon. Perrin Beatty, on May 12 to discuss the recovery of Canada’s food service industry. If you were unable to attend, the session was recorded. Watch the recording and receive event updates.
Teleconference: The Impact Of COVID-19 On The Travel And Tourism Industry
The travel, tourism and hospitality sector was among the first to feel the impact of COVID-19, but it will take the longest to recover. While the federal government’s business supports are appreciated, consumer confidence will be the key to economic recovery in the long term. Join us on Wednesday, May 20 at 2:00 p.m. ET as we discuss the issues facing the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. This will be an opportunity to share feedback and concerns on policy developments in this sector. Register now.
Neuman Thompson webinar: Relaunching Your Business
Please join Neuman Thompson lawyers Stefan Pahulje and Monica Bokenfohr on Thursday, May 21 from 12 to 1 p.m. as they take you through issues employers face as they relaunch their business and assess their workforce needs. Register online.
#YXH2Gether
Share your stories and resources with us and on the YXH Business Support Group and connect with us for any questions you have.
Recognize your heroes by using the hashtag #YXHheroes.
Honour your everyday heroes through the Alberta Northern Lights Volunteer Awards program. Nominations can be submitted online.
“Life is all about how you handle plan B” - Suzy Toronto
For more resources visit our COVID-19 page
On Demand Webinars
Alberta Bits & Pieces Webinar. Watch Now.
Canadian Business Resilience Network Video Content
13 Ways COVID-19 and Your Business Part 1: Watch Now.
Conflict Escalation & What to Do About It. Watch Now.
Destination Canada: The Visitor Economy: Watch Now.
BDC Economic Pulse (April 20): Watch Now.
How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business. Watch Now.
How to Navigate Government Programs with KPMG. Watch Now.
The Importance of Human Resources & Being Strategic When Your Business is Being Temporarily Impacted. Watch Now.
Keeping Your Company and Employees Secure When Working Remotely. Watch Now.
Leading During a Crisis and Switching to Remote Work. Watch Now.
Maintaining Sales in the face of COVID-19. Watch Now.
Rent Relief in a World of the Coronavirus: Watch Now.
Shopify E-Commerce Tools. Watch Now.
Social Media in Crisis. Watch Now.
Understanding, Accessing and Optimizing the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Watch Now.
Working From Home During COVID-19. Watch Now.
Webinar Series
AMHSA, CSSE, Howatt HR, AUMA Mental Health Webinar Series. Click here.
APEX Alberta Webinars: Watch the recorded series
BDC Webinar Series. Click here.
BusinessLink: View upcoming events.
Calgary Chamber of Commerce. Watch Now.
CPA Small Business Webinar Series. Click here.
CPHR Alberta: HR Pandemic Essentials. Click here.
Conference Board of Canada Webinar Series: Mental Health and COVID-19. Click here.
Constant Contact Webinar Series: View the line up of sessions and register.
D2L Webinar Series: Digital Transformation for Associations. Watch Now.
Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Wednesday weekly: Business & Economic Recovery During the COVID-19 Crisis
Free Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS)® IDS™ sessions. Register here.
International Economic Development Council Webinar series. Watch now.
StartUp Canada Women Entrepreneur Webinar Series: Click here.
Travel Alberta Webinar Series. Watch Now.
Upcoming Webinars
May 15: AHS COVID-19 Community Conversation: Business Re-launch. Register now.
May 15: BBB Virtual Selling Webinar. Register Now.
May 20: APEX Alberta: Human Resources Fundamentals. Register here.
May 20: ABFI The Lemonade Summit for family business owners. Register here.
May 20: Create a Powerful Marketing Strategy in 7 Steps. Register here.
May 21: 13 Ways Easing Into The New Normal. Register here.
May 21: Recovery & Overcoming Adversity with Business Link: an Online Panel. Register here.
May 22: How To Create A Brand For The Digital Era. Register here.
May 22: BDC Planning for recovery: How to restart your business in the wake of COVID-19. Register here.
May 22: Valuing Nature: Value Balancing Alliance – Impact Measurement And Green Accounting. Register now.
May 27: APEX Alberta: Everything DiSC Workplace. Register here.
May 28: Work-Life Wellness for Entrepreneurs: During & Beyond the COVID-19 Crisis. Register here.
May 28: Succession Planning Webinar. Register here.
June 3: APEX Alberta: Personality Dimensions – Sales and Customer Service. Register here.
June 4: Cash Flow Management in Times of Uncertainty Webinar. Register here.
June 17: APEX Alberta: Everything DiSC Productive Conflict. Register here.
Don’t forget Joe Social Media – Free Social Media training from May 1 – June 30 (times vary). Register here. Use promocode: Resilience
Check out more events on our Pandemic Training Calendar