Weekly Update: June 5- June 11, 2021
Supports for Business
Stage 2 of the Open for Summer Plan Began June 10
Changes Include:
- Outdoor social gatherings increase to 20 people, with distancing.
- Indoor and outdoor wedding ceremonies may occur with up to 20 attendees. Receptions are permitted outdoors.
- Indoor and outdoor funeral services remain unchanged with up to 20 people permitted. Receptions are permitted outdoors.
- Restaurants may seat tables with up to six people, indoors or outdoors.
- Dining parties are no longer restricted to households only.
- Physical distancing and other restrictions still apply.
- Retail capacity increases to one-third of fire code occupancy.
- Capacity for places of worship increases to one-third of fire code occupancy.
- Gyms and other indoor fitness facilities open for solo and drop-in activities with three-metre distancing between participants and fitness classes may resume with three-metre distancing.
- Indoor settings may open with up to one-third of fire code occupancy, including indoor recreation centres. This includes arenas, cinemas, theatres, museums, art galleries and libraries.
- Indoor and outdoor youth and adult sports resume.
- Youth activities, such as day camps, overnight camps and play centres, may resume.
- Personal and wellness services can resume walk-in services.
- Post-secondary institutions can resume in-person learning.
- The work-from-home order is lifted but still recommended.
- Outdoor fixed seating facilities (e.g., grandstands) can open with one-third seated capacity.
- Public outdoor gatherings increase to 150 people (e.g., concerts/festivals).
Read more or find the full plan online
June 15, 2021 deadline for self-employed individuals to file their 2020 income tax and benefit return
If you are a self-employed individual, or if your spouse or common-law partner is self-employed, you have until June 15, 2021, to file your 2020 income tax and benefit return. Find out more and to see if you are considered self-employed.
Alberta on the Plate
Alberta on the Plate takes place August 6-15, 2021 and is a ten-day, province-wide dine around festival. Participating restaurants offer multi-course, fixed-price menus highlighting local producers, growers, distillers and brewers. Become a participating restaurant.
Alberta farms & food producers are also able to participate in Alberta on the Plate! Join the Alberta on the Plate Ingredient Database to connect with local restaurants - your products could end up being featured during Alberta on the Plate and throughout the year. Register as a producer.
Alberta Film’s Online Resource Directory
Registration is now open for Alberta Film’s Online Resource Directory! The Online Resource Directory is a new tool that will enable the province’s Screen-based industry workforce and support service companies to showcase their skills and services to industry professionals considering filming in our province. We encourage all industry professionals, including pre-production resources, production staff and technical crew, producers and production companies, equipment and stages, post-production facilities, and support services to register.
Government reaches exit agreement with TC Energy
The government and TC Energy have reached an agreement for an orderly exit from the KXL project and partnership. The two parties will continue to explore all options to recoup the government’s investment in the project. To date, roughly 150 kilometres of pipeline has been installed in Alberta, employing more than 1,600 people during peak construction. Read More
Government collaboration supporting the future of Alberta’s clean hydrogen sector
Canada, including Alberta’s energy sector, is starting with a solid foundation of expertise, resources and policies to succeed in building a cleaner, stronger and more resilient economy—one that is competitive in an increasingly low-carbon global economy. Read More
Additional funds available for Waterfront District Vibrancy
The City of Medicine Hat and Invest Medicine Hat continue to encourage development and redevelopment in the city and incentives are an effective way to stimulate investment and support desirable economic growth that would have not otherwise occurred. Read More
The Government of Canada and Mitacs announce $2.5M in funding for student internships to drive innovation
The National Research Council of Canada (NRC) and Mitacs announced they are investing $2.5 million over 5 years, to support 250 graduate and post-graduate student internships to support the NRC’s Challenge and Supercluster support programs. Canadian businesses and academic supervisors interested in participating are encouraged to contact Mitacs for more information.
WIN Program - Employment Services for Newcomers
The WIN program (Workplace Integration for Newcomers) will be starting the next session on July 5. Intakes are taking place now. These comprehensive employment services are available to Newcomers, both Permanent Residents and Naturalized Canadian Citizens. Those with lower language levels (CLB 3-5) have precedence to the available seats, however, other factors may allow for eligibility for those with higher language levels. Individuals interested in the program, can call (403) 580-3338.
News for the Community
Provincial sites are open for summer
As part of Stage 2 of Alberta’s Open for Summer Plan, museums and archives can open to the public at reduced visitor capacity. Find out more.
Ramping up vaccine second doses in Alberta
Every Albertan who received their first dose in April or earlier can book a second dose of COVID-19 vaccine. Book your COVID-19 vaccine appointment. Read more.
Snowbirds: Submit your vaccine info to AHS
Any Albertan who has received a first or second dose outside of the country or in another province can bring a copy of their immunization records to one of the 141 AHS public health clinics located throughout the province to have their immunization record updated. Read more.
Government of Canada funds five new projects to encourage vaccine uptake in Canada
The federal government has announced five new projects receiving funding through the Immunization Partnership Fund (IPF) to support vaccination efforts across Canada. These projects will support COVID-19 vaccine uptake among populations disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 through targeted outreach to provide culturally relevant and tailored vaccination resources. Read more
Alberta approved farmers markets now open
Alberta has more the 130 approved markets serving about 110 communities around the province that are open throughout the summer. Read the article. Find a market near you.
Apply for the UFA Rural Communities Foundation Community Grant Program
Groups who are eligible to apply include registered charities under the Canada Revenue Agency, registered non-profit organizations who are registered with either their provincial or municipal government and community service co-operatives. The application deadline is August 31, 2021. Find out more and apply.
Government of Canada awards over $3 million for research to protect and empower Canadian consumers
The Government of Canada’s Contributions Program for Non-Profit Consumer and Voluntary Organizations has an annual budget of $1.69 million. For the two-year 2021–23 call for proposals, the program received 37 proposals, 21 of which were recommended for funding based on merit. Read More
Measures to address hate crimes and racism
Starting this fall, religious and ethnic organizations and Indigenous groups that are at risk of being targeted by hate-inspired violence or vandalism will be able to apply for grants for security and technology improvements, including upgrades to facility infrastructure, security and monitoring systems.
The Alberta Anti-Racism Advisory Council also released its recommendations on how to address racism in the province. The province also will be targeting hate-motivated crimes and racism with new law enforcement resources and a fresh approach to working with affected communities.
Advocacy
12-point plan to help policymakers tailor their supports for the hardest-hit sectors
As Canada’s economy begins to open up this summer, the reality is that the hardest-hit
sectors will still require a longer runway for recovery. They were hit first and will be the last to
recover. While some restrictions may ease this summer, many businesses will not see their revenues
come back in a meaningful way until 2022 at the earliest. Governments need to support the recovery for the hardest hit sectors in a more targeted way. Read the recommendations.
Quarantine Hotel Changes are One Step in Travel Resumption Plans but More Steps Are Necessary
As vaccination rates increase, Canadians are eager to see the finish line for this pandemic. The changes to eliminate quarantine hotels for fully vaccinated Canadians is a welcome move in the gradual resumption of international mobility, but much work still remains. The COVID-19 Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel provided a well-grounded, scientific basis for a comprehensive plan to resume international travel. As other countries move ahead with their reopening plans, it is critical for Canada to catch up by providing a national reopening strategy, including a plan for border measures that includes clear metrics. Read the full statement.
Steps to Guide Reopening for Businesses: Business Recovery Leadership Council
As lockdowns begin to morph into reopening in various parts of the country, more and more workplaces will look to their reopening and what they need to do. Planning for that future return is critical and doing it now means that businesses will be better placed to accelerate a return to normal operations, which will ultimately generate business activity. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce released a 21-point plan to provide guidance for businesses and policy recommendations for governments on four key areas for the reopening of the economy: health/safety, teleworking, skills/training and the future of customer engagement.
Veterans Affairs Canada inviting applications for advisory groups
The Department is seeking to renew membership with Veterans, Canadians, and stakeholders with diverse backgrounds and experiences. New members will be appointed to one of the six advisory groups: policy, service excellence and transition, mental health, care and support, families, and commemoration. Learn more
Consultation on the Investment Tax Credit for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage
In Budget 2021, the government proposed the introduction of an investment tax credit for capital invested in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) projects with the goal of reducing emissions by at least 15 megatonnes of CO2 annually. Get involved.
New Resources
Liaison Officer service offers virtual visits and webinars to support small business owners and self-employed individuals
The CRA offers free Liaison Officer services to owners of small businesses and self-employed individuals to help them understand their tax obligations. Find out more about how this service can help you.
Making it Easier for Canadians to Explore Canada while Supporting our Industry
To support the tourism industry and ensure Canadians are aware of the world-class experiences on offer across the country and inspired to book their holidays in Canada, Destination Canada launched two new portals.
Canadian Packages Portal: showcasing Canadian tour packages across each province and territory
Travel Offers: timely deals and offers from selected partners across the country. The aim is to capture the key Canadian travel deals in one place to ensure Canadians plan and book their next trip in Canada.
Natural Resources Conservation Board new fact sheet
The NRCB has issued a new fact sheet, The Permitting Process for Confined Feeding Operations in Alberta.
This fact sheet updates and replaces existing fact sheets.
Featured Webinars
June 15
Succession and Financing | Register
June 16
Working Together for Community Recovery | Register
Navigating Support for LGBTQ2+-led Businesses | Register
June 17
Family Business Succession Planning: Tips to transition your family legacy | Register
June 22
Succession Planning: Taxation and Legal Considerations | Register
Future of the Canada – U.S. Border | Register
June 23
Women in Business Summit: Empowering an Inclusive Recovery | Register
Defence Procurement – Opportunities for Western Canadian SMEs. | Register
June 30
Getting to Net-Zero: Opportunities for SME Business Sector Leadership | Register
Series
Succession Planning Webinar Series (May 11-June 22) | Register or watch again
