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Update / Mise à jour: COVID-19

September 28, 2020

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Good morning / bonjour,

(le français suit)

Thank you for following along with our updates. As always, please let us know if you would like to be removed from our list, or if you have contacts that should be added.

Yesterday, our government announced an agreement with AstraZeneca to procure up to 20 million doses of its COVID‑19 vaccine candidate. With these agreements in place, the government has now secured access for Canadians to six leading vaccine candidates and will be able to guarantee supply of potential vaccines that will help keep Canadians safe and healthy.

This week, we launched the revamped Canada Business App! This one-stop-shop has new features that make it even easier for you to find government programs and services to help your business! Download here.

WEEK IN REVIEW

Monday, September 21 

On Monday, the Minister spoke with her UK counterpart, Liz Truss. They reiterated their share priorities before the G20 meeting, and their commitment to open, rules based trade. They also discussed how Canada and the U.K. are working towards a solid path forward with a transition trade agreement to ensure continuity and stability to our businesses and workers.

Later that same day, the Minister participated virtually in the G20 Trade and Investment Ministerial Meeting to further coordinate our global response to fighting COVID-19. Minister Ng and her G20 counterparts endorsed a joint statement in support of rules-based trade and long-term, sustainable economic recovery for our businesses, workers, and all people.

On Monday morning, Minister Ng spoke with the Canada EU Trade and Investment Association to mark the 3-year anniversary of the Canada-EU Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. Since CETA came into effect, merchandise trade between Canada and the European Union has increased annually by over 21% and continues to create new opportunities for Canadian and European businesses alike.

Our government also announced a new initiative for our National Housing Strategy – the Rapid Housing Initiative to further address the urgent housing needs of vulnerable Canadians. This $1 billion investment will create up to 3,000 new affordable housing units across the country while boosting employment in the housing and construction sectors, which is a key component of Canada’s economic recovery.

Tuesday, September 22

On Tuesday, Minister Ng attended the ground breaking for York University’s new campus in Markham. This campus is a testament to the trailblazing ecosystem that’s been built in one of Canada’s tech hubs, and will help propel the community and businesses forward.

Also on Tuesday, our government announced new agreements with Sanofi and GlaxoSmithKline, to secure up to 72 million doses of their COVID-19 vaccine candidate. This follows agreements reached with Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson and Novavax – so that we can guarantee supply of potential vaccines.

Wednesday, September 23

On Wednesday, Canadians heard the Speech from the Throne outlining our plan for a stronger and more resilient Canada. This plan includes creating one million new jobs, extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy into next summer, expanding the Canada Business Account to help with fixed costs, and accelerating the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy. We will also continue to fight for free trade and working with our international partners to ensure Canada and countries around the world emerge stronger.

Thursday, September 24

Yesterday, our government introduced legislation which proposes a series of temporary measures and recovery benefits to provide income support to Canadians as we work to restart our economy and build a more resilient Canada. Learn more here.

Also yesterday, the Minister met with Japan’s Ambassador to Canada, Yasuhisa Kawamura. They discussed how Canada and Japan will continue their partnership on modernizing the World Trade Organization, strengthen rules-based international trade, build resilient supply chains to benefit our businesses, and ensure reliable agriculture & energy supplies.

WHERE TO START:

To get the help you need: 

  1. Visit our government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan website for information about supporting your employees and your business.
  2. Contact your local financial institution. Since we know most small businesses have a relationship with their local financial institution already, we’ve worked with the financial sector to increase their lending capacity to support you in this challenging time. They are an excellent first resource.
  3. Consult the Canadian Business Resilience Network, a partnership between our government and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to help your business prepare, persevere and prosper through this crisis.
  4. Check out the new PPE Supply Hub – Canadian businesses in need of personal protective equipment, and businesses looking to sell these supplies can go to this hub to connect.
  5. Make the POST Promise to show employees and customers that you take COVID-19 prevention seriously by practicing key health and safety steps and maintain a safe workplace.
  6. Consult the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety – for a free online course to provide businesses with all the information they need to reopen safely.

THE TEAM:

For assistance at any time, please reach out to the team member below who represents your region. Based on the current volume of email, if you reply to this email directly without copying the appropriate regional team member, my response may be significantly delayed.

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