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.
I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving weekend.
Coming up during the week of October 18th is Small Business Week 2020! This year, we’ll be recognizing small businesses across Canada that have shown incredible resilience amid COVID-19 – whether they have taken advantage of our government’s emergency supports, innovated and adapted their business models, or looked to new markets for opportunities for growth.
If you have an story of small business resilience that you think should be highlighted and recognized by Minister Ng, please email the story to Eleanore Catenaro, Minister Ng’s Director of Communications: eleanore.catenaro@international.gc.ca.
WEEK IN REVIEW
Monday, October 5th
On Monday, Quebec launched the COVID Alert App, joining provinces such as Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. I encourage you all to download the COVID Alert app if you haven’t already, which is the best way to keep your communities safe and prevent the spread of the virus – all while protecting your privacy.
Wednesday, October 7th
On Wednesday, our government announced that we are moving forward with our commitment to zero plastic waste by 2030 to take ambitious action to fight climate change. As of 2021, single-use plastics will be banned nationwide, ensuring a more sustainable Canada for years to come.
Thursday, October 8th
On Thursday, Minister Ng participated in a virtual signing ceremony alongside Singapore Minister Indranee Rajah, to renew a memorandum of understanding with Infrastructure Asia – this will make it easier for Canadian businesses to grow their businesses in the dynamic and fast-growing markets in Asia.
Also on Thursday, our government announced, in partnership with Ontario, a commitment to Ford Motor Company of Canada’s investment in its Oakville Assembly Complex, with federal and provincial contributions of $295 million each. This project for our automotive industry will secure 5,400 jobs for hard-working Canadians, while positioning Canada as a leader in electric vehicles manufacturing.
Friday, October 9th
Our government announced new targeted support for business owners amid COVID-19, including the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy for direct rent relief, extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to help businesses keep their employees on the payroll, and expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account by an additional interest-free $20,000. This was thanks to feedback from many of you – so thank you for continuing to work with us to ensure we’re responding to your urgent needs during the pandemic.
WHERE TO START:
To get the help you need:
- To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen our economy, download the COVID Alert App here.
- Visit our government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan website for information about supporting your employees and your business.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Simon Beauchemin, Director of Policy – simon.beauchemin@international.gc.ca
- Ivana Spasovska, Senior Special Assistant, Regional Affairs and Stakeholder Relations (Ontario) – ivana.spasovska@international.gc.ca
- Youmy Han, Press Secretary and Regional Advisor (West and North) – youmy.han@international.gc.ca
- Zach Nixon, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Ontario) – Zachary.nixon@international.gc.ca
- Arevig Afarian, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Quebec) – arevig.afarian@international.gc.ca