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Update / Mise à jour: COVID-19

November 9, 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 over $155 million to extend the Industrial Research Assistance Program‘s (IRAP) Innovation Assistance Program to continue supporting high-potential, innovative small businesses across the country throughout this pandemic. If your business isn’t eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy support, this support could be for you!

Also, more information is now available on legislation tabled earlier this week on the extended Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy, and the new Lockdown support:

WEEK IN REVIEW

Monday, November 2

As mentioned on Monday, Minister Ng delivered a keynote speech at the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations (widely known as CORIM) – you can now read her full speech here that outlines her vision on how trade can advance our economic recovery for businesses and all Canadians.

Also on Monday, we launched the new website for the Black Entrepreneurship Program. The Black Entrepreneurship Program is about meaningful change and setting more Black entrepreneurs up for success for years to come. Stay tuned for updates on how to apply for this program in the weeks to come.

Tuesday, November 3

On Tuesday, the Prime Minister and I announced the revamped CanExport SMEs program – which helps entrepreneurs break into new international markets with grants of up to $75,000 to cover travel costs and other expenses. It’s pivoting amid COVID-19 to cover costs to help businesses expand their e-commerce presence, attend virtual trade shows, and navigate new COVID-19 related trade barriers. It will now also include dedicated support for Indigenous entrepreneurs, and women-owned small businesses.

Apply here!

Also, on Tuesday, Minister Ng kicked off a two day virtual trade mission to South Korea for women entrepreneurs, hosted by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF). This virtual trade mission brought together innovative women entrepreneurs in the care economy who were able to make new connections, learn from experts, and learn how to grow their business into the South Korean market.

Also on Tuesday, Minister Ng spoke with Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor on Commerce and Investment to the Prime Minister of Pakistan. They discussed the importance of supporting workers and businesses throughout this pandemic, and how we can grow our close economic and people-to-people ties.

Wednesday, November 4

On Wednesday, Minister Ng participated in day two of the APF women-only virtual trade mission to South Korea, and heard directly from businesses about their plans to expand abroad, and discussed how our government programs could best support them. The businesses who attended this mission had the opportunity to share best practices for how they’ve succeed, and directly pitch their business to experts, and the Minister herself!

Thursday, November 5

On Thursday, the Minister Ng concluded a virtual trade mission to South Korea – this time for Canadian business owners in information and communication technology, life sciences, artificial intelligence, and more. The Minister was thrilled to be part of these virtual missions as a way to continue helping businesses grow and access new markets, even amid COVID-19.

WHERE TO START

To get the help you need: 

  1. To help slow the spread of COVID-19 and safely reopen our economy, download the COVID Alert App here.
  2. Visit our government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan website for information about supporting your employees and your business.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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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