LAST WEEK IN REVIEW
Monday, November 9
On Monday, our government announced an investment of $1.75 billion to help connect Canadians to high-speed internet across the country, grow businesses, and create jobs. Now that we are relying on internet more than ever, it is imperative that we ensure all Canadians have access to quality internet access.
Tuesday, November 10
Last week, our government announced that our CanExport program is pivoting to support businesses to expand into new markets using digital trade and e-commerce. On Tuesday, Minister Ng toured two businesses in York Region – Thumbprint Solutions and STEM Minds – alongside Members of Parliament Tony Van Bynen and Helena Jaczek to highlight this revamped program, and talk about how helping small businesses innovate and go global will be key to our economic recovery.
Also on Tuesday, Minister Ng joined her colleague Member of Parliament for Windsor-Tecumseh, Irek Kusmierczyk, for a virtual discussion with the Windsor-Essex Chamber of Commerce and local entrepreneurs to discuss how our government is supporting small business through this crisis. Watch the entire discussion here!
Wednesday, November 11
Although many of us stayed home on Wednesday, we still took the time to remember. On Remembrance Day, Minister Ng honoured the Canadians who have served and continue to serve our country every day.
Thursday, November 12
Minister Ng joined people in her community to celebrate Diwali together virtually. Happy Diwali to all those celebrating this weekend!
Friday, November 13
On Friday, we announced an investment of $1.5 billion in the Workforce Development Agreements with provinces and territories to help Canadians quickly get training to re-enter the workforce. This investment will help businesses find the skilled employees they need, and will help us reach our goal of getting a million Canadians – safely – back to work.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Ivana Spasovska, Senior Special Assistant, Regional Affairs and Stakeholder Relations – ivana.spasovska@international.gc.ca
- Zach Nixon, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Ontario, Atlantic) – Zachary.nixon@international.gc.ca
- Youmy Han, Press Secretary and Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (West and North) – youmy.han@international.gc.ca
- Arevig Afarian, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Quebec) – arevig.afarian@international.gc.ca