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Update / Mise à jour: COVID-19

August 24, 2020

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Good afternoon / 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.

Earlier this week, our government announced changes to the Cabinet. The Prime Minister appointed Minister Dominic LeBlanc, the President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, as the Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland as the new Minister of Finance – marking a first in Canada’s history to have a women serve as Finance Minister. Minister Ng is looking forward to working closely with DPM Freeland to support Canadian businesses, and work on the Canada-US partnership, particularly in the fight against the unfair and unjust US aluminum tariffs.

WEEK IN REVIEW:

Monday August 17th

On Monday, our government announced that the Canada Revenue Agency opened applications for Period 5 of the expanded Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Enhancements include an extension until November 21st, broader qualifications for eligibility, a top-up of 25% for hard-hit employers, and an updated calculator to help employers prepare for their applications. Eligible employers can apply today through My Business Account or through the CRA’s web form application. 

Also on Monday, Minister Ng spoke with the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Roberto Azevedo. During these difficult times, the WTO plays a crucial role in providing stability for businesses now and towards recovery. Canada will continue to work to enhance transparency & strengthen rules-based trade.

Tuesday August 18th

On Tuesday, Minister Ng spoke with Andriy Shevchenko, Ambassador of Ukraine to Canada.

This month, Canada and Ukraine marked the third anniversary of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA). The agreement plays an important role in creating opportunities for Canadian and Ukrainian business and strengthening our people-to people ties. CUFTA has increased trade between Canada and the Ukraine, and will support both countries in their economic recovery.

Also on Tuesday, Minister Ng spoke with Singapore’s Minister of Trade and Industry, Chan Chun Sing. Minister Ng congratulated Minister Chan on his recent re-election and expressed her enthusiasm for working together with Singapore to deepen the trade relationship to benefit workers, businesses and people.

Also, the CCOHS released a new, free e-course Pandemic Planning: Reopening for Business, on Tuesday, to assist organizations across Canada in their safe return to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage business owners to check it out!

Wednesday August 19th

On Wednesday, Minister Ng participated in a Community Fireside Chat with the Ottawa Board of Trade to talk about how the success of our local businesses is essential to our economic recovery from COVID-19, and the important role of trade and exporting in helping Canadian businesses rebuild and thrive.

Also on Wednesday, our government announced $5 million to help businesses in the aluminum industry innovate and ensure better traceability from foundry to border of Canadian aluminum.

Thursday August 20th

On Thursday, our government announced changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program, as we transition away from the CERB. To help workers, businesses, and all Canadians recover, we’re extending the CERB by four weeks, making changes to the EI program, and creating three benefits to support people who might not qualify for EI.

Friday August 21st

Yesterday afternoon, our government, along with Ontario, announced a joint agreement with 3M Canada to expand a manufacturing facility in Brockville, Ontario for N95 respirators production, supporting 3M’s capital investment by contributing $23.33 million each. This investment will secure made-in-Canada supply of N95 respirators to protect healthcare workers, and keep Canadians safe as we work towards economic recovery.

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.

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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