From the Office of the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade
LAST WEEK IN REVIEW
Last week the Prime Minister held a call with Premiers on our continued efforts to combat COVID19 and how we can best support Canadians across the country. Throughout this pandemic we have always taken a Team Canada approach and are working closely with provinces and territories to limit the increase in cases across the country. See readout here.
As we entered 2021, our government announced the coming into force of important measures to create work environments that are healthier, safer, and fairer. These measures include anti-harassment and violence legislation, amendments to increase pay transparency, and penalties for employers who do not comply with health, safety, and labour standards. We will always prioritize the safety of Canadians workers, and with these efforts now in place we will help create workplaces where workers feel safe, valued, included, and secure.
Tuesday, January 5th
On Tuesday, the Prime Minister welcomed Canadians into the new year and provided an update on our fight against COVID-19. Cases across the are on the rise which means we must continue to stay vigilant and limit our contact with others. Our government will continue to do everything we can to support Canadians – from securing millions of doses of the vaccine to providing financial supports for those in need – we are here for you every step of the way and we will get through this together.
Wednesday, January 6th
On Wednesday, our government announced it is resuming phase two of consultations on Tariff Rate Quotas for dairy, poultry and egg products. We will continue to welcome feedback and listen to stakeholders to make sure our policies are working in the best interests of Canadians. Learn more here.
Thursday, January 7th
Merry Christmas to all Orthodox and Apostolic Canadians who celebrated on Thursday!
On Thursday, Minister Ng announced that Canada has requested consultations with the U.S. on its unwarranted tariffs of Canada Solar products. We will always stand up for Canadian workers, businesses, and families. See my full statement here.
Thursday also marked another day of taking action to protect Canadians against COVID19. Starting this week, all travelers entering Canada must provide proof of a negative laboratory test result for COVID-19 prior to boarding their flight. This is just another step we are taking to keep Canadians safe and helping limit the global spread of COVID-19.
Thank you for your continued attention! We will continue to send regular updates.
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) – 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
- Chris Zhou, Special Assistant, Regional Affairs (Atlantic) – chris.zhou@international.gc.ca