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UPDATES THIS WEEK:

Measures for businesses announced on March 19:

 

    • Helping businesses with cash flow by deferring tax payments until August 31st
    • Provide additional flexibility to support businesses as necessary through EDC, BDC, Farm Credit Canada and the Canada Account
    • Support the mortgage financing market in Canada through enhancements to the CMHC
    • Increase the Canada Child Benefit by $300 per child for the 2019-20 benefit year. Qualifying parents will receive the extra amount as part of their May payment
    • Provide a temporary wage subsidy for three months to eligible small employers. Eligible employers include those eligible for the small business deduction, unincorporated employers, certain partnerships, non-profit organizations and charities
    • Provide a special payment under the GST credit to low and modest income families by providing the Minister of Finance with the flexibility to increase the CDIC’s deposit insurance limit
    • Support provinces and territories with a COVID-19 Response Fund including one-time funding of $500 million through the Canada Health Transfer
    • Introduce a pause on the repayments of Canada Student Loans for six months
    • Reduce the minimum RRIF withdrawal to help protect seniors’ retirement savings
    • Help prevent shortages of patented drugs or medical devices
    • Increasing the protection of Canadians’ savings
Complete Economic Response Plan ➡

 

WHERE TO START:

We understand that many Canadian business owners and entrepreneurs are anxious about how to get the help you need in the face of COVID-19. Here are a few good places to start:

 

  1. Visit our website for businesses for information about supporting your employees and your business. It is constantly updated as the COVID-19 crisis evolves.
  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 capability to support you in in this challenging time. They are a good first place to start for help.
  3. Download the Canada Business App to find tailored supports to address your needs in the face of COVID-19.
  4. Consult the Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s pandemic preparedness guide to help prepare you business in the days and weeks to come.

 

BRING YOUR RESTAURANT ONLINE

Expedite Your Food Service Delivery Sign Up

We’re working with Uber Eats and DoorDash to help get Surrey restaurants online quickly. Food delivery services can allow restaurants to comply with the current provincial orders for food establishments and stay operational during this time. Find out more about how to get your restaurant or café online.

Read More ➡

 

SBOT Digital Town Hall: Your Top 10 Questions Answered – Human Resources and COVID-19

Wednesday, April 1 | 1:00 -2:00pm

Join the Surrey Board of Trade for the first session in our new Digital Town Hall series, answering the top 10 questions we are receiving from members on various topics during this unprecedented time. This session will focus on Human Resources and COVID-19. The SBOT is bringing together Employment Lawyer Sara Forte of Forte Law and HR Professional Mandie LaMontange of The Intueri Group to tackle some of our members’ most pressing concerns relating to employment. Are layoffs or supporting remote workers current issues for your business? This session will address these topics, and more.

REGISTER ➡

 

Support for Surrey Businesses

Access How-To Guides, Templates and Opportunities Relevant to COVID-19

 

We have compiled a number of business resources from institutions and associations at various levels of government aimed towards supporting business continuity and planning through the economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 crisis. These include documents on best practices, financial support measures, business opportunities, business continuity plans, and employment support.

Learn More ➡

 

COVID-19 Resources for BC Business

The BC Economic Development Association has compiled a series of resources into one document for all types of BC businesses. Search by sector – professional services, entrepreneurs, tourism, etc., or by topic – taxes, utilities, banking

Read More ➡

 
Live updates and information about Canada’s response to COVID-19 here: http://canada.ca/coronavirus
Live updates and information about BC’s response to COVID-19 here: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
Live updates and information about City of Surrey’s response to COVID-19 here: https://www.surrey.ca/city-government/30805.aspx