COVID-19 Update for May 25, 2020 – 12:35pm
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s daily briefing included an update on the opening of online applications for business rent assistance, and his thoughts on a possible 10 day pandemic sick-leave program the federal government is working to launch with the provinces and territories.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
The PM announced that as of 8:00 this morning commercial property owners are able to apply for the federal rent assistance program online at www.cmhc.ca.
Landlords with up to 10 eligible tenants in the Atlantic provinces, B.C, Alberta and Quebec can apply for rent relief starting today; those in Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and the Territories can apply tomorrow. Landlords with more than 10 tenants will be able to apply later this week.
You can read the full news release here.
Business Help Phone Line
Trudeau also confirmed that his government will be launching a phone line in partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce to help businesses navigate this uncertain time. Entrepreneurs and vulnerable small businesses, including charities and non-profit organizations, will now be able to get assistance from an accountant or financial advisor by calling the “resiliency help desk” at 1-866-989-1080.
Additionally, the government is also pushing back the deadline for tax return declarations, to September 1.
Paid Sick Leave
The Prime Minister noted that his government is working closely with provinces and territories to give all impacted workers 10 days of paid sick leave a year as the country deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. “Nobody should have to choose between taking sick leave or paying their bills,” he said.
He added that the federal government will also be looking at other longer-term support mechanisms for workers.
The proposals will be debated before a small number of Members of Parliament who returned to the House of Commons today. They will also discuss the future of parliamentary sittings.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team