Free rapid COVID-19 testing kits are now available to businesses

Visit gncc.ca/workplace-self-screening-kits to learn more and reserve kits for your organization.

Canadian borders to re-open for fully-vaccinated travelers

On September 7, 2021, provided that the domestic epidemiologic situation remains favourable, the Government intends to open Canada’s borders to any fully vaccinated travellers who have completed the full course of vaccination with a Government of Canada-accepted vaccine at least 14 days prior to entering Canada and who meet specific entry requirements.

As a first step, starting August 9, 2021, Canada plans to begin allowing entry to American citizens and permanent residents, who are currently residing in the United States, and have been fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to entering Canada for non-essential travel.

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Ontario announces Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative

The new Winery Agri-Tourism COVID-19 Relief Initiative will fulfill a commitment to provide a one‑time $10 million grant in 2021 by providing grants to eligible wineries and cideries with on-site retail stores in September 2021.

To be eligible, businesses that were in operation prior to March 17, 2020 will need to attest to either a revenue decline in at least one line item of business, such as decreased tourism, tours, events and tastings or increased expenses to comply with public health safety measures for COVID-19.

Agricorp will send applications directly to eligible wineries/cideries on July 20, with a deadline to apply by August 6, 2021.

Grant payments will be issued in this fall.

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Employment Insurance consultations to be launched later this summer

The Government of Canada will consult with Canadian workers, employers and other stakeholders, recognizing that both employees and employers are partners in the program and have an important stake in how it evolves.

Employers and self-employed businesspeople are encouraged to participate.

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Government of Ontario to invest $10 million in Digital Main Street program

The Ontario government is investing $10 million towards the Digital Main Street program for 2021-22 to help over 13,000 small businesses expand their digital presence and market their services online. As businesses enter Step 3 of the Roadmap to Reopen, the renewed program will provide small businesses with $2,500 grants, technical training, and digital resources to help them reach more customers in person and online, positioning them for a stronger recovery.

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Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority and other organizations receive provincial funds to protect and restore Great Lakes

The Ontario government has selected 44 community-based projects to receive $1.9 million in funding through the Great Lakes Local Action Fund, which supports local projects that protect and restore the Great Lakes. Ontario invests approximately $14 million per year in actions to protect and restore the Great Lakes, including projects that support commitments in the Canada-Ontario Agreement on Great Lakes Water Quality and Ecosystem Health and Ontario’s Great Lakes Strategy. The NPCA received $48,940.

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Canada and Ontario invest in improved public transit for residents of Hamilton

The Government of Canada is investing over $201.8 million in seven projects through the Public Transit Infrastructure Stream (PTIS) of the Investing in Canada infrastructure program. The Government of Ontario is providing more than $168.2 million, and the City of Hamilton is contributing over $148.8 million to these projects.

Among the projects funded, the construction of a new 60,000 square metre public transit maintenance and storage facility that will include a 30-bus maintenance area, storage for 200 conventional size buses, approximately 4000 square metres of administration space, and a four-level parking structure.

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Niagara Health expands COVID-19 protocols for emergency and urgent care

Niagara Health will now allow anyone coming to the Emergency Department or Urgent Care Centre to bring one Support Person with them. This was previously available in exceptional circumstances only.

There are a number of infection prevention and control measures in place for everyone’s safety. Support Persons entering the hospital, including those who have been vaccinated, must pass COVID-19 screening, wear a mask at all times, practice physical distancing and hand hygiene while on site.

Click here for more information.

Reading Recommendations

Stock markets fall, oil prices plummet as COVID-19 fears rise again

CBC News

The Toronto Stock Exchange had its worst day in months on Monday as rising COVID-19 infections around the world gave investors a sobering reminder that the pandemic is still far from over.

The S&P/TSX composite index lost more than 350 points, or almost two per cent, to 19,655 nearing the end of the trading day.

Less than a month ago, Canada’s benchmark stock index was hitting all-time highs as optimism over the looming end of COVID-19 had investors pouring money into stocks poised to benefit from the reopening of the global economy. Even as recently as last week, the TSX was nearly 1,000 points higher than it is right now.

Posthaste: A third of Canadians feel ‘house poor,’ but are ready to take on more debt as economy reopens

Financial Post

While the pandemic certainly improved the financial situation of many Canadians, not everyone has been fortunate enough to build a ‘wall of wealth’.

Despite surging home prices that have left many Canadians look fiscally stable at least on paper, many are struggling to make ends meet, according to a new survey.

The latest MNP Consumer Debt Index shows the number of Canadians concerned they cannot make ends meet without going into further debt has reached its highest level in three years.

Almost half (45 per cent, up 6 points since March) are not confident they will be able to cover all living and family expenses in the next 12 months without taking on more credit, according to the quarterly poll conducted by Ipsos on behalf of MNP Ltd, released this morning.