While you work hard to rebuild and recover, know that we are here to support you:

• Information on government grants, resources, and programs, and how to apply for them, is available here.
• The Government of Canada has a support page with summaries of current programs and application portals.
• We also encourage everyone to support local businesses by shopping local and joining Niagara Shop Local Facebook Group.

Today’s vital updates:

• On August 15, Deputy Prime Minister, Chrystia Freeland, announced Canada and the US have agreed to extend the temporary restriction of all non-essential travel across the Canada-US border another month until September 21, 2020. This will ensure the ongoing flow of essential goods and services between our two countries. We will continue to work with the United States to make the right decision to keep Canadians safe.
• The Federal Government announced a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants who have done extraordinary work to give back to their communities – by working on the front lines in the healthcare amid COVID-19.
• Today, the Minister of National Revenue, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, announced that the Canada Revenue Agency has opened applications for Period 5 – the first period of the enhanced Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. Eligible employers can apply for period 5 of the CEWS through My Business Account or through the CRA’s web form application. Program changes for Periods 5-9 include:
  • The extension of the CEWS, including redesigned program details, until November 21, 2020.
  • Increased eligibility, meaning that all eligible employers who’ve experienced a revenue drop can now qualify for a base subsidy. The subsidy amount is based on the revenue drop.
  • Employers who are especially hard-hit can qualify for a top-up of up to 25%.
  • Provide certainty for employers that have already made business decisions for July and August, by ensuring they will not receive a subsidy rate lower than they would have under the previous rules.
  • The Canada Revenue Agency’s updated CEWS calculator can help small and large employers alike, by guiding them through a step-by-step process to prepare their applications and giving them a preview of the subsidy they may qualify for, based on the information they enter.
• If you’re planning an upcoming trip to a different province, take a look at @timetotravelca’s interactive map which is fully equipped with the latest restrictions and travel information for each province.

Reading recommendations:

• Taking Stock of the COVID-19 Recession, Philipp Carlsson-Szlezak, Paul Swartz, Martin Reeves, Harvard Business Review
• LA mayor embraces shift in COVID-19 testing strategy – simplicity and speed, Steve Gorman, Reuters
• Coffee shops, food courts and lunch spots expected to lose billions as more work from home, Rosa Saba, The Toronto Star

If you are showing symptoms, you must self-isolate for a minimum of 14 days. Call a public health authority immediately. Do not visit any healthcare provider in person before you have been directly advised to by public health authorities.

Remember that a COVID-19 test is only a snapshot of your health on the specific date and time the swab was taken. No testing is perfect and a negative result doesn’t mean you haven’t been exposed to COVID-19. You can still develop symptoms days after your test was taken.

It is important that everyone practice physical distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Maintain a 2-metre distance from other people. When maintaining distance is impossible, use a face mask. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching the face. If you have recently traveled outside the country, you are legally required to self-isolate for 14 days.

Previous updates can be accessed here.

Stay safe and be vigilant. The GNCC is here to support you. Contact us with any questions you have.