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:

• Details of the Enhanced Agency Evaluation were announced by Peter Bethlenfalvy, President of the Treasury Board. The Ontario government is reviewing how provincial agencies deliver services with a focus on improving the customer experience, adopting service innovation, offering more services virtually and online, and eliminating redundancies. The evaluation will build on the advancements in digital service delivery made during the pandemic. Many of the Agency Review Task Force recommendations have already begun improving service delivery, including:
  • Agricorp, a provincial agricultural agency, is developing a new self-serve system that will allow farm owners to register their business and pay fees all through one convenient website.
  • The Justices of the Peace Appointments Advisory Committee is implementing online applications that will improve the user experience for candidates and help fill vacancies faster.
  • The Workplace Safety and Insurance Appeals Tribunal now uses online filing for applications, saving Ontarians, and the agency, time.
  • The Ontario Labour Relations Board now delivers video conferencing options so Ontarians can appear at hearings remotely. Details
• MNP has produced a video highlighting the changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. They are also hosting a live Q&A session on August 20th; registration is free. Find out more.
• In partnership with the Aluminium Association of Canada (AAC), the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, the Honourable Mélanie Joly, announced a non-repayable contribution of close to $5 million, for a project aiming to boost the commercialization of Canadian aluminum products by equipping the industry with a traceability system that makes it possible to authenticate and document the origin of products throughout the value chain. This financial assistance could benefit many businesses operating across Quebec and Canada and will help to maintain favourable conditions for the development of the aluminum industry.
• Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, released a statement today, outlining that national daily case counts have ranged from 350 to 500 cases, with just over 390 cases being reported daily during the most recent 7 days. Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada
• Today on World Humanitarian Day, the Honourable Karina Gould, Minister of International Development, issued the following statement: “On this day, we honour the bravery and dedication of workers, who work tirelessly to provide life-saving support and protection to the people most in need around the world. Every day, these real-life heroes put their own lives on the line to offer life-saving care, such as food, water, protection and health services, in response to communities affected by crises. This year, humanitarian workers continue to support the most vulnerable people, who are often already fighting the effects of natural disasters, climate change and armed conflict—and now must also face the challenges and risks of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Reading recommendations:

• COVID-19 savings thousands of lives and trillions in livelihoods, Sarun Charumilind, Ezra Greenberg, Jessica Lamb, Shubham Singhal, McKinsey and Company
• Quebec announces plan to deal with second wave of COVID-19, avoid fatal failures of the spring, Jonathan Montpetit, CBC News
• Upheaval in Finance creates renewed uncertainty for business leaders, James Bradshaw, Josh O’Kane, Matt Lundy, The Globe and Mail

If you are showing symptoms, contact your health care provider, call the Public Health Info-Line at 905-688-8248, or chat to Public Health online. For testing, call 905-378-4647 ext. 42819 (4-CV19) for information on test centres in Niagara and to book an appointment.

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.