Vital updates:

• The Government of Canada has extended the application deadline for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) from August 31 to October 31, 2020. The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) is also extended to June 2021. Launched on April 9, 2020, CEBA provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs—such as rent, utilities and insurance—during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. These loans are partially forgivable as repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). To qualify for CEBA, applicants must continue to meet either the payroll eligibility criteria or they must demonstrate a minimum of $40,000 in eligible non-deferrable expenses. In addition to requiring a business account, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 will still need to show that they meet the following CEBA eligibility requirements: a Canada Revenue Agency business number; a 2018 or 2019 tax return; and eligible non-deferrable expenses of between $40,000 and $1.5 million, after taking into consideration other federal COVID-related supports.
• The Ontario government is investing $9.3 million in 11 training projects to help approximately 2,000 students and job seekers prepare for auto and advanced manufacturing careers. The funding will support projects from a range of organizations, including auto manufacturers, industry associations, training providers and public universities and colleges. The following funding recipients were selected through calls for proposals: The Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, George Brown College, Skills for Change of Metro Toronto, Ford Motor Company of Canada, Humber College, the Canadian Skills Training and Employment Coalition, Seneca College Newnham Campus, Sheridan College, and Centennial College.
• The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is reminding all travellers ahead of the upcoming Labour Day long weekend that travel restrictions are still in place at all Canadian international border crossings. This restriction has been extended until at least September 21, 2020, and may be prolonged for public health reasons. With the travel restrictions still in place, foreign nationals, including United States (U.S.) citizens, will not be allowed to enter Canada for any of the following examples of discretionary/optional travel:
  • opening or checking on a cottage or seasonal home
  • sightseeing and hiking
  • boating across the border
  • fishing or hunting
  • visiting friends or partners (outside of spouses or common-law)
  • attending a party or celebration
• Asymptomatic immediate family members, spouses or common-law partners of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who meet the immediate family member definition and are coming to Canada for a minimum of 15 days will be exempt from the prohibition from entering Canada for a discretionary/optional purpose. Read more about foreign nationals who are immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. All persons entering Canada, unless exempted – no matter their country of origin or mode of entry – must isolate themselves for 14 days if they have symptoms of or confirmed COVID-19 or quarantine themselves for 14 days if they do not have symptoms of COVID-19. Foreign nationals who are displaying symptoms of COVID-19 will not be permitted to enter Canada, regardless of their reason for travel.
• The Competition Bureau is inviting feedback on proposed changes to the Textile Labelling and Advertising Regulations (TLAR), which relate to upholstered and stuffed articles.The proposed changes are intended to simplify the labelling of upholstered and stuffed articles and provide greater clarity for businesses.Interested parties are invited to submit their views on the proposed amendments no later than October 29, 2020 by completing an online feedback form, or by sending comments to cpb.consultations.dgpc@canada.ca.
• The four major teachers’ unions in Ontario have announced that they all plan to file complaints with the provincial labour board, alleging that the Ontario government has failed to address their concerns over class sizes and the school re-opening plan. The government has responded that it will take its cues from medical professionals in setting school re-opening policy.

Reading recommendations:

• Carbon footprints are hard to understand — here’s what you need to know, Seth Wynes, The Conversation
• Another COVID-19 reinfection: This time second infection was more severe, Beth Mole, Ars Technica
• Research: Knowledge Workers Are More Productive from Home, Julian Birkinshaw, Jordan Cohen, Pawel Stach, Harvard Business Review