Espresso Live Episode 11: Stay Safe, Stay Healthy: Protecting Your Business During COVID-19

May 12, 2020 | Espresso Live Webinars, Event Recordings

Today, our host Mishka Balsom welcomed guests Dr. Maxine Lewis, Chief of Psychiatry, St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton & Niagara Health and Siobhan Kearns, Director of Environmental Health, Niagara Region for a look at keeping both yourself and your business healthy in the age of COVID-19.

Additional resources for your mental, physical, and business health:

• Niagara Region’s health portal: https://niagararegion.ca/health/

• Morneu Shepell Employee Family and Assistance Program: https://www.workhealthlife.com/

• Resources for coping with anxiety during COVID: https://www.anxietycanada.com/

• Free meditation classes: https://imcw.org/

• Free mindfulness sessions: https://www.irest.org/live-stream-sangha-sessions-richard-and-stephanie

• Coronavirus Anxiety Workbook: https://thewellnesssociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Coronavirus-Anxiety-Workbook.pdf

• Bounceback is a free skill- building program managed by the CMHA for adults and youth 15+: https://bouncebackontario.ca/

• Information regarding virtual mental health support available: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

• Alcoholics Anonymous, options for meeting online: https://www.aa.org/pages/en_US/options-for-meeting-online

For local crisis support:
Mental Health and Addictions Access line/COAST: 1 866-550-5205
For children, youth, families across Niagara region, counselling and supports are offered 24/7: 1 800-263-4949 (crisis line)

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COVID-19 Business Update: April 6th, 2020, 4pm

April 6, 2020 | Daily Update

Information on government grants, resources, and programs, and how to apply for them, is available here.
The Government of Canada runs Support for Individuals and Support for Businesses pages with summaries of programs and application portals.

Today’s vital updates: 

  • The CERB application process is now open. Please note that the month of your birth dictates when you should apply either online or by phone, to avoid overloading the system. Self-employed individuals, contractors, and others ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) can apply. Re-application every four weeks is required, with a maximum benefit duration of 16 weeks. Those who sign up for direct deposit should receive their first payment within 3-5 days of application.
  • Statistics Canada is conducting a survey of small businesses. This survey is important, as the results will shape future federal policy for small businesses and the recovery plan from the COVID-19 crisis. Please take a moment to complete it.
  • The Government of Canada has noted that further CERB support will be coming for those still employed but with drastically-reduced hours, or for contract workers and people employed in the gig economy. Help has also been promised for students who would normally be seeking temporary summer work in the next few months.
  • The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada have partnered to launch the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN), delivering information and resources to the business community and driving economic recovery after the pandemic.
  • The six major banks and cooperatives have agreed to reduce interest rates on credit cards, personal and business, by 50% for those in need. Contact your financial institution for more information.
  • The Government of Canada is calling for volunteers with skills to help with case tracking and contact tracing, health system surge capacity and case data collection and reporting. Interested and skilled people can apply here. The government also announced that the Canadian Forces would be reinforced by offering full-time employment to current reservists.
  • The Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs has launched a new web portal aimed at connecting job seekers with employers with positions to fill in the agri-food sector.

If you are showing symptoms, self-isolate for 14 days. Call a public health authority. Do not visit any healthcare provider in person before calling.  

It is important that everyone practice social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Remain at home unless absolutely necessary. Minimize contact with other people. Wash hands frequently and thoroughly. Avoid touching the face. Maintain a 2-meter distance from others if you are required to be out in public. If you have recently traveled outside the country, self-isolate for 14 days. This means that you must not leave your home under any circumstances. Have supplies delivered and left at your door. 

Previous updates can be accessed at https://gncc.ca/covid-19/covid-19-gncc-news/.  

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

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The New Era – Cleaning for Health

April 6, 2020 | Local Matters

 

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Update and Details: Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy Program

April 3, 2020 | Daily Update, Local Matters

The Coronavirus: Its Impact

Update from Lancaster Brooks & Welch Partners

By Leanne Standryk and Civita Gauley 

April 1, 2020, we received further details from the Federal Government regarding the administration of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (CEWS). Here is what we know. 

Who is Eligible? 

Eligible Employers include individuals, taxable corporations, and partnerships as well as non-profit corporations and registered charities. Public bodies such as municipalities, local governments, crown corporations, public universities, colleges, schools and hospitals are NOT eligible for the subsidy. 

Eligibility Requirement 

The CEWS is available to those Eligible Employers who have seen a drop of at least 30% of their revenue. An employer’s revenue for this purpose would be its revenue from business carried on in Canada earned from arm’s length sources. Revenue is to be calculated using the employer’s normal accounting method and, would exclude revenues from extraordinary items and amounts on account of capital. For non-profits and registered charities, the government has confirmed its commitment to work with the sector to determine the appropriate method of calculating ‘revenue’ taking into consideration their specific circumstances. Employers must confirm that they are making their best efforts to pay the remaining 25% of wages however the Federal Government recognized that for some employers, this may not be possible. 

What is the amount of Subsidy offered? 

The Amount of Subsidy for an individual employee will be based on eligible remuneration for a twelve-week period, March 15 and June 6, 2020 and will be the greater of: 

  • 75% of the amount of remuneration paid, up to a maximum benefit of $847.00 per week; and
  • The amount of remuneration paid, up to a maximum benefit of $847.00 per week of 75% of theemployee’s pre-crisis weekly remuneration, whichever is less.

Employers will be expected where possible, to maintain existing employees’ pre-crisis employment earnings. 

Eligible Remuneration 

Eligible Remuneration used to calculate individual employee subsidy amounts may include salary, wages, and other remuneration. Remuneration of which would be generally subject to withholdings or deductions for tax purposes, required by law and remitted to the Receiver General. However, it does not include severance pay, or items such as stock option benefits or the personal use of a corporate vehicle. 

There is no known overall limit on the total subsidy that an eligible employer may claim under the CEWS program other than the individual limits noted above. 

Claim Periods 

To date, there are three eligibility claim periods: 

Period One: March 15 – April 11, 2020. 

The employer must show a 30% decline in revenue for March 2020 as compared to March 2019. 

Period Two: April 12 – May 9, 2020. 

An Employer must show a 30% decline in revenue for April 2020 as compared to April 2019. 

Period Three: May 10 – June 6, 2020. 

An Employer must show a 30% decline in revenue for May 2020 as compared to May 2019. 

For example, if revenues in March 2020 were down more than 30% compared to March 2019, the employer would be eligible to claim the CEWS on remuneration paid to employees between March 15 and April 11, 2020. 

Eligible Employers may apply for the CEWS online through the CRA’s “My Business Account” portal and will have to submit a new application during each Claim Period. Funds will be available in approximately six weeks. 

If an employer or organization does not qualify for the CEWS, they may still be eligible for a previously announced 10% wage subsidy for small businesses, non-profits and/or charities regarding remuneration paid between March 18, 2020 and June 20, 2020. 

Where an organization or Employer is eligible for both the CEWS and the temporary 10% wage subsidy previously announced, the 10% wage subsidy paid in an overlapping period will generally reduce the amount available under the CEWS. 

Eligible Employers may not claim the CEWS for remuneration paid to an employee in a week that falls within a 4-week period for which the employee is eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB”). 

Amounts received by Eligible Employers under the CEWS will be deemed government assistance and will be included in the Eligible Employers taxable income. Assistance received under either wage subsidy would reduce the amount of remuneration expenses eligible for other federal tax credits calculated on the same remuneration. 

While we now have greater detail concerning the CEWS, we require further clarification regarding the determination of ‘pre-crisis earnings”, particulars as to how employers will be required to demonstrate the efforts made to pay employees 100% of their pre-crisis remuneration, and what options or flexibility will be made available to employers. 

As we continue to wait for details, what we know for certain is that the current climate adds additional complexities to the workplace. Careful consideration and planning with appropriate legal advice is critical. We remain committed to supporting our clients with timely communication of details as they become know and as we see the unprecedented support from the government to ease the financial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

Lancaster, Brooks & Welch LLP,
PO Box 790 – Suite 800, 80 King Street, St. Catharines, Ontario L2R 6Z1

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St. John Ambulance Offering Online Training

April 3, 2020 | Local Matters

While the face-to-face first aid training provided by St. John Ambulance has been put on hold for the time being, this might be an ideal time for employers and individuals to take advantage of online learning opportunities for personal and professional development. SJA offers 17 online training programs including Infection Control, WHMIS and Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG). These certifications can be completed completely online. For information and pricing visit https://lnkd.in/gYmbPpj.

The WSIB and the Ministry of Labour require employers to have an employee on duty at all times in each work area with a valid First Aid certification. SJA offers a blended online learning option allowing students to complete the first half of this training online, only requiring half the time in class. In response to the COVID-19 work interruptions, SJA is allowing students 90 days from the completion of the online portion, to complete their in-class requirements. We are encouraging individuals to use this time to work through the online training and register into one of our future in-class training dates. For more information please call Ken Thomson at 905-685-8964 x203.

St. John Ambulance (SJA) is available to assist clients with any needs they have surrounding first aid kits and related supplies as well as Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs.) In Niagara, please reach out to Ken Thomson atken.thomson@sja.ca for any first aid kit and equipment needs.

Once the COVID-19 related work interruptions are lifted, SJA is confident Niagara businesses – in every industry – will boom. Meeting these regulated training requirements now, is a great use time so employers and employees are ready and available to work when the time comes.

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Ministry extends working-at-heights training deadline

April 3, 2020 | Provincial Advocacy

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is giving workers in the construction sector an extra year to renew their training if they work at heights.

The mandatory training of more than 120,000 workers was due to expire over the next six months. However, many training providers have either cancelled classes or shut down due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

The extension will apply to workers who successfully completed their working-at-heights training between February 28 and August 31, 2017. The validity period, normally three years, would have ended this year. It will now end in 2021.

The extension will ensure affected workers can continue to work when possible. Construction will move ahead without interruption.

For more information, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-working-heights.

Regards

Ron Kelusky
Chief Prevention Officer | Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

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List of Essential Workplaces Released – Updated April 3

April 3, 2020 | Daily Update

Following advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, on April 3, 2020, Ontario updated the list of essential businesses that can remain open. The restrictions are aimed at further reducing contact between people and stopping the spread of COVID-19.

By 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2020, businesses that are not identified on this list must close their physical locations.

Read the list of essential workplaces in response to COVID-19 (2019 novel coronavirus). If you have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

For the purposes of this order, businesses include any for-profit, non-profit or other entity providing the goods and services described herein.

This does not preclude the provision of work and services by entities not on this list either online, by telephone or by mail/delivery. This also does not preclude the operation or delivery of services of any publicly funded agency or organization that delivers or supports government operations and services, including operations and services of the health care sector.

Teleworking and online commerce are permitted at all times for all businesses.

Supply chains

  1. Businesses that supply other essential businesses or essential services within Ontario, or that supply businesses or services that have been declared essential in a jurisdiction outside of Ontario, with the support, products, supplies, systems, or services, including processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery, and maintenance necessary to operate.

Food

  1. Businesses that primarily sell food, beverages and consumer products necessary to maintain households and businesses including:
    1. Supermarkets and grocery stores.
    2. Convenience stores.
    3. Discount and big box retailers selling groceries.
    4. Restaurants (take-out, drive-through and delivery service only).
    5. Beer and wine and liquor stores.

Services

  1. Pharmacies.
  2. Gas stations and other fuel suppliers.
  3. Laundromats and drycleaners.
  4. Security services for residences, businesses and other properties.
  5. Vehicle and equipment repair and essential maintenance and vehicle and equipment rental services.
  6. Courier, postal, shipping, moving and delivery services.
  7. Funeral and related services.
  8. Staffing services including providing temporary help.
  9. Veterinary services (urgent care only) and other businesses that provide for the health and welfare of animals, including farms, boarding kennels, stables, animal shelters, zoos, aquariums and research facilities.
  10. Home child care services of up to six children as permitted under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014, and child care centres for essential workers authorized to operate in accordance with Ontario Regulation 51/20 (Order Under Subsection 7.0.2 (4) of the Act – Closure of Establishments) made under the Act.
  11. Hotels, motels, other shared rental accommodation including student residences, except for seasonal campgrounds and any pools, fitness centres, meeting rooms and other recreational facilities that may be part of the operations of these businesses.
  12. Cheque cashing services.

Services to the public that are restricted to alternative methods of sale

  1. Stores that sell any of the following items and provide them to the customer only through an alternative method of sale such as curb side pick-up or delivery, except in exceptional circumstances:
    1. Hardware products.
    2. Vehicle parts and supplies.
    3. Pet and animal supplies.
    4. Office supplies and computer products including computer repair.
    5. Safety supplies.

Financial services

  1. Businesses that provide the following financial services:
    1. Capital markets and related securities trading and advisory services.
    2. Banking/credit union activities including credit intermediation.
    3. Insurance.
    4. Land registration services.
    5. Real estate agent services.
    6. Pension and benefits payment services.
    7. Financial services including payroll and payment processing and accounting and tax services.

Telecommunications and IT infrastructure/service providers

  1. Information Technology (IT) services, including online services, software products and the facilities necessary for their operation and delivery.
  2. Telecommunications providers and services (phone, internet, radio, cell phones etc.) and facilities necessary for their operation and delivery.
  3. Newspapers, radio and television broadcasting.

Maintenance

  1. Maintenance, repair and property management services strictly necessary to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial and residential properties and buildings.

Transportation services

  1. Businesses and facilities that provide transportation services, including,
    1. transportation services provided by air, water, road, and rail, including taxis and other private transportation providers, and
    2. support services for transportation services, including,
      1. logistical support, distribution services, warehousing and storage, truck stops and tow operators,
      2. services that support the operations and safety of transportation systems including maintenance and repairs, and
      3. marinas, but only to the extent that the marina is necessary to enable individuals to access their primary place of residence.
  2. Businesses that provide and support online retail, including by providing warehousing, storage and distribution of goods that are ordered online.

Manufacturing

  1. Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers, (e.g. primary metal/ steel, blow molding, component manufacturers, chemicals, etc. that feed the end-product manufacturer), regardless of whether those other manufacturers are inside or outside of Ontario, together with businesses that support and facilitate the movement of goods within integrated North American and global supply chains.

Agriculture and food production

  1. Businesses that produce food and beverages, and agricultural products including plants, including by farming, harvesting, aquaculture, hunting and fishing.
  2. Businesses that process, manufacture or distribute food, beverages, crops, agricultural products, animal products and by-products.
  3. Businesses that support the food or agricultural products supply chains and the health and safety of food, animals and plants.

Construction

  1. Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space.
  2. Construction projects and services required to ensure safe and reliable operations of, or to provide new capacity in, critical provincial infrastructure, including transit, transportation, energy and justice sectors beyond the day-to-day maintenance.
  3. Critical industrial construction activities required for,
    1. the maintenance and operations of petrochemical plants and refineries,
    2. significant industrial petrochemical projects where preliminary work has already commenced,
    3. industrial construction and modifications to existing industrial structures limited solely to work necessary for the production, maintenance, and/or enhancement of Personal Protective Equipment, medical devices (such as ventilators), and other identified products directly related to combatting the COVID-19 pandemic.
  4. Residential construction projects where,
    1. a footing permit has been granted for single family, semi-detached and townhomes
    2. an above grade structural permit has been granted for condominiums, mixed use and other buildings, or
    3. the project involves renovations to residential properties and construction work was started before April 4, 2020.
  5. Construction and maintenance activities necessary to temporarily close construction sites that have paused or are not active and to ensure ongoing public safety.

Resources and energy

  1. Businesses that provide and ensure the domestic and global continuity of supply of resources, including mining, forestry, aggregates, petroleum, petroleum by-products and chemicals.
  2. Electricity generation, transmission, distribution and storage and natural gas distribution, transmission and storage.

Community services

  1. Businesses that deliver or support the delivery of services including:
    1. Sewage treatment and disposal.
    2. Collecting, transporting, storing, processing, disposing or recycling of any type of waste.
    3. Potable drinking water.
    4. Critical infrastructure repair and maintenance including roads, dams, bridges etc.
    5. Environmental rehabilitation, management and monitoring, and spill clean up and response.
    6. Administrative authorities that regulate and inspect businesses.
    7. Professional and social services that support the legal and justice system.
    8. Government services including but not limited to policing and law enforcement, fire and emergency services, paramedics, coroner and pathology services, corrections and court services, licences and permits.

Research

  1. Businesses and organizations that maintain research facilities and engage in research, including medical research and other research and development activities.

Health care and social services

  1. Organizations and providers that deliver home care services or personal support services to seniors and persons with disabilities.
  2. Businesses that sell, rent or repair assistive/mobility/medical devices, aids and/or supplies.
  3. Regulated health professionals (urgent care only) including dentists, optometrists, chiropractic services, ophthalmologists, physical and occupational therapists and podiatrists.
  4. Organizations that provide health care including retirement homes, hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, independent health facilities and mental health and addictions counselling supports.
  5. Laboratories and specimen collection centres.
  6. Manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors and retailers of pharmaceutical products and medical supplies, including medications, medical isotopes, vaccines and antivirals, medical devices and medical supplies.
  7. Manufacturers, distributors and businesses that provide logistical support of or for products and/or services that support the delivery of health care in all locations.
  8. Not-for-profit organizations that provide critical personal support services in home or residential services for individuals with physical disabilities.
  9. Not-for profit organizations that support the provision of food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities of life to economically disadvantaged and other vulnerable individuals.

 

For updates, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces

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Rapid Update: Canada Wage Emergency Subsidy details announced

April 1, 2020 | Daily Update

Finance Minister Bill Morneau; Small Business, Export Promotion & International Trade Minister Mary Ng; and Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry Navdeep Bains have just announced the details of the keenly-awaited Canada Wage Emergency Subsidy (CWES). Here are the important details:

  • To qualify, a business must have lost at least 30% of its gross revenue since this time last year.
  • The government will cover up to 75 per cent of a salary to a cap of $58,700, i.e. up to $847 a week.
  • Businesses of any size can qualify, as well as non-profits and charities.
  • Applications will be processed through the Canada Revenue Agency via an online portal to be launched soon.
  • Funds will be available in approximately six weeks.
  • Employers are encouraged to pay the remaining 25% of wages if they are able to, and will have to prove they are making every effort to do so.
  • Severe penalties are threatened for any bad actor attempting to abuse the system.
  • Business-owners will have to re-apply each month.
  • The program will be open for March, April, and May.
  • Businesses not qualifying for the 75% subsidy would still be able to receive the existing 10% subsidy program, paid from March 18 to before June 20, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.

The initiative is expected to cost $71-billion, however, it will reduce the anticipated cost of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to $24-billion.

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ServiceMaster Restore Offering Cleaning Services

March 31, 2020 | Local Matters, Members in the News

EXPERIENCE YOU CAN TRUST

For years, ServiceMaster Restore has been cleaning and disinfecting homes and businesses that have experienced contamination from various risks and exposure to infectious diseases. We provide eective protective measures for our sta and customers, and we take the proper security and privacy measures into consideration when delivering our services.

Should you have a confirmed or suspected case of COVID-19; ServiceMaster Restore is here to help. We are qualified and equipped to deliver the required services to deep clean and disinfect your property to public health standards. We are available 24/7 to respond to your urgent post-exposure cleaning requirements and to restore your peace of mind.

Based on the type of property and scope of work, there are several factors to be considered for your post-exposure cleaning. We rely on our experience and a scientific, common sense approach to provide you with the eective disinfection services required.

GENERAL SCOPE FOR POST-EXPOSURE CLEANING

  • Approved cleaners and registered disinfectants
  • Containment
  • Use of personal protective equipment
  • Hand cleaning of all horizontal surfaces
  • Cleaning of exposed vertical surfaces
  • Detailed restroom cleaning
  • Food prep areas (if applicable) cleaned per health code
  • Broad scale disinfection
  • Air scrubbing
  • Mechanical system(s) cleaning

Need pre-cautionary cleaning services for your peace of mind?

In these unprecedented times, our team of brands are ready to respond with eective and customizable solutions. We are fully equipped to provide you with the pre-cautionary and specialty cleaning services you need.

Download our info kit

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