We are closely monitoring the ongoing conditions of the COVID-19 virus and associated economic impact and we take the health and safety of our members seriously. At the time of posting this statement, the Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada, with continued reassessment as new information becomes available.
Regardless of external events that arise, it is best to be proactive and have a plan. We have compiled the following resources and links to support your business planning. If you don’t know where to start contact the Chamber and we can help you prepare an Action Plan for your business.
March 27,2020
Federal Government announces 75% Wage Subsidy Program
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/trudeau-covid19-mar27-business-1.5512151
March 26, 2020
BC Province has provided the covid-19_small_business_supports
Work BC PAYROLL INFOLINE Q&A – FINAL
Work BC PHO Letter to Social Sectors – March 18 2020.
BC Essential Services BC Essential Services
March 23, 2020
COVID-19 Action Plan – Provincial Tax Changes
More information is coming soon. Check this page for future updates and subscribe to our What’s New pages to stay informed.
Deferred Tax PaymentsEffective immediately, B.C. is extending filing and payment deadlines for the following taxes until September 30, 2020:
- Employer health tax
- Provincial sales tax (including municipal and regional district tax)
- Carbon tax
- Motor fuel tax
- Tobacco tax
Delayed PST Budget 2020 Tax ChangesThe following tax changes announced in Budget 2020 will be postponed until further notice:
- Eliminating the PST exemption for carbonated beverages that contain sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners
- Expanded registration requirements for Canadian sellers of goods, along with Canadian and foreign sellers of software and telecommunication services
Delayed Carbon Tax Increase
Carbon tax rates will remain at their current levels until further notice. The tax measure announced in Budget 2020 aligning the carbon tax rates with the federal carbon pricing backstop is also postponed until further notice.
Reduced School Tax Rates for Businesses
School tax rates for commercial properties (Classes 4, 5 and 6) will be reduced by 50% for the 2020 tax year.
Enhanced B.C. Climate Action Tax CreditAn additional one-time payment will be made in July 2020 on top of the regular climate action tax credit amount for qualifying individuals and families.
The previously scheduled credit increase effective July 2020 remains the same.
March 23, 2020
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL RELIEF PROGRAMS
Be informed with the most current information on COVID-19 please visit:
Assessment & updates of the local situation — Northern Health
Assessment & updates of the local situation — City of Fort St. John
Assessment & updates of the global situation — World Health Organization
BC COVID-19 Symptom Self-Assessment Tool – Thrive Health
United Way Covid- 19 Relief Fund
Updates as of March 23 – Alaska Highway News
RESOURCES
Whether it is a public health issue, natural disaster, or other emergencies, it is important to be prepared and ensure you have an up-to-date business continuity and disaster recovery plan. Here are some other resources to assist you in your planning.
Business
- Resources for Canadian businesses (Trade Commissioner Service)
- Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19 (BDC)
- Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada (Government of Canda)
- Chambers Plan Information
- Practical Considerations for Business Resilience (MNP)
- Preparing Your Organization for Business Interruption (MNP)
- COVID-19 Business Impact Survey (BC Chamber of Commerce)
- Community Futures Emergency Loan Application
- United Way Covid- 19 Relief Fund
Financial Support/Relief
- Small Business Loan (Business Development Bank of Canada)
- Working capital loan (Business Development Bank of Canada)
- Purchase Order Financing (Business Development Bank of Canada)
- BDC’s Advisory Services experts are offering tools and support to review your financial management and operations.
- COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program (BC Hydro)
- CMHC is working to address mortgage payment difficulties.
- Export Development Canada (EDC). In partnership with the federal government and Canadian banks, EDC will ensure customers impacted by COVID-19 have access to credit.
Operational/Staffing Support
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Several measures are available to assist employees who have been laid off, or are unable to work due to quarantine. EI sickness benefits
- Uber Eats: The company has created a support package to promote “contactless” delivery from local restaurants, which includes waiving delivery fees, and a daily payout option to assist restaurants with cash flow.
- Work-Sharing Program: Work-Sharing is a federal government adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer. Temporary special measures have extended the maximum duration of work-sharing agreements from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for businesses affected by COVID-19
Checklists
- Business Preparedness Checklist COVID-19 (GVBOT)
- Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
Guides
- Getting your workplace ready for COVID-19 (World Health Organization )
- PreparedBC: Guide for Small Business (Government of B.C.)
- Crisis Communications Plan (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
- Business Continuity & Recovery Plan (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
Templates and Tools
- PreparedBC: Emergency Plan for Small Businesses (Government of B.C.)
- Webinar: Coronavirus (COVID-19): Managing the impact on global supply chains (EDC)
- Business continuity plan and templates for entrepreneurs (BDC)
Government of Canada COVID-19 Information Services
- Phone: 1-833-784-4397
- Email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
Local Business Directory Status
For more information contact the Fort St. John Chamber of Commerce
Cheryl Montgomery – 250.261.4486
