Chamber eNewsletter – May 29 Update

by | May 29, 2020 | Business Resilience Network, Canadian Chamber, Chamber Partners, COVID Update, Food & Beverage, Health & Safety, News, Rent Relief, South Island Prosperity Partnership | 0 comments
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COVID-19: Important Business Updates

Phase 2: Required Safety Plans for Business Owners

Tuesday May 19, 2020 marked the beginning of Phase 2 in BC’s Restart Plan. And while some business owners are supportive of doors opening, the new operating restrictions provide a different set of challenges for owners to navigate.

As part of the Phase 2 guidelines, employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan. [WorkSafe BC] Safety Plan Template.

In addition, employers must 1. post a copy of the Safety Plan on their website and 2. provide a copy to a health officer or WorkSafeBC officer if requested. As per the May 14th Order.

CECRA for Commercial Rent Assistance

[CMHC/SCHL] Apply for Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses.
May 19 – Most recently, the Prime Minister announced that CMHC will administer the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses. The program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses affected by COVID-19. Click the link above for more information.

Innovation Canada Guide to Business Support

[Government of Canada] Business Support Survey
Through Innovation Canada, take the short survey to get better access to personalized support from the Government for your business.
[Business Resilience Service] Click here to learn more
In partnership with the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the Business Resilience Service (BRS) allows you to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate to support your small- to medium-sized business, not-for-profit or charity on how to respond and reshape amid uncertainty. This service is free.To access the BRS call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8am – 8pm ET (5am – 5pm PT).

ICYMI: This Week in Business News
[CBC Article] Ottawa pushing provinces to bring in paid sick leave: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will work with provinces to push forward on a paid sick leave program amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.[Government of BC] Temporary Expanded Service Area Authorization
Government has taken action to support the province’s hospitality sector by temporarily authorizing the expansion of service areas, such as patios, to support physical distancing requirements.

[South Island Prosperity Partnership] Launch of the Rising Economy Dashboard 
The economic fall-out created by the global COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented circumstances. In response to this, SIPP announced the creation of a multi-government, multi-stakeholder Rising Economy Taskforce to convene the actions necessary for our region to recover.

Chamber Updates & Opportunities
Email us at admin@esquimaltchamber.ca to apply to be next week’s Featured Member! This benefit is free to Chamber members.

The Chamber Office is Open for Business! 

Located at 1249 Esquimalt Road, the Chamber office is now open for business (with social distancing and COVID measures in place). Drop by anytime Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm.

  • Members can leave business cards, flyers and/or posters
  • Get information on COVID-19 Phase 2 requirements
  • Find a quiet, pet-friendly & socially distance workspace – learn more about our shared space
Share your feedback with us.
Tell us what you’d like to hear more about or what isn’t hitting the spot. Drop us a line or give us a ring (250) 590-2125.

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