Support for people facing unemployment, reduced wages, and Support to businesses

Support for individuals

Find the support you need

A full listing of all the current programs and supports are as follows:

Individuals and families

  • Temporary salary top-up for low-income essential workers.
    The government of Canada worked with provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost-share a temporary top up to salaries of low-income workers (those who earn less that $2,500 per month on a full time basis), that the provinces and territories have deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19.
    • All provinces and territories have confirmed, or are in the process of confirming, plans to cost share wage top-ups for their essential workers.
    • We will provide up to $3 billion in federal support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers. Each province or territory will determine which workers would be eligible for support, and how much support they will receive.
  • Increasing the Canada Child Benefit 
  • Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment 
  • Extra time to file income tax returns 
    • The filing due date for 2019 income tax returns for individuals has been deferred until June 1, 2020. Any new income tax balances due, or instalments, are also being deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.
    • Consult all tax and payment dates: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html
    • Note: If you expect to receive benefits under the Goods and Services Tax credit or the Canada Child Benefit, do not delay filing your 2019 income tax return to ensure that your entitlements are properly determined.
  • Mortgage payment deferral 
    • Homeowners facing financial hardship may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral of up to six months.
    • The deferral is an agreement between you and your lender. Typically, the agreement indicates that you and your lender have agreed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. After the agreement ends, your mortgage payments return to normal and the deferred payments — including principal and accumulated interest – are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage.
    • To know if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral or to learn what options are available, contact your lender — your bank or your mortgage professional.
    • For more information: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/finance-and-investing/mortgage-loan-insurance/the-resource/covid19-understanding-mortgage-payment-deferral

People facing loss of income

  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
    • A taxable benefit of $2,000 every 4 weeks for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
    • The Benefit is available to workers:
      • Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
      • Who have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020;
      • Who had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and,
      • Who have not quit their job voluntarily.
    • An online questionnaire will help us direct you to the service option that best fits your situation (i.e. eligibility for Employment Insurance benefits or not).
    • Do not apply for the CERB if you have already applied for EI.
    • For more information and to apply for the CERB: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html
    • You can also apply over the phone: 1‑800‑959‑2019 or 1‑800‑959‑2041

Indigenous peoples

  • Addressing immediate needs in Indigenous communities
    • Provision of $380 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.
      • These funds could be used for measures including, but not limited to:
        • support for Elders and vulnerable community members,
        • measures to address food insecurity,
        • educational and other support for children,
        • mental health assistance and emergency response services,
        • preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
      • As part of the $305 million distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund announced on March 18, the Government of Canada provided:
        • $215 million for First Nations, allocated to each First Nation based on population, remoteness and community well-being
        • $45 million for Inuit, which flowed to each of the four land claims organizations through an allocation determined by the Inuit Tapiriit Kanatami and regional Inuit land claims organizations
        • $30 million for Métis Nation communities, which flowed through each of the Governing Members
        • $15 million for Indigenous organizations and communities providing services to Indigenous peoples in urban centres and off reserve.
      • The new $75 million will provide additional funding for the many organizations meeting the critical needs of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis in urban centres and off reserve.
      • For more information about the Indigenous Community Support Fund: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198
  • Supporting Indigenous public health needs and preparedness
    • The are providing $100 million to support a range of federal health measures, including support for preparedness in First Nation and Inuit communities. These funds will:
      • respond to identified needs to update and activate pandemic plans
      • support an effective allocation of public health and primary health care capacity to respond to the COIVD-19 outbreak
      • align response efforts with scientific evidence as determined by a medical officer of health
      • address immediate needs in the short term
      • For more information: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1584819394157/1584819418553#b
  • Making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable 
  • Providing support to Indigenous post-secondary students

People who need it most

  • Improving access to essential food support
    • Provision of $100 million to national, regional, and local organizations across Canada to:
      • Purchase, transport and distribute food and other basic necessities
      • hire temporary help to fill volunteer shortages
      • implement safety measures, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among volunteers and clients.
    • These organizations – including but not limited to Food Banks Canada, Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada – will work with partners to meet the urgent food needs of Canadians.
      • Food Banks Canada received $50M from the federal government and has launched a $150M fund-raising campaign. To connect with your local foodbank delivery organization for more information and options https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/Utility-Pages/Find-a-Food-Bank.aspx
      • The Breakfast Club of Canada has launched an online special grant application for supports to community with a priority to support Indigenous, remote and fly-in communities To access the application form go to https://www.breakfastclubcanada.org/covid-special-grant-application/
      • Second Harvest (Canada) announced a $4.5M COVID-19 grant program. To find out more about Second Harvest go to https://secondharvest.ca/who-we-are/ To access the application form for the grant program, https://www.foodrescue.ca/ will have information on available resources
      • The Government of Canada has granted Community Food Centres Canada’s (CFCC) $5 million to distribute to organizations that are trying to cope with COVID-19 and the ever deepening food insecurity crisis Good Food Access Fund, https://cfccanada.ca/en/Good-Food-Access-Fund
  • Supporting people experiencing homelessness – Enhancing the Reaching Home initiative
  • Supporting women and children fleeing violence – Women’s shelters and sexual assault centres 
    • Supporting women and children fleeing violence, by the provision of up to $50 million to women’s shelters and sexual assault centres, including facilities in Indigenous communities, to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.
    • Learn more about the funding objectives: https://cfc-swc.gc.ca/fun-fin/shelters-refuges-en.html
    • Find a shelter for women and her children fleeing violence
      • “Women’s shelters and transition houses are open during the COVID-19 pandemic to protect women and children fleeing violence. If you or someone you know needs help or wants to speak to a shelter worker, you can find your closest women’s shelter and their crisis line on this website, www.sheltersafe.ca.”[i]
      • Find supports for women in urban cities – Sivummuatsiarniq: An Urban Resource Guide for Inuit Women includes resources for Inuit women and families, as well as service providers.https://pauktuutit.ca/abuse-prevention/sivummuatsiarniq/
  • Delivering essential services to those in need
    • An investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need. 
    • These funds are available from either the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada or the United Way Centraide network. The right place to apply depends on the community organization’s type:
      • Non-profit organizations may apply to the Canadian Red Cross’ national portal here.
      • Registered charities and other qualified donees may apply to Community Foundations of Canada’s national portal here or to their local United Way Centraide (check the United Way Centraide Canada’s website here for information on how to apply).

Check to see if your organization is a registered charity or qualified donee: https://apps.cra-arc.gc.ca/ebci/hacc/srch/pub/dsplyBscSrch?request_locale=en

  • The investment will support a variety of activities, such as:
    • Increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications
    • Providing transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments
    • Scaling up help lines that provide information and support
    • Helping vulnerable Canadians access government benefits
    • Providing training, supplies, and other required supports to volunteers so they can continue to make their invaluable contributions to the COVID-19 response
    • Replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, or the Internet
  • For more information: Emergency Community Support Fund

Seniors

  • Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds 
  • Supporting the delivery of items and personal outreach 
    • Contribution of $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community supports.
    • Contact your local organization: https://www.unitedway.ca/how-we-help/find-your-uwc/
  • Immediate and essential services through the New Horizons for Seniors Program
    • The government of Canada has expanded the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network.
    • For all organizations who received funding under the 2019-2020 New Horizons for Seniors Program community-based stream, funding can be used to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.
  • Effective immediately, Service Canada is offering 2019-2020 NHSP community-based recipients the flexibility to use their approved funding for activity expenditures in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, regardless of the nature of the originally-approved project. Examples could include (but are not limited to) those that:
    • prevent seniors’ social isolation in a time of recommended social distancing / self-quarantine by promoting computer literacy and virtual activities among seniors;
    • support seniors who are self-isolating at home, including the delivery of food and medication or personalized monitoring of seniors to ensure their needs are met and to provide moral support (by phone and via online apps such as FaceTime and Zoom);
    • assist seniors to undertake essential activities, such as visits to the doctor;
    • assist community organizations to provide the types of support listed above, including hiring staff to replace a loss of volunteerism capacity due to the outbreak (many volunteers are seniors that need to self-isolate);
    • provide information to seniors regarding how to care for themselves during the pandemic; or
    • support the ability of seniors to stay connected with their community and their family, including through smart phones and tablets (for example iPhone and iPads) and remote tutorials by community organizations.
    • To learn more about the New Horizons for Seniors Program: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/new-horizons-seniors.html
  • Tax free payment (OAS and GIS)
    • The provision of a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
    • This measure would give a total of $500 to individuals who are eligible to receive both the OAS and the GIS, and will help them cover increased costs caused by COVID-19.
    • To learn more about this payment: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/notice-covid-19/one-time-payment.html
  • Temporarily extending the Guaranteed Income Supplement and Allowance payments (GIS)
    • There is a temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed.
    • This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than by October 1, 2020.

Youth, post-secondary students and recent graduates

  • Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
    • The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides emergency financial relief to students and recent graduates who are unable to work, or unable to find work, due to reasons related to COVID-19. It is also available for those who are working but not making more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they are applying.
    • This benefit provides $1,250 per month for eligible students or $2,000 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities.
    • This benefit will be available from May to August 2020.
    • For more information and to apply for the CESB: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-student-benefit.html
    • To look for a job, visit Job Bank
  • Creating new jobs and opportunities
    • An expansion of existing federal employment, skills development, and youth programming to create up to 116,000 jobs, placements, and other training opportunities to help students find employment and develop valuable skills this summer and over the coming months.
    • To learn more and to start your job search: https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/youth
  • Launching a new national service initiative
  • Helping students continue their studies in the fall
    • Changes to the Canada Student Loans Program proposed are to allow more students to qualify for support and be eligible for greater amounts.
    • The changes would include:
      • doubling the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.
      • broadening eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21.
      • raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020-21 from $210 to $350.
    • For more information and learn more about Canada Student Grants and Loads: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/education/student-aid.html
  • Supporting international students working in an essential service 
    • The removal the restriction that allows international students to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.
    • This temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020.
    • Consult the Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada during the COVID-19 Pandemic: https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/crtcl-nfrstrctr/esf-sfe-en.aspx
  • Suspend repayment and interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans
    • All student loan borrowers will automatically have their loan repayments and interest suspended until September 30, 2020.
    • Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
    • This moratorium applies to the federal portion of student loans. Borrowers should check with their provincial or territorial student loan provider to see if payment is required on the provincial or territorial portion.
    • Learn more about the moratorium on the repayment: https://www.csnpe-nslsc.canada.ca/en/what-is-new
  • Youth support: mental health 
    • $7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with the mental health support they need during this difficult time.
    • For more information and to get the support you need: https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Support for businesses

Find the support you need for your business

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Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees

  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) 
  • The subsidy covers 75% of an employee’s wages – up to $847 per week – for employers.
  • The program will be in place until August 29, 2020.
  • For employers that are eligible for both the CEWS and the Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy for a period, any benefit from the Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy for remuneration paid in a specific period will generally reduce the amount available to be claimed under the CEWS in that same period.
  • For more information and to apply for the CEWS: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html
  • Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html
  • The Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deduction required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
    • You are an eligible employer if you:
      • are a(n):
        • individual (excluding trusts),
        • partnership.
        • non-profit organization,
        • registered charity, or
        • Canadian-controlled private corporation (including a cooperative corporation) eligible for the small business deduction;
      • have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020; and
      • pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an eligible employee.
    • Note: Partnerships are only eligible for the subsidy if their members consist exclusively of individuals (excluding trusts), registered charities, or Canadian-controlled private corporations eligible for the small business deduction.
    • Learn more about the Temporary 105 Wage Subsidy for Employers: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html
  • Extending the Work-Sharing program 
  • The extension of the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks for employers affected by COVID-19. This measure will provide income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.
  • For more information or to apply to the Work-Sharing program: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices.html#h4.04 or call Toll-free: 1-800-367-5693

Access to credit

  • Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) 

The establishment of a Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to provide additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC).

BDC and EDC are working with private sector lenders to coordinate on credit solutions for individual businesses, including in sectors such as oil and gas, air transportation, exports and tourism.

This program includes:

  • Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
    • EDC is working with financial institutions to guarantee 80% of new operating credit and cash flow term loans of up to $6.25 million to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
    • This financing support is to be used for operational expenses and is available to both exporting and non-exporting companies.
    • This program is now available at various banks and credit unions.
    • Learn more about the Load Guarantee for SMEs: https://www.edc.ca/en/covid-19-business-resources.html
  • Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
    • Through the Business Credit Availability Program, Business Development Canada (BDC) is working with financial institutions to co-lend term loans to SMEs for their operational cash flow requirements.
    • The program offers differing maximum finance amounts based on business revenues.
    • Financed amount:
      • 80 % provided by BDC
      • 20 % provided by your financial institution
    • This support is available until or before September 30, 2020.
    • This program is now available at various banks and credit unions.
    • Learn more about the Co-Lending Program for SME’s: https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19
  • BDC’s Mid-Market Financing Program
    • BDC’s Mid-Market Financing Program will provide commercial loans ranging between $12.5 million and $60 million to medium-sized businesses whose credit needs exceed what is already available through the Business Credit Availability Program and other measures.
    • BDC anticipates that qualifying companies will have annual revenues in excess of approximately $100 million.
    • More details will be made available soon.
  • EDC’s Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program
    • EDC’s Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program will bring liquidity to companies who tend to have revenues of between $50 million to $300 million, to sustain operations during this uncertain period. EDC will continue to work with Canadian financial institutions to guarantee 75 per cent of new operating credit and cash-flow loans – ranging in size from $16.75 million to a maximum of $80 million. These expanded guarantees are available to exporters, international investors and businesses that sell their products or services within Canada.
    • More details will be made available soon.
  • Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
  • The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.
  • This program has been implemented by banks and credit unions. in collaboration with Export Development Canada.
  • Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks and credit unions.
  • Learn more about the Canada Emergency Business Account: https://ceba-cuec.ca/
  • Large Employer Emergency financing Facility (LEEFF)
    • The Canadian government established the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going.
    • The additional liquidity provided through LEEFF will allow Canada’s largest businesses, their workers and their suppliers to remain active during this difficult time, and position them for a rapid economic recovery.
    • This program is delivered by the Canada Development Investment Corporation, in cooperation with Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and the Department of Finance.
    • To learn more and to apply to the LEEF program: https://www.cdev.gc.ca/home-ceefc/
  • Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)
  • The government of Canada has reached an agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
  • The program will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners to cover 50% of three monthly rent payments that are payable by eligible small business tenants who are experiencing financial hardship during April, May, and June.
  • The loans will be forgiven if the mortgaged property owner agrees to reduce the small business tenants’ rent by at least 75% under a rent forgiveness agreement, which will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The small business tenant would cover the remainder, up to 25% of the rent.
  • Impacted small business tenants are businesses paying less than $50,000 per month in rent and who have temporarily ceased operations or have experienced at least a 70% drop in pre-COVID revenues. This support will also be available to non-profit and charitable organizations.
  • Applications will be accepted through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation website beginning on May 25.
  • For more information and to get ready to apply for the CECRA: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/finance-and-investing/covid19-cecra-small-business
  • Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
    • The government of Canada is providing nearly $962 million through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to help more businesses and organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, tourism and others that are key to the regions and to local economies. This fund is specifically targeted to those that may require additional help to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been unable to access existing support measures.
    • Apply to the RRRF through your local Regional Development Agency: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07662.html
  • Assisting innovative and early-stage businesses 
    • Canada is investing $250 million to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports through the Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP).
    • IRAP provides advice, connections, and funding to help Canadian small and medium-sized businesses increase their innovation capacity and take ideas to market.
    • Learn how to apply: https://nrc.canada.ca/en/corporate/nrc-covid-19-response
  • Young entrepreneurs
    • The provision of $20.1 million in support for Futurpreneur Canada to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges due to COVID-19. The funding will allow Futurpreneur Canada to provide payment relief for its clients for up to 12 months.
    • Learn more about Futurepreneur Canada: https://www.futurpreneur.ca/en/
  • Businesses in the territories
    • Funds being made available $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories to help address the impacts of COVID-19. This support will assist businesses with operating costs not already covered by other Government of Canada measures.
    • Apply to the Northern Business Relief fund: https://www.cannor.gc.ca/eng/1587153226618/1587153246025
  • Women entrepreneurs
    • The Canadian government if providing $15 million in new funding through the Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES). This funding will be available to existing WES Ecosystem Fund recipient organizations, enabling these third-party organizations to provide timely support and advice to women entrepreneurs facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
    • Learn more about the WES Ecosystem Fund: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/129.nsf/eng/home

Creating new jobs and opportunities for youth

  • Youth Employment and Skills Strategy 
    • Canada is providing $153.7 million for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help youth develop the skills and gain the experience they need to successfully transition into the labour market.
    • Funding will support a range of measures in high-demand sectors such as agriculture, technology, health and essential services, creating over 6,000 additional job placements.
    • Learn more about the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/youth-employment-strategy.html
  • Student Work Placement Program 
  • Mitacs and The Business/Higher Education Roundtable
    • An investment of $40 million to support Mitacs in order to create 5,000 new job placements. The Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) will also create a further 5,000 to 10,000 new student placements, by reorienting existing federal support and building online tools.
    • Learn more about Mitacs: https://www.mitacs.ca/en
    • Learn more about BHER: http://bher.ca/
  • Temporary changes to Canada Summer Jobs program
    • The Canada Summer Jobs program provides opportunities for youth to develop and improve their skills within the not-for-profit, small business, and public sectors, and supports the delivery of key community services.
  • The Canadian Government is making temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program to allow employers to:

Taxes and tariffs

  • More time to pay income taxes 
    • Allowing all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.
    • No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.
    • Consult all the tax and payment dates: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html
  • Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments until June 
    • Businesses are being allowed, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the GST/HST, as well as customs duty owing on their imports.
    • Any GST/HST payment that becomes owing from March 27 until the end of May can be deferred until the end of June. For GST and customs duty payments for imported goods, deferral will include amounts owing for March, April and May.
    • These amounts were normally due to be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency as early as the end of March 2020.
    • Learn more about the deferral of GST/HST tax remittances: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-gst-hst.html
  • Waiving tariffs on certain medical goods
    • The government of Canada is waiving tariffs on certain medical goods, including PPE such as masks and gloves.
    • This will reduce the cost of imported PPE for Canadians, help protect workers, and ensure our supply chains can keep functioning well.
    • Learn more about this tariff relief: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/cn-ad/cn20-19-eng.html

Support for self-employed individuals

  • Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 
    • A taxable benefit of $2,000 every 4 weeks for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
    • A portal with simple questions will help to direct you to the service option that best fits your situation (i.e. eligibility for Employment Insurance benefits or not).
    • Do not apply for the CERB if you have already applied for EI.
    • You can apply over the phone: 1‑800‑959‑2019 or 1‑800‑959‑2041 or on-line
    • Apply for the CERB: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html
  • Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments until June 
    • Allowing businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer until June 30, 2020 payments of the GST/HST, as well as customs duty owing on their imports.
    • Any GST/HST payment that becomes owing from March 27 until the end of May can be deferred until the end of June. For GST and customs duty payments for imported goods, deferral will include amounts owing for March, April and May.
    • These amounts were normally due to be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency as early as the end of March 2020.
    • Learn more about the deferral of GST/HST tax remittances: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-gst-hst.html
  • More time to pay income taxes 
    • Allowing all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.
    • No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.
    • Consult all the tax and payment dates: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html

Indigenous businesses

  • Funding for small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and Aboriginal Financial Institutions – https://nacca.ca/covid-19/
    • The government of Canada announced up to $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses.
    • The funding will allow for short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, which offer financing and business support services to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis businesses.
    • These measures will help 6,000 Indigenous-owned businesses get through these difficult times.
    • Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada.
    • Learn more about this measure for Indigenous SME: https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1588079295625/1588079326171

Supporting financial stability

  • Relief for federally regulated pension plan sponsors
  • The provision of immediate, temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated, defined benefit pension plans in the form of a moratorium, through the remainder of 2020, on solvency payment requirements for defined benefit plans.
  • This relief will help ensure that employers have the financial resources they need to maintain their operations and their pension plans, and to protect the retirement security of their workers and retirees.
  • Launching an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program 
  • Launched an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program, in which we will purchase up to $150 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
  • This action will provide long-term stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders, help facilitate continued lending to Canadian consumers and businesses, and add liquidity to Canada’s mortgage market.
  • Learn more about the Insured Mortgage Purchase Program: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/news-releases/2020/cmhc-expands-insured-mortgage-purchase-program
  • Bank of Canada’s actions
  • The Bank of Canada is acting in several ways to support the economy and financial system and stands ready to take any and all actions that it can to protect the well-being of Canadians during this difficult time. The Bank has responded by lowering interest rates, intervening to support key financial markets and providing liquidity support for financial institutions.
  • Learn more about Bank of Canada’s actions: https://www.bankofcanada.ca/markets/market-operations-liquidity-provision/covid-19-actions-support-economy-financial-system/
  • Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions actions 
  • The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. This action will allow Canada’s large banks to inject $300 billion of additional lending into the economy.

Support for sectors

Agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture, fisheries

  • Keeping workers in the food supply chain safe
  • Canada is providing $50 million to help farmers, fish harvesters, and all food production and processing employers, put in place the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad.
  • The Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program (MISTFWP) provides support of $1,500 for each temporary foreign worker, to employers or those working with them to ensure requirements are fully met. The funding is conditional on employers not being found in violation of the mandatory isolation.
  • Canada granted an exemption for temporary foreign workers from travel restrictions to Canada, along with other foreigners with student and work visas, provided they adhere to a strict 14-day isolation protocol upon arrival.
  • Apply to the MISTFWP: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/mandatory-isolation-support-for-temporary-foreign-workers-program/?id=1588186409721
  • Increasing credit availability
  • Farm Credit Canada has been enabled to provide an additional $5 billion in lending to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. This will offer increased flexibility to farmers who face cashflow issues and to processors who are impacted by lost sales, helping them remain financially sound during this difficult time.
  • You can also contact your banks and credit unions to discuss other support available.
  • Learn more about increasing credit available for agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture: 
  • Assisting the fish and seafood processing sector
    • The Canadian government is providing $62.5M of new assistance to the fish and seafood processing sector through the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund.
    • The Fund will help businesses:
      • access short-term financing to pay for maintenance and inventory costs;
      • add storage capacity for unsold product;
      • comply with new health and safety measures for workers;
      • support new manufacturing/automated technologies to improve productivity and quality of finished seafood products; and,
      • adapt products to respond to changing requirements and new market demands.
    • More details will be available about this fund soon.
  • Helping food producers access more PPE and adapt to health protocols
    • The creation of a $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access more personal protective equipment (PPE), adapt to health protocols, automate or modernize their facilities, processes, and operations, and respond to emerging pressures from COVID-19 so they can better supply Canadians with food during this period.
  • Helping producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19
    • The launch of a national AgriRecovery initiative of up to $125 million in funding to help producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19 such as set-asides for cattle and hog management programs to manage livestock backed-up on farms, due to the temporary closure of food processing plants.
    • This new federal funding will help beef and pork producers and processors adapt to a changing market, and help farmers and ranchers keep their animals longer before marketing.
  • Increasing the Canadian Dairy Commission borrowing limit
    • The Canadian government announced the intention to increase the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to support costs associated with the temporary storage of cheese and butter to avoid food waste.
  • Helping to redistribute existing and unsold inventories
    • Launching of the Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund designed to help redistribute existing and unsold inventories, which could include products such as potatoes and poultry, to local food organizations who are serving vulnerable Canadians.
  • Increasing interim payments from 50% to 75% through AgriStability
    • The Canadian government is working with provinces and territories to increase interim payments from 50 per cent to 75 per cent through AgriStability, a federal, provincial and territorial program that supports producers who face significant revenue declines. This change has already been enacted in some provinces.
    • Learn more about the AgriStability program: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/?id=1291990433266
  • Expanding the AgriInsurance to include labour shortage
  • Fish Harvester Benefit
    • The Canadian government is launching the Fish Harvester Benefit, a program worth up to $267.6 million, to provide income support for this year’s fishing seasons to eligible self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons crew who cannot access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
    • This support will be provided to those that experience fishing income declines of greater than 25% in the 2020 tax year, compared with a reference period to be identified.
    • This measure covers 75% of fishing income losses beyond a 25% income decline threshold, up to a maximum individual entitlement equivalent to what is provided under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy ($847 per week for up to 12 weeks).
    • More details will be available soon.
  • Fish Harvester Grant
    • The Canadian government is launching the Fish Harvester Grant, a program worth up to $201.8 million, to provide grants to fish harvesters impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are ineligible for the Canada Emergency Business Account or equivalent measures.
    • This will provide more liquidity to address non-deferrable business costs. The program would provide non-repayable support of up to $10,000 to self-employed fish harvesters with a valid fishing licence. Size of the non-repayable support will vary depending on the level of fish harvesters’ historic revenue.
    • More details will be available soon.
  • Changes to EI for self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons
    • The Canadian government is proposing measures or changes to Employment Insurance (EI) that would allow self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons to access EI benefits on the basis of insurable earnings from previous seasons (winter and summer claims).
    • More details will be available soon.

Cultural, heritage and sports

  • Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
  • The establishment of a $500 million COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for cultural, heritage and sport organizations that will help address the financial needs of affected organizations so they can continue to support artists and athletes.
  • Learn more about the Emergency Support Fund: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding/information-covid-19/emergency-support-fund.html
  • Waiving payment for Part I license fees
  • The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will not issue letters requesting payment for Part I license fees by broadcasters for the 2020–21 fiscal year.
  • Canada will provide the CRTC with an equivalent amount to the waived Part I license fees to support CRTC’s operations.

Air transportation

  • Continuing the supply of essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities
  • The Canadian government is providing up to $17.3 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support critical air services to Northern and remote communities, in partnership with investments by the territorial governments, to ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities.
  • Waiving ground lease rents 
  • Canada is waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government. The Canadian government is also providing comparable treatment for PortsToronto, which operates Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport and pays a charge to the federal government.
  • Learn more about the support for airports: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/government-announces-support-for-air-transportation-sector-during-covid-19-pandemic.html

Tourism

  • Deferring payments on commercial leases and licenses of occupation
  • The government of Canada will work with tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas to defer payments on commercial leases and licenses of occupation without interest until September 1, 2020.

Energy

  • Cleaning up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells
  • The Canadian government is providing up to $1.72 billion to the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, and to the Alberta Orphan Well Association, to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells. This will help maintain approximately 5,200 jobs in Alberta alone.
  • Launching the Emissions Reduction Fund
  • The Canadian government is providing up to $750 million to create a new Emissions Reduction Fund to support workers and reduce emissions in Canada’s oil and gas sector, with a focus on methane.
  • This fund will provide primarily repayable contributions to conventional and offshore oil and gas firms to support their investments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Of this amount, $75 million will be allocated to the offshore sector.

Non-profit and charitable

  • The Canadian Government is providing $100 million to the Canadian Red Cross to enhance their response capacity and to support public health efforts. With this funding, the Red Cross will:
    • Recruit and train volunteers and staff
    • Adapt its operations to the COVID-19 context
    • Support quarantine and isolation sites
    • Acquire personal protective equipment for its personnel and volunteers
    • Provide training to the health care sector and other essential workers on using personal protective equipment, and maintaining infection prevention and control measures within facilities
    • Expand their roster of public health and infection prevention and control specialists
    • Procure and deploy, as necessary, emergency health supplies and equipment, including a mobile field hospital, to prepare for future waves and outbreaks of COVID-19
  • Learn how Red Cross is helping: https://www.redcross.ca/how-we-help/current-emergency-responses/covid-19-%E2%80%93-novel-coronavirus#How%20Red%20Cross%20is%20helping
  • An investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need. – Delivery through National organizations: United Way Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and the Community Foundations of Canada
  • These funds are available from either the Canadian Red Cross, Community Foundations of Canada or the United Way Centraide network. The right place to apply depends on the community organization’s type:
    •  may apply to the Canadian Red Cross’ national portal here.
    • gistered charities and other qualified donees may apply to Community Foundations of Canada’s national portal here or to their local United Way Centraide (check the United Way Centraide Canada’s website here for information on how to apply).
  • The investment will flow through national organizations that have the ability to get funds quickly to local organizations that serve vulnerable populations. It will support a variety of activities, such as:
  • Replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, or the Internet
  • Learn more about the Emergency Community Support Fund: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/emergency-community-support-fund.html

[i] https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/programs/homelessness.html