The following is an evolving list of financial resources, measures, policy, announcements, and other information put forward by various level of government in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This list will be continuously updated to provide the most relevant and up-to-date information for our members.
We encourage everyone who is seeking advice on how to access resources for support to contact the City of Toronto’s Small Business Service Centre at by calling 416-392-6646, emailing smallbusiness@toronto.ca, or by visiting their website.
Date last updated: November 21, 2020
Toronto will enter Lockdown effective Monday, November 23, 2020 at 12:01 a.m. This Lockdown is expected to be in place for 28 days.
Measures under Lockdown include, but are not limited to
– Retail permitted to be open for curbside pick-up or delivery only, with certain exceptions such as for supermarkets, grocery stores, pharmacies, hardware stores, discount and big box retailers selling groceries, beer, wine and liquor stores, safety supply stores, and convenience stores, which will be allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity.
– Restaurants, bars, and food and drink establishments will only be able to provide takeout, drive-through and delivery. Indoor and outdoor dining services are prohibited.
– Personal care services closed.
– No indoor organized public events or social gatherings except with members of the same household. Individuals who live alone, including seniors, may consider having exclusive, close contact with one other person.
– Outdoor organized public events or social gatherings limited to a maximum of 10 people.
Read the full press release here.
Read the full Lockdown Level restrictions here.
On November 19, 2020, the Federal Government passed legislation that includes financial support tools for businesses. We understand the application portal for the new programs will open on November 23, 2020. We will provide updated information as it becomes available.
Read the full press release here.
Details of the new CERS and CEWS programs are below.
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) will provide direct rent and mortgage interest support to tenants and property owners until June 2021. The new rent subsidy will support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop by providing support up to a maximum of 65% of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. Claims can be made retroactively to September 27, 2020.
The new Lockdown Support will provide an additional 25% through CERS for qualifying organizations that are subject to a lockdown and must shut their doors or significantly restrict their activities under a public health order issued under the laws of Canada, a province or territory (including orders made by a municipality or regional health authority under one of those laws).
The extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) until June 2021. CEWS will remain at the current rate of up to 65% of eligible wages until December 19, 2020.
The Province of Ontario is now accepting applications for a number of grants to help you cover the costs of property taxes, energy costs, and PPE. A summary of these grants, as well as the application link is below.
See full details here.
To ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges, the Government of Canada is announcing the launch of the new Canada Emergency Business Account, which will be implemented by eligible financial institutions in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC).
This $25 billion program 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, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Currently under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, if an employer is advised that a worker is ill resulting from an exposure at work (including COVID-19), or a claim has been filed with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) with respect to COVID-19 exposure at work, the employer must notify the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in writing within four days. The employer must also notify the workplace joint health and safety committee or a health and safety representative and trade union, if any.
Provides job-protected leave for employees who are in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or daycare closures or to care for other relatives. Retroactive to January 25, 2020, and employees cannot be required to show sick notes.
The Bank of Canada has cut the interest rate to 0.75%, and the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced the release of an additional $300 billion in lending capacity by the major banks with the expectation that they will support Canadian businesses and households.
In turn, the big six Canadian banks: Bank of Montreal, CIBC, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank, Scotiabank and TD Bank have made a commitment to work with personal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide flexible solutions to help them manage through challenges such as pay disruption due to COVID-19; childcare disruption due to school closures; or those facing illness from COVID-19.
Small business loans up to $100,000 that can be obtained in as little as 48 hours, working capital loans, and purchase order financing loans.
Digital Main Street is a program provided by the City of Toronto and the Toronto Association of BIA’s to help businesses develop their online footprint. They have made their staff person Alyssa Shaver available to support Yonge + St. Clair BIA Businesses increase their online business presence through free one-on-one online consultations.
Alyssa can be reached directly at alyssa.shaver@digitalmainstreet.ca or appointments can be booked by your businesses directly through a calendar link found here: https://calendly.com/alyssa-dms.
Protect Yourself poster
How to Protect Yourself Information Card (Also available in: Simplified Chinese | Traditional Chinese
Wash Your Hands poster
Cover Your Cough poster
Self-Isolate poster
Social Distancing poster
Toronto Public Health
https://www.toronto.ca/community-people/health-wellness-care/diseases-medications-vaccines/coronavirus/
Ontario Health and Wellness
https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus
Health Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
World Health Organization
https://www.epi-win.com/advice-and-information/business-and-employees