Leaders from PKED, DBIA, Chamber of Commerce, Community Futures Peterborough and Innovation Cluster (#TeamPTBO) are working together to identify how the impact of COVID-19 will be hardest felt by our local business community.
These questions and answers were compiled in response to recent survey results and ongoing business inquiries. These responses and inquiries are informing our collective communications with all levels of government to help create meaningful recovery programming to assist our local business community during these challenging times.
Top Q & A for Businesses
We are not sure how long this situation will last – What do employers need to know?
I may have to consider laying off my employees – What do I need to know?
Employment Standards Act (ESA) - for provincially regulated employees.
The existing leave provisions under the ESA remain in effect. Namely, any employee who has worked for at least two consecutive weeks is eligible for three days of leave (unpaid) due to personal illness. In addition, employees may also be allowed an additional three days of leave (unpaid) to care for children, a spouse or another close relative who is experiencing illness or a medical emergency. The Ontario government has passed legislation to provide job protection for employees unable to work because due to:
Temporary COVID-19 Income Support for Workers
Special allowances are being made for employees on payroll who do not have paid sick leave and who are sick due to COVID-19, quarantined or who must remain at home to care for children. In these cases the federal government’s Employment Insurance (EI) will:
Staff who have already completed their application for EI sickness benefits can call to request their one-week waiting period waived, 1-833-381-2725 (only for sick or quarantined employees affected by COVID-19).
Stay tuned, this is a changing issue. The latest EI program information is available online at, https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Temporary COVID-19 Income Support for the Self-Employed
Canada Emergency Response Benefit - NEW-
The Government of Canada will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
I am self-employed and ineligible for EI
Canada Emergency Response Benefit - NEW-
The Government of Canada will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
Longer-Term Supports for Workers & Businesses
The EI Work Sharing Program (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html) has been in place for sometime and provides EI benefits in workplaces experiencing a general slow-down but do not wish to close or lay-off staff completely. Workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours can take advantage of this program during which the company would pay wages for the reduced hours worked each week while the EI program ‘tops-up’ the balance.
The government has indicated it will ease the otherwise fairly stringent eligibility requirements and will simplify the application process. This was announced on March 11, 2020 and we recommend you consult the weblink provided above if this is a program that may assist your workplace.
Reduction of Payroll Taxes
Eligible small employers will be able to apply for a temporary wage subsidy. On Friday, March 27, 2020 it was announced the wage subsidy would be increased to 75%. More details to come.
Temporary Wage Subsidy Information
Canadian Business Organizations Call on Federal Government to Help Further Protect Jobs
Will my insurance cover business interruption?
It is highly recommended that every business take the time to review your insurance policies and contact your insurance broker to obtain up to date information. In many cases, business interruption insurance is exempt from a pandemic.
What are all levels of government doing to support business during this pandemic?
All levels of government are working hard to ensure that business continuity is protected as much as possible, while protecting residents. Many announcements have been made this week at all levels of government.
Information updates from all levels of government are being shared continuously through their respective COVID-19 webpages. This is a rapidly evolving situation and updates are shared on dedicated webpages for each of the sites.
City of Peterborough
County of Peterborough
Province of Ontario
Government of Canada
Will there be relief for payments, loans and taxes?
Each level of government is looking for ways to support residents and businesses during this time. The federal government has announced an $82 -billion aid package to help Canadians and businesses cope with the global COVID-19 pandemic, including income supports, wage subsidies and tax deferrals. The package includes direct supports as well as business liquidity through tax deferrals.
Government of Canada
Province of Ontario
Further, agencies such as Community Futures Peterborough and Business Development Bank of Canada are all introducing relief supports to assist companies during this transitional phase.
Community Futures Peterborough
BDC
How can I access these relief packages?
Procedural approvals across all levels of government are required before details on how the relief packages will be distributed. Stay tuned to the following websites for the latest up to date information.
Government of Canada
Province of Ontario
Community Futures Peterborough
BDC
How can I protect my businesses and property while it is closed? What municipal measures are being undertaken? I am worried about my property being vandalized.
We understand that this is an ongoing concern for many local businesses, especially those in the downtown area. The Peterborough Police have responded and deployed additional foot patrols in the downtown area. In addition, Kewley Security Inc. is currently offering a free security check to businesses in downtown. Contact Kewley directly for additional details: https://kewleysi.ca/ 705-874-3131.
Best practice and guidelines for securing your business:
How can I be using this time wisely for maximum effect?
Although this is a difficult time to be operating a business, it is important to stay engaged in your business. Peterborough & the Kawarthas is a resilient community and when we move from crisis to recovery, we want businesses to be as prepared as possible. Some suggestions to keep working on your business that you haven’t had time for:
When the all-clear is announced – What are the resources and plans for recovery to get our customers and visitors back?
We are still in the early stages of learning about all the programs and resources. More details will be developed over the coming days and weeks.
How do we manage the negativity in social media?
Support each other’s business. Every business has different needs and customers to serve. Each business owner is doing the best they can to charter this unprecedented territory. Let’s keep it positive and support where we can safely.
What can I do as a business owner to help?
We recognize that this is a very challenging time for business owners. Information is changing at a rapid pace. It is very important that agencies advocate on your behalf and inform the government and associations of your changing concerns.
How is the Government helping Canadian Suppliers?
ACTION:The Government of Canada is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to provide products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19.
BACKGROUND:Products: Disposable N95 masks, Disposable Surgical masks, Nitrile gloves, Vinyl gloves, Gowns, Bottles of hand sanitizer, Other prevention products
Services: Guard/security services, Nursing services, Food services, Laundry services, Accommodation maintenance services, Personal services, IT support services, Other services
NEXT STEPS: Fill out this form if you can provide items from the list above, or any other product or services not listed.
TIMELINE: As soon as possible
PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:Your local Provincial Senior Business Advisor or Strategic Account Manager
For inquiries regarding the Government of Canada Call for Suppliers Martin Montreuil: martin.montreuil@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca / Tel: 613-793-3594 Alain Dorion: alain.dorion@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca / Tel: 613-790-0974
These questions and answers were compiled in response to recent survey results and ongoing business inquiries. These responses and inquiries are informing our collective communications with all levels of government to help create meaningful recovery programming to assist our local business community during these challenging times.
Top Q & A for Businesses
We are not sure how long this situation will last – What do employers need to know?
- Remain positive and calm.
- This situation is unprecedented for all businesses as we adapt to these continuous changes. Restaurants, bars, cinemas, theatres and concert venues have been ordered to close. Bars and restaurants may only provide takeout and delivery service.
- It is recommended that employers facilitate virtual work arrangements to enable employees to work from home wherever possible.
- If a virtual workplace is not possible, employers should use their judgment to sustain operations in a manner that maintains social distancing.
I may have to consider laying off my employees – What do I need to know?
Employment Standards Act (ESA) - for provincially regulated employees.
The existing leave provisions under the ESA remain in effect. Namely, any employee who has worked for at least two consecutive weeks is eligible for three days of leave (unpaid) due to personal illness. In addition, employees may also be allowed an additional three days of leave (unpaid) to care for children, a spouse or another close relative who is experiencing illness or a medical emergency. The Ontario government has passed legislation to provide job protection for employees unable to work because due to:
- being under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19, or providing care to a person related to COVID-19, including a school or day-care closure.
- being in isolation or quarantine.
Temporary COVID-19 Income Support for Workers
Special allowances are being made for employees on payroll who do not have paid sick leave and who are sick due to COVID-19, quarantined or who must remain at home to care for children. In these cases the federal government’s Employment Insurance (EI) will:
- Waive the one-week waiting period for those individuals in quarantine that claim Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. This temporary measure became effective on March 15, 2020.
- Waive the requirement to provide a doctor’s note or medical certificate.
Staff who have already completed their application for EI sickness benefits can call to request their one-week waiting period waived, 1-833-381-2725 (only for sick or quarantined employees affected by COVID-19).
Stay tuned, this is a changing issue. The latest EI program information is available online at, https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Temporary COVID-19 Income Support for the Self-Employed
Canada Emergency Response Benefit - NEW-
The Government of Canada will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
- workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
- Application details will be available through My CRA and My Service Canada, beginning the first week of April.
I am self-employed and ineligible for EI
Canada Emergency Response Benefit - NEW-
The Government of Canada will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to:
- workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
- Application details will be available through My CRA and My Service Canada, beginning the first week of April.
Longer-Term Supports for Workers & Businesses
The EI Work Sharing Program (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing.html) has been in place for sometime and provides EI benefits in workplaces experiencing a general slow-down but do not wish to close or lay-off staff completely. Workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours can take advantage of this program during which the company would pay wages for the reduced hours worked each week while the EI program ‘tops-up’ the balance.
The government has indicated it will ease the otherwise fairly stringent eligibility requirements and will simplify the application process. This was announced on March 11, 2020 and we recommend you consult the weblink provided above if this is a program that may assist your workplace.
Reduction of Payroll Taxes
Eligible small employers will be able to apply for a temporary wage subsidy. On Friday, March 27, 2020 it was announced the wage subsidy would be increased to 75%. More details to come.
Temporary Wage Subsidy Information
Canadian Business Organizations Call on Federal Government to Help Further Protect Jobs
Will my insurance cover business interruption?
It is highly recommended that every business take the time to review your insurance policies and contact your insurance broker to obtain up to date information. In many cases, business interruption insurance is exempt from a pandemic.
What are all levels of government doing to support business during this pandemic?
All levels of government are working hard to ensure that business continuity is protected as much as possible, while protecting residents. Many announcements have been made this week at all levels of government.
Information updates from all levels of government are being shared continuously through their respective COVID-19 webpages. This is a rapidly evolving situation and updates are shared on dedicated webpages for each of the sites.
City of Peterborough
County of Peterborough
Province of Ontario
Government of Canada
Will there be relief for payments, loans and taxes?
Each level of government is looking for ways to support residents and businesses during this time. The federal government has announced an $82 -billion aid package to help Canadians and businesses cope with the global COVID-19 pandemic, including income supports, wage subsidies and tax deferrals. The package includes direct supports as well as business liquidity through tax deferrals.
Government of Canada
Province of Ontario
Further, agencies such as Community Futures Peterborough and Business Development Bank of Canada are all introducing relief supports to assist companies during this transitional phase.
Community Futures Peterborough
BDC
How can I access these relief packages?
Procedural approvals across all levels of government are required before details on how the relief packages will be distributed. Stay tuned to the following websites for the latest up to date information.
Government of Canada
Province of Ontario
Community Futures Peterborough
BDC
How can I protect my businesses and property while it is closed? What municipal measures are being undertaken? I am worried about my property being vandalized.
We understand that this is an ongoing concern for many local businesses, especially those in the downtown area. The Peterborough Police have responded and deployed additional foot patrols in the downtown area. In addition, Kewley Security Inc. is currently offering a free security check to businesses in downtown. Contact Kewley directly for additional details: https://kewleysi.ca/ 705-874-3131.
Best practice and guidelines for securing your business:
- Keep the lights on
- Remove all cash and receipts
- Do NOT leave any valuables visible or accessible
- All safe and registers/tills should be emptied and moved offsite for safe storage
- Keep all cash tills and drawers empty and open to show that there is nothing in them.
- All ATMs should be emptied and moved off-site.
- All alcohol products should be removed from the restaurant/bar and moved to a secure storage area (no alcohol should be left visible from the outside)
- Consider posting “no cash or valuables on-premises” signage
- Deactivate all scheduled FOB door openings for cleaners and delivery services
- Disconnect all kitchen gas lines from their gas source
- Make regular site visits to monitor your shop/business and to manage inventory and storage conditions (consider scattering the time that this is done to discourage establishing a pattern)
- Be a good business neighbour and check on your neighbour’s business and alert them if necessary.
How can I be using this time wisely for maximum effect?
Although this is a difficult time to be operating a business, it is important to stay engaged in your business. Peterborough & the Kawarthas is a resilient community and when we move from crisis to recovery, we want businesses to be as prepared as possible. Some suggestions to keep working on your business that you haven’t had time for:
- Small, minor repairs that you have been meaning to cross off your list.
- Continue telling your story on your social media channels to keep your customers engaged and to create value for them. Suggestions include: if you have inventory, film and share an unboxing, or a tutorial on how to use one of your popular products/services- share the story of how your company started and why you wanted to become an entrepreneur- consider offering a digital or online service, or the development of an online platform or course- consider staging content photos if you can safely access your office, or create your own branded stock photos from home to use later.
- Cleaning and organizing the space and files
- Re-design your window display
- Get that PAPERWORK done!!!!
- Take some free online courses on marketing and business planning
- Tidy up your website
- Strategize and plan your next marketing and advertising campaign to welcome back customers and visitors.
- Plan your re-opening party or customer celebration events.
- Help others in the community to stay connected. Check on your neighbour
- Stay #PTBOStrong
When the all-clear is announced – What are the resources and plans for recovery to get our customers and visitors back?
We are still in the early stages of learning about all the programs and resources. More details will be developed over the coming days and weeks.
How do we manage the negativity in social media?
Support each other’s business. Every business has different needs and customers to serve. Each business owner is doing the best they can to charter this unprecedented territory. Let’s keep it positive and support where we can safely.
- Share/like/comment and engage with others on their social media in a positive manner. This costs nothing to do.
- Leave a review or testimonial on the social channel or Google page of a small business or supplier that you use in which you had an excellent experience or enjoy. This can help with their SEO and reviews
What can I do as a business owner to help?
We recognize that this is a very challenging time for business owners. Information is changing at a rapid pace. It is very important that agencies advocate on your behalf and inform the government and associations of your changing concerns.
- Please be supportive of each other
- Answer surveys – they provide real-time data for us to provide to our elected officials
- Work with and support your employees during this time
How is the Government helping Canadian Suppliers?
ACTION:The Government of Canada is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to provide products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19.
BACKGROUND:Products: Disposable N95 masks, Disposable Surgical masks, Nitrile gloves, Vinyl gloves, Gowns, Bottles of hand sanitizer, Other prevention products
Services: Guard/security services, Nursing services, Food services, Laundry services, Accommodation maintenance services, Personal services, IT support services, Other services
NEXT STEPS: Fill out this form if you can provide items from the list above, or any other product or services not listed.
TIMELINE: As soon as possible
PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:Your local Provincial Senior Business Advisor or Strategic Account Manager
For inquiries regarding the Government of Canada Call for Suppliers Martin Montreuil: martin.montreuil@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca / Tel: 613-793-3594 Alain Dorion: alain.dorion@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca / Tel: 613-790-0974
