With conflicting information and differing opinions, it can be difficult to know what course of action you should take in this time of ambiguity. We put together this resource page to give you the facts and options so you can feel confident with the decisions you are making and that they are strategic business decisions.

IF YOU HAVE FURLOUGHED EMPLOYEES:

● Employees can apply for EI if eligible● Employees can apply for CERB if not eligible for EI - CERB Eligibility has changed as of Wednesday April 15th to include part time and seasonal workers who earn under $1000 per month. ● As of April 6, 2020, both services have been combined for applications: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html● You may apply for wage subsidy if your employees have been laid off and will not be working - however, proceed with caution to ensure that your employees are not also receiving the CERB or EI. Please review with your accountant and employment lawyer to devise the best course of action for applying for the CEWS if your employees will not be able to perform any work.● Do not apply for wage subsidy if your employees have been laid off

IF YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE WORKING AND REVENUES ARE DOWN AT LEAST 15 - 30%:

● Apply for the Wage Subsidy● Phase 1 – March 15 – April 11, 2020 (Must be able to show that your revenues from March 1 - 31, 2020 have decreased at least 15% in comparison to March 1 – 31, 2019)● Phase 2 – April 12 – May 9, 2020 (decrease in revenues by at least 30% when comparing April 2020 to April 2019)● Phase 3 – May 10 – June 6, 2020 (decrease in revenues by at least 30% when comparing May 2020 – May 2019)● You will need to reapply for each period once you know if you are eligible or nothttps://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/wage-subsidy.html● Consider activating a remote working policy so your employees can perform some of their work from home. If the fundamental duties of their role have changed during this period of time, provide them with a new task list so that they understand what is expected of them

IF YOUR EMPLOYEES CAN WORK, BUT ON REDUCED HOURS:

● Create a work share program
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html#h4.01● Consider activating a remote working policy so your employees can perform some of their work from home. If the fundamental duties of their role have changed during this period of time, provide them with a new task list so that they understand what is expected of them● As of April 8th, 2020 the Government of Canada has announced that additional benefits will become available for those that are classified as contract workers, gig-workers, or those that are working less than 10 hours per week. More information and resources will be updated as this plan becomes available.

Other Options For Your Business

BUSINESS CREDIT AVAILABILITY PROGRAM:

● For small and medium-sized businesses● In collaboration with the EDC, BDC, and private sector lenders. 
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/financial-sector-policy/business-credit-availability-program.html

FLEXIBLE TAX PAYMENT FILING SCHEDULE:

Businesses will be granted an extra 1 month grace period on any tax filings and payments due between March-August 2020 – we recommend talking with your accountant to see how this applies to your revenues directly
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html#Extension_of_Deadline

OTHERS RESOURCES

EI information – https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/ei-regular-benefit/eligibility.html

CERB information - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html

Support for Individuals - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-individuals.html

Support for Businesses - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/covid19-businesses.html

Canada Coronavirus Updates - https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_coronavirus