COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE - Government Support Summary (current as of August 25, 2020) - Sturgeon County
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COVID-19 RESOURCE GUIDE Government Support Summary (current as of August 25, 2020)
Sturgeon County developed this guide to enhance awareness on current available government
support related to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This information is continuously under
development and while Sturgeon County strives to keep this information updated, timely, and
accurate, Sturgeon County makes no guarantees. Under the continuously changing environment,
users of this guide should be aware that the information contained within this document may not
be complete or reflect all recently announced support measures.
*denotes updated information since guide was last shared
Notification of error can be submitted to: jlavallee@sturgeoncounty.ca
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 2 of 45Table of Contents
Contents
Federal Supports...................................................................................................................................................................8
MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT ........................................................................................................................................................8
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Canadian Summer Jobs Program .............................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Cultural and Heritage Organizations ........................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Emergency Community Support Fund ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Indigenous Community Support Fund ...................................................................................................................................................................... 9
Reaching Home Program: Canada's Homelessness Strategy (Rural and Remote Homelessness Funding Support) ........................................... 10
BUSINESS AND FARMER SUPPORT ................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) ............................................................................................................................................................. 10
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers ............................................................................................................................................................... 11
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) .................................................................................................................................... 12
Air Transportation Sector Support ......................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) ......................................................................................................................................................... 12
Providing Products and Services to Combat COVID-19.......................................................................................................................................... 13
If you are a business that has goods or services that could support Canada’s response to COVID-19, there are opportunities available to sell
goods and services related to COVID-19 to the Government of Canada.. .............................................................................................................. 13
Expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)* ..................................................................................................................................... 13
Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments ........................................................................................................................... 13
Farmers’ Support ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
AgriRecovery for Farmers and Ranchers ................................................................................................................................................................ 14
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 3 of 45Employee Training Supports for Agri-Businesses................................................................................................................................................... 15
Income Tax Payments ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 15
Innovation and Early-stage Business Support: Industrial Research Assistance Program ..................................................................................... 15
Regional Relief Recovery Fund (RRRF) ................................................................................................................................................................... 15
Rural Business and Community Support ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Work-sharing Program to Avoid Layoffs ................................................................................................................................................................ 16
Federal Funding for Large Businesses..................................................................................................................................................................... 16
RESIDENT SUPPORT ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
CERB: Canada Emergency Response Benefit .......................................................................................................................................................... 16
Low Income Essential Workers: Salary Top-up ...................................................................................................................................................... 17
Applying for Employment Insurance ...................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Extra Time to File Personal Income Tax Returns/2019 Payments ......................................................................................................................... 18
Accelerated Gas Tax Funding .................................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Mortgage Support ................................................................................................................................................................................................... 19
Postsecondary Student Support ............................................................................................................................................................................. 19
Seniors’ Support ...................................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
Student Loan Repayment Support ......................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Taxpayer Relief Requests ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 21
Provincial Supports.............................................................................................................................................................22
Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy.................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
General Workplace Guidance ................................................................................................................................................................................. 22
MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT ...................................................................................................................................................... 22
Education Property Tax Deferral ............................................................................................................................................................................ 22
Alberta Emergency Management Agency Support ................................................................................................................................................ 23
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 4 of 45Bill 24, COVID-19 Pandemic Response Statutes Amendment Act.......................................................................................................................... 23 Continuing Care Facilities ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 23 Emergency Funding for Charities and Not-Profit Associations .............................................................................................................................. 24 Expanded Mental Health Support .......................................................................................................................................................................... 24 Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) Program..................................................................................................................................... 25 Mental Health and Addiction Community Grant ................................................................................................................................................... 25 Municipal Wastewater Owners and Operators ..................................................................................................................................................... 25 State of Local Emergencies ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 Orphan Well Management ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 26 BUSINESS AND FARMER SUPPORT ................................................................................................................................................................ 27 Essential Services List .............................................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Agricultural Producers Support .............................................................................................................................................................................. 27 Support for Beekeepers .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 27 Business Link............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 28 Call to Action for Business: Alberta’s Bits and Pieces Program ............................................................................................................................. 28 Corporate Income Tax Changes .............................................................................................................................................................................. 28 Employees under Self-isolation .............................................................................................................................................................................. 28 Employment Standard Considerations ................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Forestry Industry Support ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 29 Grant Funding for Small and Medium-Sized Business During Economic Relaunch .............................................................................................. 29 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) ................................................................................................................................................................ 30 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Applicable Industries ........................................................................................................................... 30 More Protection for Commercial Tenants .............................................................................................................................................................. 30 Rent Relief for Small Business ................................................................................................................................................................................ 31 COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 5 of 45
Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant ...................................................................................................................................................... 31 Trucking Industry and Railway Operators .............................................................................................................................................................. 32 Tourism Levy Deferral ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 32 Additional Relief for Tourism Industry ................................................................................................................................................................... 32 WCB Premium Payment Deferral ........................................................................................................................................................................... 33 Relief for the Child Care Sector ............................................................................................................................................................................... 33 RESIDENT SUPPORT ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 34 Emergency Isolation Support .................................................................................................................................................................................. 34 Job Protected Leave ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 34 Alberta Justice: Emergency and Urgent Matters before the Court – Staged Resumption July 6, 2020 ............................................................... 35 Alberta Justice: Criminal Fine Payments ................................................................................................................................................................ 35 Call to Action for Volunteers: Alberta Cares Connector ........................................................................................................................................ 35 Consumer Support................................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Family Violence Support ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 36 Homelessness Support ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 36 For a list of homeless shelters, including short-term and long-term supportive housing, click HERE. ................................................................... 36 Non-Medical Masks Available ................................................................................................................................................................................ 37 Out-of-Country Visitors ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 People with Disabilities ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Student Loan Repayment Support ......................................................................................................................................................................... 37 Utility Payment Deferral ......................................................................................................................................................................................... 38 Legislative Information ................................................................................................................................................................................ 38 Self-isolation: Legal Considerations ........................................................................................................................................................................ 38 Outbreak Standards in Health Settings .................................................................................................................................................................. 38 COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 6 of 45
Public Health (Emergency Powers) Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 10) ...................................................................................................................... 39
Tenancies Statutes (Emergency Provisions) Amendment Act, 2020 (Bill 11) ........................................................................................................ 39
Other Supports. ..................................................................................................................................................................40
Bank of Canada: Reducing Interest Rates .............................................................................................................................................................. 40
Bank and Credit Union Support .............................................................................................................................................................................. 40
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety ........................................................................................................................................... 40
COVID-19 Self-Assessment Website: Alberta Health Services .............................................................................................................................. 40
Edmonton Global..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Money Mentors ....................................................................................................................................................................................................... 41
Resumption Protocol for Provincially or Federally Licensed Food Processing Facilities ...................................................................................... 41
SPCA Help for Animals Program ............................................................................................................................................................................. 41
Youth Support: Kids Help Phone Mental Health Support...................................................................................................................................... 41
AB Trace Together App ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 42
CORE – Collaborative Online Resources and Education ........................................................................................................................................ 42
Sturgeon County Supports. ................................................................................................................................................43
Utility Bills and Residential Tax Deadlines ............................................................................................................................................................. 43
Social Support .......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 43
Sturgeon County Activity Resource Booklet .......................................................................................................................................................... 43
Sturgeon County Economic Development: Toolkit for Businesses........................................................................................................................ 44
Volunteer Coordination .......................................................................................................................................................................................... 44
Source Documents..............................................................................................................................................................45
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 7 of 45Federal Supports.
MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow Sturgeon County to reduce
the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).i
The subsidy is equal to 10% of the remuneration paid between March 18, 2020, and June 19, 2020, up to $1,375
per employee and to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer. More information can be found HERE.
Once subsidy has been calculated, reduce current remittance of federal or provincial income tax sent to the CRA
by the amount of the subsidy (remittance of CPP contributions or EI premiums cannot be reduced).
Canadian Summer Jobs Program
CAUTION: This information applies only to applications already submitted to the Canadian Summer Jobs Program
as the submission period is now closed.
Temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program will allow employers to:
• Receive an increased wage subsidy, so that public sector employers can receive up to 100% of the provincial
minimum hourly wage for each employee
• Extend the end date for employment to February 28, 2021
• Adapt their projects and job activities, as well as hire staff on a part-time basis
More information on this program can be found by calling 1-800-935-5555 (TTY: 1-800-926-9105). Additional
details on this program can be found HERE.
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 8 of 45Cultural and Heritage Organizations
An Emergency Support Fund for cultural and heritage organizations has been established to help address the
financial needs of affected organizations so they can continue to support artists and heritage organizations. More
details on this program can be found HERE.
Emergency Community Support Fund
Fund represents an investment of $350M to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit
organizations that deliver essential services to those in needii. This fund will provide funding to national
intermediaries with networks across the country, including United Way Canada, the Canadian Red Cross, and the
Community Foundations of Canada. These partners will disburse funds to local community-based organizations
working with vulnerable populations, including seniors, persons with disabilities, members of LGBTQ2
communities, veterans, newcomers, women, children and youth, members of Indigenous communities and
racialized communities, and includes:
• 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
Indigenous Community Support Fund
$285M is available for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund, addressing immediate needs
in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities. Funding will go directly to Indigenous communities and
groups to provide Indigenous leadership to prepare for and react to the spread of COVID-19.iii
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 9 of 45These 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 Communities identified jointly by Indigenous Services Canada, the National Indigenous Organizations, and other Indigenous leaders, based on emergency needs, do not need to apply; self-governing First Nations communities will receive funding directly from ISC. More information can be found HERE. Reaching Home Program: Canada's Homelessness Strategy (Rural and Remote Homelessness Funding Support) The Rural and Remote Homelessness funding stream provides project funding to communities demonstrating that their proposed project helps to prevent and reduce homelessness in the community.iv Projects may be related to housing services, prevention and shelter diversion, client support services, capital investments, or coordination of resources and data collection (for more information on project requirements, click HERE). Applicants can send an email to ESDC.WT.PD.ReachingHome-VersUnChezSoi.EP.WT.EDSC@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca for next step information. BUSINESS AND FARMER SUPPORT Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) Up to 75% wage subsidy is available for qualifying businesses of all sizes and across all sectors (with the exception of the public sector), for up to 3 months. Claim periods 1-4 were retroactive to March 15, 2020, and Periods 5-9 are retroactive from July 5 – November 21, 2020. The intention behind this subsidy is for businesses to keep and return workers to the payroll (businesses are strongly encouraged to pay the remaining 25% to employees). COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 10 of 45
Eligible businesses will have suffered a drop in gross revenues from July 5, with flexible eligibility (updates include
support for businesses whose revenue drop was less than 30%), , and includes individuals, taxable corporations,
and partnerships consisting of eligible employers as well as non-profit organizations and registered charities.v
The subsidy amount for a given employee on eligible remuneration paid between July 5 and November 21, 2020
would be the following:
• For Periods 5 and 6, if your revenue dropped at least 30%, your subsidy rate will be at least 75% (up to
$847/week);
• Even if your revenue has not dropped for the claim period, you can still qualify if your average revenue over
the previous three months dropped more than 50%;
• The maximum base subsidy rate is 60% in claim periods 5 and 6; and
• The maximum base subsidy rate will begin to decline in claim period 7, gradually reducing to 20% in period 9
CAUTION: Eligibility for this benefit changes depending on the claiming period.
Application for this subsidy can be made through a Canada Revenue Agency online portal. More information and
details on eligibility and claiming periods can be found HERE.
Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
If an employer does not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (noted above) the Temporary Wage
Subsidy for Employers may apply. This is a three-month measure that will allow business to reduce the amount of
payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).vi
The subsidy is equal to 10% of the remuneration paid between March 18 and June 20, 2020, up to $1,375 per
employee and to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer. More information on eligibility can be found HERE.
Once subsidy has been calculated, reduce current remittance of federal or provincial income tax sent to the CRA
by the amount of the subsidy (remittance of CPP contributions or EI premiums cannot be reduced).
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 11 of 45Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Government of Canada will be introducing the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program for small businesses that will seek to provide loans and/or forgivable loans to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June. Implementation of the program will require a partnership with provincial and territorial governments who are responsible for property owner-tenant relationships. July and August extensions are now being offered, with applications available here. Air Transportation Sector Support Ground lease rents will be waived from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government (includes the Edmonton Regional Airports Authority).vii Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) $65B of additional support is being made through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC). BDC and EDC are working with private sector lenders to coordinate credit solutions for individual businesses, including in sectors such as oil and gas, air transportation, exportation and tourism.viii Program includes: • Canada Emergency Business Account • Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises • Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises More information can be accessed HERE. Businesses interested in accessing the BCAP should first contact their financial institution, which will contact BDC and/or EDC where appropriate. COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 12 of 45
Providing Products and Services to Combat COVID-19 If you are a business that has goods or services that could support Canada’s response to COVID-19, there are opportunities available to sell goods and services related to COVID-19 to the Government of Canada.. More information on products and services needed can be found HERE. Expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)* A $55B program that 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. As of June 26, 2020, businesses eligible for CEBA now include owner-operated small businesses that do not have a payroll, sole proprietors receiving business income directly, as well as family-owned corporations remunerating in the form of dividends rather than payroll. Applicants will have to demonstrate having eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1,500,000 in 2020. The expanded CEBA is being made available gradually by more than 230 financial institutions across the country, starting with larger banks. Other participating financial institutions will start offering the program over the coming weeks. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). More information on the program is found HERE. Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments Businesses, including self-employed individuals, may defer until June 30, 2020 payments of GST, as well as customs duties owing on their imports.ix The deferral will apply to GST remittances for the February, March and April 2020 reporting periods for monthly filers; the January 1, 2020 through March 31, 2020 reporting period for quarterly filers; and for annual filers, the amounts collected and owing for their previous fiscal year and instalments of GST in respect of the filer’s current fiscal year. COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 13 of 45
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 this month).
Farmers’ Support
Available credit has been increased for farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada (FCC lending
capacity increased by $5B; potential for loan payment deferrals).x
FCC Customer Service Centre at 1-888-332-3301.
AgriRecovery for Farmers and Ranchers
On May 5, the Federal Government launched a national AgriRecovery initiative of more than $252 million to
support farmers, food businesses, and food processors who provide essential services to Canadians every day by
ensuring a safe and reliable food supply. This includes:
• $77.5 million in funding to an Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access more PPE, adapt to
health protocols and update/modernize their facilities, processes and operations;
• Up to $125 million in funding to help cattle and hog producers faced with extraordinary costs incurred by
COVID-19. This includes a fed cattle set-aside program, which will allow beef producers to hold on to
slaughter-ready cattle on maintenance feed ration for several weeks, allowing the supply of animals to
match demand and reduce processing capacity more evenly. Cattle producers will be compensated for the
extraordinary costs until the back-up inventory is cleared.
• Increasing the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200M dollars;
• Launching a first-ever Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million designed to help
redistribute existing and unsold inventories; and
• Working with provinces and territories to increase interim payments from 50% to 75% through AgriStability,
as well as exploring possibilities to expand the Agri-Insurance program;
AgriRecovery is a federal-provincial-territorial cost shared program, more information on this program is available
HERE.
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 14 of 45Employee Training Supports for Agri-Businesses A new Agriculture Training Support Program to help employers in the food supply chain provide necessary training to new Alberta employees. The program is intended to offset costs for COVID-19 safety and training, including the costs for PPE and to remove any barriers to get Albertans safely working. The program will support training for as many as 2,500 new jobs in Alberta and will provide up to $5M in support to farmers, agri-businesses and food processors. More information is available HERE. Income Tax Payments Businesses may 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.xi Innovation and Early-stage Business Support: Industrial Research Assistance Program Government of Canada is investing $250M 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. Information on applying to this program can be found HERE. Regional Relief Recovery Fund (RRRF) The new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is being delivered by regional development agencies to help more businesses and organizations (including the tourism sector) that are key to the regions and local economies. Businesses in Western Canada that are unable to access other existing measures can now apply for RRRF support. A total of $304 million will be available for western Canadian businesses. The RRRF application form can be found HERE. COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 15 of 45
Rural Business and Community Support Government of Canada is providing $287 million to support rural businesses and communities by providing them with access to capital through the Community Futures Network.xii For more information on available supports, click HERE. Work-sharing Program to Avoid Layoffs The maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program is being extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work- Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers. Employer application guidelines for this program can be found HERE. Employers should send completed applications to: EDSC.WT.WS-TP.ESDC@servicecanada.gc.ca Federal Funding for Large Businesses The federal government is establishing 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. To qualify, eligible businesses must be seeking financing of about $60 million or more, have significant operations or workforce in Canada, and not be involved in active insolvency proceedings. Information on applying to this program can be found HERE. RESIDENT SUPPORT CERB: Canada Emergency Response Benefit A taxable benefit paid in blocks of up to four months in the amount of $2,000 (which is equivalent to $500 per week) is available to the individuals who: • Live in Canada and are at least 15 years old • Stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 16 of 45
• Have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits
between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020
• Have not voluntarily quit their job
• Had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, you should apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit,
whether or not you are eligible for Employment Insurance. Do not apply for the CERB if you have already applied
for EI.
The benefit is available from March 15, 2020, to October 3, 2020. You can apply no later than December 2, 2020.
Individuals may earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB. Canadians who are already receiving EI
regular and sickness benefits as of March 25, 2020 would continue to receive their benefits and should not apply
to the CERB. However, if their EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, they could apply for the CERB once their EI
benefits cease, if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19. CAUTION: Individuals should only apply for
the CERB through either Service Canada or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) – not both.
CERB will be accessible through a secure web portal HERE. Applicants will alternatively be able to apply via an
automated telephone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041. Both online and telephone services will be available
21HRS per day.
Low Income Essential Workers: Salary Top-up
This is a temporary salary top-up for low-income essential workers (those who earn less than $2,500 per month on
a full-time basis and who are deemed by the Province to be essential in the fight against COVID-19). This could
include those working in the front-line in hospitals, caring for seniors in long-term care facilities, grocery store
workers, and others.
More details will be released by the Government of Canada shortly.
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 17 of 45Applying for Employment Insurance Individuals who are eligible to apply for EI can find more information HERE. If an individual is sick, quarantined or has been directed to self-isolate, the Government will waive the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits. An online application form for EI Benefits can be found HERE. Extra Time to File Personal Income Tax Returns/2019 Payments Filing of 2019 personal income tax returns was deferred until June 1, 2020 (does not include trusts). Penalties for 2019 payment (including late-filing penalties) and interest will not be applied if returns are filed and payments are made by September 30, 2020. This also applies to the June 15 and September 15, 2020 instalment payments. Additionally, any new income tax balances or instalments due can be deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.xiii CAUTION: If there are expected benefits under the GST credit program or the Canada Child Benefit, it is encouraged to not delay the filing of a 2019 tax return to ensure entitlements are properly determined. To access more information about this support, click HERE. Accelerated Gas Tax Funding Funding delivered through the federal Gas Tax Fund will be accelerated this year to help communities as quickly as possible while respecting public health guidelines. $2.2 billion in annual federal infrastructure funding for communities will be delivered in one payment in June. Early delivery of the full funding for 2020-2021 will help communities quickly move forward with infrastructure projects that will improve the quality of life and help to restart local economies. Communities have flexibility to use the funding to meet their local needs. Projects could include access to high- speed broadband, improvements to water and road systems, and the building of cycling and walking paths. COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 18 of 45
Mortgage Support Residents experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19 may be eligible for mortgage deferral, up to six- months.xiv Financial institutions are addresses request on a case-by-case basis and should be contacted directly by residents for more information. CAUTION: Residents should be made aware that payment deferral is not payment forgiveness; deferred payments are added to the outstanding principal balance and subsequently repaid throughout the life of the mortgage; residents should speak with their financial institutions for full details associated with deferring mortgage payments, including on interest charges. Financial Institutions should be contacted directly for more information. To access more information about this support, click HERE. Postsecondary Student Support 1) See Student Loan Repayment Support below. 2) Canadian Emergency Student Benefit: Program offers support to students and new graduates who are not be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance or unable to work due to COVID-19. This benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $2,000 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities (available from May to August 2020).xv Final eligibility period for the CESB is August 2 to August 29, 2020. 3) Student Work Placement Program: Student Work Placement Program will support up to 20,000 post-secondary students across Canada to obtain paid work experience related to their field of study by participating employers. Students can apply for work placement HERE. COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 19 of 45
4) National Service Initiative: Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) program will help students gain work
experience and skills while they help their communities during the COVID‑19 pandemic. For students who
choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new CSSG will provide up to $5,000 for their
education in the fall.
More details will be made available on the “I Want to Help” platform soon.
5) Changes to the current Student Loan Program: eligible full-time students may receive loans up to $6,000 and up
to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21 (this represents a doubling of current funds). The Canada Student
Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.
Additionally, changers are broadening eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected
student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21 and raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided
to a student in 2020-21 from $210 to $350.
More details on changes to the Student Loan Program can be found HERE.
6) Student researchers and post-doctoral fellows may also be eligible for new funding through federal granting
councils. For more information, click HERE.
7) International Students will see the restriction that allows them to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week
while classes are in session removed, 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).
Seniors’ Support
1) The required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) is being reduced by
25% for 2020.xvi
2) $9M in financial support has been extended through United Way Canada for local organizations to support
practical services to Canadian seniors. These services could include the delivery of groceries, medications, or
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 20 of 45other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community
supports.
To access more information through 211, the referral program for United Way Canada seniors’ support
services, click HERE.
3) New Horizons for Seniors Program: provides grants and contributions funding for projects that make a
difference in the lives of seniors and in their communities, under two funding streams:
• Community-based grants that are either for activity-based or capital assistance projects ($5,000 to
$25,000), and
• Pan-Canadian grants and contributions to support innovative projects that create a significant impact in
communities and invest in large initiatives that meet the growing social needs of seniors.
For information on project eligibility and online application, click HERE.
Student Loan Repayment Support
Effective March 30 (until September 30, 2020), there is a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of
Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers. No payment will be required, and interest will not accrue
during this time. CAUTION: Individuals should be made aware that payment deferral is not payment forgiveness.
Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.
Taxpayer Relief Requests
Taxpayers who are unable to file a return or make a payment by the tax-filing and payment deadlines because of
COVID-19 can request the cancellation of penalty and interest charged to their account. Penalties and interest will
not be charged if the new deadlines that the government has announced to tax-filing and payments are met.
For more information or for information on how to make a request to the CRA to have interest and/or penalties
cancelled, click HERE.
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 21 of 45Provincial Supports. Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy Released on April 30, the Government of Alberta has established a phased approach to “re-opening” Alberta in the wake of COVID-19. The full guide, “Opening Soon: Alberta’s Relaunch Strategy” can be found HERE. As of June 12, the Government of Alberta launched Stage 2, which allows more businesses, sports and recreation services to resume operations with enhanced infection prevention and controls in place. (The Alberta Biz Connect web page provides business owners with information on health and safety guidelines for general workplaces and sector-specific guidelines for those able to open in stage two of the relaunch). Stage three depends on success in stage two. Success will be determined by the following factors: active case numbers, infection rates, health-care system capacity based on the number of cases in hospital and intensive care. General Workplace Guidance General workplace guidance is available to help support business owners reopening or continuing operations to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19 among workers, volunteers, and patrons. More information is available HERE. MUNICIPAL AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT Education Property Tax Deferral Education property tax rates will be frozen at last year’s level (reversing the 3.4% increase added in Budget 2020). Collection of non-residential education property tax will be deferred for six-months; municipalities are expected to set education property tax rates as they normally would but defer collection (deferred amounts will be repaid in 2021 and beyond).xvii COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 22 of 45
Alberta Emergency Management Agency Support
Alberta Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) field officers are available to support municipalities, First Nations
and Metis Settlements with their emergency management and business continuity planning.
More information on AEMA can be found HERE.
Bill 24, COVID-19 Pandemic Response Statutes Amendment Act
The Provincial Government has introduced the COVID-19 Pandemic Response Statutes Amendment Act, which
proposed measures to support Albertans as the province continues to reopen. The proposed amendments will
allow some pandemic response efforts to continue and introduce new measures to support the safe and successful
reopening of Alberta’s economy.
Continuing Care Facilities
1. Supports include additional funding to allow for:
• Increased health-care aide staffing levels
• A wage top-up of an additional $2 per hour for health-care aides
• Up to 1,000 paid student practicum positions to fast-track certification and get more staff into continuing
care facilities
In addition to the above noted supports, $24.5M is also being advanced to operators to help address immediate
cost pressures due to COVID-19.xviii As of May 4, the Government of Alberta modified regulations to allow nurse
practitioners to provide expanded care to nursing home residents during COVID-19. Changes will allow nurse
practitioners to act as primary care providers in nursing homes, admitting and assessing residents, as well as
offering follow-up care. Changes will also enable nurse practitioners and other qualified health professional to
prescribe medication and order treatments in nursing homes, according to their scopes of practice.
2. Investment in Long-Term Care, Designated Supportive Living Facilities and Seniors Lodges: The province is
investing more than $170 million to enhance staffing and extra cleaning supplies and will address lost
accommodation revenue, with a total monthly investment allocation of $14.2 million, retroactive to March 15.
COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 23 of 45Emergency Funding for Charities and Not-Profit Associations This program will be temporary suspended effective April 21 (approvals for urgent requests will occur before reopening application intake). Funding will be provided to support social services in enabling social distancing, as well as supports and services for at-risk seniors and families facing homelessness, poverty, and social isolation. Although Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is assisting in disbursing the funds, projects do not need to follow FCSS program guidelines, or be existing FCSS partners. Charities, not-for-profits, and civil society organizations looking to help Albertans during the COVID-19 pandemic can apply for this funding. As of May 12, funding is being increased to the Community Initiatives Program Operating grant to help struggling front-line charities and non-profits maintain their core operations and provide services during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of $8 million is being reallocated from the Community Initiatives Program Project-based grant to the Community Initiatives Program Operating grant, with a limit for Community Initiatives Program Operating grant requests to be increased from $60,000 to $75,000. The three-year eligibility period for the Community Initiatives Program will be waived to allow all organizations in need of operational funding to apply for this one-time intake, with prioritization given to small and medium-sized organizations that focus on food security, shelter and housing, and addictions and mental health supports. More information on eligible services can be found HERE. Emergency funding will be distributed with the assistance of local FCSS programs. Expanded Mental Health Support A $21.6-million investment is expanding online resources and virtual supports for Albertans who are seeking help for mental health and addiction challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding is the first portion of the $53-million COVID-19 mental health action plan announced in April. Funding will enhance mental health and addiction supports, both online and in the community, through international, national, and local organizations. Albertans will also have better access to supports closer to home through enhanced local resources, including online mental health education and support, guidance and brief interventions with a trained counsellor, and improved access to e-mental health treatment with professional support through the InnoWell platform. COVID-19 Resource Guide: Government Supports Summary (August 25, 2020) Page 24 of 45
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