COVID-19 Business Resources

• Covid-19 Information and resources
• Health and Safety
• Industry Information – Phase 1
• Returning to safe operation – Phases 2 & 3

• WorksafeBC Covid19 and returning to safe operation. Guidance for reopening – including steps for ensuring risk of exposure is minimized at workplaces

  Safety Plan Template

• Accomodation
• Arts & Culture Facilities
• Child care and day camps
• Education (K-12)
• Education (post-secondary)
• Faith-based organizations
• Gyms & Fitness Centres
• Health Professions
• In-Person Counselling
• Motion Picture and television production
• Offices
• Performing Arts
• Parks
• Personal Services
• Real Estate
• Restaurants, Cafes & Pubs
• Retail
• Sport and recreation
• What workers should expect

In a Provincial State of Emergency, the Provincial Health Officer can make orders as needed. You must follow the orders.

• Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) – $500/week for up to two weeks, for workers who cannot work because they are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to Covid-19 – *pending legislation
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) – $500/week for up to 26 weeks per household, for eligible workers who cannot work because they must provide care to children or family members due to the closure of schools, daycares or care facilities. *pending legislation
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) – Eligibility Questionnaire
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (covers a portion of an employee’s wage for eligible employers. THE CEWS will allow you to rehire your employees and avoid layoffs as the economy continues to safely reopen)
• Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) – open to large Canadian employers who (a) have a significant impact on Canada’s economy, as demonstrated by (i) having significant operations in Canada or (ii) supporting a significant workforce in Canada; (b) can generally demonstrate approximately $300 million or more in annual revenues; and (c) require a minimum loan size of about $60 million.
• Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Indigenous communities
• More Time to Pay Taxes – We are 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 installments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.
• Employment Insurance (applying for benefits/questions)
• Support For Business - Listing of all Government of Canada's current offerings of support
• Tailored Benefits – Answer a few questions to get a list of benefits and support tailored to you
• REOPENING – Templates & Signage (applying for benefits/questions). Printable templates and signage from the Canadian Business Resilience Network

• Covid-19 Provincial Support and Information
• Stronger BC Full Report – B.C.’s Economic Recovery Plan supports people and jobs. Focused on making health care stronger, getting people back to work, supporting businesses and helping communities.
• BC Emergency Benefit for Workers – Tax free, one time $1000 payment for BC residents whose ability to work has been affected due to Covid19
• BC Recovery Benefit - one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for eligible families and single parents and up to $500 for eligible individuals. (eligible to apply after Dec 18/2020)
• ICBC Insurance Payment Plan Deferral Information – Apply for a deferral using the online request form before 6pm on the business day before your ICBC payment is due.
• Rental Housing Supplement (BC Housing)
• BC Hydro Customer Relief – 3 month payment relief program (April-June) – application on the BC Hydro website
• Fortis BC Billing Support – Covid19 Customer Recovery Fund (residential and small business customers deferral and bill credit relief)
• Shaw – Covid19 response to assist customers

• Agriculture and Agri-Food
• Aquaculture and fisheries
• Aquaculture and fisheries
• Culture, heritage and sport
• Air Transportation
• Tourism
• Energy
• Academic and Research

• BC Business Covid-19 Support – tools and resources to business (Prov & Govt of Canada /Small Business BC)
• B.C. Farm, Fish & Food Job Connector
• BC Restart Plan
• Covid 19 Supports Summary
• Covid-19 Support and References for Small Business and Contractors (Tandem x Cerberus)
• Resources for Small Businesses affected by Covid-19 (Small Business BC)
• COVID-19 Resources for BC Businesses (BCEDA)
• Resource Hub for Canadian Businesses (Government of Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service)
• Getting Your Business Ready for COVID-19 (World Health Organization)
• Template for Emergency Planning: Small Businesses (Prepared BC)
• Abbotsford Chamber of Commerce – resources and support tools available to help market your small business.
• Abbotsford Community Foundation
• Business in Vancouver (BIV) – How Small Business can get help article.
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business
• Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation – insured mortgage purchase program
• Community Futures South Fraser – offering business loans
• Creative BC – information and resources for film and television industry
• Farm Credit Canada – To ensure producers, agribusinesses and food processors can remain focused on business-critical functions, FCC has put customer support programs in place
• Futurpreneur Canada – Covid-19 Resources for small business
  Seniors can call 2-1-1 or visit online at bc211 for support during outbreak
• GroYourBiz – Tips for Tough Times
• Housing Job Match – connecting job seekers with non-profit housing providers
• Procurement opportunities for Canadian manufacturers – Call to action by Government of Canada’s – request for business to assist in combating Covid-19 (now closed)
• Small Business BC – BC Business Covid19 Support Line: 1-833-254-4357 (9am-5pm)
  Dedicated website with a live chat feature
• Western Economic Diversification Canada
• Work BC
• WorkSafe BC

• Abbotsford News – up to date information and stories related to Covid-19
• Archway Abbotsford Food Bank – has online services for people in need who are in quarantine
• Central Fraser Valley Transit – transit information for Fraser Valley
• City of Abbotsford Covid-19 Services Updates
• Country 107.1 FM – supporting businesses through a support local campaign
• Tourism Abbotsford
• Reach Museum

PPE Marketplace - Find a PPE Supplier

• January 14, 2021 – Province of BC – Fee cap keeps new child care spaces affordable.
• January 13, 2021 – Province of BC – Province increases CleanBC rebates for commercial EVs. Province of BC – Province acquires land for 16 provincial parks, two protected areas. 
• January 12, 2021 – Province of BC – Land matching program reaches milestone. Province of BC – Online tool helps people book appointments with Service BC. Province of BC – Helping artists adapt during pandemic.
• January 8, 2021 – Province of BC – Minister's statement on December Labour Force Survey results. Province of BC – Latest funding to benefit bee health. Province of BC – Province makes changes to simplify, clarify emergency orders.
• January 6, 2021 – Province of BC – Province doubles CleanBC home energy retrofit rebates.
• January 5, 2021 – Province of BC – Home Owner Grant threshold set for 2021 tax year. Province of BC – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to Jan 19, 2021). 

• December 30, 2020 – Province of BC – Ministers’ statement on joining the fight to support B.C.’s blueberry farmers. Province of BC – Supports for people, businesses in 2020 helping build recovery for everyone.
• December 29, 2020 – Province of BC – Funding announced for wood stove exchange rebate program. Province of BC – Actions to protect seniors, improve health care helped B.C. fight global pandemic. 
• December 27, 2020 – Province of BC – Joint statement on first COVID-19 U.K. variant case in B.C.
• December 23, 2020 – Province of BC – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to January 5, 2021). 
• December 22, 2020 – Province of BC – New directives enhance access to information. Province of BC – B.C. commits $105 million to support tourism sector. Province of BC – Fees capped for food delivery services. 
• December 21, 2020 – Province of BC – K-12 COVID-19 funding used to hire new staff, increase cleaning. Province of BC – Grant program now accessible to more B.C. businesses.
• December 18, 2020 – Province of BC – Online applications open for BC Recovery Benefit.
• December 17, 2020 – Province of BC – Fiscal update shows continued impact of pandemic on B.C.’s economy. Province of BC – Province encouraging use of recycled plastics in manufacturing. Province of BC – George Massey crossing business case received by government.
• December 16, 2020 – Province of BC – BC Marketplace promotes local businesses. Province of BC – Fund helps forest sector with COVID-19 costs. Province of BC – B.C. sets new 2025 emission target, details climate action in CleanBC report.  Province of BC – Province expands COVID-19 enforcement measures. Province of BC – New Abbotsford law courts set to open.
• December 15, 2020 – Province of BC – Provincial grants funding community arts, culture, sports. Province of BC – Premier's statement on appointing liaison for Washington state.
• December 14, 2020 – Province of BC – ICBC basic rate application paves way for Enhanced Care savings.
• December 11, 2020 – Province of BC – New grant program helps support economic recovery - applications for the new Agritech Grant program are now being accepted. Province of BC – ICBC insurance renewals to go online May 2022
• December 8, 2020 – Province of BC – Applications for $1,000 BC Recovery benefit will start soon (Dec 18). Province of BC – State of Emergency extended to December 22, 2020. Province of BC – Building a stronger B.C. today, boosting tourism’s future
• December 7, 2020 – Province of BC – Joint statement on BC's Covid-19 response, latest updates.
• December 1, 2020 – Province of BC – COVID-19 recovery programs to support farmers

• November 25, 2020 – Province of BC – Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates
• November 24, 2020 – Province of BC – Province extends emergency, introduces mask enforcement measures
• November 19, 2020 – Province of BC – Province Wide Restrictions
• November 13, 2020 – Government of Canada – Helping Canadians develop the skills they need to find good jobs. Province of British Columbia – Province updates measures to enforce Lower Mainland COVID-19 public safety
• November 12, 2020 – Province of BC – Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates
• November 7, 2020 – Province of BC -Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates)

• October 27, 2020 - Province of BC - State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to November 10, 2020)
• October 23, 2020 - Government of Canada - Prime Minister announces funding to advance the development of Canadian COVID‑19 vaccine technologies
• October 14, 2020 - Province of BC - Grant applications open to support safer communities
• October 13, 2020 - Province of BC - State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response.
• October 9, 2020 - Government of Canada - Prime Minister announces additional support for food banks and local food organizations
• October 1, 2020 - Province of BC - Prime Minister announces infrastructure plan to create jobs and grow the economy.

• September 29, 2020 – Province of BC – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to Oct 13). Government of Canada – World leaders to focus on key actions to assist countries battered by the financial crisis caused by COVID-19. Government of Canada – Prime Minister co-chairs high-level meeting to address economic devastation caused by COVID‑19 and announces new funding to fight the pandemic.
• September 25, 2020 – Government of Canada – New agreements to secure additional vaccine candidates for COVID-19.
• September 23, 2020 – Government of Canada – Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, delivered the Speech from the Throne to open the second session of the 43rd Parliament and outline the government’s agenda.
• September 21, 2020 – Province of BC – Communications infrastructure funding to support economic recovery in rural B.C. Province of BC – Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates
• September 20, 2020 – Province of BC – Province updates measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety. Province of BC – Supports extended for youth aging out of care. Province of BC – Period 2 EquipCare BC applications to start Sept. 28. Province of BC – B.C. communities benefit from investments in emergency preparedness.
• September 19, 2020 – Province of BC – Long-term agreement guarantees 25 years of revenue shared with First Nations. Province of BC – Local clubs can now apply for community sport funding. Province of BC – Protecting temporary foreign workers in B.C. Province of BC – Innovative clean buildings funded around B.C.
• September 18, 2020 – Province of BC – Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates. Province of BC – Patio, service area expansions, sale and delivery of packaged liquor extended. Province of BC – Rent relief coming for outdoor adventure operators. Province of BC – Thousands more child care spaces coming for B.C. families. Province of BC – Industry leaders, experts named to provincial Tourism Task Force. Province of BC – Restart funding to support transit services people count on. Province of BC – Expanding solutions for organic waste.
• September 17, 2020 – Province of BC – New plan maps next steps forward in B.C.’s economic recovery. Province of BC – Province announces coastal ferries vision for the future
• September 16, 2020 – Province of BC – Record 2019 sales for B.C. food and beverage processors. Province of BC – Changes to lumber regulations aimed at increasing domestic production. Government of Canada – Prime Minister announces next steps for Safe Restart Agreement.
• September 15, 2020 – Province of BC – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to Sept 29). Province of BC – Transforming primary care in B.C.
• September 14, 2020 – Province of BC – Alternative Dispute Resolution Institute selected to support mediation in B.C. Province of BC – New motion picture fund backs B.C. stories.
• September 12, 2020 – Province of BC – Funding for jobs, skills training supports food security. Province of BC – Province approves local bans, takes action on plastics.
• September 9, 2020 – Province of BC – Investment brings new support to those most vulnerable to COVID-19 and communities where they live. Government of Canada – Prime Minister announces support for Black entrepreneurs and business owners.
• September 8, 2020 – Province of BC – Joint statement on B.C.’s COVID-19 response, latest updates. Province of BC – Minister’s statement on federal extension of commercial rent assistance
• September 3, 2020 – Province of BC – New project to showcase Punjabi Canadian history in B.C.
• September 2, 2020 – Province of BC – Province supports jobs and innovation in clean tech sector
• September 1, 2020 – Province of BC – Modernized arbitration legislation comes into force. Province of BC – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to September 15)

• August 31, 2020 – Province of BC – Minister’s statement on report on hotel sector. Government of Canada – New measures to ensure the supply of future vaccines and therapies against COVID-19
• August 28, 2020 – Province of BC – Joint statement on new Westjet policy.
• August 26, 2020 – Province of BC – Detailed plans support safe return to classroom. Government of Canada – Prime Minister announces support for a safe return to school
• August 24, 2020 – Province of BC – Play ball! Sport moves into Phase 3
• August 21, 2020 – Province of BC – Province introduces new measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety
• August 19, 2020 – Province of BC – Transportation planning study launches in Fraser Valley
• August 18, 2020 – Province of BC – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to Sept 1)
• August 13, 2020 – Province of BC – Deadline looms for temporary layoff extensions
• August 12, 2020 – Province of BC – Funding for new projects helps build cleaner infrastructure
• August 10, 2020 – Province of BC – New funding helps connect people with health-care careers
• August 5, 2020 – Province of BC – Applying for temporary layoff extensions reminder
• August 4, 2020 – Province of BC – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response (to Aug 18). Province of BC – Service BC providing self-isolation check ins with a kind approach

• July 31, 2020 –Government of Canada – announces New mobile app to help notify Canadians of potential COVID-19 exposure now available (currently testing in Ontario). CERB will be transitioned to EI program. Ottawa to create a “transitional parallel benefit”. Last scheduled CERB payment set to end on Sept 26. Province of British Columbia – Minister’s statement on federal extension of commercial rent assistance. Province of British Columbia – Minister’s statement on guidelines for post-secondary institutions. Province of British Columbia – Liquor manufacturers benefit from temporary changes to direct delivery.
• July 23, 2020 –Province of British Columbia – announces B.C. students to get health education for in-demand jobs.
• July 21, 2020 –Province of British Columbia – announces State of Emergency extended to continue BC’s Covid-19 response (to August 4).
• July 14, 2020 –Province of British Columbia – farm report records sales in 2019, pointing way to Covid-19 recovery.
• July 13, 2020 –Province of British Columbia – announces Delivery of packaged liquor from restaurants, pubs extended.
• July 7, 2020 –Province of BC – announces State of emergency extended to continue COVID-19 response.
• July 3, 2020 – Province of British Columbia – announces Support service helps over 4,200 businesses during pandemic.

• June 24, 2020 –Province of British Columbia – announces B.C. begins next phase of safe restart plan.
• June 16, 2020 –Government of Canada – announces extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. Province of BC – announces expands measures to support restaurant, tourism industries.
• June 11, 2020 – Province of BC – announces Minister’s statement on food service establishments, liquor services.
• June 10, 2020 – Province of BC – announces BC’s State of Emergency extended for an additional two weeks. Province of BC – Province takes action to support return to sport.
• June 5, 2020 – Province of BC – announces additional funding supports B.C. farmers, processors to move online.
• June 1, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy. Province of BC – BC Strengthens federal commercial rent program

• May 28, 2020 – Province of BC – Connecting people with jobs in BC’s agricultural sector
• May 27, 2020 – Province of BC – extends BC State of Emergency 
• May 25, 2020 – Government of Canada – Canada Emergency Rent Assistance now open for applications
• May 22, 2020 – Province of BC – Patio, service area expansions support safe reopening
• May 21, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces additional support for Indigenous peoples living in urban centres and off reserve
• May 20, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces opening of program to protect jobs and help businesses. Province of BC – remote execution of legal documents allowed during pandemic
• May 19, 2020 – Government of Canada announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses. Province of BC – Pandemic pay supports front line, social service workers
• May 15, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces support for research staff in Canada. Canada Emergency Wage subsidy extended (to end of August). Province of BC – K-12 students to have optional in-class instruction on June 1. Province of BC – Helping B.C. agriculture, food businesses plan for COVID-19 recovery WorkSafeBC guidelines support safe reopening of businesses
• May 14, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces new support for Canada’s fish harvesters
• May 13, 2020 – Government of Canada – students will be able to apply for CESB as of Friday, May 15. Announcement of the new Regional Relief and Recovery Fund. Province of BC – extension of BC’s State of Emergency for another two weeks to May 26
• May 12, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces $2.5B aid package for Seniors BC Health update: Dr. Bonnie Henry asking everyone to take COVID survey at bccdc.ca/covid19survey
• May 11, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces announces additional support for businesses to help save Canadian jobs
• May 8, 2020 – Government of Canada – extending emergency wage subsidy beyond June (details coming)
• May 7, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces agreements to boost wages for essential workers
• May 6, 2020 – Province of BC – Announcement of BC’s Restart Plan – (Four Phases).
• May 5, 2020 – Government of Canada – Supporting Canada’s farmers, food businesses, and food supply ($252m aid for agri-food sector)
• May 4, 2020 – Government of Canada – Canada and international partners launch the Coronavirus Global Response. Province of BC – Government creates COVID-19 temporary layoff period
• May 3, 2020 – Government of Canada – Families to receive increased support through the Canada Child Benefit. Announcement of virtual care and mental health tools for Canadians
• May 1, 2020– Government of Canada – announces ban on assault-style firearms. Province of BC – Online applications open for B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers

• April 29, 2020 – Province of BC – B.C. extending state of emergency to continue COVID-19 response (to May 12)
• April 24, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces partnerships with provinces and territories to deliver the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses. Rent reduction to SME’s by 75% (April, May, June)
• April 22, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19
• April 21, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces further support to help Canadians in need.
• April 20, 2020 – Province of BC – new framework for healthcare in remote communities. 
• April 18, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces support for Indigenous businesses
• April 17, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces new support to protect Canadian jobs
• April 16, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces additional support for small businesses. Announcing its intent to introduce the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses. Province of BC – COVID-19 support service launched for B.C. businesses
• April 15, 2020 – Government of Canada – expanded access to CERB and support for essential workers. Province of BC – Extension of provincial state of emergency through to April 28, 2020
• April 8, 2020 – Government of Canada – Changes to Canada Summer Jobs Program to help businesses and young Canadians. Province of BC – Emergency Covid-19 funding available for children with special needs
• April 3, 2020 – Government of Canada announces support for food banks and local food organizations. Province of BC announces new Emergency supports for province’s most vulnerable

• March 31, 2020 – Government of Canada – announces new partnerships with Canadian industries. Allocating $2B for protective personal equipment (PPE). Experts from all provinces will determine where medical equipment is most needed. Province of BC has extended the province’s state of emergency until April 14, 2020.
• March 30, 2020 – Government of Canada – companies who are able to show a revenue loss of more than 30% will be eligible for the wage loss benefit up to 75% of employee salaries retroactive to March 15 (number of employees is not the eligibility criteria).
• March 29, 2020 – Government of Canada announces federal wage subsidy increase to 75% for small to medium business (backdated to March 15, 2020). Announced the Canada Emergency Business Account – to provide loans of up to $40,000 to small and medium-sized businesses that will be interest-free for one year. Province of British Columbia – BC Farmers Market Online – opening soon: During the Covid19 pandemic the BC Association of Farmers Markets (BCAFM) is helping member markets move to an online model to continue providing consumers with locally grown and prepared food products.
• March 26, 2020 – Province of British Columbia takes unprecedented steps – using the extraordinary powers under the Emergency Program Act, the minister is issuing a series of ministerial orders to ensure a co-ordinated response to COVID-19 across all levels of government for the duration of the provincial emergency.
• March 25, 2020 – Province of British Columbia is offering up to $500 in rent supplement payments for each of the next four months to help people stay in their homes as their income is affected by COVID-19. The application process through B.C. Housing is still “a work in progress,” Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Selina Robinson said. Government of Canada announces New Emergency Response Benefit for Canadians.
• March 23, 2020 – Province of British Columbia issues statement on the Covid-19 financial aid package for people and businesses
• March 20, 2020 – Government of Canada – Call to Action: Canadian Manufacturers needed to help with COVID-19! If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed.
• March 18, 2020: Prime Minister announced economic measures to help stabilize the economy. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $82 billion in direct and indirect support to Canadian workers and businesses. Province of British Columbia declares a provincial state of emergency to support a coordinated, province-wide response.
• Service Canada is waiving the one-week waiting period to access Employment Insurance for workers who have been directed to self-isolate and who will claim EI sickness benefits. 

• Fraser Valley: Fraser Health
• Fraser Health: Public Exposure Risk (If you were in attendance at any of these locations during these times, public health recommends you self-monitor for symptoms of COVID-19).
• British Columbia: BC Centre for Disease Control
• First Nations: First Nations Health Authority
• Canada: Public Health Agency of Canada
• Global: World Health Organization

In Abbotsford all Family Practice clinics offer free virtual care. Call your physicians office to book an appointment. For those without a Family Physician, you can find local Walk in Clinics at Medimap.

• Medimap Online – Speak with a walk-in clinic doctor in the next 15 minutes from your phone, tablet or computer
• Abbotsford Divisions BC – non-profit society that has been given the authority to speak on behalf of Abbotsford family physicians in matters that affect the community.

A new website was created by the Abbotsford Division of Family Practice in collaboration with the City of Abbotsford and health-care partners. Anyone with respiratory symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath and/or fever is now requested to visit AbbotsfordCovidResponse.com or visit the
BC Ministry of Health Covid19 Self Assessment Tool