As part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, a temporary increase to the Employer Health Tax (ON EHT) exemption from $490,000 to $1 million was passed on March 25, 2020. It is effective for 2020. In addition, the province announced a five-month interest and penalty relief period (that begins April 1, 2020) for employers that are unable to file or remit ON EHT on time due to COVID-19. Any deferred Ontario EHT will be due on August 31, 2020.

Ontario Employer Health Tax is currently charged to the Projects at a rate of 1.95% of total payroll, with the annual exemption allocated to all ON Projects.  For 2020, Ontario Projects will be charged at an approximate rate of 1.05% of total payroll as we allocate the $1 million exception to all projects. The exemption is to return to its current level of $490,000 on January 1, 2021.

Please contact Cristina Biason, from People & Culture, if you have questions about calculating this for your project.

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19

The Ontario Government has announced an end to Time of Use electricity pricing to assist employers and has extended job protection for employees. Ontario has also launched an online portal called Ontario Together where businesses can submit proposals to the government as to how they can help procure much-needed supplies more quickly. These proposals will be triaged based on sector and identified need. 

In the BC COVID-19 Action Plan, the provincial government outlined initial measures being put in place to support people, businesses, and services through the coronavirus pandemic. This includes a $1000 BC Emergency Benefit for Workers whose work has been affected, a slew of provincial tax deferrals, delays or reductions, guidance for dealing with employees absences or disruptions due to the COVID-19 crisis, as well as economic resources for businesses.

Tax support for businesses

Relief for commercial property owners and tenants - $500 million

The Government of Alberta has created a landing page to outline the immediate funding and supportive measures available to support Alberta businesses, employers and employees affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This includes information about announced income tax deferrals, WCB premium payment deferrals, utility payment deferrals for businesses, information about job-protected leave, vacation pay, or banked overtime for employees, as well as other helpful resources for business.

Additional financial support for Albertans and employers

The Saskatchewan government has announced a Business Response Team to deal with the economic challenges resulting from COVID-19. A single window information webpage developed for businesses to access information and receive timely updates on provincial support initiatives. The webpage includes information on both provincial and federal support measures, including the province’s recently announced financial support program. There is also outreach for workers and a call out to anyone with a service or product that can help fight COVID-19 through SaskBuilds Single Procurement Service (send an email to [email protected]).

In Manitoba, the government has extended tax payment filing deadlines for business and provided hydro payment assistance. 

Quebec has announced a temporary action program for businesses whose liquidity is affected by the COVID-19 crisis. This new emergency funding measure provides ad hoc and exceptional support for affected businesses affected by COVID-19. The province also announced flexible measures on loans granted through Investissement Québec or through the other local investment funds.

COVID-19 - Economic measures - A proactive package to help Quebec businesses - $2.5 billion

The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Loan has announced that payments on business loans administered by the Innovation and Business Investment Corporation are deferred by three months. In addition, workers safety training certificates have been extended.

New Brunswick has posted a COVID-19 Guide for Businesses to assist in navigating the declaration of a state of emergency. 

The Government of Nova Scotia has announced several measures to help businesses including deferred payments on government loans and small business renewal fees, changes to the Small Business Loan Guarantee program as well as a commitment that the government will pay small businesses who do business with the Nova Scotia government more quickly.

Support for SMEs to address cash flow and credit challenges: $161 million

Support to Internet Providers to accelerate infrastructure development: $15 million

The PEI government has announced the Emergency Working Capital Financing to help small businesses, under which each qualified company is eligible to receive up to $100,000. In addition, the province announced the Worker Assistance Program to provide funding to employers with employees working a reduced number of hours.

Additional financial supports

Help for renters across Canada

General information about benefits and financial support

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund available to charities and nonprofits in some regions The Government recently released details about the previously announced $962 million Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, which will be delivered through regional economic development agencies and Community Futures. Charities and nonprofits in some parts of the country will be able to get funding to cover operating costs through the Fund. Each development agency is responsible for developing its own rules for eligibility. Quebec nonprofits can apply through Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions, while it appears that Ontario charities and nonprofits cannot apply at all through FedDev Ontario. Imagine Canada staff are continuing to explore this program's eligibility opportunities for sector organizations.