Canada and its international partners are committed to supporting global trade and investment during this global health crisis. Canada is also working closely with its international partners to ensure that the measures we take in response to the COVID-19 pandemic do not impose unjustified or harmful burdens on workers, businesses, and our global economies.
International business travel and advisories
Customs and borders
Government of Canada support for businesses:
This fall, in addition to extending the wage subsidy, the Government will take further steps to bridge vulnerable businesses to the other side of the pandemic by:
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Applications for claim period 7 (August 30, 2020, to September 26, 2020) will open September 30, 2020.
Changes to CEWS were announced on October 14th. Find out what the changes are.canada emergency business account (CEBA)
CEBA has been extended to December 31, 2020, making the program accessible longer to Canadians. If you have already applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201.
British Columbia |
Self-IsolationUnless you are exempt, all international travellers returning to B.C. are required by law to self-quarantine for 14 days and complete the federal ArriveCAN application prior to their return or upon arrival. On September 17th, 2020, the BC government launched it's economic recovery plan which includes several initiatives dedicated to support business. Read below to learn about the initiatives and how they could help your business. You can also visit the BC Government's web page Supporting B.C. businesses to see a full list of all programs MEASURESSmall and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant A $30,000 grant is coming available for small and medium-sized businesses who have seen at least a 50% drop in revenue from the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism businesses are eligible for an additional top-up, for up to $40,000. Details of the program have not yet been released. Increased Employment Incentive: a tax credit on payroll To encourage hiring, the BC government is offering a 15% tax credit on payroll for new hires in low to medium-wage jobs. The incentive can also be claimed on wage increases for current employees in low to medium-wage job positions. For the purpose of this incentive, the government defines "low to medium-wage jobs" as maximum weekly BC remuneration of $1,129.33. Businesses will be able to apply online in March 2021. Click here to see the BC government web page for more detail. PST Rebate on Select Machinery and Equipment Between September 17, 2020 and September 30, 2021, corporations can apply to receive a PST refund on qualifying machinery and equipment purchases. Applications will be accepts online starting April 1, 2021. For details on eligibility and qualifying purchases, see the BC government wage page for more detail. Other
The following resources are available to assist B.C. businesses during COVID-19:
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Alberta |
The Alberta government has announced measures to help small businesses maintain normal business operations.
For more detailed information, please visit the Alberta government’s COVID-19 information page. |
Saskatchewan |
Saskatchewan is supporting businesses through this difficult time by compiling answers to the most common COVID-19 questions and keeping you up to date on the latest relief measures from the federal government and the Saskatchewan municipalities. Visit their Small Business Help Center to learn more. For additional information, please visit the provincial government's Re-Open Saskatchewan website.
Do you have questions about how to safely get back to business as Saskatchewan’s economy reopens?
If you have any outstanding questions or concerns about the province's reopening plan please contact CFIB directly at 1-888-234-2232 or email at ms.saskatchewan@cfib.ca You can also contact the Government of Saskatchewan's Business Response Team by calling 1-844-800-8688, email supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.
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Manitoba |
The Manitoba Back to Work initiative, which provides businesses with a wage subsidy to help returning staff or new hires, has been extended until December 31. Through the Back to Work initiative, private-sector employers can receive up to $100,000 to subsidize 20 employees (up to $5,000 per employee) hired since July 16. Employers are now able to rehire students previously hired through the Manitoba Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program, Canada Summer Job Program and Green Team Program. New start-up companies are eligible, providing they have a business number. The new application deadline is December 31. For more information and to apply, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/business/btwmp.html |
Ontario |
Ontario State of Emergency Ontario's State of Emergency expired as of July 24, 2020. However, most of the province's emergency orders remain in place. If you are unsure if your business should be open, please call the Stop the Spread Business Information Line at 1-888-444-3659. Most of Ontario has entered Stage 3 of the province's economic reopening plan. To determine if your business can be open, check out the provincial guidelines. Support for Businesses For a complete list of support measures, please click here. |
Quebec |
As of September 21, all economic activity sectors are authorized to resume their activities except regular vacation camps with accommodation. The recovery must take place in accordance with the health recommendations and the specific recovery guidelines for your economic sector. Note: Rules on reopening of economic activities and gatherings may vary according to the alert level in your region. You can refer to the following to learn the alert level in your region and the according government directives:
Office building occupancy Return to work in offices is allowed but only up to a maximum of 25% of staff. For more details, please visit the Reopening of economic activities page on the government's website.
Support for businesses To help businesses whose cash flow is affected by the impact of COVID-19, the government has implemented the Emergency Support Plan for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses and the Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses (PACTE). The Emergency Support Plan for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses provides emergency funding of less than $50,000, while the emergency funding available under PACTE starts at $50,000. Both give funding in the form of a loan or a loan guarantee. For a full list of support measures available, click here. |
New Brunswick |
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Nova Scotia |
For more detailed information, please visit the Nova Scotia COVID-19 information page. |
Prince Edward Island |
If you are self-employed, a worker or a business, there are supports available for emergency relief. Find details about these programs and online applications here Business concerns? Call 1-866-222-1751 or email peibusinesshelpline@gov.pe.ca(link sends e-mail) Questions about operational plans and re-opening? Email envhealth@ihis.org(link sends e-mail) Questions about pre-travel approval, entrance to the province, or essential, allowable or non-essential services? Email publicsafety@gov.pe.ca
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Newfoundland and Labrador |
The provincial government has released guidance for sector-specific businesses as well as public health posters that may be appropriate for your business. On May 1, the provincial government established a Business Response Team to support businesses as they prepare to re-open. Businesses who have questions will be able to email covid19info@gov.nl.ca or call 1-833-771-0696.
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Yukon |
Entered Phase 2 of lifting COVID-19 restrictions. If you have non-medical questions, email covid19info@gov.yk.ca or phone 1-877-374-0425. For medical questions or if you feel ill, phone 811, or launch the COVID-19 self-assessment tool. Self-isolation
Find out more about what being in Phase 2 means. Travel and borders See all information about travel and borders. To see the Yukon government’s most recent announcements, click here. |
Northwest Territories |
Self-isolation
Provide small businesses and individuals with access to greater cash flow during this crisis, by pausing most collections efforts, including:
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Nunavut |
One-time relief grant of $5000 for small businesses affected by COVID-19.
Self-isolation
Prospective applicants can apply on the Government of Nunavut's website, or by contacting a staffer who works at their regional Economic Development office. |