November 20, 2020

Your CFA Update on COVID-19

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Federal Rent Relief and CEWS extension legislation are finally passed

The legislation, which cleared the House of Commons on November 6, has finally passed the Senate after being stuck there for nearly two weeks.

New Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy

This program will provide direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage interest support to tenants and property owners until June 2021 for qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. The new rent subsidy will support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop by providing support up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. Claims can be made retroactively to September 27, 2020.

When can I apply?

The intake will be run by the CRA using a similar process to the CEWS. Applications will start being accepted on Monday, November 23.

For more information, visit: Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy

New Lockdown Support

This support will provide an additional 25 per cent through the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy for qualifying organizations that are subject to a lockdown and must shut their doors or significantly restrict their activities under a public health order issued under the laws of Canada, a province or territory (including orders made by a municipality or regional health authority under one of those laws). Combined, this will mean that hard-hit businesses subject to a lockdown could receive rent support of up to 90 per cent.

When can I apply?

The intake will be run by the CRA using a similar process to the CEWS. Applications will start being accepted on Monday, November 23.

For more information, visit: Lockdown Support for Businesses Facing Significant Public Health Restrictions

Extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy goes until June 2021

The subsidy will continue to protect jobs by helping employers keep employees on payroll and re-hire workers. The wage subsidy will remain at the current rate of up to 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020.

For more information, visit: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extension

New $20K Top Up under CEBA

In early October, the federal government announced they are expanding the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans so that eligible borrowers can access an additional interest free loan of up to $20,000. Fifty per cent of the additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. The application deadline for CEBA is also being extended to December 31, 2020.

The additional CEBA loan would effectively increase CEBA loans from $40,000 to $60,000 for eligible businesses, of which a total of $20,000 would be forgiven if the loan balance is repaid before December 31, 2022.

When can I apply?

The intake for the top up has not yet started. There are some issues the federal government is working through with the banks. They hope to have a date for the intake very shortly.

Toronto and Peel Region to move into 'lockdown' Monday

Toronto and Peel Region are moving into "lockdown" on Monday as Ontario tries to curb a steep rise in COVID-19 cases, Premier Ford announced on Friday afternoon.

That means:

• No indoor gatherings with anyone outside a person's household.
• Individuals who live alone can have close contact with one other household.
• Outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 people.
• Restaurants are limited to take-out, drive-through and delivery only.
• Religious services and weddings are limited to 10 people indoors or 10 people outdoors.
• Gyms are closed.

Non-essential retail and malls are limited to curbside pickup or delivery only.

Meanwhile, Durham and Waterloo regions are moving into the red "control" zones. Huron-Perth, Niagara, Simcoe-Muskoka, southwestern Ontario, and Windsor are moving to the orange zone.

The measures come as Ontario reports 1,418 more cases of COVID-19. The province reports that eight more people with COVID-19 have died, bringing the official death toll to 3,451. So far this month, 315 people have died of COVID-19 in Ontario.

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COVID-19's impact on the world is creating waves across all sectors and industries.

Every member of the CFA community is dealing with an issue that is affecting the world, our industries, our communities, our businesses, and our people.

We would like to hear from you if you have any topics, issues or questions to navigate turbulent times in order to support you further: 

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