Member Update from Steven Ibbotson, President of FBC

May 11, 2020 11:45AM MDT

As we enter week 9 of the COVID-19 crisis, several provinces have taken small steps that mark the beginning of recovery and re-opening the economy. That's a glimpse of good news for the small businesses and agricultural producers that have been hit so devastatingly hard by this outbreak. While a return to normal may be months into the future, businesses and consumers are starting to adapt to a new normal that integrates proper health and safety practices with the realities and practicalities of day to day living.

An Update from Steven Ibbotson, President of FBC

March 24, 2020 2:00PM MDT

As the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation continues to evolve, so does our response. Since this unprecedented event began, we’ve had many conversations with FBC Members and staff. We know how deeply some of you are affected. Many of you are having to temporarily close your business, lay off staff, or take other extraordinary measures. Others are postponing travels, watching their savings take a significant hit, or tending to a family member who has fallen ill. There’s a whole lot of uncertainty in the world right now.

Staying Healthy, Keeping our Members and Staff Safe

March 19, 2020 11:00AM MDT

The COVID-19 outbreak has required many changes to our daily lives. At FBC, our first priority is the health and safety of our employees and the Members we serve. Despite the challenge facing all of us, our teams remain committed to ensuring that all Members can file their tax returns on time.

A Message from Steven Ibbotson, President of FBC

March 16, 2020 11:00AM MDT

With growing global concerns around COVID-19 (“coronavirus”), I wanted to let you know how FBC is responding and to reaffirm our commitment to you and the entire FBC family. The health, safety and well-being of all FBC Members and employees is our top priority.

Canada Emergency Business Account Loan Checklist

Updated June 26, 2020, 2020 11:28 AM MDT

Use our CEBA Checklist to prepare yourself for your loan application with your financial institution. We include a summary to help you determine if you're eligible for the program and a list of what you need when you're ready to apply.

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Templates

Updated May 25, 2020 10:00 AM MDT

The CMHC has provided sample documents of those that property owners will need to provide in support of their application and in order to be eligible for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program: Attestations by both the property owner and the tenant, Rent Reduction Agreement and a Forgivable Loan Agreement. and conditions of the loan agreement in order to be eligible for the program. The documents will be available in the application portal but to help you prepare, samples are provided here.

CRA Extends Payment Deadline to September 30

July 28, 2020 10:00 AM MDT

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is once again extending the payment deadline for current year individual, corporate, and trust income tax returns, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out why this will impact you.

Alberta: Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant

July 3, 2020 11:20 AM MDT

The Alberta government has launched a new grant to help small and medium-sized businesses reopen after COVID-19 shutdowns. Find out if your business is eligible for up to $5,000 in funding.

Manitoba: Back to Work This Summer Program

June 29, 2020 2:30 PM MDT

To encourage employees to go back to work and stop collecting federal COVID-19 benefits, the Manitoba government will pay residents up to $2,000. Find out who qualifies.

Manitoba: Job Restart Program

June 26, 2020 1:15 PM MDT

To encourage employees to go back to work and stop collecting federal COVID-19 benefits, the Manitoba government will pay residents up to $2,000. Find out who qualifies.

Nova Scotia: Small Business Reopening and Support Grant

June 15, 2020 10:30 AM MDT

The province announced a new fund that will provide small businesses with a one-time grant of up to $5,000 to help them safely reopen. Read more about this new fund.

Nova Scotia: COVID-19 Agriculture Response Program

June 12, 2020 1:45 PM MDT

There’s some good news for Nova Scotia’s agriculture industry: the province has created a COVID-19 Agriculture Response Program to help the sector generate economic activity during the COVID-19 pandemic. Find out who qualifies and how to apply.

A Guide to COVID-19 Financial Relief for Small Business

Updated June 26, 2020 11:45 AM MDT

Read up-to-date information about all new federal programs that help small businesses impacted by COVID-19. You’ll also find links to free tools to help you with program applications.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund

May 27, 2020 – 10:00 am MDT

The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) has been established to support business owners and organizations that have not been able to access other federal emergency support measures. Read more about the fund.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit

May 20, 2020 – 2:30 pm MDT

The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) will provide support to students and new graduates who can’t find work due to COVID-19. Read more about this new benefit.

Manitoba Summer Student Recovery Jobs Program

May 20, 2020 – 1:30 pm MDT

The Manitoba government is launching a new wage subsidy program to support employers who hire high school and post-secondary students. Learn more about this new program.

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program

Updated May 25, 2020 – 10:00 am MDT

A new federal program will provide forgivable loans to commercial property owners if they cut their small business tenant’s monthly rent by at least 75% in April, May and June. Find out more about the program.

Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment

Updated May 13, 2020 – 11:30 am MDT

The Saskatchewan government announced a Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) for small and medium-sized businesses. They are providing a one-time payment of up to $5,000 for businesses directly impacted by public heath orders related to COVID-19. Read more about the program here.

New Measures to Support the Temporary Foreign Worker Program

April 20, 2020 – 1:30 pm MDT

To support agricultural producers during the COVID-19 crisis, the federal government will provide $50 million in funding to farmers, fish harvesters and other food production and processing employers that hire temporary foreign workers. Read more about the funding available.

Canada Summer Jobs Program

April 13, 2020 – 1:30 pm MDT

The federal government announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program. To encourage small businesses to hire summer staff, they’re going to cover up to 100% of the minimum wage costs (up from 50%). The boost to the program will help Canadian businesses hire summer help. And help Canadian youth find work in a tough job market impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Canada Emergency Business Account

Updated June 26, 2020 – 11:28 am MDT

Through the Canada Emergency Business Account, the federal government is making available interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to Canadian small businesses. The loan can be used to cover regular costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, or other business expenses.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Updated June 17, 2020 – 2:15 pm MDT

June 17 update includes information on benefit extension. As of April 6, 2020, the federal government has started accepting applications for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This benefit will replace the Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit announced previously by the government. The benefit is meant to support workers and help businesses keep their employees.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program

Updated May 20, 2020 – 1:30 pm MDT

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy was announced this week by the federal government. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy intends to help businesses keep their employees during the COVID-19 outbreak. We’ve prepared a summary below.

Temporary Wage Subsidy

Updated April 6, 2020 – 9:30 am MDT

The federal government introduced a temporary wage subsidy to help businesses keep their employees during the COVID-19 outbreak. The wage subsidy program reduces the amount of payroll deductions some employers are required to remit to the CRA for the next 3 months. The subsidy is part of an economic aid package introduced to help Canadian businesses cope with COVID-19. We provide an overview of who is eligible and how the subsidy will be implemented.

Federal Government Extends Filing Deadlines

Updated May 26, 2020 – 10:00 am MDT

The federal government announced they are extending tax filing and payment deadlines for most taxpayers. The measure is part of Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. It’s intended to help Canadians meet short-term liquidity needs during the COVID-19 crisis. FBC has reviewed the filing and payment deadline extensions and prepared a brief summary.

COVID-19 Announcement: Alberta

Updated April 14, 2020 – 4:47 pm MDT

The Alberta government announced several supports for people impacted financially by COVID-19. While many of the details about eligibility and application processes haven't been released, here is a summary of the initiatives that may help your employees and your business.

COVID-19 Announcement: British Columbia

Updated May 5, 2020 – 4:30 pm MDT

The B.C. government introduced a $5-billion aid package to support employees and businesses during the COVID- 19 pandemic. The plan includes $2.8 billion in support for individuals and services, and $2.2 billion for businesses. Here is a summary of the initiatives that may help your employees and your business.

COVID-19 Announcement: Saskatchewan

Updated May 13, 2020 – 11:30 am MDT

The Saskatchewan government announced a financial support plan for employers and employees impacted by COVID-19. While many of the details about eligibility and application processes haven't been released, here is a summary of the initiatives that may help your employees and your business.

COVID-19 Announcement: Manitoba

Updated May 13, 2020 – 8:30 am MDT

FBC has reviewed the announcements from the Manitoba government and prepared a summary of information that may impact you as a business owner.

Alberta Emergency Isolation Support

Updated: April 14, 2020 – 4:47 pm MDT

Update: The Emergency Isolation Support Program for Alberta is now closed. Details of the program prior to closing are provided here.

COVID-19 Announcement: Nova Scotia

Updated May 13, 2020 8:30 AM MDT

The province has announced new programs for business owners experiencing economic hardship because of COVID-19. A summary of programs and application details are provided here.

COVID-19 Announcement: New Brunswick

Updated April 23, 2020 8:30 AM MDT

The province has announced new programs for business owners experiencing economic hardship because of COVID-19. A summary of programs and application details are provided here.

Support for Farmers During COVID-19

Updated May 6, 2020 1:30 PM MDT

The Government of Canada introduced measures to help farm owners and agricultural producers cope during the COVID-19 pandemic including changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, AgriStability and Farm Credit Canada. Find out more.

Ontario Action Plan for COVID-19

Updated April 24, 2020 – 2:30 pm MDT

The Ontario Minister of Finance released the province’s 2020 action plan in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The action plan replaced the budget announcement planned for presentation to the Legislature. In total, the government has allocated $17 billion for helping Ontarians through these unprecedented times. Much of the funding is directed the health care system and helping front-line medical workers with additional resources. However, the plan also includes $3.7 billion to support people and to protect jobs.

Details on the Canada Work-Sharing Program

March 27, 2020 10:15 AM MDT

Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has announced temporary special measures to the Work-Sharing Program. We provide a summary of the program changes and how to apply.

COVID-19 Update: Federal Government Support for Small Business

March 27, 2020 9:00 AM MDT

The government’s measures for business are clearly still taking shape and more detail is expected in the days to come. Nonetheless, the government has outlined in broad strokes how it intends to approach the task of helping large enterprises as well as SMEs. We've reviewed the federal support programs and have provided a summary.

Canada Revenue Agency – Collections, Audits and Appeals

March 26, 2020 10:00AM MDT

On March 18th, the Federal Government announced a temporary suspension to audit interaction and debt collection in certain cases to help Canadians coping with the COVID-19 outbreak

How to Manage Payables in a Crisis

May 12, 2020 – 9:30 am MDT

How can you manage payables during this crisis and keep your relationship with your suppliers strong? Here are some ideas.

How to Access Credit for Farmers and Agri-Businesses

May 8, 2020 – 11:30 am MDT

If you’re a farmer or agricultural producer, cash flow disruptions can have long-lasting consequences due to the time-sensitive nature of your business cycle. It’s more important than ever for you to have flexible options for credit. Find out what’s available to you during the COVID-19 crisis.

How to Sell During Turbulent Times

April 29, 2020 – 2:30 pm MDT

The old ways of selling may not work during crisis times. Here are some other ways to attract and keep customers.

How to Price Your Products in a Pandemic

April 22, 2020 – 12:30 pm MDT

In today’s environment, you must develop pricing that will retain customers, but also be cognizant of their changing financial situations. So how do you approach pricing in a pandemic? We asked business experts for their top strategies.

Your Guide to Supporting Remote Employees

April 21, 2020 – 2:30 pm MDT

Many Canadian companies had employees working remotely before the Covid-19 outbreak. Their experience can save you time and frustration as you move your business to remote operations during a crisis. Find out what remote-work tools and policies you can apply to your own business.

How to Manage Payroll in a Crisis

April 20, 2020 – 3:15 pm MDT

From better managing cash flows to taking out loans, here are some ideas to keep staff paid.

Maintaining Cash Flow During Times of Crisis

April 16, 2020 – 1:45 pm MDT

As the world grapples with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, people are adjusting to changes in their routines daily – and small business owners are no different. Read more about maintaining cash flow during times of crisis.

Cash Management for Small Business

April 9, 2020 – 5:15 pm MDT

Managing cash is one of the most challenging aspects of running any business. It’s not enough to know what cash is coming in and what’s going out. Learn more about how business owners can manage cash in a crisis.

Navigating COVID-19: Key Strategies to Protect Start-ups and Emerging Growth Companies

April 9, 2020 – 4:30 pm MDT

Like most businesses, the growth and success of start-ups and emerging companies have been, and will continue to be, significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, there are proactive steps that start-ups and emerging growth companies can take to mitigate the risks to its operations and, ultimately, its survival.

Answering Employers’ COVID-19 Medical Leave and Note Questions

April 9, 2020 – 4:00 pm MDT

Siskinds Law provides answers to some common employer questions surrounding medical note and leave during the COVID-19 crisis.

Longer Hours - More Scrutiny

April 9, 2020 – 3:30 pm MDT

Workplaces still conducting business due to being considered “essential” should brace for more scrutiny by the Ministry of Labour. And on essential construction sites, that scrutiny can occur any time of the night or day, as working hours on these sites have been extended to 24 hours per day. Employers should carefully review their current practices to ensure they are taking all reasonable steps to protect the health and safety of their workers.

Leaves, Layoffs and Furloughs

April 6, 2020 – 4:15 pm MDT

Perhaps you thought that recent whipsawing between two revisions to the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) in one year was confusing. That was nothing compared to the deluge of acronyms and information flooding employers in this COVID-19 world. If it feels like things are changing daily (sometimes hourly), you’re not imagining it. Let’s try to sort it out.