COVID-19 Business Resource Centre

BC Economic Development Association: COVID-19 Resources for BC Businesses here

• COVID-19: 7 steps to sustain your business through the disruption here
• COVID-19 Business Impacts Survey Results here
• Business Retention and Expansion Tools here

Go2HR: Health and safety resources here

• Job Board (browse jobs by sector) here
• Available courses here
• COVID-19 Human Resource information & updates here
• COVID-19 FAQs for Tourism Employees here

Google: for businesses affected by COVID-19 – Guidance on updating info and temporary closures here

Innovation Canada: Based on your story, learn what help is available here

• Find COVID-19 support and other programs and services here

Innovation Island: Digital Economy Response Program here

Small Business BC: COVID-19 Small Business Resources here

• BC Business COVID-19 Support Service here
• Small Business Marketplace here
• Supports for Small Businesses in BC here

Work Safe BC: Information and resources for employers and employees here and latest announcements here

BC’s Restart Plan: main page and resources here

• Current Province-wide restrictions here
• Phase 3 information here
• PDF version of plan – next steps to move BC through the pandemic here
• BC COVID-19 Go-Forward Management Strategy here
• Key Steps to Safely Operating Your Business or Organization and Reducing COVID-19 Transmission here

BC Ministry of Health COVID-19 Guidance here

• Gathering and Events (February 10) here
• Visitation and Visitor Apeal and Review Order (February 5) here
• Industrial Projects Restart (January 12) here
• Food and Liquor Serving Premises and Retail Establishments which Sell Liquor (December 30) here
• Workplace Safety (December 16) here
• Restaurants, Pubs, Bars and Nightclubs (July 31) here
• Vending Markets (May 29) here

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: Use these Tip Sheets by sector as guidance while operating during a pandemic here

• Agriculture here
• Food Processing here
• Restaurants and Food Services here
• Retail here
• Disinfection of Touchpoints here

WorkSafeBC

• COVID-19 and Returning to Safe Operation here
• Protocols for Returning to Operation by sector:
  • Arts and cultural facilities here
  • Offices here
  • Restaurants, cafes, and pubs here
  • Retail here
  • Personal services here
• FAQs for returning to safe operation here
• Preventing Exposure to COVID-19 in the Workplace: A Guide for Employers here
• Media Backgrounder: Support for workplaces resuming operation here
• COVID-19 Safety Plan here

More helpful resources:

• Town of Comox Temporary Patios & Parklet Programs here
• BCRFA Restaurant COVID-19 Resources and downloadable guides here
• Canadian Federation of Independent Business: Pandemic Operational Plan Template here
• BC Economic Development Association (BCEDA): Business Re-opening Template here
• BC Centre of Disease Control signage & posters here
• WorkSafeBC posters & signs here

Government of Canada: Support to Businesses here and Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan here

• Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA): announcement here
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF): an initiative implemented by the six regional development agencies to help mitigate the financial pressure experienced by businesses and organizations to allow them to continue their operations, and to support projects by businesses, organizations, and communities to prepare now for a successful recovery.
  RRRF Eligibility Questionnaire here
  Applications are now being accepted under 2 streams:
  1. Regional Economy – Western Diversification: providing eligible SMEs (those that do not qualify for the CEBA) with an interest-free repayable contribution of up to $40,000. More details here
  2. Community Futures Emergency Loan Program: SMEs in rural communities can apply for loans of up to $40,000 through local Community Futures organizations. Visit Community Futures Strathcona
• Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): to provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy(CEWS): a fund to help businesses keep and return workers to their payroll through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic by providing 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.  Calculate your subsidy amount here. Canadian Chamber of Commerce’s guide to applying for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy here
  • July 17 update: Adapting the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to Protect Jobs and Promote Growth here
  • July 22 CEWS Questions and Answers Presentation here
• Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs): $675 million to give financing support to small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports.
• Futurpreneur Canada: $20.1 million to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges due to COVID-19.
• Industrial Research Assistance Program (IRAP): National Research Council Canada (NRC) COVID-19 programs.
• Work-Sharing: Adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity that is beyond the control of the employer.

Province of BC: Financial supports in response to COVID-19 here

• BC Emergency Benefit for Workers: a tax-free, one time $1,000 payment for BC residents whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19.
• Tax Relief for Businesses: deferred, delayed or reduced provincial taxes.

Business Development Bank of Canada: Resources here

Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19. With flexible and tailored solutions, BDC can help you through this situation with the right financing and advice for your business.

BC Hydro: offers billing help during outbreak here

• COVID-19 Relief Fund for Small Businesses here (application form to open week of April 13)
• The COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program provides customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call BC Hydro’s customer team at 1 800 BC HYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss bill payment options. Commercial customers will be eligible for relief on a case by case basis.
• Customers facing temporary financial hardship and possible disconnection of their service due to job loss, illness, or loss of a family member may also be eligible for BC Hydro’s Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills.

Buy BC: New Buy BC Partnership Program E-commerce Funding Stream here

• The Government of BC has committed $300,000 to Buy BC E-commerce activities to support the immediate needs of the sector as a result of COVID-19.
• Up to $5,000 per applicant
• The application window will open May 15 at 9am PDT
• First-come, first-serve basis until funding has been fully allocated

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation: Response to Coronavirus here

• CECRA for Small Businesses here
• Dealing with Mortgage Payment Difficulties here
• Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral here
• CMHC Expands Insured Mortgage Purchase Program here

Canadian Bankers Association: Canada’s Six Biggest Banks Take Decisive Action to Help Customers Impacted by COVID-19 here

Coastal Communities Social Procurement Initiative: supporting local government and First Nations social procurement through education, training and coaching here

Employment Insurance: Service Canada is ready to support Canadians affected by COVID-19 and placed in quarantine here

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months
• Benefits for the Self-Employed: If you operate your own business, or if you work for a corporation but cannot access EI benefits because you control more than 40% of the corporation’s voting shares.
• Work-Sharing Program: temporary special measures for employers affected by the downturn in business due to COVID-19 here.
• EI Sickness Benefits: provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement. Canadians quarantined can apply for EI sickness benefits
• Emergency Care Benefit: providing up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks.  Application will be available in April 2020.
• Record of Employment: instructions for employers
  • If your employees are directly affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19) and they are no longer working, you must issue a Record of Employment (ROE).
  • When the employee is sick or quarantined, use code D (illness or injury) as the reason for separation (block 16). Do not add comments.
  • When the employee is no longer working due to a shortage of work because the business has closed or decreased operations due to coronavirus (COVID-19), use code A (Shortage of work). Do not add comments.
  • When the employee refuses to come to work but is not sick or quarantined, use code E (Quit) or code N (Leave of absence), as appropriate. Avoid adding comments unless absolutely necessary.

Export Development Canada: Information for Canadian exporters impacted by COVID-19 here.

• New domestic mandate enhances EDC’s role in supporting all Canadian businesses through COVID-19 crisis here
• Business Credit Availability Program here

Facebook: offering $100M in cash grants and ad credits for eligible small businesses across the countries where they operate.  Small Business Grants Program information here

Farm Credit Canada: FCC’s response to COVID-19, including additional lending capacity here

FortisBC: Supporting BC during the COVID-19 outbreak here. COVID-19 may have financial impacts to FortisBC customers. They encourage customers to reach out and let them know if you are having difficulty with your bill so they can help find a solution.

Google:

• Ad credits for Google Ads small and medium-sized businesses here
• COVID-19: $800+ million to support small businesses and crisis response here

Granted Consulting: Use this COVID-19 Business Assessment Tool to help determine what resources and funding is available here

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: ITAC Launches Stimulus Fund in Response to COVID-19 here

Innovative Solutions Canada: dedicated funding to help combat current and future outbreaks of COVID-19 here

Island Coastal Economic Trust: In collaboration with Tourism Vancouver Island and Innovation Island Technology Association have lunched 2 new programs to help foster business adaptation and recovery during and post COVID-19 here

Microsoft Teams: Rogers and Microsoft are offering a 6 month free trial of Microsoft Teams here

Work Safe BC: defers Q1 2020 payment here 

United Way: COVID-19 Community Response and Recovery Fund here

Supply products and services to support BC’s COVID-19 response here

Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19 here

Help Canada Combat COVID-19 here

Foreign Trade Zone – Vancouver Island (FTZVI): If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. If you can say yes to the following, they want to hear from you by sending a short summary of your offer to ic.mid-dim.ic@canada.ca.

• You manufacture in Canada and/or have ready access to necessary inputs through your supply chain.
• You have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled to meet medical needs, including for personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves, masks and surgical gowns; sanitizers; wipes; ventilators; and other medical equipment and supplies.
• You have skilled workers who are able to respond and who could be available for work in the current circumstances.

COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information here

Resources for Canadian businesses here

Plan Templates & Guides

Pandemic Preparedness for Business here

Emergency Preparedness BC: Find the below plans and more here

• Small Business Guide and Emergency Plan 
• Tourism Operators Guide and Emergency Plan

Pandemic Planning e-Course (Free): Understand a pandemic and what you need to do to prevent one. Offered by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety here

Printable Posters

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Stop the Spread of Germs, Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease and more here
• Public Health Agency of Canada: Taking Care of Your Mental Health, Preventing COVID-19 in the Workplace, Cleaning and Disinfecting Public Spaces, and more here

Checklists and Recommendations

• How Workplaces can Prepare and Protect here
• Is Your Business Digitally Ready? here
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety tip sheets here
• COVID-19, Energy and Canada’s Economic Choices Going Forward here
• Is COVID-19 Forcing Your Digital Transformation? 12 Stepts to Move Faster here
• COVID-19 and Teleworking: Adapting Your Business Practices here
• Engaging Your Workforce in a Crisis Context here
• Business Preparedness Checklist COVID-19 here
• 5 tips for extending cash flow amid times of uncertainty here
• Working from home: Securing your new workplace here
• COVID-19: Managing and Pivoting During a Time of Crisis here
• Tech Soup Canada: Tips on Working Remotely here
• Small Business: Financial checklist before you call your banker here

PwC’s COVID-19 Navigator: Digital Assessment Tool to help you understand the potential impact to your business and gauge your readiness to respond here

Videos or Recordings of Recent Webinars

• Build Your Online Presence with Facebook – Canadian Chamber of Commerce
• How to Access the Digital Economy Response Program (DER3) – Innovation Island and CVEDS
• Digital Economy Response Program – Vancouver Island Economic Allia
• Accountant’s Advice on Taxes, Banking, Government Programs – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• Small Business Tips for Pivoting Operations – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• How you can help – Business Initiatives that Bring the Community Together – Small Business BC
• COVID-19: Managing Your Cash Flow – Small Business BC
• Accessing Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• Creative Ways to Help Your Business Thrive Digitally – Small Business BC
• Navigating COVID-19 – Contract Performance – Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
• Adaptive Leadership in the Face of Crisis – Greater Vancouver Board of Trade
• Legal Implications of Staffing Decisions During Crisis – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• How to Access Free Government Services for Your Business – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• Funding and Short Term Financing Options Recording Part 1 & Part 2 – Small Business BC
• Getting Online with Shopify – Small Business BC
• How to Cope with the Impacts of COVID-19 on your Business – Business Development Bank of Canada
• Keeping Good Company While Preparing for the Next Step – Vancouver Island Economic Alliance
• Long term priorities for Canada’s post-pandemic economy – Business Council of BC
• “Pivot or Preserve” – Innovation Island

Canadian Business Resilience Network videos here

The Conference Board of Canada recordings and videos here

BDC’s Entrepreneur’s Learning Centre here

Golden Shovel’s 2020 Exceptional Economic Development Webinars here

Agriculture

For our new Agrifood Resources during COVID-19 list of resources click here.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada: Industry questions and answers, as well as related links here

• Surplus Food Rescue Program here

BC Agri-Business Planning Program here

Intake for greenhouse carbon tax relief grants open here

Small Scale Food Processor Association: Ag-Food Entrepreneur & Supervisor Training Program here

Work Safe BC: Agriculture and COVID-19 Safety here

Construction

BC Construction Safety Alliance here

• Employer COVID-19 Site Inspection form here
• What if Physical Distancing is Not Possible? here
• Managing a Pandemic on Site here
• COVID-19 Prevention Procedures While Working on a Construction Site here

Building Supply Industry Association of BC (BSIA): COVID-19 response here

Province of BC: Guidance to BC construction sites during COVID-19 here

Vancouver Island Construction Association here

• Online courses available for Business & Leadership and Safety here

Work Safe BC: Construction and COVID-19 Safety here

Food Services

BC Ministry of Health: COVID-19 Guidance to Retail Food and Grocery Stores (April 25) here

BC Restaurant & Foodservices Association: resources here

• Join the Restoring Confidence App program and get a custom local business poster, learn more, or join here
• Stand Up For Service Campaign – Press Release here, Nomination Form here
• Blueprint for Reopening here
• BC Restaurant and Foodservices Industry Working to Develop Strategy for Reopening here
• List of BC restaurants who are offering takeout and delivery services here
• OneTable asking restaurants to share their story and make their voice heard here
• Restaurant Sector COVID-19 Impact Survey here
• Printable signage for restaurant owners and operators here

Restaurants Canada: Resources for foodservice operators here

Small Business BC: resources for the food & beverage industry here

Forestry 

BC Forest Safety: COVID-19 resources here

Logging Tax: updates and info here

Work Safe BC: Forestry field work and COVID-19 safety here

Industrial Camps

BC Ministry of Health: Protecting Workers at Large Industrial Camps During the COVID-19 Pandemic (April 28) here

Province of BC: Interim Communicable Disease Control Guidelines for Industrial Camps here

Manufacturing 

Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19 here

Province of BC: Guidance to BC manufacturers during COVID-19

Work Safe BC: Industry information for manufacturing here

Mining and Smelting

Province of BC: Guidance to mining and smelting operations during COVID-19 here

Retail

BC Centre for Disease Control: Guidance for non-food retail (malls, shops and stores) here

Canada Post: COVID-19 latest updates & FAQs here

Comox Valley Businesses Services during COVID-19 here

London Drugs:

• Attention local small business owners: London Drugs want to help you sell your products, announcement here
• Register here

Retail Council of Canada: Coronavirus resources for retailers here

• Recovery Playbook here
• Retail Council of Canada Launches Framework for Retailers to Reopen Stores here
• Q&As for Retailers on COVID-19 here
• RCC applauds today’s update on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (April 15) here
• 2020 province Workers’ Compensation updates for retailers (April 13) here
• BC announces additional COVID-19 measures (March 26) here

Retail Insider: Articles and releases here

Work Safe BC: Retail and COVID-19 Safety here

Tourism Industry

Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs): Info sheet here

Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE): Resources here

• Scenario Mapping During a Crisis here
• Working with Sponsors During Difficult Times here

Canadian Heritage: Emergency Support Fund for Heritage Organizations here

Destination BC: Emergency Preparedness for BC’s Tourism Industry here, Virtual Experiences Best Practices Guide here and specific info about the Coronavirus here

• Messaging Guidance for BC’s Tourism Industry here
• BC’s Tourism Sectors to Benefit from $400,000 in Funding from Destination BC here
• COVID-19 Impact and Recovery Report: Business Events here
• Messaging Guidance for BC’s Tourism Industry here

Destination Canada: COVID-19 Updates here

Discover Comox Valley: COVID-19 information and updates for residents and visitors here

Hotel Association of Canada: Information for Hoteliers here

Indigenous Tourism Association of Canada: Indigenous Businesses Receive $306.8 Million Federal Stimulus Funding Package in Response to COVID-19  here

Tourism Industry Association of Canada: Updates and resources here

• State of Tourism in Canada During COVID-19 (April 13) here

Vancouver Island Coastal Tourism Resiliency Program: information here

• Register for the program here
• Webinar Archive with recordings here

Western Economic Diversification Canada: Support for tourism operators and SMEs here

• July 22 – 5th Street Saturday Road Closure to Support Physical Distancing
• June 17 – Comox Valley Virtual Recreation Guide Now Available
• June 16 – Courtenay’s Outdoor Pool to Stay Closed This Summer
• June 4 – Courtenay’s future still being contemplated through the Offical Community Plan Update
• May 20 – Courtenay Expanding Sidewalk Cafe Options
• April 9 – Regional EOC Provides Update on Education and Enforcement of Physical Distancing
• March 16 – City of Courtenay Closing All Facilities to the Public Until Further Notice

• June 18 – Comox Community Centre Gets Green Light to Open
• June 9 – Paper Property Tax Deferment Applications
• May 8 – Information Bulletin for Restaurants, Pubs and Breweries
• April 23 – Important Curbside Organics and Garbage Update
• March 16 – Town of Comox Closing Facilities Until Further Notice

• November 5 – Local governments working towards economic recovery in the Comox Valley
• October 29 – CVRD Releases Rethink Comox Valley Plan in Response to COVID-19
• August 25 – Regional EOC Provides Update on COVID-19 Enforcement
• June 18 – Comox Valley Sports Centre Summer Camps Reactivated
• June 17 – Emergency Operations Centre Announces Comox Valley Virtual Recreation Guide Now Available
• May 20 – Indoor Recreation Facilities Remain Closed Until Further Notice
• April 27 – Comox Valley Regional District Operational Notices
• April 1 – CVRD Board Approves Funding to Assist in Community COVID-19 Response
• March 16 – The CVRD Closing Recreation Facilities Until Farther Notice

• April 13 – Circuit Breaker Business Relief Grant
• January 22 – Investing in Island arts and culture
• January 12 – Helping artists adapt during the pandemic
• January 8 – Province makes changes to simplify, clarify emergency orders
• December 30 – Supports for people, businesses in 2020 helping build recovery for everyone
• December 22 – BC commits $105 million to support tourism sector
• December 21 – Grant program now accessible to more BC businesses 
• December 18 – Online applications open for BC Recovery Benefit
• December 17 – Fiscal update shows continued impact of pandemic on BC’s economy
• December 16 – Province expands COVID-19 enforcement measures
• December 15 – Provincial grants funding community arts, culture, sports
• December 11 – New grant program helps support economic recovery
• December 11 – Tourism Task Force: update on progess and final report
• December 8 – Building a stronger BC today, boosting tourism’s future
• December 8 – Applications for $1,000 BC Recovery Benefit will begin soon
• December 7 – Province-wide restrictions extended 
• December 7 – Throne speech highlights actions to protect health, livelihoods
• December 2 – Helping arts and culture organizations recover
• December 1 – COVID-19 recovery programs to support farmers
• December 1 – New infrastructure funding to support COVID-19 response, recovery
• November 24 – Province exends emergency, introduces mask enforcement measures
• November 19 – Province-wide restrictions in effect from November 19 to December 7
• November 14 – New Public Health Order issued for campgrounds and RV parks to collect and retain contact information for all patrons
• September 21 – Communications infrastructure funding to support economic recovery in rural BC
• September 20 – Province updates measures to enforce COVID-19 public safety
• September 17 – COVID-19 economic recovery plan boosts BC tourism industry
• September 17 – New plan maps next steps forward in B.C.’s economic recovery
• September 10 – Economic challenges of COVID-19 matched by strong supports for people
• August 31 – Minister’s statement on report on hotel sector
• August 17 – B.C. creates new infrastructure program for arts and culture venues
• August 14 – Summer session focuses on protecting people, laying groundwork for recovery
• August 13 – Deadline looms for temporary layoff extensions
• August 11 – BC Ferries eligible for Safe Restart funding
• August 7 – Minister’s statement on July Labour Force Survey results
• August 5 – Applying for temporary layoff extensions reminder
• August 5 – Review of recall rights in B.C.’s hotel sector
• August 4 – State of emergency extended to continue B.C.’s COVID-19 response
• July 29 – Helping B.C. farmers maintain farm status
• July 22 – B.C.’s top doc tightens rules at restaurants, nightclubs as COVID-19 cases increase
• July 22 – Province bolsters COVID-19 support for local governments, transit
• July 21 – Tourism sector asks B.C. government for $680M stimulus package
• July 21 – Online digital marketing training to help people, businesses succeed
• July 20 – Wholesale liquor pricing for restaurants, tourism businesses takes effect
• July 17 – Supporting Canadian Workers and Businesses with a redesigned Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• July 17 – Community Resiliency Investment grant criteria expanded
• July 13 – Feds to extend wage subsidy program until December
• July 13 – Delivery of packaged liquor from restaurants, pubs extended
• July 13 – New plan helps Island farmers adapt to climate change
• July 7 – State of emergency extended to continue COVID-19 response
• July 3 – Canada and British Columbia invest in infrastructure in the Vancouver Island region to create jobs and strengthen communities
• July 2 – B.C. families get additional $450 with boosted climate action tax credit
• June 30 – Support for Indigenous entrepreneurs helps bring agriculture to more communities
• June 29 – Supporting the growth of western Canadian business
• June 29 – New community program empowers youth to ‘Build Back Better’
• June 24 – BC begins next phase of safe restart plan
• June 24 – Province tables economic stabilization act, confirms COVID-19 supports
• June 22 – New act will help formalize, unwind emergency orders
• June 19 – Province announces next steps to support renters, landlords
• June 17 – British Columbians invited to have their say on recovery
• June 17 – Province provides grants to support people, rural economies
• June 16 – Province expands measures to support restaurant, tourism industries
• June 12 – Better access to gaming grants help communities during pandemic
• June 12 – More support for Island arts, culture during COVID-19
• June 11 – Minister’s statement on food service establishments, liquor services
• June 5 – Order extended to enable use of technologies during COVID-19
• June 5 – Thyme for a new round of farmers market program funding
• June 5 – Additional funding supports BC farmers, processors to move online
• June 5 – Closed hospitality businesses permitted to sell liquor stock during pandemic
• June 1 – Minimum wage increase takes effect
• June 1 – BC strengthens federal commercial rent program
• May 28 – Connecting people with jobs in BC’s agricultural sector
• May 27 – Provincial state of emergency extended in COVID-19 response
• May 25 – Province supports tourism marketing organizations to be ready for recovery
• May 22 – Patio, service area expansions support safe reopening
• May 15 – WorkSafeBC guidelines support safe reopening of businesses
• May 15 – Helping BC agriculture, food businesses plan for COVID-19 recovery
• May 13 – BC aims to give restaurants a liquor discount, expedite patio approvals
• May 12 – Buy BC e-commerce brings local foods, beverages online
• May 11 – Emerging Economy Task Force final report released
• May 6 – Premier outlines plan to restart BC safely
• May 4 – Government creates COVID-19 temporary layoff period
• May 1 – Online applications open for BC Emergency Benefit for Workers
• April 30 – Government takes action to help forest sector keep doors open
• April 29 – BC extending state of emergency to continue COVID-19 response
• April 24 – Funding to improve rural internet connectivity
• April 23 – Applications for BC Emergency Benefit for Workers to open May 1
• April 22 – Companies, societies, co-operatives now able to meet electronically
• April 16 – COVID-19 support service launched for BC businesses
• April 16 – New COVID-19 supports for businesses, local governments
• April 15 – State of emergency extended to continue BC’s COVID-19 response
• April 15 – More support for commercial truck drivers during COVID-19 crisis
• April 14 – Temporary foreign workers self-isolating in government-managed accommodations
• April 9 – Minister’s statement on March Labour Force Strategy
• April 9 – New virtual mental health supports for COVID-19 on the way
• April 9 – Applications open for temporary rental supplement
• April 8 – Civil Resolution Tribunal extends deadlines, waives fees for those struggling financially during pandemic
• April 8 – All BC Parks closing
• April 2 – Premier’s task force to support BC economy during, after COVID-19
• April 1 – COVID-19 Supply Hub connects needed medical supplies to health workers
• April 1 – Province supporting people with relief on power bills during COVID-19
• March 31 – Province extends state of emergency to support COVID-19 response
• March 29 – Guidance to retail food and grocery stores operating during COVID-19
• March 27 – Minister’s statement on COVID-19 support for arts and culture sector
• March 26 – Province takes unprecedented steps to support COVID-19 response
• March 25 – Supporting renters, landlords during COVID-19
• March 23 – BC announces $5B coronavirus aid package for individuals and businesses or view factsheet here
• March 23 – Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses under Canada’s response to COVID-19
• March 22 – Increasing hand sanitizer production to keep British Columbians safe
• March 21 – BC orders closure of ‘personal service establishment’
• March 20 – BC’s top doctor bans dine-in guests at restaurants across the province

• December 4 – Government expands Canada Emergency Business Account loans
• November 30 – Government of Canada releases Supporting Canadians and Fighting COVID-19: Fall Economic Statement 2020
• November 5 – Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy update
• November 3 – Minister Ng announces new measures to help Canadian small businesses access global markets amid COVID-19
• November 2 – Government introduces legislation for new, targeted support to help business through pandemicOctober 26 – Canada Emergency Business Account now open to businesses using personal banking accounts
• October 20 – Minister Ng announces support for small businesses through the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
• October 9 – Government announces new, targeted support to help businesses through pandemic
• October 2 – Government of Canada expands Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to provide further support for businesses
• September 16 – Prime Minister announces next steps for Safe Restart Agreement
• September 8 – Government Announces Extension of Rent Relief for Small Businesses
• August 31 – Government announces greater flexibility and extension of Canada Emergency Business Account
• August 24 – New temporary public policy will allow visitors to apply for a work permit without having to leave Canada
• July 31 – Government Announces New Extension of Rent Relief for Small Businesses
• July 31 – New mobile app to help notify Canadians of potential COVID-19 exposure now available
• July 28 – Government of Canada Supports Innovation in British Columbia
• July 28 – Over $95 million in relief and recovery funds flow to businesses in Western Canada
• July 20 – Government introduces legislation to support Canadian workers, businesses and persons with disabilities
• July 16 – More support for Canadians through the Safe Restart Agreement
• June 16 – Prime Minister announces extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
• June 10 – Minister Ng announces government partnership with private sector campaign to help businesses reopen safely amid COVID-19
• June 1 – Prime Minister announces support to help communities create jobs and restart the economy
• May 29 – Prime Minister announces additional funding for health, economic, and social support for Indigenous peoples and communities
• May 28 – Governments and international organizations come together to address economic challenges and sustainability
• May 25 – Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance now open for applications
• May 20 – Prime Minister announces opening of program to protect jobs and help businesses
• May 19 – Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses
• May 15 – COVID-19 wage subsidy program extended through August, Trudeau says
• May 13 – Regional Relief and Recover Fund (RRRF) applications now open
• May 11 – Prime Minister announces additional support for businesses to help save Canadian jobs
• May 8 – Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations
• May 7 – Prime Minister announces agreements to boost wages for essential workers
• May 5 – Supporting Canada’s farmers, good businesses, and food supply
• May 4 – Canada and international partners launch the Coronavirus Global Response
• April 25 – Trudeau announces $62.5 million for seafood, fish processors during coronavirus pandemic
• April 23 – Prime Minister announces new support for COVID-19 medical research and vaccine development
• April 22 – Support for students and new grads affected by COVID-19
• April 21 – Prime Minister announces further support to help Canadians in need
• April 17 – Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: New Support to Protect Canadian Jobs
• April 16 – Coronavirus: Trudeau promises rent relief for small and medium-sized businesses
• April 15 – Expanding access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and proposing a new wage boost for essential workers
• April 14 – Minister Fortier Highlights Government Support for Businesses at Ottawa Board of Trade
• April 13 – Keeping Canadians and workers in the food supply chain safe
• April 8 – Ottawa boosts student job wage subsidy to 100% as March unemployment data expected to shatter record
• April 7 – Supporting Canadians to Think Critically About Online Health Information
• April 5 – Trudeau says help coming for students unable to find summer jobs
• April 2 – Government of Canada provides guidance on services and functions deemed essential to Canada’s critical infrastructure during COVID-19
• April 1 – Government announces details of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to help businesses keep Canadians in their jobs
• March 29 – How the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is affecting immigration, refugees, citizenship and passport services
• March 27 – Trudeau promises 75% wage subsidy for businesses hit by coronavirus pandemic
• March 25 – Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
• March 25 – Trudeau’s $82B coronavirus support package gets royal assent, officially passes
• March 18 – “COVID-19 financial help: EI benefits, bill deferrals and other emergency funds in BC”
• March 18 – “First Phase” of Canada’s “Economic Response Plan” announcement

BC Ferries: Travel advisories here

• BC Ferries to screen passengers for COVID-19 as new regulations announced here
• Keeping Vital Goods and Services Moving here

BC Transit: Coronavirus Information here

• BC Transit and the Comox Valley Regional District implement services changes here

Comox Valley Airport: COVID-19 Updates here

• April 30th update here

Harbour Air Seaplanes: COVID-19 service updates here

• May 27 – Harbour Air returning to operations
• COVID-19 Update here

Pacific Coastal Airlines: President’s message here

BC 211

A program that matches seniors who need support with non-medical essentials, to volunteers in their community who are willing to help. To register for services, or to offer help, register here. More information available here

BC Centre for Disease Control

Information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus here

Lush Valley Food Action Society

Emergency Food Share Program is aimed at providing food to those in need in the Comox Valley, including those in need of financial and/or food delivery assistance.

Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC)

Public health risk is being continually reassessed as new information becomes available. For up-to-date and reliable information about the coronavirus and Canada’s response to this issue, visit PHAC’s online resources here.

Prevention and Planning

You can find preventative information here on the PHAC’s website and call the Health Canada 2019 coronavirus information line at 1-833-784-4397 with further questions.

Thrive Health

BC COVID-19 Self Assessment Tool and new support app here. The app will let you receive the latest updates, trusted resources, and alerts.  The Self-Assessment Tool is built in.

World Health

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) have issued a joint statement on international cooperation as key to the containment of COVID-19. Read it here.

Bank of Montreal (BMO): COVID-19 support page, including updates here

Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC): Financial assistance form, services, and updates here

Coastal Community Credit Union: Service updates, financial relief plan, FAQs here

Coast Capital Savings: member financial relief program, branch closures, and updates here

Royal Bank of Canada (RBC): Updates, financial relief program, and FAQs here

Scotiabank: Latest updates including message from CEO, financial relief, and COVID-19 FAQs here

TD Canada Trust: How they can help, mortgage payment deferral online application, and other information here