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COVID19

COVID-19 DigiBC Member Resources


LAST UPDATED: August 30, 2021

DigiBC recognizes that our members are having an array of business challenges during this crisis, ranging from a few issues to very significant business threats. As your trade association, we are working to ensure our industry, as diverse as it is, comes out of this in the most positive way possible. We have put together this resource page for our members that has pertinent information on government policies, industry responses, and tips on getting through this challenging time. We will continue to keep this updated as information comes in.

 
Quick Links:

Government Announcements / Policies / Funding


Find Business Support During COVID-19 [Online Tool]

Find available government COVID-19 support and other programs and services.

FOR BUSINESSES

Support Description How to Access

CRA & COVID-19 Info for Employers

(Federal)

  • New T4 reporting requirements, Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Temporary wage subsidy for employers, deferral of GST/HST remittances

 

Click here for more info

Innovation Assistance Program (IRAP IAP)

(Federal)

  • IRAP IAP is an emergency wage subsidy provided to eligible firms on a priority basis
  • Has been extended to December 19, 2020 with an additional $155 million investment

Click for more info

 

 

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program
(CEWS)

(Federal)


  • Program extended until October 23, 2021
  • Available to all businesses, non-profits and charities, who have experienced a 30% decline or more in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic 
  • Covers up to 75% of a salary on the first $58 700, or as much as $847 a week
  • The 75% subsidy does not replace the 10% wage subsidy originally introduced a few of weeks ago, so small businesses concerned they do not meet the criteria for the 75% are still able to apply for the 10% subsidy

 

 

 

 

Click for more info


Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

(Federal)

On October 9, the government proposed the new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to provide direct relief to businesses, non-profits, and charities that continue to be economically impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The new rent subsidy would be available retroactive to September 27, 2020, until October 23, 2021.

Click for more info
Temporary Layoff Period Extended To ease financial hardship on businesses and to keep employees connected with their jobs during the COVID-19 pandemic, government has extended the temporary layoff period to 16 weeks for COVID-19 related reasons.


Click for more info

GST & HST payments delayed until June

(Federal)

This will assist businesses with cash flow challenges. The government says these measures will best position small and medium-sized businesses to weather the pandemic and prepare for Canada’s economic recovery. 

 

Click for more info

BC Hydro

Bill deferral and payment plans

Call 1-800-BC-HYDRO

Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)

(Federal)

More than $10 billion will be available to Canadian businesses for financing and credit insurance solutions through EDC and BDC

 

COVID-19 Supply Hub

(Provincial)

The BC Government has partnered with the Digital Technology Supercluster and the Business Council of BC to create the COVID-19 Supply Hub. Organizations interested in offering support, equipment and supplies to help health workers fight the pandemic can access the online platform here.

 


Click here to access the online platform


The Recovery Project

An international coalition of think-tanks, research institutes, and organizations designed to start the conversation about recovery, even if it seems a long way off.

 

Click here for more info

Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN)

(Federal)

The federal government and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce have partnered to create the CBRN to help businesses of all sizes weather this pandemic and drive economic recovery.

Click for more info



 

Emergency Program Act

(Provincial)

Companies, societies, co-operatives now able to meet electronically. A temporary change will allow electronic meetings during the province's state of the emergency. The order helps corporations hold annual or special general meetings, in accordance with the provincial health officer's order against gatherings of more than 50 people.

 

 



Click for more info

Alacrity Canada now accepting applications for new virtual Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Alacrity Canada now accepting applications for new virtual Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Alacrity Canada now accepting applications for new virtual Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Alacrity Canada now accepting applications for new virtual Digital Marketing Bootcamp

Alacrity Canada now accepting applications for new virtual Digital Marketing Boo

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FOR INDIVIDUALS

Find Financial Help During COVID-19 Online Tool
This provides individuals with info on federal, provincial and territorial benefits programs available, including the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the Canada Child Benefit top-up, as well as mortgage and student loan deferrals.
Support Description How to Access

 

New Job-Protected Leaves for Workers

  • Allows workers to immediately take unpaid, job-protected leave if they are unable to work for reasons relating to COVID-19.
  • Provide up to three days of unpaid, job-protected leave each year for people who cannot work due to illness or injury.

 

Click for more info

BC Hydro

Bill deferral and payment plans

Call 1-800-BC-HYDRO
The Canadian Mental Health Association The CMHA has put together some resources and suggestions to help support your mental health at this time of uncertainty. COVID-19 & Mental Health Startup Survival Guide
BC Psychological Association In response to the outbreak of COVID-19, the BCPA has compiled a list of helpful resources. COVID-19 Resources

 

Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Support of nearly $9 billion for post-secondary students and recent graduates. This plan will help provide the financial support they need this summer, help them continue their studies in the fall, and help many get the experience they need to start their careers.

 

click here for more info

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Workplace Guidelines & Resources

Guides & Resources


Working From Home

  • WFH Digital Guide (by LocalGlobe and Latitudevc)
    - continually being updated so is a great resource to have bookmarked

 

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#GiveBack Resources / How Can I Help?
  • East Side Games put together a handy list of local organizations that are currently looking for support and donations.
     
  • Small Business BC has created a digital marketplace where you can find out about and support some of the amazing small businesses still operating in the province.
     
  • GamesIndustry.biz has put together a comprehensive list of organizations and initiatives supporting racial equity in the global games industry. From funding and training to online communities and advocacy groups, there is a growing number of resources encouraging racial diversity in the game industry.
     

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Proof of Vaccination

Proof of vaccination starts September 13

To keep everyone safer when visiting the places and events they love, proof of vaccination will be required for everyone 12 and older to enter non-essential recreational businesses and events.

This includes bars, restaurants, coffee shops, indoor sports events, concerts, casinos, movie theatres, gyms, weddings, conferences, and indoor recreational sports and activities. 

Learn more >> https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/vaccine/proof

 

 

Mask Mandate

Masks mandatory in indoor public spaces

As of August 25, masks must be worn by everyone who is 12 and older in all indoor public spaces. This includes places like retail stores, grocery stores, public transit, taxis, as well as post-secondary institutions, bars and restaurants (when not seated at your table). Don’t forget gyms and fitness centres, when you are not working out!

As students are going back to school, the mask mandate will also apply to all students, staff and visitors anywhere inside K-12 schools. This does not include students in K-Grade 3. 

More information >> https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021HLTH0053-001665
 

 

BC's Immunization Plan
COVID-19 Information

 

COVID-19  Testing
  • Have symptoms? Anyone with cold, influenza or COVID-19 symptoms can be assessed and get a test. Testing is done through a primary care provider, walk-in clinic, urgent and primary care centre or community collection centre. Additionally, drive-thru testing is available in Vancouver at the St. Vincent's location (4875 Heather St). Click here to see the full list of collection centres in the province.
     
Physical Distancing Orders
  • Violations of Public Health Orders can carry fines of over $25,000 or jail time
  • Gatherings are banned
  • Maintain 2 metre distance from others
  • Stay home as much as possible, do not visit with friends (call them instead)
  • It’s okay to go outside for fresh air and exercise, but stay away from others
  • Self-isolate if you are sick, even if it is not COVID-19

Hygiene Tips
  • Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
  • Cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing and then wash hands immediately
  • Consider no longer shaking hands and instead use another form of greeting (fist bump, elbow bump or our favourite, the Spock Vulcan greeting with LL&P)

BC's Restart Plan

The government's plan is a four phase strategy that outlines the gradual restarting of the economy. It is a series of careful steps to protect people and ensure that the province can come back from COVID-19 stronger than before. We are now in Phase 3. Click here for further details.

 

#CRUSHCovid Campaign

#CRUSHCovid is a great initiative from ESAC and the Public Health Agency of Canada that was created to reach Canadians aged 13-29. By sharing trusted health messaging, the hope is that gamers in this age demographic will continue to step up and help keep each other and our communities safe by encouraging and engaging in four health measures that can stem the spread of COVID-19.

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