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.
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Government Announcements / Policies / Funding |
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| Support | Description | How to Access |
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CRA & COVID-19 Info for Employers (Federal) |
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Innovation Assistance Program (IRAP IAP) (Federal) |
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Click for more info |
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Program (Federal)
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(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. | |
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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. |
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| BC Hydro |
Bill deferral and payment plans |
Call 1-800-BC-HYDRO |
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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 | |
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(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. |
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| 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. |
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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 |
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(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.
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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
 Find Financial Help During COVID-19 Online ToolThis 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 |
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| 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 |
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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. |
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| Workplace Guidelines & Resources |
Guides & Resources
- COVID-19 Return to Studio Guide (Animation & VFX Alliance of BC)
- COVID-19 & Returning to Safe Operation (Worksafe BC)
- What Employers & Workers Need to Know (Worksafe BC)
- Isolation Nation Report on remote video game creation in Canada (Game Arts International Network)
- Getting Your Workplace Ready for COVID-19 (World Health Organization)
- Guidelines for Hosting Online Meetings, Events & Classes (Facilitators for Pandemic Response Group)
- COVID-19 & Mental Health (Canadian Mental Health Association)
- The Future of the Office (CBRE Industry Report)
- Diversity & Inclusion Resource HUB (HR Tech Group)
- Tech Space Quarterly Newsletter (CBRE High Tech Facilities Group)
- Tips for Small Business Survival During COVID-19 (Intuit QuickBooks)
- What You Need to Know About Your Taxes & COVID-19 (Intuit QuickBooks)
Working From Home
- WFH Digital Guide (by LocalGlobe and Latitudevc)
- continually being updated so is a great resource to have bookmarked
| #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/
| 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 |
- The government has introduced the plan for providing a vaccine to every British Columbian who's eligible to receive it between April and September.
- Job-protected leave for workers to get vaccine
- Click here for further details on the rollout plan
| COVID-19 Information |
- Public Health Alert: HealthLink BC
- Local Situation: Vancouver Coastal Health
- Global Situation: World Health Organization
- BC Centre for Disease Control: bccdc.ca
- Essential Services - List of Services in BC
- General Info: 1-888-COVID19
| 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)
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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.
