COVID-19 Business Update
A COVID-19 update from the President of CFIB (March 25th) - For CFIB members

Dear CFIB member,

We know this is a difficult time for small businesses across the country. Information is changing rapidly and it can be difficult to find the help you need. To keep you informed on the latest government relief measures and provide up to date answers to your questions, we will be sending you a weekly newsletter for as long as COVID-19 poses serious challenges.

On behalf of everyone at CFIB, I would like to offer you, your employees and your business our full support.

Dan Kelly
President and CEO

Answers to your COVID-19 questions

Find up to date info using our business owner FAQ

Our business counselors have fielded thousands of COVID-19 calls over the past several days alone. We are regularly updating our online Help Center based on your questions and the new information we are getting from governments. Visit our online FAQ to find answers to common question including: “Can my business remain open?” “Are employees under quarantine eligible for EI?” and “What should be done when business is slow and there isn’t enough work for employees?”

Get answers 

What’s the government doing to help your business?

The COVID-19 crisis has brought a lot of uncertainty into our lives and our economy—and your business may need help getting through it. To date, announcements from the federal government include a 10% wage subsidy and deferring tax remittances. Find out what other relief measures the provincial and federal governments are implementing and how you can apply for them.

See Ontario relief      See federal relief

Does your business have to close?

Many non-essential businesses are being shut down across Canada, and the rules for what qualifies as an essential business can vary from province to province. Consult our guide for a complete list of essential services according to each province, or call a government representative at 1-888-444-3659. Not on the list? If you think your business should be considered an essential service—let us know.

 

Learn more

Sign up today for our COVID-19 Webinar: FAQs and Government Support Update

This week, we'll host the first in a series of weekly webinars aimed at helping your business cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. We will update you on the government supports and business closures before our experts field your questions. Join us to get answers and share your own experiences as we tackle this crisis together.

March 26, 2020 1:00 PM EDT

March 26, 2020 5:00 PM EDT

March 27, 2020 3:00 PM EDT

We’re fighting for your business

We’re taking your concerns to government!

We’re in daily contact with policy makers and senior officials at the federal and provincial levels of government. We’re pushing them to raise the federal wage subsidy from 10% to 75%, provide income support for the self-employed and much more. Read our full list of recommendations for the federal government and let us know about anything we’ve missed.

Learn more

PLUS, Every Friday during the COVID-19 pandemic, we’re sending you a survey to uncover the impact the virus is having on your business. Every Monday, we’re using the results to brief policy makers across Canada, and every Tuesday we’re releasing them to the media.

We’re using the results to put extra pressure on governments to give you greater relief measures—and they’re telling us this information is invaluable to them as the situation unfolds. A big thank you to all of you who are taking the time to complete our surveys.

See the results

Savings partners that can help your business survive

Sell your products and services online with free trials from Shopify

Is COVID-19 forcing you to take your business online? Shopify can help. Stay connected to your customers with free 90-day trials on websites for your business. Get any plan + gift cards for your business today.

Learn more

Don’t see the info you need? Just give us a call!

Given the urgency surrounding this issue, we have additional CFIB staff answering your inquiries to help you manage COVID-19 situations in the workplace. We are receiving hundreds of calls per day and apologize for any delays you may encounter—we are committed to getting back to you as soon as we can.

Call Us: 1-888-234-2232

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Ontario E-News COVID-19 Special Edition,  March 25, 2020