COVID-19 Business Update

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
CFIB President

75% temporary wage subsidy & $40,000 loans: We fought for them and won, but we’re not done.

After weeks of pressure from CFIB, the federal government announced two new programs to support your business during this crisis.

The wage subsidy will increase from 10% to 75%. We asked for this from the beginning—and won the battle thanks to your support. The program will run for 12 weeks, from March 15 to June 6 and apply to the first $58,700 earned by an employee.

Also, the Canadian Emergency Business Account will offer you interest-free loans of up to $40,000 with up to 25% in forgivable loan if it’s repaid by the end of 2022. You have to contact your bank to apply.

Find out more

While the improved wage subsidy is a good start, your business still needs more support. We are continuing to put pressure on all levels of government to provide greater relief.

Business owners like you are struggling to pay rent. You need relief!

This is our new big fight—and we believe government can help in three key ways. One is to reduce commercial property tax bills by 25%. You can read our full list of recommendations.

Learn more

Are you part of the 25% of Canadian independent businesses who will not be able to pay April’s rent or mortgage? Are you wondering if you can postpone rent, and other similar payments? Check out or list of tips for finding relief from this situation.

Get help

What’s the Government of Saskatchewan doing to help your business?

The COVID-19 crisis has brought a lot of uncertainty into our lives and our economy—and your business will need help from all levels of government to get through it. In Saskatchewan, PST remittance can be deferred for three months. Find out what other relief measures are available at the provincial level and what support we’re fighting to get you next.

See Saskatchewan Relief

Is there municipal relief as well?

Just like the federal and provincial governments, municipalities have a crucial role to play in helping your business survive the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s what we’re telling municipal governments in Saskatchewan they can do to help—and here’s what they’ve done so far.

See municipal relief

Find up to date answers to your questions in our business owner FAQ

The information your business needs is evolving every day in the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re updating our online FAQ with the latest information as soon as it becomes available. Visit our Help Centre to find answers to question including:

What do I need to know about CERB?
When do I file and pay my taxes?
How do I apply to the WorkShare program?

Get answers

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 list of essential services according to each province. Not on the list? If you think your business should be considered an essential service—let us know. .

Learn more

Thank you for taking part in our weekly surveys. Your voice matters!

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 briefing policy makers across Canada on the results, 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.

Want to see the info we’re sharing with policy makers?

Learn more

Savings from trusted CFIB Partners to help
your business handle COVID-19

Save $120 on e-commerce integration with ShipTime

During the pandemic, you might rely more on shipping to send your products to your clients. You can integrate your online store with ShipTime for easier processing of online order at no extra cost—an annual saving of $120. Exclusive to CFIB members. .

Learn more

Train your employees from home with free courses from Vubiz

Has your business been forced to close temporarily? Are your employees working from home? Keep your employees ready to return to work with more than 50 free training courses covering a wide range of topics including COVID-19.

Learn More

Easily calculate your 10% wage subsidy with help from Payworks

Payworks is offering all its clients an easy tool to calculate the 10% wage subsidy and adjust remittance to government accordingly every time payroll is processed. Plus, CFIB members enjoy a 40% discount on Payworks products.

Learn More

Get set up to work from home with emergency kits from SelectCom

SelectCom is offering emergency work from home kits that connect to cloud phone systems to help ease your transition to working from home. Setup is quick and easy.

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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Saskatchewan E-News COVID-19 Special Edition, April 2 , 2020

Canadian Federation of Independent Business | 401-4141 Yonge St., Toronto, ON, M2P 2A6 | cfib@cfib.ca