LATEST UPDATE December 23, 2020
The Yukon Chamber of Commerce is focussed on the health and safety of our member organizations and their employees. Accordingly, we are monitoring the ongoing conditions and business-impacting information associated with the COVID-19 virus.
At the time of posting this statement (December 23, 2020), the Public Health Agency of Canada states that COVID-19 is a serious health threat, and the situation is evolving daily. The risk will vary between and within communities, but given the increasing number of cases in Canada, the risk to Canadians is considered high. For the latest information from Yukon Government Health and Wellness, as well as updates from the Chief Medical Officer, click here.
Breaking News:
December 16, 2020 – The Candian Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Canada’s leading business groups, today outlined their plan to turn the tide against the country’s patchwork approach of simply reacting to rising daily COVID-19 numbers. (New!)
December 14, 2020 - COVID-19 relief and recovery plan for Yukon tourism sector released. With investments of up to $15 million over three years, the plan is built around four key themes:
Providing tourism sector leadership;
Rebuilding confidence and capabilities for tourism;
Supporting the recovery of tourism industry operators, and
Refining Yukon’s tourism brand and inspiring travellers to visit the Yukon. (New!)
December 11, 2020 - Great news for all Yukoners! The Yukon Government strategy for COVID-19 vaccinations in Yukon has been released! (New!)
December 6, 2020 - Beginning Monday, December 7, 2020, restaurants and bars throughout Yukon will be required to maintain a daily list of patrons. Learn more: https://yukon.ca/.../new-requirement-assist-contact-tracing (New!)
December 1, 2020 - Government of Yukon Department of Tourism and Culture has announced a Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Supplement and the Culture and Tourism Non-profit Sector Supplement. To help visitor-dependent businesses survive through winter 2020–21, $1 million is available through the Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Supplement. Yukon tourism operators and food and beverage businesses that rely on visitors for at least 60 per cent of their revenues and have maximized their eligibility in the Yukon Business Relief Program and CanNor’s Northern Business Relief Fund will be able to apply for support.
For more information on the Tourism Non-Accommodation Sector Supplement
For more information on the Culture and Tourism Non-profit Sector Supplement
November 25, 2020 - The Yukon Essential Workers Income Support Program has been extended to February 2021. The program provides low-income essential workers with a wage top-up of up to $4.00 per hour for 16 weeks. Click here for more details.
November. 24, 2020 - As per the Government of Yukon, as of December 1, it will be mandatory to wear a non-medical mask in all indoor public spaces. This will extend to all Yukoners over the age of two with very limited exceptions. A list of places of exemption and people who will be granted exemption will be available on yukon.ca before December 1.
November 23, 2020 - Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) - Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities that have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
November 20, 2020 - The Government of Canada confirms that Canada-U.S order restrictions will remain in place until at least December 21, 2020.
November 12, 2020 - Business Insurance help! - The insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) has created a website with information and helpful links for businesses to use as a resource during these challenging times. IBC also has a Business Insurance Helpline your members can call with general insurance questions.
- Business Insurance Website: https://businessinsurancehelp.ca/
- Business Insurance Helpline: 1-844-2ask-IBC (1-844-227-5422)
- Business Insurance Email: AskIBCWest@ibc.ca
October 26, 2020 - The Government of Canada today announced that the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will be available to businesses that have been operating out of a non-business banking account. To be eligible, businesses must have been operating as a business as of March 1, 2020, must successfully open a business account at a Canadian financial institution that is participating in CEBA, and meet the other existing CEBA eligibility criteria. The deadline to apply for CEBA is December 31, 2020.
October 20, 2020 - The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has created a dedicated distribution channel to improve information sharing on COVID-19 related to food, plant health and animal health.
June 18, 2020 - PPE is available through the following sources (please contact us if your are a Yukon business not listed below, and offer PPE:
o GP Distributing: 867-667-4500,
o Yukon Brewing: 867-668-4183
o Canadian Tire: 867-668-3652,
o Yukon Service Supply: 867-668-4242
o Yukon Still Works: 867-393-2111
Yukon Government Announcements:
October 19, 2020 - Tourism and Culture Minister Jeanie McLean has announced new Tourism Accommodation Sector Supplement funding. This support program of up to $2.88 million is being added to the Yukon Business Relief Program to help eligible accommodation businesses as they are a critical part of Yukon’s tourism infrastructure.
September 24, 2020 - The Yukon Business Relief Program has been extended until March 31, 2021. Click here for further details!
August 12, 2020 - The Yukon Government has updated their online portal for new applicants for Phase 2 of the COVID-19 Rent Assist Program. Tenants will need an up to date tenancy agreement in their name to apply, and they will upload it at the end of their application. People can also email the Rent Assist team at rentassist@gov.yk.ca if they have additional questions on eligibility, etc.
May 22, 2020 - The Government of Yukon has released a new COVID-19 update that includes information related to new Orders to the Civil Emergency Measures Act addressing Child care services, Restaurants and Personal services.
May 22, 2020 - The Government of Yukon has announced a Yukon Essential Workers Income Support Program, which will provide low-income essential workers with a wage subsidy of up to $4.00 per hour to a maximum of $20.00 per hour for up to 16 weeks.
May 22, 2020 - The Government of Yukon has announced that it is providing $750,000 to help Yukon employers create new summer employment for graduating and postsecondary students in critical and essential services.
May 21, 2020 - YWCHSB has updated their website with four COVID-19 related documents. They include:
COVID-19 worker and employer resources [UPDATED]
Return to the workplace [UPDATED]
Workers’ claims and COVID-19 [UPDATED]
May 20, 2020 - The Yukon Business Relief Program is being extended to provide continued support to Yukon businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Yukon Business Relief Program helps Yukon businesses that have experienced a 30 per cent reduction in revenue and need immediate support to cover fixed costs, including rent, utilities and business insurance. Eligible businesses can apply for a grant of up to $30,000 per month to cover fixed costs. The program has been extended to July 23, 2020.
May 19, 2020 – With the Premier’s May 15 announcement of the Yukon Restart Plan, employers may have questions about what this means for your business. YWCHSB is available as a resource to help restart your business safely.
Yukon’s Restart Plan will require all employers to develop a COVID-19 Operational Plan (see the May 15 announcement and links, below).
YWCHSB is available to review your Operational Plan. If you wish to have them do so, send it to worksafe@gov.yk.ca.
YWCHSB also has a suite of appropriate information resources on their website wcb.yk.ca/covid-19 for review, including:
• new resources to support returning workers to the workplace
• reliefs available to businesses through adjustments to payroll estimates
Finally, a reminder that their safety officers are available for consultation upon request. Call 1-867-667-5450 or toll free at 1-800-661-0443 for more information.
May 15, 2020 - The Government of Yukon and the Chief Medical Officer of Health have released A Path Forward: Yukon’s plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions.The "A Path Forward" 52 page document presents a gradual and phased approach to lifting COVID-19 restrictions, with a focus on protecting communities and vulnerable residents, and on preventing the re-introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Yukon. The Plan lays out the principles that will guide decisions on easing restrictions. They are based on public health advice and best practices across Canada adapted to fit Yukon’s local context. Phase I: Restart of A Path Forward begins today, following the easing of certain restrictions already announced during the previous “response phase” of the plan. As well, businesses will need to complete and submit a COVID-19 operational plan to open up. Click here for the COVID-19 operational plan template for businesses and services. (Click here for the COVID-19 Operational Plan Template for Businesses and Services PDF-format document.)
May 15, 2020 - The Government of Yukon and the Chief Medical Officer of Health have released A Path Forward: Yukon’s plan for lifting COVID-19 restrictions.The "A Path Forward" 52 page document presents a gradual and phased approach to lifting COVID-19 restrictions, with a focus on protecting communities and vulnerable residents, and on preventing the re-introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Yukon. The Plan lays out the principles that will guide decisions on easing restrictions. They are based on public health advice and best practices across Canada adapted to fit Yukon’s local context. Phase I: Restart of A Path Forward begins today, following the easing of certain restrictions already announced during the previous “response phase” of the plan. As well, businesses will need to complete and submit a COVID-19 operational plan to open up. Click here for the COVID-19 operational plan template for businesses and services. (Click here for the COVID-19 Operational Plan Template for Businesses and Services PDF-format document.) (New!)
May 12, 2020 - Premier Silver has announced that all organizations that are opening up must complete COVID-19 Operational Plans to identify and manage risks with regard to COVID-19. Templates will be available shortly. Meanwhile, organizations wanting advice or assistance with the development of their plans can write to covid19info@gov.yk.ca or call toll free: 1-877-374-0425. The government is developing guidelines for various industry sectors, and when available, they will be published at: yukon.ca. Some guidelines are already on the website. Current information and resources can be found here: https://yukon.ca/covid-19Other resources can be found here: https://wcb.yk.ca/newsandupdates/COVID-19/Q0320.aspxand here: https://wcb.yk.ca/COVID-19.aspx
April 17, 2020 - Government of Yukon provides more details about enforcement at Yukon borders.
April 16, 2020 - Application information for the Yukon Business Relief Program, which provides help to Yukon businesses with funding to help cover certain fixed costs (e.g., rent/lease payments, utilities and business insurance), is now available. There is also a MS Word version. This funding is available to cover fixed costs up for two months to a maximum of $30,000 per month. The program will cover eligible costs incurred from March 23, 2020 to May 22, 2020. Applications will be accepted until June 30, 2020.
April 16, 2020 - Yukon College'sInnovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) grouplaunches a new program, PIVOT. This is anew program to help local companies minimize the effects of COVID-19. The program is designed to support Yukon businesses of all sizes and stages during the global pandemic and beyond.
April 9, 2020 - Yukon Government has announced the Yukon Business Relief Program, which will help Yukon businesses that have experienced a 30 per cent reduction in revenue and require immediate relief. Yukon businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic will receive funding from the Government of Yukon to cover fixed business costs, including rent, utilities and business insurance.
Eligible businesses can apply for a grant of up to $30,000 per month to cover fixed costs from March 23 to May 22, 2020.
April 7, 2020 - Yukon Government has announced that face-to-face classes are suspended for remainder of 2019–20 school year.
April 6, 2020 - The Yukon office of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has shared a letter to Yukoners, as well as an Information Sheet on Liaison Officer Services, and an Information Presentation Deck.
April 2, 2020 - The Yukon Government announced details of supports available to address the economic impacts of event cancellations related to COVID-19. The temporary Support for Events Funding Programwill help businesses recover certain costs from the cancellation of major events due to COVID-19. All eligible Yukon businesses and NGOs may apply.
April 2, 2020 - The Yukon Government announces new Emergency measures and guidance to protect Yukoners from the spread of COVID-19.
Paid Sick Leave Rebate - Information Sheet and Application:
The Paid Sick Leave Rebate supports Yukon workers and self-employed people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rebate allows Yukon workers without paid sick leave to stay at home if they: become sick; and are required to self-isolate while still meeting their basic financial needs.
Yukon government announces $1 million increase to the Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund. Information can be found at: https://yukon.ca/en/tourism-cooperative-marketing-fund
Canadian Government Announcements:
October 15, 2020 - Applications are now open for the Canada Recovery Benefit - The CRB is one of three programs that replaced the now-closed CERB. The CRB gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The CRB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency. (New!)
October 9, 2020 - The Government of Canada has announced new, targeted support to help businesses through the pandemic. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has been extended until June 2021. A new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy program has been announced, and an expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan program for businesses and not-for-profits seriously impacted by the pandemic with access to an interest-free loan of up to $20,000, is being rolled out. (New!)
October 2, 2020 - The Government of Canada has expanded its Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to provide further support for businesses. Melanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide an additional $600 million to support workers and businesses through RRRF.
September 11, 2020 - the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program has been updated, and on September 10, the Yukon Chamber presented a CRA information and Q&A session to address those changes. We were also provided with notes on the CEWS changes. Applications for the claim period 5 (July 5 to August 1) for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program are open, and CRA has an updated online calculator. Changes to the CEWS program were announced on July 17th. Click here to review what the changes are. CRA has also released a one-pager, including a CRA-developed infographic that outlines key program changes.
August 20, 2020 - To support Canadian businesses and workers through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government is freezing the EI premium rate for employees at the 2020 level of $1.58 per $100 of insurable earnings for two years. The rate for employers, who pay 1.4 times the employee rate, will also remain unchanged at $2.21 per $100 of insurable earnings.
August 6, 2020 - Government of Canada's COVID Alert App Is now available. The contract tracing app is available for iOS and Android devices and will alert users if they come into contact with anyone who tests positive for COVID-19. Note: This application is being rolled out province by province, starting in Ontario, which is the first province where people can use COVID Alert to report a COVID-19 diagnosis. The Government of Canada comments that even outside Ontario, it's still helpful to download COVID Alert. That way, when people in your area are able to report a diagnosis, you'll be notified if you were near them.
July 16, 2020 - Federal Government To Provide $19 Billion To Provinces And Territories. This afternoon it was announced that the federal, provincial and territorial governments have reached an agreement in which the federal government will provide over $19 billion in funding to help the country’s economic recovery. The funding will target seven key areas:
Testing, contact tracing and data management
Health care, including mental health and addictions
Aiding vulnerable populations, including in nursing homes
Personal protective equipment
Early learning and child care
Municipal budgets, including public transit
Paid sick leave
June 24, 2020 - The Government of Canada has temporarily extended time periods given to employers to recall employees laid off due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes have been announced to extend periods for temporary layoffs of federally-regulated private-sector employees to allow employers more time to recall laid-off employees. The temporary changes will help protect the jobs of federally-regulated private-sector employees and will support employers facing economic hardship as a result of the pandemic. The amendments temporarily extend these time periods by up to six months.
May 19, 2020 - The Canadian Government has announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to include many owner-operated small businesses.
May 15, 2020 - The Government of Canada's emergency wage-subsidy program will be extended to August 29 to help employers keep their workers on the payroll during the pandemic, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced today. The program — which covers 75 per cent of an eligible company's payroll, up to a maximum of $847 per week per employee — was originally set to expire next month.
April 27, 2020 - The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) application page is now up and operational. Click here to Apply. (NEW!)
April 22, 2020 - Prime Minister announces $9B in financial aid for students struggling because of pandemic.
April 17, 2020 - The Government of Canada announced $250 million in funding for the Innovation Assistance Program (IAP) to assist Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). IRAP IAP provides a wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks. SMEs pursuing technology-driven innovation who have been unable to secure funding under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) are eligible and can apply for financial assistance under IRAP IAP.
April 14, 2020 - Prime Minister announces health, aviation and social support for Northern communities.
April 9, 2020 - The Government of Canada has announced further changes to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Previously announced qualifying criterion was a 30% or greater decrease in business revenues in Mar. 2020 vs. Mar. 2019. Revisions will allow business to qualify on the basis of:
· A 15% decrease in revenues in Mar. 2020 as compared to Mar. 2019, or
· A 15% decrease in revenues in Mar. 2020 as compared to the average of Jan. and Feb. 2020.
In addition, not-for-profit organizations can choose to include or exclude government funding from their calculations. Further work is also underway on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the Canada Summer Jobs Program.
April 7, 2020 - Links for Yukon companies interested in assisting COVID response.
April 6, 2020 - The Canadian Government Application site for the for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is now open!
All Business and Non Profit organizations will be eligible for 75% of support for payroll:
Subsidy is based on a decrease in revenues of at least 30%. The federal government will cover up to 75% of a salary on the first $58,700, which could mean payments of up to $847 a week for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Note: As of 9:00 am PST April 1, the Federal Government has not announced full details or published a link to online applications for the wage subsidy program.
April 1, 2020 - Link to Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan information and online application forms.
RESOURCES AND TOOLS FOR YUKON BUSINESSES:
Yukon First Nations COVID-19 Coordination Group as shared with the Yukon Chamber of Commerce a link to the www.cyfn.ca/covid-19website which is hosting the most recent travel advisories issued by participating First Nations and municipalities across the Yukon. CYFN will update their map as participating First Nations governments change their information.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce is providing the "Make The Most Of The CBRN Reopening Toolkit For Business." As the Yukon continue to make progress on resuming some economic activities, you can make use of the comprehensive CBRN reopening toolkit. The toolkit provides information on regulations and reopening, childcare access, communications materials, sourcing PPE, access to guides and materials from other organizations and more.
Do You Need To Let Your Customers Know You Are #Open4Business? The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has developed a variety of materials to ensure businesses across Canada have what they need to let their customers know they are reopening. Ready to reopen? Download these images and post them on your windows, doors or website.
Introducing The Business Resilience Service Hotline. The Business Resilience Service (BRS) allows small - to medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits and charities to connect with experienced business advisors from across Canada for guidance on which government relief programs will be most appropriate to support them and their recovery. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce and the Government of Canada team up with the accounting profession to provide free advice to small to medium-sized business, not-for-profits and charities to navigate uncertainty. The program is run through the Canadian Chamber’s Canadian Business Resilience Network in collaboration with support from Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada) and Imagine Canada. The program, coordinated by EY, will be provided for four weeks from Monday, May 25, and involves support from approximately 125 business advisors from across the accounting profession. The program, delivered free of charge, provides:
- Guidance on COVID-19 financial support program options and eligibility
- Direction on accessing the most appropriate support organizations
- Help to make decisions to support recovery plans
- Real time insights and feedback to policymakers
Here is a news release covering this.
COVID-19 and the Workplace: Remote Working Legal Considerations and Recommendations - It is important for employers to understand the legal strategies available to manage the risks associated with remote working by their employees. Fiona Brown, Lorenzo Lisi and Daria Peregoudova, lawyers at Aird & Berlis LLP, have written an article on this. (NEW!)
Reopening Your Business in a Post-COVID-19 World - As restrictions are beginning to be removed, businesses are starting reopen. The only question is how can workers and the public be protected when that happens. David Reiter, a partner at Aird & Berlis LLP, has written an article on this. (NEW!)
Here's a great summary of Financial Support programs of the Federal Government, create by the Canadian Chamber of Commerce as part of their Canadian Business Resiliancy Network initiative.
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the Canadian Business Resilience Network as a resource to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery.
BDC article: COVID-19: 7 steps to sustain your business through the disruption.
Yukon College's Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) group launches a new program, PIVOT. This is a new program to help local companies minimize the effects of COVID-19. The program is designed to support Yukon businesses of all sizes and stages during the global pandemic and beyond.
The Yukon office of the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has shared a letter to Yukoners, as well as an Information Sheet on Liaison Officer Services, and an Information Presentation Deck.
Physical distancing guidelines for home and work from the Yukon Government. Also, a link to a Downloadable Physical Distancing Guideline Document.
Latest COVID-19 information (Yukon government) (self-assessment tool for COVID-19)
Signage for Businesses (Yukon Chamber Of Commerce scroll to bottom of page)
BDC has just announced that all legal businesses will be eligible for the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP), for the duration of the program. This includes both the Canada Emergency Business Account and SME Loan and Guarantee program. For example, businesses in the cannabis sector and those in the hospitality sector operating bars and lounges will now be eligible.
BDC is taking additional measures to provide relief to Canadian Entrepreneurs
The Northern Safety Network Yukon (NSNY) has been compiling resources relevant to COVID-19. Their page covers general information along with resources for businesses.
Key Yukon Government Departmental Phone Numbers: Business: (867) 456-3803, toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408, extension 3803 Immigration: (867) 667-5131, toll free in Yukon: 1-800-661-0408, extension 5131
If your employees are directly affected by COVID-19, you must issue a ROE
“The Canadian Society of Safety Engineering is presenting a free webinar series entitled: Tactics for maintaining Mental Fitness during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Click here to learn more and to get access to the recording of the first session in the series.”
Yukon Government Sick Leave Applications: Sick Leave Employer / Sick Leave Employed / Sick Leave Info Sheet.
Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund - 100% Fund Covered
Resources for Canadian businesses
Resources for Canadian businesses (Government of Canada)
Dept. of Finance Canada: Support for Canadians and Businesses
Prepare your workplace
Getting workplace ready for Covid-19 (World Health Organization)
Crisis Communications Plan (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
Business Continuity & Recovery Plan (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
Mass Gathering recommendations
Mass gathering guidelines (Government of Canada)
Checklists
Business Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - USA)
Pandemic preparedness for business (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
As recommended by the
Yukon's Chief Medical Officer of Health
Yukon Chamber of Commerce staff are working remotely and can be reached at their usual e-mail addresses:
Peter Turner: president@yukonchamber.com
Mal Malloch: advisor@yukonchamber.com
Sandrine Jallet: research@yukonchamber.com
Nikolay Potapenko: office@yukonchamber.com5