Category: HR Resources
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COVID-19 Tip #9: Finding COVID-19 Government Assistance Programs for your Business
There are many programs available to assist businesses during COVID-19. The federal and provincial governments have announced a variety of programs ranging from wage subsidies (see our post on the 10% wage subsidy and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy) to emergency benefits to tax filing and payment deferrals (among other things).
The federal government has an interactive tool to help businesses identify the COVID-19 related support available to them. The online tool asks a series of questions to direct you toward the programs and services that are available to your specific business. The tool provides information on the following types of support:
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COVID-19 Tip #8: Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy Update
The federal government published more detailed information regarding the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), and announced that applications for the CEWS will open on April 27, 2020.
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COVID-19 Tip #7: Ontario Emergency Order Extended to May
Ontario extended its Declaration of an Emergency until May 12, 2020.
The orders listed below have been extended until May 6, 2020:
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COVID-19 Tip #6: Ontario Infectious Disease Emergency Leave of Absence
Note: This post provides information on the Ontario infectious disease leave of absence.
For information on the potential application of other leaves of absence, including: bereavement leave, compassionate care leave, critical illness leave, family responsibility leave, family caregiver leave and sick leave, you may wish to sign up for Optimize Compliance or, if you need legal advice, consult a lawyer.
In what circumstances does Ontario’s new infectious disease leave of absence apply?
Ontario employees who are are not performing their work duties because of COVID-19, may take an unpaid infectious disease leave of absence.
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COVID-19 Tip #5: Extended Tax Filing and Payment Dates
Note: The following information is based on the guidance provided by the federal government. For further details see the government’s Income Tax Filing and Payment Dates
When do I have to FILE my taxes?
Individuals – June 1, 2020
Self-Employed and Spouse – June 15, 2020 (no change)
Corporations – June 1, 2020
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COVID-19 Tip #4: Deferral of Certain Tax Payments
Note: The following information is based on the guidance provided by the federal government. For further details see the government’s Frequently Asked Questions, Backgrounder and Deferral of GST/HST Tax Remittances
What payments can I defer?
Income tax, GST/HST and customs duties can be deferred.
Income tax amounts that become owing by a business between March 18, 2020 and September 2020 can be deferred until August 31, 2020. This applies to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.
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COVID-19 Tip #3: Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy
Note: The following information is based on the guidance provided by the federal government. For further details see the government’s Frequently Asked Questions.
How much is the Canada Temporary Wage Subsidy (CTWS)?
10% of the wages normally earned by an employee.
The subsidy is equal to 10% of the remuneration you pay from March 18, 2020 to June 19, 2020, up to $1,375 for each eligible employee and to a maximum of $25,000 total per employer.
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COVID-19 Tip #2: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Note: The following information is based on the guidance provided by the federal government. For further details see the government’s backgrounder and press release.
Ed. Note: Since posting, the CEWS was extended to August 29, 2020. The Government is consulting with business and labour representatives on potential adjustments to the program to incent jobs and growth, including the 30% revenue decline threshold. Further updates will be provided once available.
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COVID-19 Tip #1: Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Note: The following information is based on the guidance provided by the federal government. For further details see the government’s backgrounder and Qs & As.
How much is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
$2,000 every four weeks. (Note: This is a taxable benefit. That means that you will have to report the CERB as income when you file your taxes for the 2020 tax year.)
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