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March 2020

Ontario Government 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update

Thursday, March 26, 2020


2020 ECONOMIC

AND FISCAL UPDATE
   
   

2020 Economic and Fiscal Update

In an effort to draw full attention to mitigating both the health and economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Ontario has elected to delay the release of its annual Budget. 

Instead, on March 25, the government released an economic and fiscal update entitled, “Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19,” which provides a one-year economic forecast and the government’s initial response plan to the COVID-19 crisis. The response plan consists of a proposed $17 billion package, with measures intended to complement the federal response. 

Note that we can expect a formal Budget no later than November 15, 2020.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY? 

BUSINESS SUPPORTS

The government announced plans to:

  • Defer $6 billion of provincially administered taxes (April 1 to August 31)
  • Defer $1.9 billion of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) premiums and expenses for employers for 6 months
  • Work with municipal partners to defer $1.8 billion in property taxes for 90 days (including the provincial education tax)
  • Postpone the 2021 property tax reassessment 
  • Retroactively reduce the Employer Health Tax (EHT) and temporarily increase the exemption from $490,000 to $1 million
  • Help support regions lagging in employment growth with the proposed new Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
  • Support energy affordability for small business, farm, and residential consumers with approximately $5.6 billion towards electricity cost relief programs in 2020-21, an increase of approximately $1.5 billion compared to the 2019 Budget plan

OTHER SUPPORTS

The government announced plans to:

  • Invest an additional $3.3 billion in health care resources beyond what was budgeted last year. This includes:
    • $935 million towards the hospital sector
    • $160 million towards public health funding to support COVID-19 monitoring, surveillance, testing, and Telehealth Ontario
    • $243 million for surge capacity in the long-term care sector
    • $75 million to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to front-line staff
  • Provide $26 million in additional support to Indigenous peoples and communities 
  • Help families pay for the extra costs associated with school and daycare closures by providing a one-time payment of $200 per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those under 21 with special needs
  • Double the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for low-income seniors for six months
  • Defer loan payments and interest accrual for six months for Ontario Student  Assistance Program (OSAP) borrowers


Read the OCC's full rapid policy update and read Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update). 

If you have any questions about the rapid policy update, please contact Ashley Challinor, VP of Policy. 

   
Posted by pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com @ 10:30 am
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INDUSTRY SURVEY DUE BY 8:00 AM MONDAY MARCH 23, 2020

Friday, March 20, 2020


 
 
 

SECOND PHASE COVID-19  

INDUSTRY SURVEY NOW OPEN 

In cooperation with partners, members, stakeholders and the office of Minister Lisa MacLeod, TIAO has today released an updated COVID-19 industry survey.

The updated survey marks a shift in focus from measuring the broad impact of COVID-19 on the industry, to measuring the specific economic impact of the disruption on the ground to help shape an economic recovery package.

The survey asks about cancellations, lay-offs and temporary or permanent closures caused by COVID-19.

The survey link is https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HXXC9Y6

Please take a moment to complete the survey, email it to your members and share it with your partners and stakeholders.

Please put the link on your website, social media channels and any other ways you think will help drive traffic to the survey.

A larger sample size means we will paint a much more reflective picture of the economic impacts COVID-19 is having on the front-line and, in turn, a recovery plan that meets those challenges.

Please note the survey will close at 8am on Monday 23rd March so that we can collate and analyze the information before our weekly conference call with Minister MacLeod.

Please ensure that when sharing the survey you include the closing date prominently.

Thank you for your continued support and collaboration during this difficult time.

The TIAO team

Posted by pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com @ 05:47 pm
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Calling All Suppliers - Help Canada Combat COVID-19

Friday, March 20, 2020

Calling All Suppliers - Help Canada Combat COVID-19

 

ACTION:

Government of Canada is seeking information from suppliers on their ability to provide products and services in support of Canada's response to COVID-19

 

BACKGROUND:

Products:

  *   Disposable N95 masks

  *   Disposable Surgical masks

  *   Nitrile gloves

  *   Vinyl gloves

  *   Gowns

  *   Bottles of hand sanitizer

  *   Other prevention products

Services:

  *   Guard / security services

  *   Nursing services

  *   Food services

  *   Laundry services

  *   Accommodation maintenance services

  *   Personal services

  *   IT support services

  *   Other services

NEXT STEPS:

Fill out this form<https://buyandsell.gc.ca/forms/help-canada-combat-covid-19-submission-form> if you can provide items from the list above, or any other product or services not listed.

TIMELINE:

As soon as possible

PLEASE DIRECT INQUIRIES TO:

Your local Provincial Senior Business Advisor or Strategic Account Manager

For inquiries regarding the Government of Canada Call for Suppliers

Martin Montreuil: martin.montreuil@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca<mailto:martin.montreuil@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca> / Tel: 613-793-3594

Alain Dorion: alain.dorion@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca<mailto:alain.dorion@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca> / Tel: 613-790-0974

Posted by pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com @ 02:19 pm
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COVID - 19 - Resource Information from Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office

Tuesday, March 17, 2020

COVID-19

The Leeds Grenville Economic Development Office is receiving information on the impact of COVID-19 on business and our region from various sources.  We will continue to populate this page as additional business information, surveys, resources and programs become available.  Health Resources are at the bottom of this page.

See other News and Public Notices for Leeds Grenville.

Business Resources & Updates

BDC

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

FedDev Ontario

The Government of Canada is taking action to support tourism and other businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can take advantage of new investments and initiatives.  Learn more about the support available.

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to providing you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions as your business navigates through these challenges; including supporting your employees.

Regional Tourism Organization 9 (RTO9)

RTO9 strives to support the tourism and travel industry in the region by closely monitoring events that could cause significant challenges to the industry, including the Covid-19 virus.  Visit the Tourism Talk website for more support.

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario

 

Health Resources & Updates

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health UnitLeeds, Grenville & Lanark Health Unit logo

Ontario Government

Government of Canada

Posted by pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com @ 02:03 pm
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce - COVID-19: National Update

Wednesday, March 11, 2020

COVID-19: National Update

 

To help you prepare for and manage through a potential COVID-19 escalation in Canada, we've prepared a guide to assist in business planning and continuity efforts. Our COVID-19 web page also has a number of other timely resources.

As an additional resource for Canadian businesses, our partners at EDC are hosting a FREE webinar on Thursday, March 12 from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. ET. to help you learn how COVID-19 is affecting global trade and how businesses can be protected. 

 

Register Now

Posted by pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com @ 09:00 am
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Advocacy Alert!!! Letter to MPP Steve Clark - 2020 Ontario Economic Report & Inaugural Small Business Friendliness Indicator

Thursday, March 05, 2020

March 5, 2020

 

MPP Steve Clark

100 Strowger Blvd

Brockville Ontario

K6V 5J9

 

SUBJECT: 2020 Ontario Economic Report and Inaugural Small Business Friendliness Indicator

 

Dear MPP Clark

On February 26, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) and the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce released our fourth annual Ontario Economic Report (OER).

 

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is a proud member of the OCC and we are pleased to present you with this landmark document which will lead the dialogue on business and the Ontario economy as well as inform important public policy decisions for a stronger province.

 

As the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s flagship report, the OER provides key insights into the province’s diverse business community with the goal of informing future public policy to create a more competitive and prosperous Ontario. The research contained with the OER highlights the year ahead and year that was, offering a unique lens on the economy.

 

This year, we have gauged the temperature of business through the Business Confidence Survey (BCS), benchmarked small business competitiveness with the Small Business Friendliness Indicator (SBFI), and examined regional growth projections in the Economic Outlook.

 

This report provides a snapshot of key issues to Ontario and Brockville and area business communities and looks ahead to how we can move forward to ensure collective business prosperity. 


If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out. We would be happy to meet with you to discuss this document at anytime.

 

Best regards,

 

Pamela Robertson

Executive Director

Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce

Email: pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com

Phone: 613-342-6553

 

Click on the link below for the full report 

2020 Ontario Economic Report 

 

 

 

Posted by pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com @ 03:00 pm
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