COVID-19 Resources & Important Information

Dear Chamber members;

In recent days we’ve all been consumed with news on the COVID-19 pandemic, and how it’s affecting our health, our families, and our businesses.

During this time, it’s critical that the chamber network understands the economic impacts on BC businesses in the weeks and months ahead, and how government can support their viability. That’s why we’ve partnered with Small Business BC, Community Futures, and The BC Economic Development Association and created a short survey for big and small businesses alike.

All feedback will go to different levels of government to help them shape their response to the crisis. Please take the time to provide your feedback.

Sincerely,

Tammy Verigin-Burk
Executive Director
Castlegar & District Chamber of Commerce

Take Survey Here

Other Resources and Important Links

Update

In light of the spread of COVID-19 in many countries and the recent pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO), the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission has compiled the below resources to help businesses navigate the risk.

The Public Health Agency of Canada has assessed the public health risk associated with COVID-19 as low for Canada, with continued reassessment as new information becomes available.

Government of Canada COVID-19 Information Service
Phone: 1-833-784-4397
Email: [email protected]

Updates are also provided by British Columbia Centre for Disease Control and Interior Health Authority

Resources

Whether it is a public health issue, natural disaster, or other emergencies, it is important to be prepared and ensure you have an up-to-date business continuity and disaster recovery plan.

We’re sharing the below compiled information with you, as it includes guides and tools for business owners and employers, which you may find helpful.

Guides:

Templates and Tools:

#COVID_19 Bulletin: March 18, 2020

BCEDA #COVID19 Resources for BC Businesses Guide

All of these updates are now located in one document. This shareable, live guide is being continually updated with the most relevant information, tools and resources for the BC business community. Click here to view.

New Resources added from:

  • Excellence in Manufacturing Consortium
  • Insurance Bureau of Canada
  • Startup Canada
  • Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
  • Retail Council of Canada
  • Restaurants Canada
  • CreativeBC

On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.

Government of Canada: Support to Canadians

  • Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents
  • Longer-Term Income Support for Workers
  • Income Support for Individuals Who Need It Most
  • Flexibility for Taxpayers
  • Role of Financial Institutions
  • Mortgage Default Management Tools

On March 18, 2020 the government and its partners announced further measures to support businesses. These actions are part of Canada’s whole-of-government response to COVID-19, and the significant stimulus program developed to stabilize Canada’s economy, support businesses and to protect Canadians.

Government of Canada: Support to Businesses

  • Supporting Canadian Business through the Canada Account
  • Helping Businesses Keep their Workers
  • Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes
  • Ensuring Businesses Have Access to Credit
  • Supporting Financial Market Liquidity

IEDC Webinar: COVID-19 – Preparing for what comes next

March 23, 2020 – 12:00pm PST

Join us to learn the latest on the impact COVID-19 is having on everything from small businesses to essential civil functions. Our moderator will engage speakers on their past experiences in emerging from economic calamity, whatever the cause — natural disasters or previous outbreaks. Attendees will gain from past experiences and learn important information they can use in the coming weeks and months to help their communities recover from the impact of COVID-19. Register here.

More resources are available at https://bceda.ca/coronavirus.php