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Northwest TerritoriesThe GNWT announced $26.6 million in economic and fiscal supports in two announcements.

Support for individuals

Resource What it is/Who can apply Notes

Income Assistance increase funding available one-time emergency allowance of $500 per person or

$1,000 for households of two or more, exempting unearned income related to COVID-19 support

until June 30

non-financial support and extended payroll

Student Financial Assistance all student loan payments deferred to September 30, interest free

Northwest Territories Power Corporation

removing load limiters ceasing disconnections

pausing collection

Northwest Territories Housing Corporation

$5 million for temporary housing for homeless persons $1.4 million for Yellowknife (Aspen Apartments for 36 units and Arnica Inn for 25 units)

$3.6 million for outside of the capital (130 units and renovation funding)

Senior Home Heating Subsidy

automatic renewal for participants

Updated: May 12, 2020 Back to Top of 50


Child care for essential workers

$5.106 million to create four temporary child care initiatives and lessen the financial impacts on licensed family day homes and centre-based child care programs including: $1.9 million subsidy to lower child care costs by 33%

for parents who are required to physically attend work and who need child care

$1,000 per month wage top-up for child care staff, $1.3 million estimated cost

$665,000 in additional resources to ensure licensed child care programs receive adequate support for supplies and labour

$1.24 million subsidy to offset a portion of the fixed costs for licensed early learning and child care programs that have closed due to COVID-19.

CERB excluded from IA benefits

Exempts federal emergency benefits (CERB and CESB) from income assistance payment calculations.

NWT Wage Top-up 16 week top up wages for employees 15 years and older earning less than $18 per hour

Businesses are asked to apply for funding to increase the wages of their employees who make less than $18 per hour, for a maximum of 16 weeks between April 1 and July 31, 2020.

Canada has contributed $4.74 million, as part of a national cost-shared program to assist lower-wage essential workers.

Support for businesses


Transportation fees waived Fees removed until the end of June for Deh Cho Bridge tolls, truck permits, airport landing fees

Business Development Bank of Canada

Working Capital Loans: Offer low interest loans to businesses to help offset up to one month of COVID-19 impacts. This will also be available to new BDIC clients

Defer Loan Payments: Allow for the deferral of any payments for a period of up to three cumulative months, between April 1, 2020 and September 30, 2020, with no penalty or additional interest charges

second intake of low-interest working capital loans (first intake approved 61 loans of up to $25,000, totalling $1.5 million)

Expands interest-free deferral of loan payments to include Community Futures Development Corporations clients ($86,000 in foregone revenue)



Economic Relief and Growth Advisory Group

Help identify the economic impacts of the pandemic Represent the business community

Ensure that the items most critical to local economies and jobs are targeted for medium- and long-term government support

Improved Payment Terms for Vendors

Allows small businesses and individuals to access cash flow more quickly by shortening the payment terms on GNWT invoices so that they are paid out as soon as possible.

WSCC Employer Fees Extension of the due date for Employer Assessment Payments from April 1 to May 1.

Airport fees waived Airport fees waived for all businesses at NWT airports including leases, licences and concession fees

Northwest Territories Liquor and Cannabis Corporation

Liquor buyback of unopened inventory from licensed establishments

Support for governments


Fiscal Net Benefit advanced A portion of the benefit transfer advanced to Indigenous governments

$2.325 million for the 2020 Resource Revenue Sharing amounts for signatories to the Devolution Agreement were advanced issued March 23, 2020. Typically, these payments would be received in July/August


Other supports


Contribution Carryovers Allows non-government organizations, Indigenous governments, and community governments with unused contribution amounts in 2019-2020 to use these funds in 2020-2021

GNWT Collections Policy Provides small businesses and individuals with access to greater cash flow by:

o suspending most collections efforts, including outside collection agency activity

o providing set-offs on GNWT payments and GNWT set-offs on Canada Revenue Agency tax refunds

Tax Returns Waives interest charges on late tax returns between March 15 to June 30

Professional and permit fees Waives professional fees for HSS workers (estimated at $250,000) and food establishment permit fees (estimated $35,000)

Eviction moratorium Eviction moratorium broadened beyond public housing (except in cases of health and safety risk) and rent deferrals allowed for tenants affected by the pandemic.

Transitional Rent Supplement Program enhanced

Transitional Rent Supplement Program enhanced (e.g. minimum subsidy raised to $100, access made easier) and extended to Aug 31 (no cost estimate).

PPE subsidies Subsidies for local production of personal protective equipment (up to $25,000 per application to purchase raw materials and equipment) and non-medical masks (up to $1,000 for raw materials)

Recycling grants One-time payment of $5,000 for recycling processing centres and continued grants for recycling depot operators during the pandemic.

Vulnerable people housing and addiction programming

Expands support for vulnerable people through new transitional housing facilities and resumption of regular addiction programming.


YukonYukon announced a support package reportedly estimated at $4 million.



Supporting Workers individuals who are required to self-isolate for 14 days because of COVID-19 will receive paid sick leave

Supporting Women Vulnerable to Violence

provides 325 cell phones to women at risk of violence for four months to ensure safe access to required services

Supporting Parents provides enhanced funding through June 2020 for childcare operators (licensed centres and family day homes) to help them avoid charging fees to parents

covers staff wages and eligible building expenses, including rent, utilities and cleaning costs

Property tax deadline extended

Property tax payment deadline extended to September 2 for citizens and businesses.

CERB excluded from social assistance benefits

Exempts Canada Emergency Response Benefit from calculation of social assistance benefits.



Cancelled Events grant program to address certain expenses related to cancelled events

Fee Collection waiving, reimbursing or delaying government fee collection, like airport landing fees, to stimulate the business and tourism industries

Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Payments

deferring premium payments, reimbursing up-front payments, and waiving penalties and interest to relieve financial pressures



Tourism Industry enhancing local advertising efforts

increase of $1 million to Tourism Cooperative Marketing Fund and waiving cost-sharing provision (YT will provide 100% support for projects)

Arts and Culture Industry honouring transfer payment agreements considering COVID-19 related impacts

$275,000 in interim support for the sector

Business Advisory Council gathers information to share with YT to monitor the economic impact of COVID-19

Yukon Business Relief Program

helps businesses stay afloat during the pandemic by providing funding for businesses that have experienced a 30% reduction in revenue

not for non-profits

$10 million allocated for program to cover 75%-100% of fixed costs, up to $30,000 monthly

effective March 23, 2020 (retroactive) to March 22, 2020

applications accepted until June 1, 2020

Airline support Announces $3.56 million for local aviation industry to compensate for lost revenue (Yukon portion of federal support announced on Apr 14), including $1.1 million in direct support to Air North and $780,000 total savings from fee waivers from Apr 1 to Dec 31.


Nunavut



Child Care Facilities funds provided to licensed child care facilities to cover parental fees from March 17 to April 7.

all licensed child care facilities that charge parental fees will qualify

As of April 29, continues to provide regular operating and maintenance funding to licensed childcare facilities, which remain closed.

funding will be processed and sent to facilities by Friday, March 27

during this time, parents will not be required to pay parental fees. If closures continue after April 7, the department will re-evaluate and assist licensed child care facilities with making decisions on how to move forward

Community Harvester Support Program

contribution agreements for one-time funding of $25,000 per Community Harvester Support Program

funding provided by the Department of Environmental Services

Community Food Programs for Children and Elders

$2 million will be allocated by community size $40,000 for communities under 1000 people,

$90,000 for communities over 1000 people

$200,000 for Iqaluit

Electricity support for residential and commercial consumers

Electric utility highlights flexible payment options and waiver of late fees for residential and commercial customers.

Isolation hubs spending Highlights over $2 million spent so far on isolation hubs, notes that any resident leaving after May 7 to return later will have to cover their own 14-day isolation costs (except for health care cases).



Small Business Support Program

eligible businesses can apply for up to $5,000 in support in the form of a non-repayable contribution

eligibility not specified, application-based

Airline Support providing $2.25 million per week to local airlines to maintain basic scheduling and operations

need noted for more federal support in this sector


Support for government


Municipal support Provide $2 million to municipalities to cover expenses incurred in response to the pandemic, such as cleaning materials, additional staff, signage, lost facility revenue.


British Columbia

BC has announced a $5-billion action plan comprising income supports, tax relief and direct funding for people, businesses and services.


$2.8 billion to help people and fund services


Emergency Benefit for Workers

provides a tax-free $1,000 one-time payment to those whose ability to work has been affected

workers can be EI-eligible and non-EI eligible, such as the self-employed

benefit will be in addition to federal support

BC Climate Action Tax Credit increase and expansion of the BC Climate Action Tax Credit, up to $112.50 per family of four and up to $43.50 per adult

Critical Services Support $1.7 billion in funding for critical services includes investments in:

o housing and shelter supports

o income and disability assistance programs

o crucial health services, such as funding for the BC Centre for Disease Control Hotline, quarantine costs, lab tests and work underway at the First Nations Health Authority and the United Way’s Better at Home program for seniors

o non-profits

o service delivery agencies and childcare providers

o a six-month interest-free student loan holiday

Food Banks BC $3 million in new funding

Emergency Relief Support Fund

$900,000 for children and youth with special needs and their families to purchase supports that help alleviate stress, such as meal preparation assistance, caregiver relief support and counseling services

relaxes policy guidelines for many special needs services

provides $225/month for three months (April, May, June) to eligible families



Civil Resolution Tribunal extends deadlines and waives fees for claimants struggling financially due to COVID-19

no cost estimate provided

Utility Bills non-repayable credit for residential customers who lost their job/are unable to work, equivalent to three times their average monthly hydro bill (average expected credit of $477 per customer)

three month waiver of hydro bills for small businesses forced to close (average savings of $363 per business)

three month deferral of half the hydro bill for major industries (pulp & paper, mining; no savings estimate provided)

One percent decrease in BC Hydro rates effective Apr 1 (approval of previous submission)

total cost not disclosed

Indigenous Emergency Assistance Fund

provides an additional $1.5 million to the fund to help Indigenous students experiencing unexpected financial emergencies

covers cost of living expenses such as groceries, cell phone bills, child care and health care costs

Childcare BC updates and highlights $38 million spent on childcare during pandemic so far

More than 2,500 essential service workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic have been referred to open child care spaces through the Province’s new child care matching process.

Family Caregivers BC highlights $1 million in support for Family Caregivers of B.C (non-profit organization with agencies throughout the province) as part of its COVID-19 action plan.

Temporary layoff period extended

Temporary layoff period extended to 16 weeks for pandemic-related reasons, to align with Canada Emergency Response Benefit period.



$2.2 billion in relief to businesses and help for later recovery


Employer Health Tax Payments

defers health tax payments for six months for businesses with payroll over $500,000

businesses with payroll below $500,000 are already exempt from the Health Tax

Tax Filing Deadlines deadlines for provincial sales tax (PST), municipal and regional district taxes, tobacco tax, motor fuel tax and carbon tax have been extended by six months

Delayed Tax Increases delays planned increases for carbon tax and PST-related measures for ecommerce and carbonated drinks

School Tax School tax reduced by 50% for business and light- and major-industry property classes to allow commercial landlords to pass savings on to tenants immediately

Economic Recovery Plan allocated $1.5 billion

Showcase BC new online hub to support the local music industry

provides one-time micro-grants for emerging ($500) and established ($2,000) artists for live streaming, song writing, and professional development

This is not included in the $2.2 billion that precedes this table

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program

BC commits $80 million to the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program for small businesses and adds a new funding stream dedicated to underserved communities (rural, remote and Indigenous communities) to its existing internet connectivity program.

Stumpage fees deferred Defers stumpage fees by 3 months to help forestry sector ($80 million in liquidity support)

Liquor license renewal fees deferred

Deferral of liquor license renewal fees to Sep 30 for licensees experiencing financial hardship.


Other support


Animal care facilities BC offers emergency help for animal care facilities (shelters, zoos, aquariums) due to dramatic decrease in donations of food, supplies and volunteers, as well as inability to hold fundraisers.


Alberta



Emergency Isolation Support for working adults that must self-isolate, meet eligibility requirements, and will not have another source of income during isolation

one-time payment before federal support in April

Online application and direct deposit

Utility Payment Holiday defers bills for 90 days and no cutoff of service for electricity and natural gas

Student Loan Repayment Holiday

six-month, interest-free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments

$193 million in credit support

Education Property Tax eliminates scheduled rate adjustment

Alberta Treasury Branches defers Alberta Treasury Branches (ATB) loans, lines of credit, and mortgages for up to six months

Credit Unions members will have access to a variety of financing solutions to cope with financial difficulty

Support for Renters a moratorium on evictions, rent increases and late fees

Seniors and Vulnerable Populations

funding to support seniors and other vulnerable groups disproportionately affected by virus.

additional $60 million in funding

Support for Caregivers funding to expand support and resources through a public awareness campaign, inventory of support, updated and expanded programs and resources for employers

$3 million in funding




Small Business Supports ATB payment deferrals and access to additional financing

Corporate Income Tax collection is deferred to August 31 estimated at $1.5 billion

Alberta Energy Regulator Levy

funding the Alberta Energy Regulator levy for six months estimated at $113 million

Oil and Gas Tenure Extension

oil and gas tenure extension

2020 expirations extended by one year

Orphan Well Reclamation loan for orphan well reclamation estimated at $100 million

Tourism Levy interest-free deferral until Aug 31

Education Property Tax eliminates scheduled rate adjustment

defers payment for non-residential properties by six months

the Alberta government encourages commercial landlords to pass on these savings to their tenants through reduced or deferred payments. This will help employers continue to manage their debts, pay their employees and stay in business

businesses capable of paying their taxes in full are strongly encouraged to do so. This will assist the province in being able to support Albertans through this pandemic

Workers Compensation Board

deferral of premiums for all private sector employers until early 2021

2020 premiums for small and medium-sized enterprises reduced by 50%

Timber Dues deferred for six months to help forest companies continue operations and retain staff

economic impact not disclosed

Site Rehabilitation Program Site Rehabilitation Program will provide up to $1 billion to create up to 5,300 jobs in the energy sector. It will provide grants of between 25% and 100% of total project costs to oilfield service contractors to perform well, pipeline, and oil and gas site reclamation work.

Implementation to be done in phases of $100-million increments, first phases to concentrate on smaller projects of up to $30,000 per application.




For small businesses, up to $67 million in support for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program.


Support for government


Mental health and addiction recovery services

Funding for more online, phone and in-person mental health and addiction recovery services and resources, $53 million

o $21.4 million for improved access to online and phone services/helplines;

o $2.6 million to expand individual and group treatment;

o $4.2 million to expand the support available through Primary Care Networks;

o $25 million for a new community grant program to enhance community mental health and addiction recovery.

Support for continuing care operators

Advances $24.5 million to continuing care operators to address immediate cost pressures and will provide $7.3 million per month during the pandemic period for continuing care facilities to support more staffing, a wage supplement of $2/hour for health care aides and up to 1,000 paid student practicum positions.

Family and Community Support Services

Temporarily amends its Family and Community Support Services program to allow funds to be used to address food supply issues during the pandemic.


Other supports

Alberta will redirect $128 million allocated for K-12 education into the COVID-19 response


Matching Donations AB will match donations up to $2 million to AB-based charities and non-profits with COVID-19 fundraising campaigns, as of Apr 15

Early Treatment Trials AB provides $286,000 grant to support province-wide trial on early treatment for COVID-19

Improved access to rural health care

Not necessarily related to COVID-19 pressures:

$60,000 cap on Rural and Remote Northern Program abolished;

medical liability for rural and family physicians frozen at $1,000;

increased rates for on-call service; exemption from changes to overhead costs for physicians; $6 million over 3 years to cover medical student costs and

encourage them to return to rural communities to practice.

Increase testing capacity Invests $4.5 million (including a $1.7 million donation by Calgary Health Trust) to increase its COVID-19 testing capacity from 7,000 to 16,000 per day.


Saskatchewan

Supports for individuals


Self-isolation Support Program

will provide $450 per week, for a maximum of two weeks or $900

designed to ensure that all Saskatchewan residents are covered by either a federal or provincial program

anticipated to cost a total of $10 million

will mostly benefit self-employed residents;

Student Loan Repayment Moratorium

six-month, interest-free debt repayment program estimated to cost $4 million

mirrors federal program

Saskatchewan Employment Act

amended to introduce new unpaid health emergency leave

removed 13 week employment requirement for accessing sick leave and requirement for doctor’s note

Supports for businesses


Provincial Sales Tax (PST) provides relief from penalty and interest charges for businesses unable to remit PST

audit and compliance services have been suspended

estimated to defer $750 million

Saskatchewan Employment Act

amended so businesses need not provide notice or pay in lieu of notice for lay-offs for 12 weeks or less in a 16 week period during a public emergency

for lay-offs of more than 12 weeks in a 16 week period, the employee is considered terminated and entitled to pay instead of notice

Single Window Portal for Businesses

will be created to provide access to information on supports

to be complemented by a Business Response Team

“Buy local” marketing $1 million for marketing campaign to encourage “buy local” initiatives.



Small Business Emergency Payment

provides grants up to $5,000 to small and medium-size enterprises

based on 15% of monthly sales revenue

business must:

o have been fully operational as of February 29, 2020

o have curtailed or cancelled operations due to the COVID-19 health order

o have less than 500 employees

o commit to re-opening after health order is cancelled

Addition of seasonal businesses to Small Business Emergency Payment program

$50 million program

Not dedicated to specific cost pressures

Energy Sector extension to several filing and other administrative deadlines

extends mineral rights scheduled to expire in 2020 by one year

reduces industry portion of Oil and Gas Levy by 50% this fiscal year and delays invoicing of remaining balance until October 1, 2020

total cost undisclosed

reduction in Oil and Gas Levy expected to provide $11.4 million in direct and liquidity support

AgriStability interim benefit payment increased

2020 AgriStability interim benefit payment increased from 50% to 75%, to give producers a larger share of their estimated final benefit early, and access conditions eased.

Temporary wage supplement for essential workers

Temporary wage supplement for lower income essential workers: will provide $400/month for up to 16 weeks for those earning less than $2,500/month and working in senior care and licensed childcare facilities, community-based group homes, and shelters.

Supplement will be cost-shared with federal government at estimated total cost of $56 million


Other supports


Child Care for Essential Service Workers

will re-purpose child care facilities in schools to provide child care services to support staff in health care and other employees who are delivering services related to the pandemic response

Social Services Pandemic Response

$171,000 in new funding for emergency shelters

funding for emergency hotel stays if shelters are full

increased child care subsidies

flexibility for youth in care so they do not age out of services during the pandemic


Professional Fees for Retired Health Care Workers

covers fees for retired workers who wish to re-certify to help provide urgent care during the pandemic


Increased capital plan $7.5 billion for a 2-year capital plan to stimulate economic recovery from the pandemic, representing a $2-billion increase over the existing plan, including $300 million for highways, $200 million for health infrastructure and $135 million for education infrastructure.

Northern support $370,000 to fight pandemic in northern part of the province


Manitoba



Measures to Help Vulnerable Youth

extends support to youth in care until Sept 30, 2020, benefiting up to 350 youth who otherwise have aged out of the child welfare system

will provide 10 additional housing units for young adults

extends foster care and residential care licences by 60 days

Child Care for Essential Workers

establishing a new $18-million grant program to help early childhood educators affected by the suspension of child-care services in centres to have access to immediate funds to begin independently offering child-care services at their homes or in the community

continuing to provide licensed child-care centres with their full operating grants and subsidies, totaling up to $7.6 million

investing $2 million to create a trust that will provide capital grants to child-care providers to ensure safe, quality care

encouraging all centres to reimburse prepaid fees to parents for child care they can no longer access

$27.6 million in new funding

Manitoba Protection Plan Accelerated removal of PST from residential and commercial property insurance (foregone revenue of $75 million/year);

Leave Related to Self-isolation

will compensate health care workers who have to self-isolate for 14 days due to possible exposure to coronavirus in the workplace

proposing new provisions for protected unpaid leave for employees affected by the pandemic.

cost undisclosed



Insurance refund Manitoba Public Insurance returns up to $110 million in surplus funds to policyholders, equivalent to 11% of the 2019 premium on average (or $140 to $160 per policyholder), instead of reducing future premiums.

Summer Student Recovery Plan

Up to $120 million for the Summer Student Recovery Plan, a new wage subsidy program to support high school and post-secondary students in the private and non-profit sectors. Program will provide a $7/hour wage subsidy, up to $5,000/student, for up to 5 students, from May 1 to Sep 4.

CERB to be taxed as earned income

MB to treat federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit as earned income, to allow Employment and Income Assistance clients to receive more than they would on EIA alone, as well as to retain prescription drug, dental and optical benefits.

Summer school accessibility expanded

Expands access to summer school programming for Grade 9-12 students by waiving course fees and removing enrolment cap (no cost estimate)

Seniors support $45 million in direct support to seniors through a new one-time $200 refundable tax credit for those aged 65 and over.




Manitoba Protection Plan a six-month deferral of interest and penalties on utility and provincial insurance payments; interest on receivables from restaurants and bars; late payment penalties of workers compensation premiums; and interest on school taxes and fees

deferral of personal and corporate income tax payments and filing deadlines to Aug 31, to match the corresponding federal measure (brings impact of tax deferrals to $80 million)

Accelerated removal of PST from residential and commercial property insurance (foregone revenue of $75 million/year);

Made-in-Manitoba Masks additional $15 million to pre-order made-in-Manitoba masks based on a design developed at Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre, to encourage the mobilization of local manufacturing

Workers Compensation Board refund

Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba authorizes return of $37 million in surplus funds (equivalent to 20% of the 2019 premium) to eligible employers to provide financial relief.

SME Support for those that do not qualify for federal assistance

Manitoba Gap Protection Program will provide up to $120 million to support small and medium-sized businesses affected by the pandemic but unable to qualify for federal grant assistance. Eligible businesses can receive an interest-free, forgivable loan of $6,000.

Canadian Agricultural Partnership

MB announces joint investment with federal government of $160,000 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help the agri-food sector expand online.


Support for governments


Manitoba Protection Plan over $400 million for accelerated procurement of essential medical supplies and equipment, hotel capacity and other critical needs

Increased to $400 million from $100 million

Personal Protective Equipment

$35.2 million in funding for new equipment

Ventilators $2.7 million to purchase up to 43 ventilators

Renal Dialysis $410,000 to purchase 13 continuous renal dialysis replacement machines for intensive care

COVID-19 Testing $80,000 to purchase a nucleic acid extractor to enhance rapid COVID-19 testing capacity

COVID-19 Research Fund more than $3.5 million to support clinical and applied research, including $700,000 for MB’s first COVID-19 clinical trial for a drug to fight the coronavirus

$0.5 million for partnerships with industry and philanthropic sources supporting existing trials based in Manitoba but with sites across Canada and in seven other countries

$1 million for innovation projects including the development of diagnostic tools.

Provincial Pandemic Response

New funding, including:

o $500 million for the Health Services Insurance Fund

o $400 million for internal service adjustments appropriations, i.e. allocations to pandemic-related costs across government, allowing the flexibility to create new programs or address increased costs under existing ones experiencing higher volumes

o $100 million for emergency expenditures

estimated funding up to $1 billion


OntarioThe 2020 Budget was delayed until November and a March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update was released as the response to COVID-19. It includes $7 billion in additional funding and $10 billion in several payment deferrals to improve cash flow for businesses.


$3.7 billion for direct support to people and jobs, with $2.0 billion for targeted support, $290 million in new tax measures, and $1.5 billion for electricity subsidies.


Employment Standards Amendment Act

provides job-protected leave for quarantined or isolated employees, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures or to care for other relatives

retroactive to January 25, 2020, when the first provincial presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed

it will also make it clear employees cannot be required to show sick notes.

Health Insurance waives 3-month waiting period for health insurance coverage and commits to cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people

Supports for Seniors provides $75 million in urgent additional support for 194,000 low-income seniors by proposing to double the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)

provides $10 million to community organizations to coordinate deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to seniors living at home

maximum GAINS payment to increase to $166 per month for individuals and $332 per month for couples, for six months starting in April 2020

Child Payments one-time $200 payment per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those with special needs including kids enrolled in private schools

Student Loans six-month, interest-free deferral of student loan payments



Funding for Indigenous Peoples and Communities

provides $26 million to Indigenous peoples and communities, including emergency assistance for urban Indigenous people in financial need, costs for health care professionals and critical supplies to reach remote First Nations, as well as funding to address emergency planning and self-isolation needs for people in First Nations communities

$16.4 million for food, critical supplies, transportation, support and care, services and supports for urban Indigenous people, self-isolation facilities in remote and northern communities, prevention and awareness efforts, and pandemic planning;

$10 million to respond to the needs of vulnerable children, families and elders

$7.4 million to help social service providers, charities and non-profits delivering critical housing services to Indigenous people living off-reserve

$4 million to ensure continued service to remote and northern airports

Temporary Emergency Supports

provides $200 million in new funding for people in financial need as well as funding to municipalities and other service providers to respond to local needs (i.e. food banks, homeless shelters, churches and emergency services)

Electricity Subsidies subsidies for eligible residential, farm and small business consumers will increase by $1.5 billion compared to the 2019 budget

electricity price controls (lowest time of day rate for 24 hours, for 45 days)

$9 million for Low-income Energy Assistance Program

No service disconnections during the pandemic



Mental Health Supports $12 million to expand online and virtual mental health supports

$2.6 million to hire new psychologists and other mental health workers to support Ontario Provincial Police

This measure and the following three are not part of the $3.7B in the preceding text

Victims of Crime $2.7 million to support services for victims of domestic violence and other violent crimes during the pandemic

provided through more than 50 community agencies across Ontario

COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund

supports organizations that provide residential services for children and youth, people with developmental disabilities and emergency shelters for women and families

$40 million in new funding

Property Tax defers payments by 90 days for people and businesses in Northern Ontario located outside of municipal boundaries

$15 million in cash flow relief

Support for Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada

COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable People, building on measures previously announced to protect people living in high-risk settings. New plan includes $1.5 million for the Children’s Aid Foundation of Canada’s COVID-19 Youth Support Fund.

Pandemic Pay Top-up for Front Line Workers

$4 per hour top-up to wages of eligible front-line workers

Employees working more than 100 hours a month would receive lump sum payments of $250 per month for each of the next four months.

Eligible employees working an average of 40 hours per week would receive $2,560 in additional compensation over the 4 months

Those eligible for pandemic pay are staff at long-term care homes, retirement homes, emergency shelters, supportive housing, what the province calls social services congregate care settings, as well as workers at correctional institutions and youth justice facilities, and those providing home and community care.

Expanded eligibility for childcare

Expands list of frontline workers eligible for free emergency childcare (no cost estimate).




Employer Health Tax Proposed temporary increase to the Employer Health Tax exemption

estimated at $355 million

Corporate Income Tax Corporate Income Tax credit for regions with poor employment growth

Property Taxes and Worker Safety and Insurance Benefits

$10 billion in deferrals for interest, penalties and tax payments, municipal education property tax payments, and Worker Safety and Insurance Benefits premiums collection for employers

Ontario Together launches $50-million Ontario Together Fund to help businesses retool their operations to manufacture essential medical supplies and equipment


Ontario and federal government invest up to $1 million in a job-matching initiative in the agri-food sector, as part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

$2.5 million through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership to help the agri-food sector expand online. The Agri-Food Open for E-Business initiative will provide grants of up to $5,000 to eligible organizations and businesses to establish an online presence and cost-shared funding of up to $75,000 for high-impact projects.


Up to $241 million in support for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program for small businesses (funded through its action plan).

Website launched for business consultation

Website to solicit ideas from business to temporarily ease regulatory and other barriers and stimulate recovery from the pandemic.

Direct support in private firm for health supplies

$850,000 investment in Virox Technologies to double production of disinfectant.


Supports for governments


“First Stage” Relief Package The province announced the "first stage" relief package:

o $100 million for increased capacity in hospitals

o $50 million for more testing and screening through public health

o $50 million for personal protective equipment for frontline workers, first responders and patients

o $25 million to support frontline workers working in COVID-19 assessment centres

o $50 million for long-term care homes.

o $20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, gender-based services and protective care for children and youth

o $5 million to protect seniors in retirement homes

o $4 million for Indigenous communities

Estimated $304 million; includes 75 more critical care beds, 500 more acute care beds, 75 more COVID-19 response centres and new protective equipment.

Social Services $200 million in relief funding to municipalities and social services organizations to protect the health and safety of the most vulnerable

will help those who do not qualify for emergency financial supports under federal programs

Ontario is putting an expanded emergency assistance program in place, to be administered by Ontario Works, to cover needs such as food, rent, childcare and services



Health Care $3.3 billion for new health care resources, with $1.2 billion to improve the health care system and $2.1 billion in new response measures listed below:

o a dedicated $1.0 billion COVID-19 contingency fund

o $341 million for hospital capacity to increase assessments and treatment

o $243 million for long-term care home emergency capacity and new virus containment measures

o $100 million more for public health;

o $170 million for community capacity, homecare and Telehealth Ontario

o $62 million for health care workers in assessment centres, hospitals and the community

o $75 million for new personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies

o approximately $80 million for ambulance and paramedic services

o Approximately $70 million for new infection control measures in retirement homes, residential facilities and emergency shelters

Expenditure Projection for 2020-2021

Ontario has included a $2.5 billion contingency reserve in its expenditure projection for 2020-2021

Municipal Emergency Act ensures the delivery of goods to businesses and consumers is not impeded by municipal bylaws

Free virtual mental health services

Expands access to free virtual mental health services, as part of its pandemic response plan.



Outbreak planning in Indigenous communities

Provides details on its support for outbreak planning, prevention and mitigation efforts in Indigenous communities, part of its Mar 25 action plan.

$16.4 million for food, critical supplies, transportation, support and care, services and supports for urban Indigenous people, self-isolation facilities in remote and northern communities, prevention and awareness efforts, and pandemic planning;

$10 million to respond to the needs of vulnerable children, families and elders;

$7.4 million to help social service providers, charities and non-profits delivering critical housing services to Indigenous people living off-reserve; and

$4 million to ensure continued service to remote and northern airports.

Other measures


Help delivery of essentials to vulnerable people

Help community organizations to coordinate deliveries of meals, medicines and other necessities to low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions living at home with $11 million.

Electricity cost relief Defers portion of electricity fee increase for industrial and commercial electricity consumers outside regulated price plan, and lifts restrictions on some businesses starting May 4.

Extension of electricity rate relief for residences, farms and small businesses to May 31


Quebec



Child Care free emergency childcare for people working in essential services (e.g., health care), with up to 60,000 spots available, using the up to 400 closed schools by government

Financial Support for Self-Isolation

temporary financial aid for those who self-isolate and do not qualify for employment insurance (Programme d’aide temporaire aux travailleurs touchés par le coronavirus or PATT)

the government has committed $573 per week to workers affected and effective for a period of two to four weeks. Registration forms available March 19

Seniors’ Homes and Long-term Care Facilities

$133 million in funding to better protect residents and staff in seniors’ homes, long-term care facilities and homes for people with special needs

Essential Services Workers the Programme incitatif pour la rétention des travailleurs essentiels (PIRTE) will provide low-income essential services workers with $100/week for up to 16 weeks, retroactive to Mar 15

Estimated cost: $890 million (assuming 600 000 applicants)

Wage top-up extension Salary and wage bonuses for health care, social services and care home workers extended to May 31 (no cost estimate).

Long-term care home wage support

$3,368/month to anyone willing to work full-time in long-term care homes




Support for Small- and Medium-sized Businesses

$2.5 billion investment in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs):

o committed to providing additional loans to SMEs to address liquidity issues amid COVID-19

o minimum amount for loan: $50,000

o eligible SMEs: only those that have sudden liquidity issues due to COVID-19 (i.e. SMEs with previous liquidity issues are not eligible for this new loan program)

$2,000 for businesses that benefit from the small business deduction and reduction of eligibility threshold from $50,000 to $10,000

$150 million in temporary emergency support for small and medium-sized businesses in need of working capital loans or loan guarantees of $50,000 or less. Program amount will be distributed between Montreal ($40 million), Quebec City ($10 million) and other regions ($100 million)

Airlines $40 million in support of regional air transportation of essential materials and workers, as well as patients, during the public health emergency, to cover operating deficits accumulated by regional carriers since Mar 13

Maintaining Employment Programme actions concertées pour le maintien en emploi (PACME) to provide grants of up to $100,000 to businesses, non-profits and community organizations to support workforce training. Funds will cover 100% of cost of material and trainer fees and up to $25/h in trainee wages. Program will run until Sep 30



Forestry Deferral of timber dues until Sep 2020 ($60 million in liquidity support);

Updates to rate schedules to account for higher cost of ensuring safe workplaces that respect physical distancing measures (no cost estimate).

Deferral of business registry fees

Deferral of business registry fees to Sep 1 ($24.5 million in liquidity support) and increased flexibility for supplemental

Support for agricultural sector

$45 million for the recruitment of agricultural workers, including through wage bonuses ($42.6 million), transport ($2 million), training ($200,000) and job-matching ($200,000);

New support through the Financiere agricole du Quebec (provincial farm credit agency), including working capital loans and guarantees of up to $50,000, earlier capital grant payments and more generous insurance/revenue protection provisions;

$1.3 million investment in Ferme d’hiver to promote food self-sufficiency in the province.

$50,000 to help public farmers’ markets develop an online service platform

Local mask production support

$4-million loan to Medicom to accelerate local production of medical masks in Montreal.

Health service fund contributions

$113 million in support for employers through credits for health services fund contributions.


Up to $137 million in support for the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program for small businesses (25% of costs)


Other supports


Disaster Funding The National Assembly will be disbursing a sum of more than $2 billion in disaster funding to face the COVID-19 crisis.

Income Tax the tax-filing deadline has been delayed to June 1

will affect about two million individuals and 500,000 businesses, will immediately liberate about $7.7 billion worth of liquidity into economy. Instead of the usual April 30 deadline, individuals will have until June 1 to file a return and until July 31 to pay their taxes. Businesses will be required to follow their regular filing schedules, but can also wait to pay taxes until July 31.

will affect about two million individuals and 500,000 businesses, will immediately liberate about $7.7 billion worth of liquidity into economy

instead of the usual April 30 deadline, individuals will have until June 1 to file a return and until July 31 to pay their taxes

businesses will be required to follow their regular filing schedules, but can also wait to pay taxes until July 31.

Local Investment Fund Loans Three-month extension to the repayment holiday for loans (total six months)

Community Organizations $10 million increase for community service organizations helping vulnerable clients.

$20 million in financial support to community organizations, in particular those who provide assistance with food, housing, transportation and physical/mental health.

Living and home care support

$15.7 million to meet additional needs in living and home care environments and offers home help attendants who agree to work in long-term care homes the same benefits announced earlier ($4/hour salary increase).

Enhance mental health services

Announces $31 million to enhance access to psychosocial and mental health services.

Housing people with addictions

Announces $3 million in emergency support for housing people with addictions

Matching donations for youth organizations

Up to $1 million in matching donations for youth organizations affected by the pandemic through the Fonds Mille et UN (for campaigns raising between $5,000 and $50,000)



Support for community organizations

$5 million for community organizations providing family services (around $16,000 each) and drop-in daycare services ($2,000 each).

Social services and housing Canada-Quebec agreement to provide $21.4 million to support programs for homeless people and those at risk of becoming homeless;

interest-free loans of $1,500 (equivalent to two months’ rent) for public housing tenants whose income has been affected by the pandemic;

up to $2,000/month for up to 2 months for households unable to move into their new homes due to pandemic-related delays, to help cover temporary housing costs, as well as $1,000 per household for storage and moving costs;

$240,000 to support grieving families during the pandemic through new funding for helplines, private consultations and support for clinical practice.


New Brunswick



Public Drug Plans For the duration of pandemic, patients will only be responsible for the initial co-payment on a prescription fill or refill

Income Benefit announced one-time income benefit of $900 for workers or self-employed people who have lost their job due to the state of emergency

total cost $4.5 million, announced on Mar 26

benefit will be administered through the Red Cross and help bridge the gap until federal income support is received

Support for Post-secondary Students

Emergency Bridging Fund for Vulnerable Post-Secondary Students will provide a one-time payment of up to $750/student

cost undisclosed

to be distributed by post-secondary institutions based upon eligibility criteria

cannot be combined with the $900 emergency income benefit

Unpaid job protection measures

Implements unpaid job protection measures, retroactive to Mar 12, for workers affected by the pandemic, and announces May 4 launch of virtual job-matching platform to address gaps caused by restrictions on temporary foreign workers.

Online artistic performances Program to promote online artistic performances: artists who have had their exhibition, project, showcase or performance cancelled due to the pandemic can receive up to $2,000 for an artistic presentation on social media (total cost undisclosed).




Property Tax will review business property tax late penalties on case-by-case basis (normally required to be paid by May 31) to see if the penalty can be waived

HST, EI and CPP Remittances NB has requested that the federal government consider deferring or waiving remittances for three months

WorkSafeNB Assessment Premiums

three-month, interest-free deferral of assessment premiums

Business Loans deferrals for business loan and interest payments for up to six-months

to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis

Part of $50 million aggregate with Working Capital Loans (next support)

Working Capital Loans up to $25 million in working capital loans for small business owners (loan amount up to $200,000), with no principal repayment for 1 year

up to $25 million in working capital loans for medium-sized and large firms (minimum $200,000/loan)

Part of $50 million aggregate with Business Loans (previous support)

Other supports


Internet connectivity for students

Invests $860,000 to improve students’ access to internet and technology to support home learning, through 1,000 tablets with data plans, 500 laptops and 300 MiFi hubs.


Nova Scotia



Income Assistance each income assistance client and members of their families will receive $50 for food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items. For example, a single mother with three children will receive $200

the income assistance is automatic: no need to apply. For income assistance clients with direct deposit, the funds will appear in their account as early as March 20

$2.2 million investment

expected to help 26,000 families and 40,000 individuals

Tenant Rights effective immediately, no tenant whose income has been affected by COVID-19 can be evicted by their landlord

Seniors and Vulnerable Populations

up to 800 iPads for seniors in long-term care homes to keep in touch with family

100 phones plus calling plans for the most vulnerable clients of the Department of Community Services ($50,000 for phones + $5,000/month for plans)

$55,000 for 12 smaller community food banks

$200,000 for transitions houses and other organizations that serve vulnerable women and children

$230,000 investment in emergency funding for community links and senior safety programs to increase capacity and expand hours of operation

Worker Emergency Bridge Fund

helps self-employed and laid-off workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance

will provide a one-time, $1,000 payment to bridge the gap between layoffs and the start of the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit

estimated cost of $20 million

Feed Nova Scotia $1million investment to support local food banks and hire additional staff



Covering dispensing fees Cover dispensing fees on 2nd and 3rd prescription refills for Pharmacare patients and waive co-payments for low-income patients (no cost estimate).

Reprofiling support for vulnerable people

Public utilities redirect $3 million from home energy assessment and upgrade program to fund community organizations, including:

$1.36 million for meal delivery services;

$1 million for the United Way;

$640,000 for shelters, soup kitchens and other service organizations.

Vehicle registry service deadlines extended

Temporary extension of vehicle registry service deadlines (e.g. 5 months for drivers’ licenses; no foregone revenue info).



Small Business Impact Grant will provide eligible small businesses and social enterprises with a one-time grant of 15% of their gross revenues (from April 2019 or February 2020) up to a maximum of $5,000

grant can be used for any purpose necessary

estimated cost of $20 million

COVID-19 Small Business Credit and Support Program

From Apr 29 to Jun 30, eligible small businesses (payroll less than $20,000, significant pandemic-related decline in revenue) will have access to loans of up to $25,000, as well as a $1,500 grant plus voucher of same amount to hire professional business continuity advice ($23 million total in support).


Commits $9 million to the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program for small businesses.




Supporting municipalities Introduces $380-million loan program to help municipalities with revenue losses due to the pandemic. Loan terms will be 3 years, with no payments required for the first 6 months.


Prince Edward Island



Temporary Allowance a temporary allowance of $200 per week for anyone who has experienced a significant drop in their working hours

Students and Early Learning Centres

up to $2 million to support early learning centres and staff, maintain childcare spaces and ensure parents do not pay fees during the period of closures

6-month student loan repayment holiday

COVID-19 Special Situations Fund

will provide up to $1,000 to those who have experienced income loss as a result of the pandemic and are not eligible for other federal and provincial funding support

estimated $1 million

Tenant Rights broad eviction moratorium (i.e. not just applicable to public housing), except in cases of serious health and safety risk.

Agriculture Labour Support Initiative

To match residents with agriculture employment opportunities, and doubling of Farm Team Program bursaries for students who choose to work in agriculture this summer (total cost undisclosed).



Community Business Development Corporations

provide $4.5 million to Community Business Development Corporations to deliver financing to small business and entrepreneurs



Emergency Contingency Fund

$25-million emergency contingency fund to support workers and small businesses that have been affected by the new coronavirus:

o Emergency Income Relief for the self-employed, which will provide $500 per week lump sum for self-employed Islanders, delivered through Innovation PEI; and

o Emergency Working Capital Financing, which will provide support for small businesses through a capital loan of up to $100,000 with a fixed interest rate of 4% per annum, to be delivered through Finance PEI.

Business Adaptation Advice Program

will cover up to $2,500 in professional advice on how to adapt or recover from the impact of the pandemic. Eligible services include human resources, financial planning, IT solutions and marketing.

cost undisclosed


Over $22 million in support for the agricultural and agri-food sectors, enabled by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, including:

o $4.7 million for potato shipping and storage;

o $8.8 million over 2 years for farmers through Business Risk Management programs;

o $5.6 million over 2 years for producers through the AgriStability program (interim payments, increased coverage)

o $3.2 million in savings for producers through a 10% discount on AgriInsurance premiums.


Other supports


Loan Payments defer all scheduled loan payments for clients of Finance PEI, Island Investment Development and the PEI Century Fund for the next 3 months (both individuals and businesses)

Non-governmental Organizations

$500,000 will be distributed to groups who help financially vulnerable Islanders

o $250,000 for United Way.

o $100,000 to the provincial food bank

o $100,000 to the Salvation Army for home heating

o $50,000 for non-government organizations that support Islanders

Community Champions Initiative

Community Champions Initiative ($300,000): Loblaw gift cards for community organizations to support the food-related needs of their populations

Mental health and addictions services

Measures to support mental health and addictions services, including $365,000 for an addiction recovery facility.



Economic and Fiscal Update $15 million increase to the emergency contingency fund ($40M total);

Deferring provincial property tax and fee payments until December 31, 2020;

Extending property assessment appeal deadlines for assessment year 2020 to December 31, 2020;

Providing interest relief for tax year 2020, including all past due amounts;

Suspending tax sale processes for the remainder of 2020; and

Delaying mailing of provincial tax bills for 2020 until June.

Supports post-secondary students with creation of 1,000 new job placements through existing employment programs and partnerships, and increases private sector wage subsidies for student jobs (total cost undisclosed).

PSE job placements Supports post-secondary students with creation of 1,000 new job placements through existing employment programs and partnerships, and increases private sector wage subsidies for student jobs (total cost undisclosed).


Newfoundland and Labrador



Loans effective March 30, 2020, all Canada Student Loan, Canada Apprentice Loan and Newfoundland and Labrador Student Loan borrowers will automatically have their repayments suspended until September 30, interest-free

Legislative Amendments job protection/leave without pay for outbreak-related reasons (e.g. self-isolation)

eviction moratorium

Non-governmental Organizations

announced more than $120 million in core funding for community-based organizations to support families and communities



Fish Processing and Buyer Licences

expiry date for all current valid fish processing and fish buyer licences in extended from March 31 to August 31

Self-isolation Support Provide compensation to private sector employers to ensure continuation of pay for employees returning after travelling outside the country required to self-isolate for 14 days upon return

Aquaculture Licence Extension of aquaculture licence validity from Mar 31 to May 31, to support the seafood sector (foregone revenue undisclosed)



Compensation to private sector employers for isolating workers

Details on compensation to private sector employers (including the self-employed) for workers required to self-isolate for 2 weeks due to travel restrictions. Provincial program will provide up to $500/week per employee, to a combined maximum of $1,000/week in federal and provincial benefits (cost estimate undisclosed).

Liquor corporation changes To support local business:

waiver of liquor license fees for the current fiscal year; temporary waiver of warehousing service fees for some

microbrewers; wholesale pricing discount of 5% for licensees (bars and

restaurants).

Various measures to assist business and improve food security

3-month extension to loan payment deferral initiative under the Business Investment Fund (to a total of 6 months);

temporary increase (until Sep 30) to hiring eligibility for commercial research and development (salary support increased to 6 positions);

temporary increase (until Sep 30) to contribution levels for eligible R&D and business development projects (from 50% to 75%);

expanded vegetable transplant program to help local farmers increase the variety and yield of produce grown in the province.




Childcare Supports provides funding to regulated and family childcare providers at subsidy program rates for all licensed spaces until Apr 30 (to be reassessed if closures still in place at that time). Regulated childcare centres to continue to receive operating grants.

Compensation grants for childcare facilities (regulated centres and family homes) extended to May 30, and free childcare services continuing for essential workers.

Legislative Amendments $200 million contingency funding for outbreak impact and low oil prices

$2 billion long-term borrowing authority for provincial government and additional borrowing capacity for hydroelectric utility


Reopening Plans

Province/Territory Notes

NWT “Emerging Wisely” plan announced, a 5-phase path towards reopening targeting a commencement of mid- to late May (May 12)

BC 4-phase approach detailed as BC’s Restart Plan (last updated May 6) has been released, with enhanced protocols allowing phase 2 to begin in mid-May.

AB Announces 3-stage plan to ease restrictions and reopen the economy, with some actions effective May 1 and first full stage as early as May 14. (April 30)

SK 5-stage plan to ease restrictions and reopen the economy, starting May 4. (April 23)

MB Outlines multi-phase plan to ease restrictions and reopen the economy, starting May 4. (April 29)

ON Outlines 3-stage approach to ease restrictions and reopen the economy, with no timeline. (April 27)

Further easing of restrictions on retail stores and essential construction (with ongoing health and safety guidelines) starting May 8 (announced May 6)

QC QC outlines plan for easing business restrictions over next few weeks, starting May 4. (April 28)

NB outlines first phase of plan to ease restrictions and reopen the economy, effective immediately. (April 24)

developing engagement sessions with business to help them plan reopening, beginning with webinar on May 8.

NS announces initial easing of certain public health measures; full reopening plan still under development. (May 1)

PE outlines 4-stage plan to ease restrictions and reopen the economy, beginning May 1.

NL 5-stage plan to ease restrictions and reopen the economy (first significant step to come on May 11) and establishes Business Response Team to assist with reopening plans.


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