Government actions to date
The SCC recommended immediate action by government in the areas below to help offset business challenges. Find a full list of recommendations and government action on a provincial and federal level here.
Resources for Business
Lockdown Support for Businesses
The Federal Government has announced the Lockdown Support program. This program is available to organizations that have been forced to temporarily close or temporarily have their business activities reduced due to lockdown. The 25% top-up available until March 13, 2021.
Find out more here.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Federal Government has announced this new program would provide the rent subsidy directly to tenants while also providing support to property owners. A maximum subsidy rate of 65% on eligible expenses will be available until March 13, 2021. Rent payable will soon be used to qualify, not just rent that has already been paid.
Find more here.
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
The Government of Canada announced the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF). LEEFF aims to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going. LEEFF will provide additional liquidity for Canada’s largest businesses, to allow them and their suppliers to remain active and position them for a rapid economic recovery. A fact sheet on LEEFF is available here.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Canadian employers whose businesses have been affected by COVID-19 may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to August 29, 2020. This wage subsidy will enable employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position businesses to resume normal operations following the crisis. Maximum subsidy rate will increase to 75% for the period beginning December 20, 2020 until March 31, 2021
Organizations that do not qualify for CEWS may qualify for the previously announced 10% temporary wage subsidy.
The federal government extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work-Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.
Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB)
The CERB supports Canadians by providing urgently needed financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have been directly affected by COVID-19. It provides a payment of $2,000 for a 4 week period (equivalent to $500 a week) for up to 16 weeks.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This $25 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus. Extended to March 31, 2021 with an additional $20,000 in interest-free loans being made available in December 2020.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
The Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) has been expanded to mid-sized companies with larger financing needs. Support for mid-market businesses will include loans of up to $60 million per company, and guarantees of up to $80 million.
Saskatchewan Government COVID-19 Resources
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
Pandemic Preparedness – Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Saskatchewan support
Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate (SRAR)
The Strong Recovery Adaptation Rebate is established to reimburse eligible small businesses in Saskatchewan for incremental expenses made to adapt their business models to operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Financial assistance includes a payment of up to $5,000 for 50% of total eligible business-adaptation investments made by the applicant between April 1, 2020, and February 28, 2021. The minimum business expenditure that will be reimbursed is $300 (which would mean a $150 government contribution).
Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS)
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy (RSTS) program has been launched in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The program is an employer-driven, short term training program that provides eligible employers with financial support to train employees.
Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP)
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) provides a one-time grant for small and medium-sized enterprises directly affected by government public heath orders related to COVID-19. Grants will be paid based on 15 per cent of a business’s monthly sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000.
Provincial Sales Tax
Saskatchewan businesses which are unable to remit their PST due to cashflow concerns will have three-month relief from penalty and interest charges.
Audit program and compliance activities have been suspended to allow businesses time to focus on the health and safety of their customers and staff, reduce impacts to their business operations, and help prevent the spread of the virus through reduced audit travel.
For further details download the Information Notice, call the Saskatchewan tax inquiry line at 1-800-667-6102 or email them at SaskTaxInfo@gov.sk.ca
Resources specifically for Small Business and Entrepreneurs
BDC COVID-19 Supports for Canadian Business
What Supports to Access and How: Advisors for Small Business from Advocis Connect
Business Continuity Plan and Templates for Entrepreneurs – BDC
Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted by COVID-19 – BDC
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
This $25 billion program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced, due to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 virus.
Apply for the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB)
The CERB supports Canadians by providing urgently needed financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who have been directly affected by COVID-19. It provides a payment of $2,000 for a 4 week period (equivalent to $500 a week) for up to 16 weeks.
resources for Exporters
Resources for Indigenous Communities
COVID-19: Resources for Indigenous Governments, Organizations, Businesses and Individuals
Ten Strategies to Help Your Business Make it Through the Economic Storm – Metis Nation Saskatchewan, Northern Resource Group and SaskMetis Economic Development Corporation
– Indigenous Corporate Training Inc.
In partnership with Indigenous Services Canada, SMEDCO is delivering a COVID-19 impact fund for Métis communities and microbusinesses. The Fund will provide Métis community owned businesses and Small / Microbusinesses in Saskatchewan that have experienced reduced revenues as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with two streams of COVID-19 supports. Stream one focuses on providing access to business assessment, advisory, and recovery supports from professionals and stream two focuses on providing non-repayable contributions to support ongoing operations.
Resources for employers
How to complete a Record of Employment
Guidelines for Saskatchewan WCB Claims Related to COVID-19
Work-Sharing Program and Temporary Special Measures
resources for workers
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Saskatchewan Government support for workers
EI sickness benefits: What these benefits offer
resources for the tech sector
Innovation Saskatchewan & the Ministry of Immigration & Career Training did a webinar on resources & supports available to founders, executives & employees in the TECH SECTOR during the COVID-19 crisis. Find it here.
resources for farmers and the agri-food sector
Canadian Agricultural Partnership
Alleviating Industry Financial Pressure – Farm Credit Canada
General Resources
Public Health Agency of Canada’s webpage on general COVID19
Personal Protective Equipment Suppliers in Saskatchewan
March survey: Please find the recap of the COVID-19: Business Impact Survey here.
April: Please find the recap of the COVID-19: Current State of Business Survey here.
Ask an Expert
Human Resources
Learn MoreMNP
Chartered Professionals in Human Resources (CPHR) Saskatchewan
Law Firms
Learn MoreErnst & Young LLP
mckercher LLP
Miller Thomson
MLT Aikins
WMCZ Lawyers
Accounting Firms
Learn MoreKPMG
Grant Thornton
- Strategies to help businesses respond to COVID-19 – Grant Thornton
- COVID-19 and your business: Government and economic resources – Grant Thornton
Deloitte.
Baker Tilly Canada
- Baker Tilly has produced a guide outlining financial relief measures available to businesses and individuals who are impacted economically by the COVID-19 outbreak.
- Baker Tilly has also set up a “COVID-19: Business guidance” hub, which is regularly updated with the latest tax and financial measures impacting Canadian businesses in the wake of the pandemic, as well as helpful resources.
Crowe MacKay
Shawna Nelson
Director of Sales and Marketing at Sheraton Cavalier Saskatoon Hotel
Thanks to the Saskatchewan Chamber for your leadership and helpful resources during COVID-19. As business people, we are being tested to the max and we will need you as the voice of business in Saskatchewan now more than ever!
