COVID-19 EMPLOYER RESOURCES HUB

Information | Tools | Resources

COVID-19 is an unprecedented global crisis. With the rapid pace of changing information, this is intended to be a central ‘hub’ for employers to access relevant information and resources. We’re here to help.

Together, we will get through this.

Are you ready for employees to return to work … at work?

The return to the workplace bringing a new set of decisions to make and obstacles to overcome for employers. There is a lot to think about – but you don’t have to do it alone. In addition to helpful tools and resources, including our free COVID-19 Return to Work Framework tool, Envol is now offering a customized COVID-19 Return to Work Package for employers.

Our team of HR experts will collaborate with you to develop a tailored return to work plan, optimized for your unique needs, so that you can focus on positioning your business for growth.

COVID-19 Return to Work Framework

Plan your return to work.

COVID-19 Health & Safety Posters

Package of printable posters.

COVID-19 Return to Work Letters

Bring back your team.

COVID-19 Remote Onboarding Guide

Pivot to remote onboarding.

COVID-19 Layoff Guide

Compassionate layoffs in a crisis.

COVID-19 Remote Offboarding Checklist

Checklist for remote offboarding.

COVID-19 Work-Sharing Program Overview

Financial support for employers.

COVID-19 Employer Response Guide

Respond to the COVID-19 crisis.

COVID-19 Employee Resource Guide

Support your employees.

COVID-19 Support for Employers

Updated April 27, 2020

75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

NOTE: We recommend consulting with your accountant before submitting your CEWS application. If you need an accountant, click here for recommendations

What is the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy?
  • 75% wage subsidy to employees’ wages for qualifying businesses, non-profits, and charities for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
  • NEW (as of April 11, 2020): Refund of Certain Payroll Contributions
  • Subsidy will apply up to the first $58,700 normally earned by employees – representing a benefit of up to a maximum of $847 per week per eligible employee.
  • 12-week period: March 15 to June 6, 2020.
  • Businesses who can afford to top up the remaining 25% of the wages are encouraged to do so.
  • NEW (as of April 22, 2020): Applications for the CEWS open on April 27th

Click here for more information on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

Which employers are eligible?

Click here to confirm your eligibility for the CEWS.

  1. Eligible Employers include:
    1. Individuals
    2. Taxable Corporations
    3. Partnerships consisting of eligible employers, non-profit organizations and registered charities.
  2. Revenue drop of at least:
    1. 15% in March 2020
    2. 30% for following months
    3. Decline benchmark can be either YOY for the same month in 2019 OR compared to January & February 2020
    4. NOTE: All employers are allowed to calculate their change in revenue using an alternative benchmark to determine their eligibility. This provides more flexibility to employers for which the general approach may not be appropriate, including high-growth firms, sectors that faced difficulties in 2019, non-profits and charities, as well as employers established after February 2019.

Public bodies are not eligible for this subsidy. Public bodies generally include municipalities and local governments, Crown corporations, wholly owned municipal corporations, public universities, colleges, schools and hospitals.

Which employees are eligible?

Click here to determine your eligible employees.

  1. Employed in Canada
  2. Receiving compensation from your company:
    • Wages or salary
    • Commissions or Taxable Benefits
    • Ineligible: Employees receiving Severance/Dividends/Stock Options/Corporate Vehicle
  3. Eligible Employees include:
    • Arm’s Length (Not related to the business owner):
      • On payroll during eligible periods, including employees
    • Non-Arm’s Length (Related to the business owner):
      • On payroll pre-March 15, 2020
  4. Staff receiving CERB + compensation of < $1,000 per month
    • You can claim 75% of wages < $1,000 per month
  5. Ineligible: Not available to employees who have been without pay for 14 or more consecutive days in the eligibility period (aka who may have been collecting CERB)
What are the claim periods?
  • March 15 – April 11, 2020
  • April 12 – May 9, 2020
  • May 10 – June 6, 2020
How do I calculate employee wages?

Calculate your subsidy amount using the Canada Revenue Agency Calculator

  • Up to the lesser of $847 per week or 75% of each employee’s pre-crisis weekly gross pay
  • Weekly gross pay can be
  • Non “Arm’s Length” employees on payroll (eg. Company Owner) must use their pre-crisis remuneration to a max of $847 / week
How do I apply?

Click here for application instructions.

  1. Canada Revenue Agency’s My Business Account online portal
  2. Employers will need to keep records demonstrating their reduction in arm’s-length revenues and remuneration paid to employees
  3. More details regarding how to apply for the program will follow
How does this interact with the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy?
  • It is assumed that employers have claimed the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy. You are required to reduce your subsidy claim by the equivalent amount of the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy.
How does this interact with the Work-Sharing Program?
  • EI benefits received by employees through the Work-Sharing program reduce the benefit that their employer is entitled to receive under the CEWS.
An employee is collecting the CERB, but earning less than $1,000 working for my business. Can I claim the CEWS for their $1,000 in wages?
  • Yes. Note that if the employee earns even $1 more than $1,000 per month they are no longer eligible for the CERB.
Other Information
  • The wage subsidy would be claimed against wages in three claiming periods:
    • March 15 – April 11 (for March)
    • April 12 – May 9 (for April)
    • May 10 – June 6 (for May)
  • Once approved, employers are not required to reapply for this wage subsidy each month.
  • Employers must pay their employees’ wages first, then apply for the CEWS through the CRA’s My Business Account portal. Payment will be received through direct deposit, if possible. Employers must keep records of their arm’s length revenues and employee remuneration.
  • Employers are expected to make their best effort to top-up employees’ salaries to bring them to pre-crisis levels.
  • Funds are expected to be available 3 – 6 weeks after applying.
  • Note: Businesses who have claimed the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy can still claim the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy as well. If an employer does not qualify for the CEWS, they may still qualify for the Temporary Wage Subsidy. Contact us for more information: [email protected]

Click here for more information on the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, including how to calculate wages

10% Temporary Wage Subsidy

Note: May be claimed separately from or in addition to CEWS

What is the Temporary Wage Subsidy?

10% of remuneration paid (up to $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer)

Who is eligible?
  1. Employer who is a:
    1. Canadian-controlled private corporation eligible for small business deduction:
    2. individual (excluding trusts)
    3. partnership with eligible partners
    4. non-profit organization
    5. registered charity
  2. Have CRA business number + payroll account on March 18; and
  3. Pay remuneration to employee(s) in Canada
How do I apply?
  • No application required:
  • Calculate subsidy; and
  • Reduce income tax (not CPP or EI) remittance by subsidy
When does it start?

3-month period from March 18, 2020 -June 20, 2020

 

Click here for the CRA: Frequently Asked Questions – Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers

Click here for the Department of Finance news release (April 1, 2020)

 

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECBA)

What is the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)?
  • Commercial rent support to small and medium-sized businesses
  • Government will offer loans, including forgivable loans, to commercial landlords who offer rent reductions to businesses
  • Support available for April, May & June rents
  • Support will likely go directly to commercial landlords who provide rents reductions their tenants.
  • Will be administered provincially, as rental agreements are under provincial jurisdiction

Note: The CECRA was announced on April 17, 2020 and still has not passed into legislation. The government announced that implementation of the program will require a partnership with provincial and territorial governments who are responsible for property owner-tenant relationships.

 

Click here for more information about the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program in the Canada COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. 

 

Work-Sharing Program

TL;DR

Keep staff employed where those in a defined working unit can share hours of work while qualifying for EI (if eligible) to top-up on expenses, where reduction of work is between 10% and 60% of normal working hours.

  • Funding Support: Up to $900 every two weeks (Maximum 76 weeks)
  • Type: Non-Repayable
  • Eligibility: Businesses, non-profits, and charities established for at least 1 year, staff participating must be EI eligible

 

What is work-sharing?

Work-sharing is a program to help eligible employers avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity which is beyond the control of the employer.

The program provides eligible employees with Employment Insurance Benefits as income support. Employees who have been affected by the reduction in business must agree to work a reduced schedule and share available work with other employees over a specified time period. Both the employer and the employee must apply to participate in a Work-Sharing program together.

What has changed because of COVID-19?

The Federal Government’s special measures recently implemented in response to COVID-19 include:

  • Waiving the mandatory waiting period (employers with a recently expired agreement may immediately apply for a new agreement, without waiting between applications)
  • Extending the extension period from 12 to 38 weeks; and,
  • Adding special measures for forestry, steel and aluminum sector.
How do I know if I am an eligible employer?

To be eligible for a Work-Sharing program, employers must:

  • Have been in business in Canada year-round for at least two (2) years
  • Be a private business, publicly held company or a non-profit organization
  • Show that the shortage of work is temporary and beyond their control
  • Demonstrate a recent decrease in business activity of approximately 10% (eg. gross sales)
  • Submit and implement a recovery plan intended to return the Work-Sharing individuals to normal working hours by the end of the program.

Note: A reduction in revenue alone for a non-profit organization does not qualify for Work Sharing (I.e. a decrease in grants, donations, memberships). The level of business activity must have been affected.

How do I know if employees are eligible?

To be eligible for a Work-Sharing program, employees must:

  • Be “core employees”
  • Not seasonal, or students hired for the summer or co-op term
  • Not hired on a casual or on-call basis
  • Not shareholders of the business or employees who hold significant decision-making power and control over the direction of the company (eg. executives or sales representatives)
  • Managers or supervisors do qualify provided they don’t have control over the direction of the company
  • Meet eligibility requirements for Employment Insurance
  • Agree to the temporary reduction in work

 

How many hours can employees’ schedules be reduced and how long can the program last?
  • Schedules can be reduced between a minimum of 10% (one half day) and a maximum of 60% (three days).
  • The work reduction can vary depending on available work each week, provided that the average work reduction for the duration of the program is between 10%-60%.
  • The program must have a minimum duration of six (6) weeks and can last up to 76 weeks as a result of COVID-19 (normally maximum 38 weeks).
How much will an employee earn on the work-sharing program?

(Click here for Source)

The amount of benefits paid for a week of Work-Sharing is calculated by comparing the hours of work missed because of the Work-Sharing agreement against the hours the claimant would have normally worked. Benefits are paid as a percentage of hours missed. The benefit rate is established in the same manner as the benefit rate for all other EI claims, 55% of the lost income up to a maximum amount of $54,200 (click here for information regarding calculating the benefit rate for EI).

The following example is adapted from the Service Canada website:

  • Jane works full-time at an engineering firm earning $769 per week;
  • Due to COVID-19, the firm has faced a significant reduction in workload;
  • The firm decides to enter into a work-share agreement with Service Canada where all unit members reduce their work by 35%;
  • If Jane does not agree to the voluntarily reduced work hours, she will be laid off and receive $500 per week (through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit);
  • If Jane agrees to reduce her work hours by 35%, then she will receive the following payments:
  • $500 per week from her employer (65% of her previous weekly income); and
  • $148 per week from Service Canada ((calculated using same formula as EI, 55% of the lost income up to a maximum amount of $54,200)
  • Jane now has the potential to earn $648 per week and keep her skills up to date.
How do I apply?

Click here to apply

Other Helpful Links

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

What is the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)?

Interest-free loans up to $40,000. 25% of the loan (up to $10,000) is forgivable if the balance is repaid by December 31, 2022.

Who is eligible?
  • Small business or not-for-profit organization
  • Revenues temporarily reduced by COVID-19
  • Paid $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019
When will this program be available?

Within three weeks after March 27, 2020

How do I apply?

Contact your financial institution.

 

Click here for government information about new loan programs for businesses

Click here for government announcement of New Canada Emergency Business Account

Loan Guarantees for SMEs

What is the Loan Guarantee for SMEs?

Guarantee operating credit and term loans up to $6.25 million. In partnership with Export Development Canada.

Who is eligible?
  • Small and medium enterprises
  • Applies to export sector + domestic companies
When will this program be available?

Within three weeks after March 27, 2020

How do I apply?

Contact your financial institution.

 

Click here for government information about new loan programs for businesses

Click here for government announcement of New Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Co-Lending Program for SMEs

What is the Co-Lending Program for SMEs?

Incremental term loans up to $6.25 million. In partnership with Business Development Bank of Canada.

Who is eligible?
  • Small and medium enterprises; and
  • Financially viable before COVID-19
When will this program be available?

Within three weeks after March 27, 2020

How do I apply?

Contact your financial institution.

 

Click here for government information about new loan programs for businesses

Click here for government announcement of New Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Federal Income Tax Filing Extension

The CRA is extending the deadline to file and pay income taxes. Effective immediately, new deadlines are as follows:

  • Corporate tax return due after March 18, 2020 extended to June 1, 2020
  • Partnership information return extended to May 1, 2020
  • Trust tax return extended to May 1 or June 1, 2020 (depending on year-end)

Click here for more information on income tax filing dates 

Corporate Tax Filing Extension

Taxpayers who are required to make filings (I.e. returns, designations, elections, information requests) that are due after March 18, 2020 can defer their filings to June 1, 2020.

Click here for CRA’s additional measures for individuals and businesses 

GST, HST, Customs & Duties Tax Filing Extension

The CRA is allowing all businesses to defer until after June 30, 2020 the payment of tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020.

 

Click here for more information on GST, HST and Customs and Duties Tax Filing Extension 

Layoff Resources

  1. Envol’s free COVID-19 Layoff Guide: Click Here
  2. Government of Canada: Click Here
  3. BC Employment Standards Act: Click Here
  4. McCarthy Tetrault Blog on Temporary Layoffs: Click Here
  5. Mathews Dinsdale FAQs: COVID-19 & the Workplace: Click Here

 

Other COVID-19 Resources for Employers

  1. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Click Here
  2. Small Business BC COVID-19 Resources: Click Here
  3. Government of Canada COVID-19 Resource Page: Click Here

Hiring Grants

Is your business looking to hire? There are a number of great hiring grants that your business may be eligible for.

Contact our team of HR Specialists to learn more and explore your options: [email protected]

COVID-19 Support for Workers

Updated April 27, 2020

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)?
  • $2,000 for a 4-week period (equivalent to $500 per week)
  • Up to 16 weeks between March 15, 2020 and October 3, 2020
  • Taxable (not taxed at the source, you must declare these earnings on your 2020 tax return)
  • Deadline to Apply: December 2, 2020

Click here to apply online

Who is eligible?
  1. Reside in Canada
  2. At least 15 years old
  3. Have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits
  4. Had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application
  5. Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period or the period in which they apply for the benefit*
Can I earn income while claiming the CERB? 

Currently, you cannot earn any income while collecting the CERB. Justin Trudeau indicated durTo qualify, you must have 14 consecutive days without income for the first 4-week period, and no income for each additional period you collect the CERB.

Do dividends count toward the minimum $5,000 income requirement?

If I am in receipt of dividends am I eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

Yes, as long as the dividends are non-eligible dividends (generally, those paid out of corporate income taxed at the small business rate). An individual could count this income towards the $5,000 income requirement to be eligible for CERB.

Source: Government of Canada CERB Application Questions

What are the eligibility periods?

There are a total of seven 4-week eligibility periods. You can claim the CERB for up to a maximum of 16 weeks (4 periods).

Source: CRA Website (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html)

When should I apply?

The government has indicated a schedule for applications, based on your birth month:

Source: CRA Website (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html)

How do I apply?
  1. Online through CRA My Account
  2. Phone, with an automated application process
    • Call 1-800-959-2019 or1-800-959-2041

Note: Applications are available 21 hours a day, 7 days a week. Both application methods will be down between 3am ET and 6am ET for maintenance.

What do I need to apply?
  1. Social Insurance Number
  2. Contact Information
  3. Ability to declare that you are eligible for the CERB

Note: No need to submit a medical certificate if you are claiming to be sick or caring for someone who is sick.

Additional documentation may be required at a later date to prove your eligibility.

Applying by Phone
  1. Call Toll-Free: 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041
  2. Select whether you prefer to receive prompts in English or French.
  3. Follow the instructions, including providing your SIN, confirmation of your postal code and the period you are applying for.
  4. Declare that you qualify for CERB.

Note: There were reports of significant delays and clogged lines as of Monday, April 6th.

Applying Online
  1. Click here to apply online
  2. Follow the prompts
  3. Select your claim period
  4. Certify that you meet the eligibility criteria
  5. Submit your application
When will I receive the benefit funds?
  1. Payment Options
    • Direct Deposit: 3 business days
    • Mailed Cheque: 10 days
  2. No holds on payments
  3. Taxes are not taken at the source
    • You must declare your earnings on your 2020 tax return
  4. If you choose Direct Deposit, your funds will deposit automatically every period
Other Resources
  1. Canada Emergency Response Benefit guide in English, Spanish & Chinese: Click Here

Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)

What is the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)?
  • $1,250 for a month from May to August
  • $1,750 per month from May to August for eligible applicants who are caring for someone or who have a disability
  • Note: This program was newly announced on April 22nd, 2020. More information to come regarding full eligibility criteria and application instructions.
Who is eligible?
  1. College and university students currently in school,
  2. Planning to start in September
  3. Graduated in December 2019
  4. Working students earning less than $1,000 per month
Can I earn income while claiming the CESB? 

If you earn less than $1,000 per month, you are eligible to apply.

What is the eligibility period?

Monthly payments, May through August

When should I apply?

Additional legislation is required before this bill can be implemented.

How do I apply?

Application information will be released soon.

Other Resources
  1. CTV News article announcing the program

BC Emergency Beneft

What is the BC Emergency Benefit for Workers?

The Province of British Columbia is providing a $1,000 one-time tax-free payment to those workers unable to work due to COVID-19 whether because they have been laid off, are sick, or are in quarantine. The credit is also available to those who are collecting employment insurance or the Canadian Economic Response Benefit.

 

Who is eligible?
  • Have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020
  • Meet the eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
  • Have been approved for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, even if you haven’t received a federal benefit payment yet
  • Be at least 15 years old on the date you apply
  • Have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return
  • Not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance

 

What do I need to apply?
  1. Social Insurance Number
  2. Direct Deposit Information
  3. Approved Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

 

How do I apply?
  1. Online starting May 1, 2020
    1. Note: Documentation isn’t required when you apply. However, all applications will be verified and we may ask you for proof of your eligibility at a later date.
    2. Click here to learn more
  2. Telephone starting May 4th, 2020
    1. Note: This option is for people who don’t have internet access.

 

Click here to learn more about the BC Emergency Benefit for Workers

Learn more about BC’s response to COVID-19 here

Canada Child Benefit (CCB) Increase

 What is the Canada Child Benefit?

The CCB is a tax-free monthly payment to families raising children under the age of 18. During COVID-19, the government will be providing an additional $300 per child for the 2019/2020 benefit year. This will be part of the scheduled benefit payment in May.

Please note: If you already receive the CCB from the government, you don’t need to take any action to receive this additional benefit.

  
Who is eligible for the CCB?

Individuals eligible for this benefit must meet all of the following criteria:

  • They live with a child under 18 years of age
  • They are primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child
  • They are a resident of Canada for tax purposes
  • They or their spouse or common-law partner are one of the following:
    • Canadian citizen
    • Permanent resident
    • Protected person
    • Temporary resident

 

How do I apply?

Click here to apply for the CCB

 

Click here for more information on the increase of the Child Care Benefit

Support for BC Renters

What is the support for BC renters?

No rent increases are allowed in BC effective April 1s, 2020 for the duration of the state of emergency. In addition, evictions will not be permitted during COVID-19, unless accepted as a special circumstance by the Residential Tenancy Branch for safety reasons.

 

How do I apply?

No application needed.

 

Click here for more information on rental guidelines during COVID-19

Click here for more information on renter and landlord support

BC Temporary Rental Supplement

What is the BC Temporary Rental Supplement?

For up to three months through the end of June, the program offers $300 per month for eligible applicants with no dependents and $500 per month for eligible households with dependents. Roommates will be able to apply for the supplement individually. Paid directly to landlords via direct deposit.

Who is eligible?

Households need to meet each of the following criteria to qualify for the BC Temporary Rental Supplement:

  • Gross household income of less than:
    • $74,150 for singles & couples without dependents
    • $113,040 for households with dependents
  • Struggling as a result of COVID-19
    • Be receiving or eligible for Employment Insurance; or
    • Be receiving or eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit offered by the federal government; or
    • Have experienced, and be able to provide evidence of, a drop of 25% or more in monthly household employment income
  • Paying 30% of current household income towards rent
  • Legal & illegal suites are both eligible

Tenants must be renting a primary residence in British Columbia and the unit must be covered under the Residential Tenancy Act, the Manufactured Home Act, or the Cooperative Association Act.

Tenants are not eligible if their rent is subsidized by any other government program. Other government programs include: subsidized housing; rent supplements such as Shelter Aid For Elderly Renters (SAFER) or the Rental Assistance Program (RAP); Income Assistance; and Disability Assistance.

 

How do I apply?

Applications accepted through BC Housing: Apply now.

  1. Tenant must start the application
  2. Landlord must complete the application

 

Click here for more information

Mortgage Payment Deferrals

What are mortgage payment deferrals?

Mortgage payment deferral options may be available to owners during the COVID-19 crisis. The deferral is an agreement between an owner and a lender to agree to pause mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. Once the agreement ends, the mortgage payments return to normal and the missed payments – including principal and accumulated interest are repaid.

How do I apply?

Contact your lender.

Click here for more information on non-CHMC insured loans

Click here for more information on CHMC insured loans

BC Hydro Support

BC Hydro is offering the following support plans, as well as halting all service disconnections for non-payment of bills and reducing electricity rates by 1%:

 

1. COVID-19 Relief Fund:
  • What is the COVID-19 Relief Fund? Applies a 3-month credit to your BC Hydro account for eligible customers (avg credit will be $477).
  • How do I apply? Applications will be accepted between April 6th – June 30th
  • Click here for more information on Relief Fund

 

2. COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program:

 

3. COVID-19 Customer Crisis Fund:

Federal & Provincial Loan Payment Freeze

What is the federal and provincial loan payment freeze?

Any employees who have federal student loans will be excused from making payments on the principle or interest from March 30, 2020 to September 30, 2020. During this time, no interest will accumulate. This also applies to provincial loans from the following provinces:

  • Newfoundland and Labrador
  • New Brunswick
  • Ontario
  • Saskatchewan
  • British Columbia

 

How do I apply?

No action needed. All direct deposit payments for loan payments will be halted and those who pay by cheque do not need to send in cheques during this time period.

 

More information on the moratorium on the repayment of Canada student loans here

GST Credit

What is the GST credit?

A one-time GST credit will be paid out by early May 2020 to low- and modest-income families to support during COVID-19. The credit will be worth $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.

 

Who is eligible?

You are generally eligible for the GST tax credit if you are one of the following:

  • At least 19 years old
  • Have (or had) a spouse or common-law partner
  • Are (or were) a parent and live (or lived) with your child

Note: Parents sharing custody may be eligible for half of the GST credit.

 

How do I apply?

You don’t need to apply for this benefit. It will be paid out automatically according to your tax return.

 

Click here for more information on the GST Credit

Income Tax Filing Extension

Taxpayers who are required to make filings (I.e. returns, elections, designations, information requests) that are due after March 18, 2020 can defer these filings to June 1, 2020 effective immediately.

 

Click here for CRA’s additional measures for individuals and businesses 

Click here for more information on income tax filing dates

BC Climate Action Tax Credit

What is the Climate Action Tax Credit?

The Province is providing an enhanced climate action tax credit for those employees who pay income tax and who are otherwise eligible for that credit. This credit will be a one-time boost of up to $564 for eligible  families of 4 and $218 for eligible individuals in an enhanced payment in July.

  

Who is eligible?

Individuals are eligible to receive the credit if they are a resident of B.C. and they:

  • are 19 years of age or older, or
  • have a spouse or common-law partner, or
  • are a parent who resides with your child

 

How do I apply?

Children under 18 years old must be registered for the CCB to qualify. No other action is needed. The benefit is paid out according to your income tax return.

Click here for more information on the climate action tax credit

BC Job-Protected COVID-19 Leave for Employees

On March 23, 2020 BC passed legislation to provide job-protected COVID-19 leave for employees who are unable to work for reasons related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Bill 16, Employment Standards Amendment Act (No. 2), 2020 entitles employees to:

  • take three days of unpaid sick leave, provided they have been employed for 90 days; and
  • an unpaid leave of absence in relation to COVID-19 if:
    • the employee has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and is complying with instructions, orders or advice from medical professionals
    • the employee is in quarantine or self-isolation in accordance with:
      • an order of the provincial health officer
      • an order made under the Quarantine Act (Canada)
      • guidelines of the British Columbia Centre for Disease Control
      • guidelines of the Public Health Agency of Canada
    • the employer has directed the employee not to work, due to the employer’s concern about the employee’s exposure to others;
    • the employee is providing care to an eligible person, including because of the closure of a school or daycare or similar facility;
    • the employee is prevented from returning to British Columbia because of travel restrictions; or
    • a prescribed situation exists relating to the employee.

 

Employees wishing to take COVID-19 Leave will not be required to provide a medical note to employers. However, employers can require that employees provide evidence that is reasonable in the circumstances, as soon as practicable, to substantiate their absence.

Remote Work Resources

  1. Remote Work Survival Kit for COVID-19 (Crowdsourced & Live): Click Here
  2. Envol’s “Transitioning Your Team to Remote Work” blog: Click Here
  3. Building Strong Relationships in Remote Teams by Zapier: Click Here
  4. Remote Work Best Practices by Forbes: Click Here
  5. How to Collaborate Effectively when Your Team is Remote by HBR: Click Here

Insights from Envol's Blog

BC’s Current COVID Regulations: What You Need to Know

The Labour Shortage: Impacts on Canadian Businesses in 2022 and How to Reduce Them

The Reality of Job Searching during a Pandemic

Virtual Holiday Party Ideas: 10 Ways to Celebrate

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On March 16th, 2020 we launched free COVID-19 consultations for employers. No strings attached, no subtle sales pitch, no expectations. Simply doing what we believe to be right, supporting our community. If you’re an employer that needs support, doesn’t know what to do next, or just needs an ear – reach out. We are here for you. Connect with our team of HR specialists for a free employer consultation.

Key Support Contacts

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Akeroyd Leung Amlani CPAs

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Granted Consulting

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Envol Solutions Inc. is a boutique human capital consulting firm, specializing in human resources, employer branding and recruiting solutions. Further details can be found at www.envolstrategies.com.

This publication is intended as a general overview and discussion of the subjects dealt with, and does not constitute advice. It is not intended to be, and should not be used as, a substitute for taking legal advice in any specific situation. Note past results are not guarantees of future results. Each matter is individual and will be decided on its own facts.

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