Important Reminder: Applications for Temporary Layoff Extensions Close August 25 |
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Next Tuesday August 25th is the deadline to submit applications to extend a “COVID-19 emergency layoff” beyond August 30. To accept applications, the province has set up an online portal where employers and workers can apply jointly to the Employment Standards Branch for a further temporary layoff variance.
Without this variance, the employment relationship will be permanently severed as of August 30, and eligible employees must be provided any severance they are owed as a result of termination.
It is important to note, that while the online documentation may only take a short period of time to complete online, it is a joint application and thus you must also have employees submit documents which must also be completed before August 25.
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Member Blog: ESA Temporary Layoffs Becoming Less Temporary |
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In this blog, written by Chamber member Smithson Employment Law Corporation, they outline the requirements of applying for the new temporary layoff variance, including date selection for recall of employees, as well as employee support and documentation.
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Applications are Open: New Infrastructure Program for Arts & Culture Sector |
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To help improve spaces for artists and cultural activities, arts and culture organizations can now get support through the new $2 Million Arts Infrastructure Program.
The BC Arts Council will administer the program. Arts and cultural organizations, including Indigenous groups, will be eligible for up to $75,000 to improve arts and culture spaces or $40,000 to buy special equipment to support art programming.
Applications will be open from Monday, August 17 to October 19.
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United Way Southern Interior BC invests $1.3M for COVID Relief |
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United Way Southern Interior BC recently announced that over $1.3 M has been invested in 90+ charities throughout our region to support people who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Several granting streams have been rolled out in the past few months to provide emergency relief and capacity assistance to frontline community service organizations across our region.
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Great Kelowna Scavenger Hunt Promotes Downtown Businesses |
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The Great Kelowna Scavenger Hunt is a day long event to support some of the many businesses impacted by COVID-19 while also raising funds for Elevation Outdoors and the Rotary Club of Kelowna Morningside in their efforts to make a positive impact in our community.
This Saturday August 22 at 11:00am participants will receive clues to help them find the prizes that will be scattered in outside locations, all across the Downtown area. First group to find the locations wins the prize for that spot.
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Canadian Chamber Welcomes Freeland As Finance Minister |
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This week, Chrystia Freeland was appointed as Canada’s Minister of Finance. The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has released a statement congratulating Minister Freeland on her new appointment.
The decisions made over coming weeks will set the country’s economic direction for the next several years. As we emerge into the post-COVID world, we must build on the spirit of partnership that developed during the pandemic to carefully, but steadily, reopen our economy.
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Updated CEWS Calculator Available to Support Employers |
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Last week, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, launched an updated and improved CEWS online calculator. As applications opened this week for the next period of the extended CEWS program, the calculator will help small to large employers prepare their applications.
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Surplus Food Rescue Program Awards Contributions To Organizations |
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The Surplus Food Rescue Program is a $50 million initiative that will help support Canada’s food system, food processors, food producers and distributors to help ensure food availability for all Canadians. The program is working to ensure the food needs of vulnerable populations in Canada will be addressed, positive relationships with community food providers will be maintained and efforts to reduce food waste will be supported. Organizations have now been awarded funding.
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#Canada United Campaign & Grant Program: Join the Movement! |
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Supported by the Canadian Chamber network, Canada United - Show Local Some Love - is a movement that brings Canadians together to show their support for local businesses, while offering relief grants of up to $5,000 to help Canadian small businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
Applications for the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be accepted starting on August 31, 2020.
You are also invited to join us and fellow Canadians in celebrating and supporting local businesses during the Canada United Weekend from August 28 to 30. By participating in shopping local, you can be entered to win one of 25, $10,000 prizes. If you are a business that would like to participate in Canada United Weekend, you can download the SMALL BUSINESS TOOLKIT HERE.
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CRA Hosts Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Q&A Teleconferences |
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In addition to the recent implementations made by the government to adapt the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to protect jobs and promote growth, the CRA will shortly publish a number of online resources, including updated frequently asked questions, to help eligible employers understand how to apply and take advantage of this fiscal measure.
To complement these resources, the CRA will host a series of interactive question and answer teleconference sessions for eligible employers and stakeholder organizations. You are invited to attend either event at the registration links below:
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Upcoming Webinar: BCHA Presents Violence Prevention & Conflict Resolution |
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Wednesday August 26 from 1:00 - 2:00pm the BC Hotel Association (BCHA) will be hosting a webinar and open forum in collaboration with go2HR and BC’s Alliance of Beverage Licensees (ABLE BC) and will feature Phil Eastwood, a leading expert in workplace conflict related training.
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KELOWNA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE | kelownachamber.org |
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