National chamber network calls on federal and provincial governments to support employers and protect the public with new health and safety guidelines for employers
Today, the presidents and CEOs of Canada’s national and provincial chambers of commerce
issued a letter to the Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health, recommending the development of updated guidelines for employers on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health and safety considerations related to combating COVID-19.
AHS hosting 2 virtual Community Conversations to provide business community with information regarding COVID and Alberta’s relaunch
AHS is hosting two virtual Community Conversations to provide members of the business community with updated information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, and Alberta’s relaunch strategy.
Event #1: Thursday, May 14, 11:00 am - noon
Event #2: Friday, May 15, 2 – 3:00 p.m.
Government of Canada extending the emergency wage subsidy program
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau
announced that the federal government will be extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program beyond June to help kickstart Canada's economic reopening and boost jobs. The government will provide more details next week.
Federal government announces new Industry Strategy Council
Today, the federal government
announced the new Industry Strategy Council, chaired by Monique Leroux. The council will serve as an advisory board to assess the scope and depth of COVID-19’s impact on industries and inform government’s understanding of specific sectoral pressures.
Alberta government announces new supports for farmers and ranchers
In response to the mass disruptions in the agriculture industry caused by COVID-19, the Government of Alberta announced
several new supports to help farmers and ranchers through AgriRecovery. The new supports include:
- a new fed cattle set-aside program that will allow beef producers to hold on to slaughter-ready cattle on maintenance feed ration for several weeks
- $25 million to increase the advance payment to pork producers enrolled in AgriStability
- an immediate increase to the advance payment for the potato industry under AgriStability from 50 per cent to 75 per cent
In addition, the Alberta government
announced today that it has created a new Agriculture Training Support Program to help employers in the food supply chain provide necessary training to new Alberta employees.
Alberta government providing up to $17.8 million in grants for the child care sector
As part of the province's relaunch strategy, the Alberta government will be
providing up to $17.8 million in grants to child care centres and approved family day homes to ensure they are able to reopen safely.
April Labour Force Survey: COVID-19 economic shutdown continues to significantly impact the labour market
Following a drop of over one million in March,
employment in Canada fell by nearly two million in April, bringing the total employment decline since the beginning of the COVID-19 economic shutdown to over three million. This unprecedented drop far exceeds declines observed in previous labour market downturns.
C.D. Howe Institute COVID-19 Economic Dashboard
The C.D. Howe Institute has put together an
interactive dashboard that provides at-a-glance indicators of economic activity amidst the unfolding global pandemic. Information is updated daily to provide data-driven insight into the economic impact of the crisis.
Edmonton Chamber of Commerce launches COVID-19 Skills-sharing and Volunteering initiative
Retail Council of Canada offering Recovery Playbook for Retailers
The Retail Council of Canada is offering a
recovery playbook to assist retailers in their reopening planning.
