NEW GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESS

The Ontario and Canadian governments have announced new support for businesses and workers that are impacted by public health measures in response to the Omicron variant.

Ontario Launches New Supports for Businesses:

  • Through the new Ontario Business Costs Rebate Program, eligible businesses will receive rebate payments equivalent to 50 per cent of the property tax and energy costs they incur while subject to the current capacity limits. A full list of eligible business types will be made available through a program guide in mid-January 2022. Online applications for this program will open in mid-January 2022, with payments to eligible businesses provided retroactive to December 19, 2021.

  • A six-month interest- and penalty-free period to make payments for most provincially administered taxes, supporting businesses in the immediate term while capacity restrictions are in place while providing the flexibility Ontario businesses will need for long-term planning. The six-month period will begin January 1, 2022 and end July 1, 2022.


Canada Temporarily Expands COVID Supports:

  • Expand the Local Lockdown Program to include employers subject to capacity-limiting restrictions of 50 per cent or more; and reduce the current-month revenue decline threshold requirement to 25 per cent. Eligible employers will receive wage and rent subsidies from 25 per cent up to a maximum of 75 per cent, depending on their degree of revenue loss. The 12-month revenue decline test continues to not be required in order to access this support.

  • Expand the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit to include workers in regions where provincial or territorial governments have introduced capacity-limiting restrictions of 50 per cent or more. As announced previously, this benefit will provide $300 a week in income support to eligible workers who are directly affected by a COVID-19-related public health lockdown, and who have lost 50 per cent or more of their income as a result.

These updated regulations will apply from December 19, 2021, to February 12, 2022, during which time it is expected that public health authorities will continue to implement “circuit-breaker” restrictions that limit the spread of the
Omicron variant of COVID-19 across Canada.
Ontario Chamber welcomes further supports for businesses
but urges expedited delivery

The Ontario Chamber Network welcome measures announced for businesses today. However, the timeliness and extent of the supports may still be insufficient to help businesses that are already severely impacted. We urge governments to expedite relief delivery.


ICYMI: The Ontario Chamber Network wrote Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Premier Ford to match public policy changes that inhibit business activity with targeted relief and support programs.

Canadian Chamber responds to COVID support program

Today’s news is good news for businesses impacted by fresh public health restrictions in light of the rapid spread of Omicron across Canada. Though Bill C-2 included a specific Lockdown Support program for businesses, its design meant that businesses under moderate to severe capacity restrictions were unable to access it. Today’s announcement is a result of the government listening to and working with businesses to ensure that support programs are accessible and working as intended.
 
While questions remain for businesses who have capacity restrictions under different definitions – such as distancing requirements between tables at restaurants, for example – we applaud the quick action of government to bring reassurance to businesses across Canada.
Join the #BuyLocalOttawa Campaign!

Together with key local partners including the City of Ottawa, Ottawa Tourism, 
Invest Ottawa, the Ottawa Coalition of BIAs, and RGA, we encourage everyone to #BuyLocalOttawa. Local businesses drive our local economy, enhance our community culture and shape our future. Now, more than ever, it is important to use the power of our purchasing dollar to support businesses that have faced undue challenges to keep us safe. We need to keep focused on buy local today and moving forward.

Here are some tips on how you can get involved!

  • Buy Local: Put your money where your heart is and #BuyLocalOttawa! Make a decision to buy local as much as possible and encourage others to do the same.


  • Use #BuyLocalOttawa on social media: Share your favourite local businesses ideas on social media and use #BuyLocalOttawa. We'll be re-sharing them all throughout the holiday season!


  • Make the Make the POST Promise: Showcase your business' commitment to consumer and employee safety. As an incentive for businesses to make the promise, we are offering complimentary POST Promise toolkits to the first 1,000 businesses to make the promise
Take Advantage of these Exclusive
OBOT Member Benefits!

As a member, you have access to exciting benefits, programs, resources, and online tools. Every employee of your business is also a member and eligible to take advantage of the many benefits of membership with your OBOT, a great complement to your business' employee rewards program. 
  
Our Affinity Programs provide many advantages to help amplify your business’ success! These savings and discounts are offered exclusively to our membership. Save on home & auto insurance, office supplies, and more!

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Special Thanks to our Community Partners!