In this challenging and constantly changing business environment, the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce want to support our Members by providing relevant and up-to-date information. This includes government announcements and support programs, resources, webinars, surveys, and other important updates.
This is a collaborative email to share information that applies to our Memberships at large, sent on behalf of the Grimsby Chamber, Lincoln Chamber, and West Lincoln Chamber.
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Small Business Relief Fund |
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If you have incurred unexpected costs for your business related to COVID-19, you could be eligible for a Canada United Small Business Relief Fund grant of up to $5,000. We are currently accepting applications for the grant to support local businesses of all kinds from across the country (from retailers to barbershops to farmers).
If awarded, a relief grant can be used for any of the following activities:
- Purchasing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as masks, face shields, and latex gloves.
- Renovating physical space to adhere to local, Provincial or Federal reopening guidelines.
- Developing or improving e-commerce capabilities for your business.
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund will be managed by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce on behalf of the national Chamber network in support of other Chambers and partners to help small Canadian businesses with their recovery efforts as a result of COVID-19.
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Ontario Extends Support for Employers and Employees Impacted by COVID-19
During the COVID-19 period (March 1, 2020 to January 2, 2021):
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A non-unionized employee whose employer has temporarily reduced or eliminated their hours of work for reasons related to COVID-19 is deemed to be on a job-protected Infectious Disease Emergency Leave,
- A non-unionized employee is not considered to be laid off under the ESA if their employer temporarily reduces or eliminates their hours of work or wages for reasons related to COVID-19, and
- A non-unionized employee is not considered to be constructively dismissed under the ESA if their employer temporarily reduces or eliminates their hours of work or wages for reasons related to COVID-19.
Beginning on January 3, 2021:
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Employees will no longer be deemed to be on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave.
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The ESA’s regular rules around constructive dismissal resume. This means a significant reduction or elimination of an employee’s hours of work or wages may constitute a constructive dismissal, even if it was done for reasons related to COVID-19.
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The ESA’s regular rules around temporary layoff resume. For practical purposes, an employee’s temporary layoff clock resets on January 3, 2021.
If you need help understanding your employment standards rights and responsibilities, you can:
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Visit Your guide to the Employment Standards Act at Ontario.ca/ESAguide.
- Call the Employment Standards Information Centre at 1-800-531-5551 or TTY (for hearing impaired) at 1-866-567-8893. Information is available in many languages.
- Get advice from a lawyer.
To learn more about COVID-19, employers’ responsibilities and job protections available to employees, visit Ontario.ca/COVID.
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COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) |
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The Government of Ontario is making $8 million available to support small business and registered charities who are struggling to pay their energy bills as a result of COVID-19. The COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) provides a one time, on-bill credit to eligible small business and registered charity customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments.
To apply for CEAP funding, customers should contact their energy provider. Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers (USMPs) began accepting applications for CEAP-SB on August 31, 2020, delivering the program in accordance with rules laid out by the OEB. CEAP-SB funding is limited, with utilities and USMPs expected to process applications in the order in which they are received. Please note, submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and on-bill credit amounts, visit oeb.ca/ceap.
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Resources to Motivate and Support your Wellness Journey |
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Wellness Together Canada is a free resource connecting people to mental health and substance use support, resources, and counselling with a mental health professional.
This online service was launched in response to growing mental health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and provides the following resources:
- Immediate text support
- Information and videos on common mental health issues
- Progress tracking
- Self-guided courses and apps
- Online community of support and coaching
- Mental wellness programs
- Monitored communities of support
- One to one counselling
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Canadian Chamber of Commerce |
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"Our Restaurants" Campaign
On August 26, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce announced the launch of the "Our Restaurants" campaign. Read the press release here.
OurRestaurants.ca puts a spotlight on the current situation faced by Canada’s restaurants amidst COVID-19: high costs, fewer customers, and government programs ill-equipped for the unique, long-term challenges faced by the industry.
There are two things every Canadian can do to make a real difference for our restaurants:
1) Pick up dinner or go in for a meal at your favourite local restaurant today
2) Let your elected representatives know that you support our restaurants
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Contact Your Local Chamber |
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Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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West Lincoln
Chamber of Commerce
Executive Director
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This email was sent by on behalf of the West Niagara Chambers of Commerce, which consists of the Grimsby & District Chamber of Commerce, the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce, and the West Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. You have received this email because you subscribed to our newsletters; your email address will not be shared and will be used only for these updates.
You may unsubscribe from receiving these emails at any time.
Please contact your local Chamber if you have any questions or concerns.
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