April 15th 2020,

Dear Members, Partners and the Community at large,

These last few weeks have brought so many new changes to the way we live, work, and communicate. At the Chamber, we’re trying to cope by finding things we can do to make this journey just a little easier for our community. In our Newsletter you can find resources to help you with the actual situation and be more prepared for the time ahead and stay positive and engaged through this challenging time. Please note that both the Federal and Provincial Governments are working on new programs and changes happen on a daily basis. So please check and update frequently on the correspondent online links.
During the past few weeks we have asked you to take quite a few surveys, first from TIAO at the Provincial level and now we would appreciate your collaboration in taking the following Canadian Survey On Business Conditions, for the Federal Government , the deadline for participation has been extended to this Friday, April 17 . Just a few minutes of your time will help shape the public policies needed to facilitate Canada’s COVID-19 recovery efforts. These surveys are essential to know firsthand the information from the front line.
Thank you

Stay healthy,

The team at Niagara-on-the-Lake Chamber of Commerce and Tourism NOTL

A Note From Parks Canada

"The Government of Canada is asking Canadians to stay home and help limit the spread of COVID-19. Parks Canada is taking these additional measures to help keep people safe. Like all Canadians, I love our national parks and historic sites, but at this time we must all continue to do our part to flatten the curve, look out for one another, and make choices that will help reduce the pressure on our health care system."

The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson,
Minister of Environment and Climate Change and Minister responsible for Parks Canada

Business Database during
Covid-19


Local resident and entrepreneur Lauren O'Malley has started a database with local businesses that are open during this time. If you would like to add your business to her database please email her at [email protected] . or use the link below to visit her site to check out the database.

Federal Government Expands CERB Qualification Criteria

The Government of Canada announced, today, that more Canadians will now qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). In addition to those who already qualified, the CERB is expanding to include people who:
· earn up to $1,000 per month;
· are seasonal workers;
· have recently had their EI run out.
The changes are retroactive to March 15.
 
New Regulatory Initiatives Must Be Paused During The Crisis

On April 8, Canada’s five leading business associations wrote to the Hon. Jean Yves-Duclos, President of the Treasury Board, to ask all levels of government to listen to the more than 60 industry associations that have called for the postponement of all non-essential new regulations and unnecessary consultations that would detract from our members’ ability to manage through the COVID-19 crisis. We continue to look forward to a positive response.

FROM THE CANADIAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
For Your Attention
Deadline Extended: Canadian Survey On Business Conditions
The deadline for participation has been extended to this Friday, April 17. Just a few minutes of your time will help shape the public policies needed to facilitate Canada’s COVID-19 recovery efforts.
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Business Community Chat
Next week please join us at 10 am Thursday for a conference call style chat with fellow members of our Niagara-on-the-lake business community.
This will give you an opportunity to speak with others and share your stories and experiences during this challenging time.

Business Community Chat

Please join my meeting from your computer, tablet or smartphone.

You can also dial in using your phone.
Canada:  +1 (647) 497-9391

Access Code:  703-739-669

New to GoToMeeting? Get the app now and be ready when your first meeting starts:



We look forward to chatting with you!
EDCO, OBIAA and TIAO joint letter to provincial and federal government ministers

This afternoon, in partnership with the Ontario Business Improvement Area Association (OBIAA) and the Economic Developers Council of Ontario (EDCO), we have sent a joint letter to senior provincial and federal ministers.
The letter includes three practical steps that government can take to counter the current unparalleled threats to businesses and jobs .

Check out our website for an updated list of restaurants offering takeout, curbside pickup or delivery.
COVID-19 And Available Financing
Are you a non-essential business and wondering what you should be doing during this crisis to get your finances in order? If so, Patrick Gill, our Director of Tax and Financial Policy,
has some advice for you.  
Government Provides Funding To Ag Sector For Temporary Foreign Workers’ Quarantine
On April 13, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced $50 million ($1,500 per TFW) to help farmers, fish harvesters and all food production and processing employers put in place the measures necessary to follow the mandatory 14-day isolation period required of all workers arriving from abroad.

The funding is conditional on employers not being found in violation of the mandatory 14-day isolation protocols or any other public health order. This program will be available as long as the Quarantine Act is in force and the isolation protocol is followed.