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Credit Unions are Here for You.
Members are encouraged to contact your credit union to discuss challenges you are facing, or to understand the ways that you can transact business without attending a branch. To find your credit union’s website, click here. This page is a guide to the numerous programs and measures, launched by the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba, that are designed provide support to individuals and businesses facing financial challenges as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. You will also find links to important Public Health measures and guidance, as well as information about the increasing threat of COVID-19 financial scams. Click here for our latest news. |
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For Individuals & Families
Information, Supports and Public Health Guidance
Mental Health Supports
Government of Canada’s Wellness Together supports:
Wellness Together Canada will offer Canadians different levels of support depending on their need, ranging from information and self-assessment tools, to the opportunity to chat with peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls. It will make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues. The portal is the result of the work of a broad consortium of organizations with experience in providing digital mental health and substance use support, including Stepped Care Solutions, Kids Help Phone, Homewood Health, Greenspace Health, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and the Canadian Psychological Association. Learn more
Province of Manitoba’s Mental Health Virtual Therapy Program for Manitobans:
Caring for your mental health is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. AbilitiCBT is a new digital therapy program from Morneau Shepell, available to all Manitobans experiencing low to mid symptoms of anxiety due to the pandemic. You will be able to connect to a professional therapist trained to help you deal with:
Financial Supports
Canada Revenue Agency 'My Account':
Many Federal government supports require you to create an account in the CRA My Account site. This site will also allow you to sign up for Direct Deposit of government payments to your own credit union account. Learn more
Support for Those Facing Unemployment, Unable to Work, or Sick and Quarantined or in Self-isolation (CERB):
Includes the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for individuals. Learn more
For those ineligible for EI:
Three new benefits are proposed, which were passed in the House of Commons in the early hours of September 30, and still require Senate passage. The proposal was to make these effective September 27 and to open applications in October. Details of all these proposals are available here.
On April 15, there were changes announced to the eligibility rules to:
Application for Employment Insurance, for Those who are Eligible:
Medical certificates are waived to access employment insurance sick benefits. Apply here
The Manitoba Restart Program
This program provides direct payments to bridge qualified Manitobans to return to work, if they stop receiving the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) or the CESB (Canada Emergency Student Benefit). The program will provide one initial payment of $500 plus three additional bi-weekly payments for $500 each, for a maximum of $2,000 over six weeks. Program participants must voluntarily stop collecting CERB or CESB support from the federal government. Those receiving the CERB or CESB and currently earning less than $1000 per month may be eligible if they increase to minimum hours and meet the criteria. Payments are considered taxable income.
To qualify, applicants must:
To remain in the program, approved applicants must:
• actively return to work in Manitoba to a job with at least 30 hours per week in order to be eligible for the first $500 payment;
• complete a simple declaration for each of the following two weeks certifying that they are still working at least 30 hours per week, in order to receive the next three $500 payments;
• no longer receive CERB, CESB or similar COVID-19 related support from the federal government;
• follow Manitoba’s COVID-19 health guidelines in the workplace; and
• continue residing permanently in Manitoba and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
*eligible employer types are defined in the site
Applications are open on June 26th at 2:00 pm and are accepted until July 31st.
Click here for more information and how to apply
One- time supplementary payments for Manitoba front line essential service workers in minimum wage employment: **NOTE UPDATES as of June 16th to the criteria and deadline:**
*Eligible positions are in healthcare, social services, justice, essential retail, food and beverage, transportation.
UPDATED: Eligible positions have been expanded to include the following:
Canada Child Benefit Increased to $300 per Child:
Payment delivered in May. Families already receiving the benefit need not apply. Learn more
On May 16, the Government of Canada announced a further increase to the Canada Child Benefit. Learn more
Special COVID-19 Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit Increase:
For those eligible for the credit. Learn more
Extra Time to File Income Tax and to Make Payments for 2019 Tax Year:
Check here for different taxpayer dates. Check dates
Manitoba Provincial Tax Deferral:
4-month deferral period for individuals and businesses to pay provincial taxes, to August 31. No interest or penalties. The province has indicated it would be willing to extend these deferrals until Oct. 1, should the federal government agree. Learn more
Resources for homeowners and renters from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):
Learn more
How mortgage payment deferrals work - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):
Learn more
Support for Borrowers:
Manitoba credit unions have developed policies to assist borrowers. In some circumstances, payment or interest deferrals may be available. Contact your own credit union to discuss what options would work best for your circumstances. Visit this page to find your credit union. Learn more
The Province of Manitoba Measures to Ease Cash Flow for Manitobans:
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba:
The province of Manitoba announced on May 26 that it will provide one-time payments of $200 in early June, to those Manitobans who receive monthly benefits under the disability category of Employment and Income Assistance. The announcement state “This payment will not be considered taxable income and will not affect any other ben qefits received.” Payments will be sent automatically and there is no need to apply. For more information, FAQs and contact information, click here
Federal Government payment for certified holders of the Disability Tax Credit
A special one-time, tax-free payment will be provided to those individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit as of June 1, 2020, as follows:
Information, Supports and Public Health Guidance
- Government of Canada Main COVID-19 Site: Go to site
- Canada COVID-19 Support App / Application de support COVID-19 du Canada:
- The App will let you receive the latest updates, trusted resources, and self-assess your symptoms. Download on the App Store or Google Play, or click here
- Government of Manitoba main COVID-19 site: Go to site
Mental Health Supports
Government of Canada’s Wellness Together supports:
Wellness Together Canada will offer Canadians different levels of support depending on their need, ranging from information and self-assessment tools, to the opportunity to chat with peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls. It will make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues. The portal is the result of the work of a broad consortium of organizations with experience in providing digital mental health and substance use support, including Stepped Care Solutions, Kids Help Phone, Homewood Health, Greenspace Health, the Mental Health Commission of Canada, and the Canadian Psychological Association. Learn more
Province of Manitoba’s Mental Health Virtual Therapy Program for Manitobans:
Caring for your mental health is important during the COVID-19 pandemic. AbilitiCBT is a new digital therapy program from Morneau Shepell, available to all Manitobans experiencing low to mid symptoms of anxiety due to the pandemic. You will be able to connect to a professional therapist trained to help you deal with:
- pandemic challenges
- the state of uncertainty
- physical isolation
- care for family and community members
- information overload
- stress management
Financial Supports
Canada Revenue Agency 'My Account':
Many Federal government supports require you to create an account in the CRA My Account site. This site will also allow you to sign up for Direct Deposit of government payments to your own credit union account. Learn more
Support for Those Facing Unemployment, Unable to Work, or Sick and Quarantined or in Self-isolation (CERB):
Includes the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for individuals. Learn more
- On August 20, the CERB was extended for one more week, to a total of 28 weeks. The last day will be September 27th. The program will then switch to a combination of a modified version of EI (Employment Insurance) and a proposed new benefit.
- The modified EI coverage will allow people to qualify if they have had 120 insurable hours of work in the last 12 months. Details of EI changes are available here, including changes to premiums and changes for fishers. Learn more
For those ineligible for EI:
Three new benefits are proposed, which were passed in the House of Commons in the early hours of September 30, and still require Senate passage. The proposal was to make these effective September 27 and to open applications in October. Details of all these proposals are available here.
- Canada Recovery Benefit (proposed). Those who do not qualify for EI due to contract work or insufficient hours would be eligible for the proposed Canada Recovery Benefit. This is a proposed benefit of up to $500 a week for up to 26 weeks, for those who have stopped working or had reduced incomes due to COVID-19, and have had income of at least $5000 in 2019 or 2020. The amount of money that a person could still earn while receiving this benefit is to be defined.
- Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (proposed): This proposal is for two weeks of paid sick leave to any worker in Canada who falls ill or has to self-isolate due to COVID-19, who has earned at least $5000 in 2019 or 2020, and who does not have access to other sick leave benefits. The proposal is to provide $500 a week for up to 2 weeks. A claimant would not be able to claim this benefit and another sick leave payment at the same time.
- Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (proposed): This proposal gives support to Canadians who must stay home to care for a child under 12 or another family member requiring supervised care, because their school, daycare or other day program facility is shut down due to COVID-19. This is a proposed benefit of $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for those who qualify. Those who choose to keep a child or other dependent home, even though the facility is open, would not qualify unless they provide proof that the person cannot attend due to the advice of a medical professional. Only one claimant would be permitted per household within a given week. Claimants would not be able to be in receipt of other COVID-19 relief benefits or paid leave at the same time.
On April 15, there were changes announced to the eligibility rules to:
- Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB (accounts for examples like solo entrepreneurs, contractors, or those receiving royalties). Specifically:
- When submitting your first CERB claim, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the four-week benefit period of your claim.
- When submitting subsequent claims, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for the entire four-week benefit period of your new claim.
- Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work because of COVID-19.
- Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job because of COVID-19.
- The CERB application now includes an online questionnaire to guide applicants to the appropriate option (EI or CERB).
- If you have already applied for EI, do not apply for the CERB.
- To obtain more information or apply, click here
- You can also apply over the phone: 1‑800‑959‑2019 or 1‑800‑959‑2041
Application for Employment Insurance, for Those who are Eligible:
Medical certificates are waived to access employment insurance sick benefits. Apply here
The Manitoba Restart Program
This program provides direct payments to bridge qualified Manitobans to return to work, if they stop receiving the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) or the CESB (Canada Emergency Student Benefit). The program will provide one initial payment of $500 plus three additional bi-weekly payments for $500 each, for a maximum of $2,000 over six weeks. Program participants must voluntarily stop collecting CERB or CESB support from the federal government. Those receiving the CERB or CESB and currently earning less than $1000 per month may be eligible if they increase to minimum hours and meet the criteria. Payments are considered taxable income.
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be receiving benefits from the CERB or CESB at the time of the application;
- Have been offered employment by an eligible employer*, with an anticipated start date no more than 7 days into the future;
- Anticipate to work a minimum of 30 hours per week;
- Be legally entitled to work in Canada;
- Be a Manitoba resident since April 1, 2020; and
- Have a valid Canadian banking account.
To remain in the program, approved applicants must:
• actively return to work in Manitoba to a job with at least 30 hours per week in order to be eligible for the first $500 payment;
• complete a simple declaration for each of the following two weeks certifying that they are still working at least 30 hours per week, in order to receive the next three $500 payments;
• no longer receive CERB, CESB or similar COVID-19 related support from the federal government;
• follow Manitoba’s COVID-19 health guidelines in the workplace; and
• continue residing permanently in Manitoba and be legally entitled to work in Canada.
*eligible employer types are defined in the site
Applications are open on June 26th at 2:00 pm and are accepted until July 31st.
Click here for more information and how to apply
One- time supplementary payments for Manitoba front line essential service workers in minimum wage employment: **NOTE UPDATES as of June 16th to the criteria and deadline:**
- Applications open: Wednesday June 4th at Noon.
- Deadline to apply: (UPDATED) June 29th at Noon.
- were employed full or part time in eligible roles (see link below*) during the period March 20 through May 29, 2020;
- worked a minimum of 200 hours (or would have worked that amount but were required to self-isolate under public health orders);
- had pretax employment income of (UPDATED) less than $5,000 per month, or $12,500 total, during the 2.5-month eligibility period, excluding overtime from the total gross income calculation;
- have a valid Social Insurance Number, an email address, a valid Canadian banking account, and have applied by (UPDATED) June 29 at Noon.
- are not enrolled in the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit).
*Eligible positions are in healthcare, social services, justice, essential retail, food and beverage, transportation.
UPDATED: Eligible positions have been expanded to include the following:
- hotel workers (reception, cleaners, maintenance, kitchen staff, servers); and
- Business Improvement Zone staff (patrol, graffiti removal, street cleaners, distributors of COVID-19-related education material and Personal Protective Equipment).
Canada Child Benefit Increased to $300 per Child:
Payment delivered in May. Families already receiving the benefit need not apply. Learn more
On May 16, the Government of Canada announced a further increase to the Canada Child Benefit. Learn more
Special COVID-19 Goods and Services Tax (GST) Credit Increase:
For those eligible for the credit. Learn more
Extra Time to File Income Tax and to Make Payments for 2019 Tax Year:
Check here for different taxpayer dates. Check dates
Manitoba Provincial Tax Deferral:
4-month deferral period for individuals and businesses to pay provincial taxes, to August 31. No interest or penalties. The province has indicated it would be willing to extend these deferrals until Oct. 1, should the federal government agree. Learn more
Resources for homeowners and renters from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):
Learn more
How mortgage payment deferrals work - Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC):
Learn more
Support for Borrowers:
Manitoba credit unions have developed policies to assist borrowers. In some circumstances, payment or interest deferrals may be available. Contact your own credit union to discuss what options would work best for your circumstances. Visit this page to find your credit union. Learn more
The Province of Manitoba Measures to Ease Cash Flow for Manitobans:
- Rent increase freeze in Manitoba: The Province of Manitoba has frozen rent increases and prohibited late fees. These temporary changes will remain in effect until they are repealed by proclamation. The province has also postponed non-emergency eviction hearings, effective March 24 until September 30. Learn more
- Residential Tenancies fact sheets for landlords, for tenants, and for employees and residents of residential complexes.
Click here
- Residential Tenancies fact sheets for landlords, for tenants, and for employees and residents of residential complexes.
- Tenants and landlords who need more information should contact the RTB at 204-945-2476, 1-800-782-8403 (toll-free) or rtb@gov.mb.ca. They can also visit the Residential Tenancy Branch website.
- Interest and penalty not charged for 6 months, in the event that Manitobans are unable to pay for amounts owing to Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance premiums, Workers’ Compensation premiums, Education Property Taxes. In addition, ordinary MPI policy renewals and collections practices relaxed.
- Manitoba Hydro/ Centra Gas: directed to not disconnect customers prior to October 1.
- Property Insurance sales tax removal – accelerating removal of $75M in provincial sales tax from residential and business property, effective July 1, 2020.
- Interest on provincial Education Taxes, School Division fees and Municipal Taxes: Province of Manitoba is working with municipal partners to charge no interest on these balances. City of Winnipeg has already agreed to take this step as of April 3.
- Learn more
Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba:
- Click here to see Q&A for Workers about WCB coverage during COVID-19. Learn more
- Healthcare Providers receiving WCB payments are strongly advised by WCB to sign up for Direct Deposit
The province of Manitoba announced on May 26 that it will provide one-time payments of $200 in early June, to those Manitobans who receive monthly benefits under the disability category of Employment and Income Assistance. The announcement state “This payment will not be considered taxable income and will not affect any other ben qefits received.” Payments will be sent automatically and there is no need to apply. For more information, FAQs and contact information, click here
Federal Government payment for certified holders of the Disability Tax Credit
A special one-time, tax-free payment will be provided to those individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit as of June 1, 2020, as follows:
- $600 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate;
- $300 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension;
- $100 for Canadians with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate and who are eligible for both the OAS pension and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS);
(Combined with the previously announced special payments of $300 for Canadians who are eligible for the OAS pension and the additional $200 for those eligible for the GIS, all seniors with a valid Disability Tax Credit certificate will receive a total of $600 in special payments.)
For Students
Overview of Government of Canada programs for students and recent graduates impacted by COVID-19: Learn more
Suspension of Repayments of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans:
Payments will be stopped temporarily and no interest will accrue.
Manitoba Student Loan Payments Suspended Through September 30:
Effective April 1, the Department of Economic Development and Training has suspended all repayments of loans under the Manitoba Student Aid Program through Sept. 30. The temporary stoppage of repayments parallels a similar suspension put in place by the federal government under the Canada Student Loan Program, also through Sept. 30. Learn more
Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB):
Available for applications as of May 15th. It provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. This benefit is for students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI). From May to August 2020, the CESB provides a payment to eligible students of: $1,250 For each 4-week period and $2,000 For each 4-week period, if you have dependents or a disability. Learn more
Temporary Changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program to Support Students and Employers Seeking Students:
This program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age. From the press release: 'The Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on February 28, 2020':
Manitoba Summer Student Job Program is available to employers.
This program promotes the hiring of high school and post-secondary students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides wage subsidies to employers from the private and not-for-profit sectors to employ students aged 15 to 29. In addition to traditional summer jobs, students can help organizations and businesses adapt their workplaces and public spaces to the public health requirements of COVID-19.
Eligible Employers:
Eligible students must:
Expansion to existing Federal employment, skills development and Youth programming to create job placements and training opportunities for students: Learn more
Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)
This grant will help students gain work experience and skills while helping in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. For students who choose to do this national service, the CSSG will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall. Details on this grant will be announced soon.
Overview of Government of Canada programs for students and recent graduates impacted by COVID-19: Learn more
Suspension of Repayments of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans:
Payments will be stopped temporarily and no interest will accrue.
- National Student Loans Service Centre - Click here
- Canada Apprentice Loans Service Centre - Click here
Manitoba Student Loan Payments Suspended Through September 30:
Effective April 1, the Department of Economic Development and Training has suspended all repayments of loans under the Manitoba Student Aid Program through Sept. 30. The temporary stoppage of repayments parallels a similar suspension put in place by the federal government under the Canada Student Loan Program, also through Sept. 30. Learn more
Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB):
Available for applications as of May 15th. It provides financial support to post-secondary students, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. This benefit is for students who do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance (EI). From May to August 2020, the CESB provides a payment to eligible students of: $1,250 For each 4-week period and $2,000 For each 4-week period, if you have dependents or a disability. Learn more
Temporary Changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program to Support Students and Employers Seeking Students:
This program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age. From the press release: 'The Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on February 28, 2020':
- In response to the economic impacts created by the COVID-19 situation, we will work with Members of Parliament to identify organizations that provide essential services in the community and could provide youth jobs but did not apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020.
- Job placements could begin as early as May 11, 2020, and end as late as February 28, 2021.
- Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app.
- Learn more
Manitoba Summer Student Job Program is available to employers.
This program promotes the hiring of high school and post-secondary students who have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program provides wage subsidies to employers from the private and not-for-profit sectors to employ students aged 15 to 29. In addition to traditional summer jobs, students can help organizations and businesses adapt their workplaces and public spaces to the public health requirements of COVID-19.
Eligible Employers:
- All private sector and non-profit employers operating in Manitoba
Eligible students must:
- Be a high school or post-secondary student aged 15 to 29 residing in Manitoba;
- Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, international student, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment; and
- Be legally entitled to work in Manitoba.
- The student must be a new hire for the spring/summer months with a start date of May 1 or later. Existing permanent or part-time employee are not eligible.
- Employers must apply online. For details of eligibility, obligations and the application, to do so, click here.
Expansion to existing Federal employment, skills development and Youth programming to create job placements and training opportunities for students: Learn more
Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG)
This grant will help students gain work experience and skills while helping in their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. For students who choose to do this national service, the CSSG will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall. Details on this grant will be announced soon.
For Seniors
Reduced Required Minimum Withdrawals from RRIFs:
Reduced required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors’ retirement savings. Similar minimum withdrawal rules would apply to individuals receiving variable benefit payments under a defined contribution Registered Pension Plan. Learn more
The Manitoba Seniors Economic Recovery Credit:
This will provide every Manitoban aged 65 and older with a one-time, refundable tax credit of $200. The Manitoba Department of Finance will proactively mail a payment cheque as a credit advance to each senior who filed a 2018 income tax return prior to April 1, 2020. Seniors who have changed mailing addresses since the time of their 2018 tax filings should update the Department of Finance on their address changes at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/serc/. To receive the funds this year, people must update their address by May 12. Those who do not receive a cheque, have not updated their addresses, or are new residents of Manitoba will be able to receive the $200 credit when they file their 2020 income tax return. The Government of Manitoba has stated that the $200 credit will not be counted taxable as income and will not be used to claw back income-tested benefits to seniors. For more information click here.
Help Next Door MB:
A site where Manitobans can ask for support or offer to help others. All volunteers are screened. Learn more
Government of Canada One-Time Tax-Free Payment for Seniors:
The federal government announced new measures on Tuesday, May 12, to help seniors struggling financially because of COVID-19. Seniors Minister Deb Schulte said that seniors who qualify for Old Age Security (OAS) will be eligible for a one-time, tax-free payment of $300, and those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will get an extra $200. Those eligible for both will receive $500.
Extension of Payments if 2019 income not yet assessed:
The Government of Canada is also temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed. This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than by October 1, 2020. Details will be posted when available on the Government of Canada site.
Learn more
Reduced Required Minimum Withdrawals from RRIFs:
Reduced required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020, in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on many seniors’ retirement savings. Similar minimum withdrawal rules would apply to individuals receiving variable benefit payments under a defined contribution Registered Pension Plan. Learn more
The Manitoba Seniors Economic Recovery Credit:
This will provide every Manitoban aged 65 and older with a one-time, refundable tax credit of $200. The Manitoba Department of Finance will proactively mail a payment cheque as a credit advance to each senior who filed a 2018 income tax return prior to April 1, 2020. Seniors who have changed mailing addresses since the time of their 2018 tax filings should update the Department of Finance on their address changes at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/serc/. To receive the funds this year, people must update their address by May 12. Those who do not receive a cheque, have not updated their addresses, or are new residents of Manitoba will be able to receive the $200 credit when they file their 2020 income tax return. The Government of Manitoba has stated that the $200 credit will not be counted taxable as income and will not be used to claw back income-tested benefits to seniors. For more information click here.
Help Next Door MB:
A site where Manitobans can ask for support or offer to help others. All volunteers are screened. Learn more
Government of Canada One-Time Tax-Free Payment for Seniors:
The federal government announced new measures on Tuesday, May 12, to help seniors struggling financially because of COVID-19. Seniors Minister Deb Schulte said that seniors who qualify for Old Age Security (OAS) will be eligible for a one-time, tax-free payment of $300, and those eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will get an extra $200. Those eligible for both will receive $500.
Extension of Payments if 2019 income not yet assessed:
The Government of Canada is also temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed. This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than by October 1, 2020. Details will be posted when available on the Government of Canada site.
Learn more
For Businesses
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA):
The Government of Canada launched CEBA to ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges. This program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). Eligibility criteria for the CEBA loan have been updated since the program began. Applicants have until December 31, 2020 to apply.
Update: On October 9, 2020 the federal government announced plans for an expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which would enable businesses, and not-for-profits eligible for CEBA loans—and that continue to be negatively impacted by the pandemic—to access an interest-free loan of up to $20,000, in addition to the original CEBA loan of $40,000. Half of the additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. An attestation of the impact of COVID-19 on the business will be required to access the additional financing. Further details will be shared as information is available.
Government of Canada Online tool to navigate Federal COVID-19 supports that may be available for your business:
English language version
French language version
Manitoba Gap Protection Program:
For businesses that do not qualify for the various federal government assistance programs and wage subsidies created because of COVID-19:
New Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners. The new rent subsidy would support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020.
Canada Revenue Agency My Business Account:
The Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program requires you to sign up via your account in the CRA My Business Account site. This site will also allow you to sign up for Direct Deposit of government payments to your own account. Your credit union can also help you sign up for Direct Deposit. Learn more
The Manitoba Economic Support Centre:
Business Manitoba has launched a new call centre support service. You can contact them to obtain guidance about supports available for your business. Learn more. Phone: 1-888-805-7554
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS):
This program has been extended to June 2021. Businesses must apply directly through the Canada Revenue Agency site, using My Business Account. It is recommended by the Government of Canada that businesses register for Direct Deposit within their Business Account, in order to expedite payment. Click below find details of eligible employers, eligible employees, and a calculator to estimate your subsidy amount if you are eligible. Learn more
The new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) provides a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
The CEWS prevents further job losses, encourages employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help better position Canadian companies and other employers to more easily resume normal operations following the crisis.
Eligible employers include: individuals; taxable corporations; partnerships consisting of eligible employers; non profit organizations and registered charities, that see a drop of at least 15% of their revenue in March 2020 and 30% for the following months. Public bodies are not eligible. Details are available at the link below.
The CEWS has been expanded to include a 100% refund for certain employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan, when employees are on leave with pay.
Note: If employees are rehired by an employer while receiving CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit), there may be a requirement for them to repay a portion of the CERB. Employees cannot receive CERB while also benefiting from wages via the CEWS payment to their employer.
Organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 10 per cent of remuneration paid from March 18 to before June 20, 2020.
The Work-Sharing Program – temporary special measures
Manitoba: Temporary Exception to Employment Standards Layoff Rules:
The Manitoba government has added a temporary exception to employment standards regulations, to give employers more time to recall employees laid off as a result of COVID-19. This measure will provide flexibility to employers to recall employees once work picks up again, and avoid severing their employment. This measure is temporary and specific to situations where employees will eventually be rehired once the COVID-19 crisis has subsided and economic activity picks up again. More details
Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Program:
The program is designed to lower rents by at least 75% for eligible small businesses tenants experiencing financial hardship, during April through July (as of July 1). Relief through July will only be extended to those who were approved through April, May and June. If a business had an average revenue decline of 70% or more in April, May and June, they are deemed eligible for the additional month of rent relief. However, not all tenants in the original application need to be included for the July extension. It will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners who agree to reduce the small business tenants’ rents by at least 75% under a rent forgiveness agreement. The agreement will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The requirement to claw-back insurance proceeds and provincial rent supports from the CECRA for small businesses forgivable loan amount for existing and new applicants. The program is administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing. Details on the program, application dates, the required agreements, and FAQs for commercial landlords and business tenants are available on the CMHC website. Click here
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP):
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) provides support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC), to provide credit solutions for individual businesses. These programs are delivered through your financial institution. Contact your credit union for more information. The program includes:
It offers different loan segments, based on your business revenues. Loans would be interest-only for the first 12 months, with a 10-year repayment period. This program is still in preparation, and details will be available soon through your credit union. You may wish to advise your credit union of your potential interest in this program. Learn more
Innovative and early-stage businesses
The Government of Canada is investing funds to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports. These supports are provided through the IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program), an existing program that provides advice, connections and funding for business to increase innovation capacity and take ideas to market.
The National Research Council has a variety of Challenge programs that technology companies may wish to review here.
Young Entrepreneurs
The Government of Canada is providing funds to Futurpreneur Canada to continue supporting young entrepreneurs facing challenges related to COVID-19. Learn more
Government of Canada: Temporary Changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program to Support Students and Employers Seeking Students:
This program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age. Although the Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on February 28, 2020, the Federal Government has announced that it will now work with Members of Parliament to identify organizations that provide essential services in the community and could provide youth jobs but did not apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020. Temporary changes to the program will include:
Job placements could begin as early as May 11, 2020, and end as late as February 28, 2021. Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app.
Learn more
More Time for Businesses to Pay Federal Income Tax:
The Federal government is allowing all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020.
Learn more
Manitoba Provincial Tax Deferral: 4 month deferral period for individuals and businesses to pay provincial taxes, to August 31. No interest or penalties. The province has indicated it would be willing to extend these deferrals until Oct. 1, should the federal government agree. Learn more
Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments:
Until June 30, 2020. Learn more
Manitoba Retail Sales and Payroll Tax filing deadlines for Small and Medium Sized businesses extended for June.
After extending the April and May filing deadlines for small and medium-sized businesses with monthly remittances of no more than $10,000, the province is now extending the deadlines for June as well. Businesses will now have up to three additional months to remit retail sales taxes and the Health and Post Secondary Education Tax Levy, commonly called the payroll tax.
See the May 29 Press release on this matter
Rural Businesses and Communities
The Government of Canada is providing funds to support rural businesses and communities by providing access to capital through the Community Futures Network. Businesses should look for support through their Regional Development Agency (in Manitoba, the Regional Development Agency is Western Economic Diversification Canada, also known as WD).
Learn more
New Business Resilience Service for Small Businesses
The Canadian Chamber, the Government of Canada, EY, CPA Canada and Imagine Canada have teamed up to launch a new hotline to provide small business owners with free advice from accounting professionals on how to navigate their way through the current economic crisis. The Business Resilience Service (BRS) will be staffed seven days a week with 125 members of CPA Canada. Advisors can answer questions about tax regulations and the implications of COVID-19, inform business owners about government support programs that best fit their unique circumstances, and provide strategic financial planning for their road to recovery.
Province of Manitoba Measures to Ease Cash Flow for Manitoba Businesses:
They include:
For Agricultural Businesses:
The Federal Government is supporting Farm Credit Canada by allowing an additional $5 billion in lending capacity to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. Learn more
For Food Producers
On May 5, the Government of Canada announced significant supports for food producers, including a new Surplus Food Purchase program. New Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund for purchase of surplus perishable food for distribution to organizations addressing food insecurity.
For Fishers:
On May 14, the government of Canada announced the Fish Harvester’s Benefit, the Fish Harvester’s grant, and changes to EI that will allow self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons to access EI benefits on the basis of insurable earnings from previous seasons (winter and summer claims).
Learn more
Procurement Call:
The Government of Manitoba has reached out to manufacturers to manufacture or supply critical health supplies, to support the province’s response COVID-19. The Government also announced a $100M COVID-19 procurement fund, to help businesses tool up operations and workforces to manufacture essential equipment to help the Health Care sector to fight COVID-19. In particular, the following is sought:
Manitoba manufacturers or businesses that are prepared to rapidly scale up production or re-tool manufacturing lines to develop products made in Manitoba to help in the fight against COVID-19 can log their capacities at this link.
The province is also issuing a call to businesses who have a stock of personal protective equipment. If the equipment is not being used, due to closures and physical distancing, businesses can also reach out by visiting the portal here.
In addition, Manitoba businesses may choose to donate unused personal protective equipment supplies in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. For more info, click here.
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA):
The Government of Canada launched CEBA to ensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need to see them through the current challenges. This program provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). Eligibility criteria for the CEBA loan have been updated since the program began. Applicants have until December 31, 2020 to apply.
- CEBA Eligibility Criteria: click here
- CEBA Call Centre (as of the week of August 24th): If you have applied for CEBA and have questions, please contact the new CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201 to receive a status update on your CEBA application. The CEBA Call Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 9:00 pm EST and can address the following types of questions: What is the status of my application? Why was my application declined? Why was my submitted document rejected?
- Apply through your credit union: Find your credit union website here.
- Government of Canada CEBA website - click here
- Informational PDF from Manitoba Credit Unions - click here
Update: On October 9, 2020 the federal government announced plans for an expanded Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA), which would enable businesses, and not-for-profits eligible for CEBA loans—and that continue to be negatively impacted by the pandemic—to access an interest-free loan of up to $20,000, in addition to the original CEBA loan of $40,000. Half of the additional financing would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. An attestation of the impact of COVID-19 on the business will be required to access the additional financing. Further details will be shared as information is available.
Government of Canada Online tool to navigate Federal COVID-19 supports that may be available for your business:
English language version
French language version
Manitoba Gap Protection Program:
For businesses that do not qualify for the various federal government assistance programs and wage subsidies created because of COVID-19:
- The provincial government’s online portal to facilitate business applications to the Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP) is now live. The application deadline is July 31, 2020.
- The MGPP provides an interest-free, forgivable $6,000 loan to small and medium-sized businesses in Manitoba that have experienced hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and related public health orders. [LS(1]
- Eligible businesses will receive a one-time, lump-sum payment of $6,000, electronically deposited into their business bank account.
- The full form, information needed, and list of eligibility criteria is available online. Individuals that require assistance in completing the online form can contact the Manitoba Economic Assistance Office (toll-free) at 1-888-805-7554.
- Eligible businesses are now able to submit online applications.
New Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, while also providing support to property owners. The new rent subsidy would support businesses, charities, and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, by subsidizing a percentage of their expenses, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020.
- Organizations would be able to make claims retroactively for the period that began September 27 and ends October 24, 2020.
- A top-up Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy of 25 per cent would be offered to organizations temporarily shut down by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy.
Canada Revenue Agency My Business Account:
The Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program requires you to sign up via your account in the CRA My Business Account site. This site will also allow you to sign up for Direct Deposit of government payments to your own account. Your credit union can also help you sign up for Direct Deposit. Learn more
The Manitoba Economic Support Centre:
Business Manitoba has launched a new call centre support service. You can contact them to obtain guidance about supports available for your business. Learn more. Phone: 1-888-805-7554
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS):
This program has been extended to June 2021. Businesses must apply directly through the Canada Revenue Agency site, using My Business Account. It is recommended by the Government of Canada that businesses register for Direct Deposit within their Business Account, in order to expedite payment. Click below find details of eligible employers, eligible employees, and a calculator to estimate your subsidy amount if you are eligible. Learn more
The new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) provides a 75% wage subsidy to eligible employers, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
- July UPDATE: on July 17, the Government of Canada proposed a program extension to December 19 as well as extending the criteria for eligibility. Proposed criteria changes include extending to employers with a revenue decline of less than 30 per cent and providing a gradually decreasing base subsidy to all qualifying employers; introducing a top-up subsidy of up to an additional 25 per cent for employers that have been most adversely affected and are recovering more slowly; ensuring no one receives a subsidy lower than they would have had under the previous rules. For more details, click here.
- October UPDATE: Program has been extended to June 2021
The CEWS prevents further job losses, encourages employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help better position Canadian companies and other employers to more easily resume normal operations following the crisis.
Eligible employers include: individuals; taxable corporations; partnerships consisting of eligible employers; non profit organizations and registered charities, that see a drop of at least 15% of their revenue in March 2020 and 30% for the following months. Public bodies are not eligible. Details are available at the link below.
The CEWS has been expanded to include a 100% refund for certain employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan, when employees are on leave with pay.
Note: If employees are rehired by an employer while receiving CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit), there may be a requirement for them to repay a portion of the CERB. Employees cannot receive CERB while also benefiting from wages via the CEWS payment to their employer.
Organizations that do not qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy may qualify for the previously announced wage subsidy of 10 per cent of remuneration paid from March 18 to before June 20, 2020.
The Work-Sharing Program – temporary special measures
- Extension of the maximum duration of an agreement from 38 weeks to 76 weeks.
- Mandatory cooling off period waived for employers who have already used the program, so that eligible employers may immediately enter into a new agreement.
- Reduced requirement and expanded eligibility for employers affected: accepting businesses who have been in business for only 1 year rather than 2; eliminating the burden of having to provide sales/production figures at the same time.
- Check eligibility/Apply here
Manitoba: Temporary Exception to Employment Standards Layoff Rules:
The Manitoba government has added a temporary exception to employment standards regulations, to give employers more time to recall employees laid off as a result of COVID-19. This measure will provide flexibility to employers to recall employees once work picks up again, and avoid severing their employment. This measure is temporary and specific to situations where employees will eventually be rehired once the COVID-19 crisis has subsided and economic activity picks up again. More details
Canadian Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) Program:
The program is designed to lower rents by at least 75% for eligible small businesses tenants experiencing financial hardship, during April through July (as of July 1). Relief through July will only be extended to those who were approved through April, May and June. If a business had an average revenue decline of 70% or more in April, May and June, they are deemed eligible for the additional month of rent relief. However, not all tenants in the original application need to be included for the July extension. It will provide forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners who agree to reduce the small business tenants’ rents by at least 75% under a rent forgiveness agreement. The agreement will include a term not to evict the tenant while the agreement is in place. The requirement to claw-back insurance proceeds and provincial rent supports from the CECRA for small businesses forgivable loan amount for existing and new applicants. The program is administered by Canada Mortgage and Housing. Details on the program, application dates, the required agreements, and FAQs for commercial landlords and business tenants are available on the CMHC website. Click here
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP):
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) provides support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC), to provide credit solutions for individual businesses. These programs are delivered through your financial institution. Contact your credit union for more information. The program includes:
- EDC Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (via Export Development Canada): EDC guarantees of 80% on new operating credit and cash floor term loans of up to $6.25 million. This is financing to be used for operational expenses only. It is available to exporting and non-exporting companies in all sectors, that were otherwise financially viable and revenue-generating prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. Contact your credit union.
- BDC Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (via Business Development Canada): co-lending for operational and liquidity requirements, which could include payments on existing debt. The loans are shared between BDC and your financial institution. This program is available to businesses that were financially viable and revenue-generating prior to the COVID-19 outbreak.
It offers different loan segments, based on your business revenues. Loans would be interest-only for the first 12 months, with a 10-year repayment period. This program is still in preparation, and details will be available soon through your credit union. You may wish to advise your credit union of your potential interest in this program. Learn more
Innovative and early-stage businesses
The Government of Canada is investing funds to assist innovative, early-stage companies that are unable to access other COVID-19 business supports. These supports are provided through the IRAP (Industrial Research Assistance Program), an existing program that provides advice, connections and funding for business to increase innovation capacity and take ideas to market.
The National Research Council has a variety of Challenge programs that technology companies may wish to review here.
Young Entrepreneurs
The Government of Canada is providing funds to Futurpreneur Canada to continue supporting young entrepreneurs facing challenges related to COVID-19. Learn more
Government of Canada: Temporary Changes to the Canada Summer Jobs Program to Support Students and Employers Seeking Students:
This program will help create up to 70,000 jobs for youth between 15 and 30 years of age. Although the Canada Summer Jobs call for applications for the 2020 season closed on February 28, 2020, the Federal Government has announced that it will now work with Members of Parliament to identify organizations that provide essential services in the community and could provide youth jobs but did not apply for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020. Temporary changes to the program will include:
- An increase to the wage subsidy for employers to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage; increase to wage subsidy will be for this year only
- An extension to the end date for employment to February 28, 2021
- Allowing employers to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services
- Allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis
Job placements could begin as early as May 11, 2020, and end as late as February 28, 2021. Youth will be able to search for jobs available in their communities through the Job Bank website and app.
Learn more
More Time for Businesses to Pay Federal Income Tax:
The Federal government is allowing all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020.
Learn more
Manitoba Provincial Tax Deferral: 4 month deferral period for individuals and businesses to pay provincial taxes, to August 31. No interest or penalties. The province has indicated it would be willing to extend these deferrals until Oct. 1, should the federal government agree. Learn more
Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments:
Until June 30, 2020. Learn more
Manitoba Retail Sales and Payroll Tax filing deadlines for Small and Medium Sized businesses extended for June.
After extending the April and May filing deadlines for small and medium-sized businesses with monthly remittances of no more than $10,000, the province is now extending the deadlines for June as well. Businesses will now have up to three additional months to remit retail sales taxes and the Health and Post Secondary Education Tax Levy, commonly called the payroll tax.
See the May 29 Press release on this matter
Rural Businesses and Communities
The Government of Canada is providing funds to support rural businesses and communities by providing access to capital through the Community Futures Network. Businesses should look for support through their Regional Development Agency (in Manitoba, the Regional Development Agency is Western Economic Diversification Canada, also known as WD).
Learn more
New Business Resilience Service for Small Businesses
The Canadian Chamber, the Government of Canada, EY, CPA Canada and Imagine Canada have teamed up to launch a new hotline to provide small business owners with free advice from accounting professionals on how to navigate their way through the current economic crisis. The Business Resilience Service (BRS) will be staffed seven days a week with 125 members of CPA Canada. Advisors can answer questions about tax regulations and the implications of COVID-19, inform business owners about government support programs that best fit their unique circumstances, and provide strategic financial planning for their road to recovery.
- To access the BRS: call 1-866-989-1080 to connect with a business advisor from the accounting profession. The service is available 7 days/week from 8am – 8pm ET (7am – 7pm CT).
- Read more
Province of Manitoba Measures to Ease Cash Flow for Manitoba Businesses:
They include:
- Interest and penalty not charged prior to October 1, in the event that Manitobans are unable to pay for amounts owing to Manitoba Hydro, Manitoba Public Insurance premiums, Education Property Taxes. In addition, ordinary MPI policy renewals and collections practices relaxed.
- Workers Compensation Board premiums: supporting Workers Compensation Board (WCB) not to charge interest prior to October 1, and asking WCB to extend relief from penalties for late payments.
- Click here to see Workers Compensation Board Q&A for employers about Claims, Premiums, Reporting Payroll, Coverage, Clearances during COVID-19
- Manitoba Hydro/ Centra Gas: directed to not disconnect customers due to arrears, prior to October 1.
- Property Insurance sales tax removal – accelerating removal of $75M in provincial sales tax from residential and business property, effective July 1, 2020.
- For restaurants, bars and private wine stores: Six-month cash flow relief, through instructing Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries not to charge interest on receivables until October 1.
- Interest on provincial Education Taxes, School Division fees and Municipal Taxes: Province of Manitoba is working with municipal partners to charge no interest on these balances. City of Winnipeg has already agreed to take this step as of April 3.
- Learn more
For Agricultural Businesses:
The Federal Government is supporting Farm Credit Canada by allowing an additional $5 billion in lending capacity to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. Learn more
For Food Producers
On May 5, the Government of Canada announced significant supports for food producers, including a new Surplus Food Purchase program. New Surplus Food Purchase Program with an initial $50 million fund for purchase of surplus perishable food for distribution to organizations addressing food insecurity.
- $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers access adapt facilities, purchase PPE (The Government of Canada previously announced support for Fish Processing sector for similar purposes, including storage capacity for unsold product).
- National AgriRecovery initiatives of up to $125 million in funding to help producers. This includes set-asides for cattle and hog management programs to manage livestock backed-up on farms, due to the temporary closure of food processing plants.
- Intention to increase the Canadian Dairy Commission’s borrowing limit by $200 million to support costs associated with the temporary storage of cheese and butter to avoid food waste. This item will require legislative change to implement.
- Working with provinces to increase interim payments from 50 per cent to 75 per cent through AgriStability, (some provinces have enacted already). Note: deadline to enroll for AgriStability extended to July 3, 2020. (AgriStability is delivered federally in MB)
- Exploring possibilities with provinces for expanding AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector. To insure against lost production due to an insufficient workforce, should producers be unable to find enough labour to harvest. (AgriInsurance is delivered in Manitoba via MASC) Learn more
For Fishers:
On May 14, the government of Canada announced the Fish Harvester’s Benefit, the Fish Harvester’s grant, and changes to EI that will allow self-employed fish harvesters and sharespersons to access EI benefits on the basis of insurable earnings from previous seasons (winter and summer claims).
Learn more
Procurement Call:
The Government of Manitoba has reached out to manufacturers to manufacture or supply critical health supplies, to support the province’s response COVID-19. The Government also announced a $100M COVID-19 procurement fund, to help businesses tool up operations and workforces to manufacture essential equipment to help the Health Care sector to fight COVID-19. In particular, the following is sought:
- Assistance from the garment industry to source medical gowns, suits, masks, and other products requiring sewing.
- N-95 masks,
- Surgical masks,
- Gloves,
- Medical gowns
- Additional medical supplies to aid in the fight against COVID-19.
Manitoba manufacturers or businesses that are prepared to rapidly scale up production or re-tool manufacturing lines to develop products made in Manitoba to help in the fight against COVID-19 can log their capacities at this link.
The province is also issuing a call to businesses who have a stock of personal protective equipment. If the equipment is not being used, due to closures and physical distancing, businesses can also reach out by visiting the portal here.
In addition, Manitoba businesses may choose to donate unused personal protective equipment supplies in original packaging, clean and in useable condition. For more info, click here.
Support Agencies
Culture, Heritage and Sports:
COVID-19 Emergency Support fund for cultural, heritage and supports organizations to address the financial needs of organizations that support artists and athletes. The goal is to ensure business continuity for organizations whose viability has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The support will be “consistent with other assistance measures in place, such as the Canada Emergency Business Account”. This fund will be administered through Heritage Canada, which will work with the culture, heritage and sport sectors to clarify the terms of the support.
Learn more
New Horizons for Seniors Programs:
New supports for this program have been provided including expansion of eligible activities for 2019-20, and extension of report deadlines for 2018-19 recipients. New 2020 eligible activities can start immediately and include: supports to seniors to stay connected by providing devices and virtual activities, supporting food and medication deliveries, assistance with essential activities like doctor visits, hiring staff to replace senior volunteers who cannot attend due to the outbreak, providing information for seniors re coping during the outbreak.
Learn more
Emergency Community Support Fund:
This funding is provided to agencies supporting vulnerable Canadians, and will flow through United Way/Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and Community Foundations. It will allow funds to be provided quickly to local agencies that support vulnerable populations. Activities it will support include increasing volunteer home deliveries of groceries or medications; providing transportation services for appointments; increasing the capacity of help lines; helping people access government benefits; training and supplies to volunteers; replacing in person and social gatherings with virtual contact.
Learn more
Culture, Heritage and Sports:
COVID-19 Emergency Support fund for cultural, heritage and supports organizations to address the financial needs of organizations that support artists and athletes. The goal is to ensure business continuity for organizations whose viability has been negatively impacted by COVID-19. The support will be “consistent with other assistance measures in place, such as the Canada Emergency Business Account”. This fund will be administered through Heritage Canada, which will work with the culture, heritage and sport sectors to clarify the terms of the support.
Learn more
New Horizons for Seniors Programs:
New supports for this program have been provided including expansion of eligible activities for 2019-20, and extension of report deadlines for 2018-19 recipients. New 2020 eligible activities can start immediately and include: supports to seniors to stay connected by providing devices and virtual activities, supporting food and medication deliveries, assistance with essential activities like doctor visits, hiring staff to replace senior volunteers who cannot attend due to the outbreak, providing information for seniors re coping during the outbreak.
Learn more
Emergency Community Support Fund:
This funding is provided to agencies supporting vulnerable Canadians, and will flow through United Way/Centraide Canada, the Canadian Red Cross and Community Foundations. It will allow funds to be provided quickly to local agencies that support vulnerable populations. Activities it will support include increasing volunteer home deliveries of groceries or medications; providing transportation services for appointments; increasing the capacity of help lines; helping people access government benefits; training and supplies to volunteers; replacing in person and social gatherings with virtual contact.
Learn more
Scams & Fraud
While cybersecurity is an ongoing and very serious issue at the best of times, security experts say the spike in email scams during this coronavirus pandemic is the worst they have seen in years. This includes scams arising through email, text, phone or door to door.
Examples of Scams:
Stay Vigilant:
Tips for email in your work/personal email inboxes, for texts, and for phone calls
Recommended Action:
If you are a business, stay vigilant and report suspicious activity within your organization. Make sure all your employees see this information so they can stay aware as well. Post this information for your customers, on your websites and on your social media channels.
While cybersecurity is an ongoing and very serious issue at the best of times, security experts say the spike in email scams during this coronavirus pandemic is the worst they have seen in years. This includes scams arising through email, text, phone or door to door.
Examples of Scams:
- Emails and texts from a financial institution asking you to click a link to be pre-approved for a low-interest rate loan to help you through these uncertain times.
- Email from someone in your company requesting to upload personnel information, or to send an urgent wire transfer.
- Email advising to open an attachment from the World Health Organization (WHO) for more information on COVID-19.
- Fear-mongering emails, such as "Virus is now airborne" or "products Made in China have virus on them" and have a link to get more information.
- Emails from seemingly legitimate sources asking you to click "Donate here to help", or "Click here to see the tax cuts", or "Your Zoom attendees are waiting."
- Phone call from government or health providers requesting credit card or banking information.
- A number of phone and online scams continue to circulate. A new one is a phone call supposedly from MB hydro to say that your electricity will be cut off if you don’t pay a bill. Hydro has stopped doing any disconnections at this time. Hang up if contacted in this way.
Stay Vigilant:
Tips for email in your work/personal email inboxes, for texts, and for phone calls
- Be suspicious of any email or text that asks you to do something out of the ordinary.
- Do not open any attachment from an unknown sender, including known businesses.
- Hover over any links within any received email to view the URL address of that link; do not click that link before confirming the URL it links to.
- If you receive an email or text from any business or service with a link to click that seems legitimate, do not click the link, but rather go to the original website.
- Do not provide any financial/credit card or personal information to anyone via email, text or over the phone, regardless of how legitimate it sounds.
- Be sure that any action you are taking at your business is a legitimate request: emails from CEO, COO, etc., that are out of the ordinary must be confirmed with that person.
Recommended Action:
If you are a business, stay vigilant and report suspicious activity within your organization. Make sure all your employees see this information so they can stay aware as well. Post this information for your customers, on your websites and on your social media channels.
Health & Safety
Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Brent Roussin has advised:
Manitobans are strongly encouraged to return to the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This means not going out while you feel ill, practicing proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and physical distancing when you are with people outside your household. If you can’t physical distance, wear a mask. Those who are highest risk should stay home: this is especially true for those over 65, those with compromised immune systems or with existing health conditions. Help Next Door can assist you if you need supports.
Physical Distancing is required everywhere in Manitoba:
Social (physical) distancing limits the spread of virus by ensuring that you do not come closer than 2 metres (6 feet) to others when out in public. Public Health officials in Manitoba have required social (physical) distancing, not shaking hands, avoiding crowds, and limiting trips outside the home, in all areas of the province, as a key measure in limiting the spread of the virus. Learn more
Pandemic Response System: Manitoba Health has implemented a Pandemic Response System, to indicate provincial and regional level of risk, based on a variety of indicators. You can see the structure of this system here, as well as a document with further details - Click here
Dashboards providing cases and risks for the province, for individual Health Regions and for districts with each region are available by clicking here
Restoring Safe Services in Manitoba: The Province of Manitoba has issued roadmaps for staged reopening of services. The documents also provide information about best practices in businesses and services of various types. These can be found here.
Assess your Health
In Manitoba, testing is now available to all those who are symptomatic. As of May 14, Manitobans no longer require a referral from Health Links or a family physician before attending at a community site for COVID-19 testing.
Click here to find testing sites.
Anyone with symptoms is still encouraged to use the Shared Health Manitoba’s Self-Screening Tool to determine whether they meet the necessary criteria to be tested.
The tool can be found here.
Prevention
The Province of Manitoba has published information for Manitobans on how you can protect yourself, your family and your community from the spread of the virus.
Learn more
Guide to non-medical mask use
From the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
See guide
Manitoba’s Chief Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Brent Roussin has advised:
Manitobans are strongly encouraged to return to the fundamentals to help stop the spread of COVID-19. This means not going out while you feel ill, practicing proper hand hygiene, covering your cough and physical distancing when you are with people outside your household. If you can’t physical distance, wear a mask. Those who are highest risk should stay home: this is especially true for those over 65, those with compromised immune systems or with existing health conditions. Help Next Door can assist you if you need supports.
Physical Distancing is required everywhere in Manitoba:
Social (physical) distancing limits the spread of virus by ensuring that you do not come closer than 2 metres (6 feet) to others when out in public. Public Health officials in Manitoba have required social (physical) distancing, not shaking hands, avoiding crowds, and limiting trips outside the home, in all areas of the province, as a key measure in limiting the spread of the virus. Learn more
Pandemic Response System: Manitoba Health has implemented a Pandemic Response System, to indicate provincial and regional level of risk, based on a variety of indicators. You can see the structure of this system here, as well as a document with further details - Click here
- Restricted levels and other cautions in various regions of Manitoba: As the Province announces specific cautions in various regions, and any related changes in public health rules, they will be available at this link.
Dashboards providing cases and risks for the province, for individual Health Regions and for districts with each region are available by clicking here
Restoring Safe Services in Manitoba: The Province of Manitoba has issued roadmaps for staged reopening of services. The documents also provide information about best practices in businesses and services of various types. These can be found here.
- Businesses seeking further information about maintaining safety in the workplace can visit this link.
- Critical public health measures and travel restrictions will remain for now. This includes mandatory self-isolation upon one's return to Manitoba from provinces east of us, and limits on travel to the North. Any changes made in a phase will depend on the evaluation of the previous phase.
Assess your Health
In Manitoba, testing is now available to all those who are symptomatic. As of May 14, Manitobans no longer require a referral from Health Links or a family physician before attending at a community site for COVID-19 testing.
Click here to find testing sites.
Anyone with symptoms is still encouraged to use the Shared Health Manitoba’s Self-Screening Tool to determine whether they meet the necessary criteria to be tested.
The tool can be found here.
Prevention
The Province of Manitoba has published information for Manitobans on how you can protect yourself, your family and your community from the spread of the virus.
Learn more
Guide to non-medical mask use
From the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority
See guide
Travel
In general, anyone arriving in Manitoba is required to self-isolate for 14-days upon arrival to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, there are exceptions to this requirement specified in the order. In particular, Manitoba residents who have travelled to "Western Canada* or "Northwestern Ontario** are exempt from the self-isolation requirements when they return to Manitoba if they have not travelled outside of western Canada or northwestern Ontario and are not displaying any symptoms of COVID-19.
The Federal Quarantine Act:
The Federal Quarantine Act is in force. It requires you to self-isolate for 14 days in all circumstances, on return from international travel. For more details on Federal Public Health instructions for Isolation and Quarantine, click here. It will explain the difference between isolation and quarantine.
Manitoba Help Next Door:
Manitoba Help Next Door can help you if you need supports during self isolation, or Manitobans can volunteer to help others. All volunteers are screened. https://helpnextdoormb.ca/
The province has specified that people in certain jobs and situations may be exempt from the self-isolation rule but must continue to self-monitor for symptoms. For details of these exemptions, as well as the responsibilities of employers, click here.
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Disclaimer:
Please note that content on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide specific legal advice, nor to be relied upon as such. Users of this site are advised to seek specific legal counsel as required. Information provided on this site is without warranty and CUCM is not liable for any damages arising from the use thereof. This site contains links to other third-party sites. Such links are only for the convenience of the user. CUCM does not recommend or endorse the contents of any third-party sites.
In general, anyone arriving in Manitoba is required to self-isolate for 14-days upon arrival to reduce the spread of COVID-19. However, there are exceptions to this requirement specified in the order. In particular, Manitoba residents who have travelled to "Western Canada* or "Northwestern Ontario** are exempt from the self-isolation requirements when they return to Manitoba if they have not travelled outside of western Canada or northwestern Ontario and are not displaying any symptoms of COVID-19.
- *Western Canada means British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Yukon, Northwest Territories and Nunavut. (as defined in the order).
- **Northwestern Ontario means that portion of Ontario that is located west of Terrace Bay (as defined in the order)
The Federal Quarantine Act:
The Federal Quarantine Act is in force. It requires you to self-isolate for 14 days in all circumstances, on return from international travel. For more details on Federal Public Health instructions for Isolation and Quarantine, click here. It will explain the difference between isolation and quarantine.
Manitoba Help Next Door:
Manitoba Help Next Door can help you if you need supports during self isolation, or Manitobans can volunteer to help others. All volunteers are screened. https://helpnextdoormb.ca/
The province has specified that people in certain jobs and situations may be exempt from the self-isolation rule but must continue to self-monitor for symptoms. For details of these exemptions, as well as the responsibilities of employers, click here.
-
Disclaimer:
Please note that content on this site is for general information purposes only and is not intended to provide specific legal advice, nor to be relied upon as such. Users of this site are advised to seek specific legal counsel as required. Information provided on this site is without warranty and CUCM is not liable for any damages arising from the use thereof. This site contains links to other third-party sites. Such links are only for the convenience of the user. CUCM does not recommend or endorse the contents of any third-party sites.