COVID-19: Eligibility requirements widened for CERB

The federal government announced changes on April 15, 2020, to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) that will allow more Canadians to benefit from the program. The changes permit for applicants to earn up to $1000 a month while collecting the CERB (the criteria previously required $0 income to be eligible)

These changes are retroactive to March 15, 2020Get more information about who is eligible for this benefit.

COVID-19: WCB Clearance Letters now available in MyAccount

Throughout the pandemic, the provincial government has announced several initiatives to address cash flow and access to credit for small and medium-sized businesses in Nova Scotia. View an overview of these supports here.

The Worker’s Compensation Board (WCB) continued its work on the digital clearance process throughout the pandemic and is pleased to share that clearance is now available in MyAccount, their online services portal.

Learn more about services available from MyAccount, visit wcb.ns.ca/clearance.

COVID-19: NS projections show COVID-19 progress through to June

The Government of Nova Scotia released COVID-19 projections this week that show how COVID-19 could progress through the province through to June 30 if people continue to follow public health orders to stay home, social distance, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and practise good hygiene. Read the full release from the Province on April 14, 2020.

Click here to view the statistical modelling details.

COVID-19: Provincial supports for Small Businesses

The provincial government has announced several initiatives to address cash flow and access to credit for small and medium sized businesses in Nova Scotia:

  • The Small Business Impact Grant provides a one-time grant equal to 15% of revenue from sales, either from April 2019 or February 2020, up to a maximum of $5,000 to eligible small businesses, non-profits, charities and social enterprises who have had to close or greatly reduce operations because of the public health order. 
  • The COVID-19 Rent Deferral Support Program will indemnify qualified landlords for losses incurred as a result of granting a rent deferral to qualified businesses directly impacted by the Health Protection Act orders related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Payment deferrals until June 30 on all government loans, including those under the Farm Loan Board, Fisheries and Aquaculture Loan Board, Jobs Fund, Nova Scotia Business Fund, Municipal Finance Corp. and Housing Nova Scotia. 
  • Fees, including business renewal fees and workers compensation premiums, will be deferred.  A list of applicable fees will be posted online.
  • Changes to the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, administered through 15 provincial Credit Unions, include deferring principal and interest payments until June 30.  
  • Other changes to the Small Business Loan Guarantee Program include enhancing the program to make it easier for businesses to access credit up to $500,000.  Other changes to this program will be announced soon.  

For more information click here.

COVID-19: Province releases COVID-19 projections for coming months

The government released COVID-19 projections that show how COVID-19 could progress through the province through to June 30 if people continue to follow public health orders to stay home, social distance, limit essential gatherings to no more than five people and practise good hygiene. Read the full release from the Province on April 14, 2020.

Click here to view the statistical modelling details.

COVID-19: Updated – Direction from the Minister under the Declared State of Emergency

Under Section 14 of the Emergency Management Act, the Minister’s directive has been updated to prohibit companies, corporations, co-operatives, societies and other businesses in Nova Scotia, including condominium corporations and statutory corporate boards, from holding any statutorily required shareholder or member meetings in-person if it requires a gathering of more than five people. In place of required in-person meetings, virtual meetings and meeting deferrals are recommended.

Read through the updated Order here.

COVID-19: LAE to conduct a COVID-19 Construction Initiative April 15-17

Department of Labour and Advanced Education staff will be inspecting sites throughout the province this week from April 15-17. The focus will be to ensure COVID-19 plans are in place, social distancing if occurring, adequate handwashing and cleaning of tools and common touch areas are taking place.

Click here to access the assessment checklist that staff will be using.

COVID-19: Construction Safety Nova Scotia offering standard first aid online

Construction Safety Nova Scotia is offering Standard First Aid via online training with a practical completed in a socially distanced, compliant setting within 90 days.

Find out more information on Standard First Aid Online.

COVID-19: Halifax Chamber of Commerce pandemic webinar series on April 15 and 16

The Halifax Chamber of Commerce’s pandemic webinar series continues this week with two more free webinars:

Working with your Financial Institution during COVID-19
Presented By: Kellie Sauriol, RBC.
Date: Wednesday, April 15
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Price: FREE
Click here for more information or to register.

“Business Planning Through A Crisis”
Presented By: Sean Stuart and Robert Dean of MNP LLP.
Date: Thursday, April 16
Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.
Price: FREE
Click here for more information or to register.