COVID-19

COVID-19 Information

The global COVID-19 pandemic has caused global disruption and uncertainty. The APMA is actively engaged with governments and stakeholders at the highest levels in representing our members’ interests to manage the issues and resolutions as they develop.

How your Business can help the Fight

During this time of international crisis, innovative solutions are critical to help flatten the curve and ultimately beat COVID-19. To that end, we are encouraging all APMA members and manufacturers, large and small, to STEP UP and be counted by submitting their capabilities, their innovative ideas, and their supplies (when possible). Below are the primary governmental tracking systems for manufacturing capabilities and emergency supplies.

Ontario Together

APMA issued a call to action to STEP UP in the fight for COVID19. Click here to add your manufacturing company’s name to the growing list of companies offering to help make medical supplies. Even if you don’t believe your services are needed, we don’t know where solutions will come from during this crisis. Numerous companies have risen to the challenge and engaged in helping to make medical supplies, as compiled by APMA partner, Trillium Network for Advanced Manufacturing.

Get the latest list of services, actions, and supports available from the Government of Ontario. Click here to download the PDF.

Canadian Manufacturers needed to help fight COVID-19

If you are a Canadian manufacturer or business that can assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies, your help is needed. You manufacture in Canada, have equipment or facilities that can be rapidly re-tooled, have skilled workers who are able to respond, click here.

Are you in need of PPE? Can you supply PPE? APMA is proud to be a partner of the Rapid Response Platform to help match demand and supply for manufacturers as they restart operations. Various industry stakeholders joined forces to support a central supply and demand platform aimed at quickly addressing supply shortages of PPE and critical COVID19 related products. To learn more, watch this video and then visit the Rapid Response Platform to get started.

Buyandsell.gc.ca

In support of the Government of Canada’s whole-of-government response to Coronavirus disease (COVID-19), we are asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services. Are you a business that can supply products and services in support of Canada’s response to COVID-19? Canada wants to hear from you. Find out more here.

Federal Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses. Click here for more.

Individual Supports:

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

If you have lost income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support. The CERB will provide you with $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Canada Revenue Agency – Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic

Important changes to tax-filing and payment deadlines
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Exemptions to travel restrictions to protect Canadians and support the economy

Exemptions to the air travel restrictions will apply to foreign nationals who have already committed to working, studying or making Canada their home, and travel by these individuals will be considered essential travel for land border restrictions.
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Work-Sharing Program – Temporary special measures

The Government of Canada has put in place Work-Sharing (WS) temporary special measures for employers affected by the downturn in business for the forestry and steel and aluminum sectors. These measures extend the duration of Work-Sharing agreements by an additional 38 weeks, for a total of 76 weeks.

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Employment and Social Development Resources and Information

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Expedited access to disinfectants, hand sanitizers and personal protective equipment to help limit the spread of COVID-19, as well as swabs for testing

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Information for Employment Insurance

This crisis has changed the how government is handling EI and will be temporarily closing in person Service Canada Centres to better prioritize capacity and to ensure critical service delivery to vulnerable clients. Click here for information on EI during the COVID-19 crisis.

Click here for Sickness Benefits

Click here for Regular Benefits

Important information from the Canadian Payroll Association.

PAYROLL AND COVID-19 – PAYROLL INFOLINE Q&A – FINAL
PAIE ET COVID-19 – 18 mars 2020 – FINAL

Canadian Border Services Agency Information

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) facilitates the flow of legitimate travellers and trade. The Agency also enforces more than 90 acts and regulations that keep our country and Canadians safe including COVID-19 implications. Please visit their website for updates on commercial and personal goods shipments and regulations or call (in Canada) 1-800-461-9999 or (Outside Canada) long distance charges apply 1-204-983-3500.

Border Guidance

Through the Quarantine Act, the Government of Canada has been enforcing a mandatory 14-day quarantine period for all persons entering Canada, except if, “you meet the definition of an essential service worker.” For Ontario, automotive manufacturing and transportation are listed as an essential service. Further information is available here.

Entry into the United States of America and Mexico face distinct restrictions and essential classifications. It is recommended that you consult with the relevant state-level departments for state-specific policies.

United States – State and Federal Agencies

For members and manufacturers with operations in the US, click here for information from State and Federal agencies.

Business Supports:

Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID‑19

The Government of Canada is focused on helping Canadians and businesses through this tough economic time. We will continue to protect the health and safety of Canadians, while supporting families and businesses and keeping our economy strong in the face of uncertainty.
Click here for details

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan

On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.
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Export Development Canada COVID-19

Our immediate focus during this time of crisis is bringing liquidity into the market in order to manage the challenges companies are facing. Here is how EDC is helping Canadian exporters as of today:
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Business Development Bank of Canada – Support for Entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus

New measures include working capital, deferral of reimbursements and rate reductions
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Business Credit Availability Program

Through this program, Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) will provide more than $10 billion in direct lending and other types of financial support at market rates to businesses with viable business models whose access to financing would otherwise be restricted.
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Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, No. 2, which includes the CEWS, received Royal Assent on April 11, 2020, bringing the measure into law. Budget 2021 proposes to extend the wage subsidy until September 25, 2021. It also proposes to gradually decrease the subsidy rate, beginning July 4, 2021, in order to ensure an orderly phase-out of the program as vaccinations are completed and the economy reopens.

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Resources for Canadian businesses: COVID-19

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Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers

The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

You are an eligible employer if you:

  • are a non-profit organization, registered charity, or a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC);
  • have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020;
  • pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an employee.

Click here for complete information

Return to Work – Preventing COVID-19 in the workplace

Education for employers and employees is a key factor in the success of a safe and healthy workplaces. Below you will find links to the latest information:

Government of Canada – Preventing COVID-19 in the workplace, Ontario Ministry of Health – COVID-19 Guidance for Essential Operators, Workplace Safety and Prevention Services – COVID-19 and Pandemic Preparedness – Business Resources and Aon’s Decision Making Tool Kit, Health, Wellbeing and Recovery Tool Kit, and Business Recovery and Return-to-Work Resources.