CECRA Toronto skyline

COVID-19: A primer on the CECRA rent relief program for SMEs

We’ve blogged extensively in recent weeks about the much-maligned Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program (CECRA) and its undue complexity—even though the initiative is intended to relieve the burden on small and mid-sized businesses struggling due to COVID-19. We’ve been fielding countless calls from entrepreneurs who are still confused about the program and how it […]

COVID-19: New Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy updates

The federal government has provided a series of updates and clarifications regarding deduction considerations and qualification eligibility for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, a program designed to encourage employers to retain workers or re-hire those that have been laid off due to COVID-19. The updates are available on the program’s FAQ page and are in […]

COVID-19: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended to August

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is being extended until August 29th, 2020. The measure was set to expire on June 6th, 2020. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is designed to encourage small- to medium-sized businesses to retain or rehire employees and avoid layoffs as the pandemic carries on. […]

COVID-19: Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance update

Of the many government relief programs implemented over the past two months to deliver aid to businesses and individuals financially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, none have sowed more confusion and frustration than the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance benefit. Business groups have called out the CMHC-administered program’s complexity and reliance on the goodwill of commercial […]

COVID-19: Ottawa announces new one-time relief payment for senior citizens

The federal government has announced a new one-time COVID-19 relief benefit for senior citizens impacted by social-distancing lockdowns and the ensuing economic upheaval. The support measure will provide seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension with a tax-free payment of $300, along with an additional $200 payment for those who qualify for the […]

Warehousing

COVID-19: Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy extended beyond June

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today announced that the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy—the federal program designed to encourage small to medium-sized employers to rehire or retain employees impacted by the COVID-19 crisis—will be extended beyond the original June 6th end date. A new proposed expiry date for the program has yet to be tabled, with Ottawa […]

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance

COVID-19: Ottawa announces Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program

The federal government today confirmed an agreement with the provinces to launch the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program (CECRA), a new commercial rent relief measure to assist landlords and small businesses struggling due to COVID-19. The measure would reduce rent for small businesses by 75 per cent, while providing loans to mortgaged commercial property […]

Canada Emergency Student Benefit

COVID-19: Ottawa launches $9 billion student support program

COVID-19 relief funds continue to flow from Ottawa with yesterday’s announcement of a new Canada Emergency Student Benefit, a package to support students and recent graduates not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The nearly $9 billion package is designed to provide assistance to students who are unlikely to find work this summer as […]

Taxation Specialists

COVID-19: How to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

The federal government yesterday announced that it would begin accepting applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) on April 27th, 2020. Businesses should expect to receive funds in May. Ottawa also released details on how to apply for the CEWS, which for organizations registered with the Canada Revenue Agency, can be managed through their […]