COVID-19 Updates

Canada's Economic Response Plan
The Government of Canada has created the 'Economic Response Plan' to help individuals and families. To learn more about the federal financial relief program, click the link below.
NEW - Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
The CRB provides eligible workers with $500 per week, for up to 26 weeks for those who have stopped working and who are not eligible for EI, or had their employment/self-employment income reduced by 50% due to COVID-19.
NEW - Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household, for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week. Either because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or other family member, because schools, day cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID, or because the child/ family member is sick or quarantined due to COVID.
NEW - Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The CRSB provides $500 per week, for a maximum of 2 weeks, for workers unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they have contracted/ self isolated due to COVID-19, have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatment or have contracted sickness, which a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority have deemed you of higher susceptibility to contracting COVID-19.
Update - Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) - Closed

The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), provided $2,000 a month for workers over a period of 4 months, to those who lost their incomes because of COVID-19. Whether you were full-time, contractual or self-employed, CERB provided economic support to those who failed to qualify for Employment Insurance (EI). CERB was later extended for an additional 2 months, to September 2020, while transitionary programs were developed. On September 26, 2020, CERB officially ended, with alternative support programs, as well as temporary changes to Employment Insurance, taking its place. These new programs and EI policy changes will be in effect for one year, from September 27, 2020, to September 25, 2021.
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Hydro Rate Relief

On December 22, 2020, the Ontario government announced that electricity prices would be held at the off-peak rate of 8.5 cents per kilowatt-hour for all time-of-use and tiered customers on a temporary basis starting January 1, 2021. This low rate will be available 24 hours per day, seven days a week for a 28-day period. No further announcement have yet been made regarding what happens after January 29^th. Customers should automatically see this lower rate applied to their bills.
Child School Subsidy
The Ontario government is offering direct financial support to parents while Ontario schools and child care centres remain closed as a result of COVID-19. The " Support for Families" initiative offers a one-time payment of $200 per child 0-12 years of age, and $250 for those 0-21 years of age with special needs. Families can complete the simple application by clicking the link below.
COVID-19 Alert, Mobile App

The federal and provincial governments have released a COVID-19 Alert Mobile App, aimed at notifying individuals who have been at risk of potential exposure. The App will provide a fast, secure and privacy protected way of anonymously notifying Ontarians and Canadians of their potential contact with a COVID positive individuals within the last 14 days. This App will better inform all levels of government, keeping everyone safe.
COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund (CRRF)
The province is providing $40 million specifically to support residential service providers through the COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund.(CRRF) These funds will help manage the health and safety of children, youth and adults supported in residential settings, as well as the staff that support them. The CRRF can be used to cover the exceptional costs during these uncertain times, such as additional staff compensation, protective equipment, etc.
Daycare For Emergency Workers
The Ministry of Education has been working with service system managers and First Nations to open select emergency child care centers to support health care and other front-line workers. Eligible health care and front-line workers can send their children to emergency child care while they are at work.
Economic and Financial Help
The Government of Canada is working diligently to help all individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19, who now face financial uncertainty and hardship. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan will provide $27 billion in direct support to Canadians, workers and businesses. For a comprehensive look at all the measures covered in the 'Economic Response Plan,' click the link below.
Essential Service List
The Ontario Government has created a comprehensive list of what exactly being an essential service entails.For those who still have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, you can call the ‘Stop the Spread’ phone line @ 1-888-444-3659.
Expiring Driver's Licence or Health Card?
As of March 1, 2020, the province has extended the validity period of driving products, services and health cards, to reduce the need for in-person visits to Service Ontario, International Registration Plan Offices and Drive Test Centres. The Ministry of Transportation is also extending the due dates for medical or vision reports. This extension will be in place until further notice. This extension of validity also encompasses those individuals who have expiring red and white health cards.
Free Legal Advice Hotline
Pro Bono Ontario is providing free legal assistance to low-income Ontarians for their everyday legal problems. The hotline will provide a specialized resource to help answer legal questions related to COVID-19 shut downs. Advice covers; employment & housing issues; consumer debt & protection problems; corporate law for small businesses & non-profits; as well as power of attorney & civil litigation. You can reach the hotline @ 1-855-255-7256 (Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30am-11:30am, 1pm-3:30pm)
GoodWill Career Centres
GoodWill is here to support businesses and people in the community by offering remote services for job seekers and employers during COVID-19. GoodWill Career solutions are there to provide employer solutions, job postings, as well as information on wage subsidies and Canada/Ontario Job Grants. You can contact employmentservices@goodwillonline.ca or @ 905-526-8488 ext 1307.
GST/HST Credit
Their will be a one time increase to GST/HST credit payment made to individual's for the 2019-2020 benefit year. The amount received will be based on your 2018 taxes.
Guaranteed Annual Income System payments for Seniors
If you’re a low-income senior of 65 years or older, you may qualify for monthly Guaranteed Annual Income System Payments. Beginning in April, monthly gains payment amounts will be doubled for a period of six months, helping with additional and immediate financial support to low income seniors. Read more about eligibility and how to apply by following the link below or calling Service Canada @ 1-800-277-9914.
Health Care Coverage
On March 20,2020, the Ontario Government announced it was waiving the three-month waiting period for Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) coverage. In addition, Ontario will cover the cost of COVID-19 services for uninsured people who do not meet the criteria for OHIP coverage. This will ensure that anyone who needs screening or care for COVID-19 will get it.
Information for those with Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple Sclerosis treatments supress the bodies immune system, and during COVID-19 this can be a frightening prospect. That’s why the MS Society of Canada is here to help answer your most pressing questions. You can contact the MS Society of Canada by calling 1-844-859-6789, e-mailing msnavigators@mssociety.ca or by interacting with the MS Society chat by clicking here.
Learning at Home
Though school premises may be closed, students can still browse educational resources. While these materials do not replace what students have been learning at school, these at home activities offer quick and easy access to some of Ontario’s best online Kindergarten to grade 12 learning resources. Parents are also encouraged to access their school board’s website for additional resources and information.
Mortgage Deferrals
Canada’s largest banks are offering mortgage payment relief to customers by way of deferred mortgage payments. COVID-related mortgage deferrals are available tor an indefinite period & customers do not face a deadline for having to seek relief. They can approach their bank as the need arises. Note: Deferrals are not forgiveness, thus interest will still be accrued and added to the outstanding balance.
Tax Filing Extension
The 2019 Income Tax filling date has been deferred until June 1, 2020, with balances deferred until August 31 with no accrual of interest or penalties. You can read more about changing tax filling and payment deadlines by clicking the link below.
The National Canadian Lawyer Initiative
The National Canadian Lawyer Initiative is offering pro-bono legal services to Ontario residents who are struggling with the impacts of COVID-19. The NCLI’s team of volunteers will help residents in all areas of law with the exception of criminal law. They can be reached by emailing info@natcanlaw.com.
ODSP & Ontario Works Funding
The Ontario government has made additional funding available to individuals who receive income support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP). Additional funding for 100$ for individuals or 200$ for families, to help pay for cleaning supplies, transportation and clothing, can be obtained by contacting local offices of either organization.
One-time Payment for Seniors
The Federal government is providing a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for Guaranteed Income Supplement. (GIS) These one-time payments will help seniors cover increased costs caused by COVID-19. Details of this program are still being released.
Ontario Action Plan
The Ontario Action plan is a $17 billion package, of which $3.7 billion is allocated to support people and jobs. Whether its interest relief for students, an increased child subsidy, lowering hydro rates, etc. The Ontario Government is easing the financial strain placed on people and families during these stressful times.You can learn more about the funding breakdown by clicking the link below.
Ontario Community Support Program
The Ontario Government is working with the Ontario Community Support association by launching a new Community Support Program. This program expands existing meals on wheels services to reach low-income seniors and people with disabilities and chronic medical conditions across Ontario and will develop the capacity for community organizations and others to help deliver medication and other essentials. You can find local services by clicking the link below; or by calling 2-1-1 or 1-877-330-3213.
Prescription Co-Payment Relief
Individuals using the Ontario Drug Benefit Program (ODB) will not be required to pay any co-payments until July 1^st, 2020, for any prescription of 30+ days that is now being dispensed in installments. Additionally, households using the Trillium Drug Program can inquire for reassessments to help reduce the financial burden of prescriptions during the outbreak.
Price Gouging
If you’re aware of anyone charging higher than-usual prices for in–demand products, you can report it online or call Consumer Protection Ontario at 1-888-889-9768 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. Monday to Friday.
Property Tax Relief
In 2020, Burlington City Council unanimously approved relief of penalty and interest for property taxes in the months of April thru August 2020. No new city wide property tax relief initiatives have yet been announced. However, Property owners who continue to experience financial hardship are encouraged to contact property tax staff by e-mail at pap@burlington.ca.
Steps to Justice
Have questions regarding legal issues arising from COVID-19? Community Legal Education Ontario (CLEO) has compiled legal information to help you. CLEO’s ‘Steps to Justice’ webpage, helps answer questions regarding your legal rights during these uncertain times. Whether you have questions about employment, debt, family law, criminal law, etc. You can find an answer here.
Support for Women's & Sexual Assault Centres
The Canadian Government, thru the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, has allocated additional funds to support women and children fleeing violence during the outbreak. Women’s and Sexual Assault Centres have been allocated $50 million help with their capacity to manage or prevent outbreaks in their facilities.
Temporary Changes to Renting
COVID-19 has created financial distress for many, and if you’re renting, this burden can be exacerbated. The Ontario government has mandated temporary changes to the residential rental process, acknowledging that renters and landlords need help. Changes to the renting process, such as evictions, entering units or increased physical distancing measures can be learned here.

Support for Students

Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides financial support to post-secondarystudents, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. The CESB is for students who dot already qualify for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment insurance.
High-school Volunteering Changes
The Ministry of education has announced that for students graduating in June 2020, the requirement of 40 hours of community service is waived. The Hours accumulated to date are not negated and still count towards awards. You can read more about this change and this change on the HDSB site linked below.
Learning at Home
Though school premises may be closed, students can still browse these educational resources. While these materials do not replace what students have been learning at school, these at home activities offer quick and easy access to some of Ontario’s best online Kindergarten to grade 12 learning resources. Parents are also encouraged to access their school board’s website for additional resources and information. View HDSB programs & HCDSB e-learning programs by clicking the links below.

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OSAP Payment and Interest Pause
Students, will not have to make payment and no interest will accrue on your Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loan between March 30, 2020 and September 30, 2020.
Post-Secondary FAQ sheet
How will COVID-19 impact students heading for post secondary institutions? The Council of Ontario Universities have compiled a list of the most asked questions and answers, to help inform students starting or continuing their post-secondary journey.
School Board Updates
The safety of students matters most, that’s why school premises are remaining closed for the foreseeable future. Stay informed of the changes taking place within the Halton District (HDSB) and Halton Catholic District School Boards (HCDSB) by frequently visiting their respective update pages. Learn more about changes within the HDSB and HCDSB below.

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School Closure Update
Based on the advice oft the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario Government has chosen to keep schools closed for the rest of the current school year. The government is still planning for the reopening of schools for the 2020-21 school year. The Provincial Government is still promoting the gradual re-opening of child care centres as well as the cautious opening of summer camps in the near future.

Burlington Chamber of Commerce
The Burlington Chamber of Commerce has also launched a business resource site to keep businesses informed about programs, funding opportunities, resources and online services; to help them during these uncertain times.
Burlington Economic Development
Burlington Economic Development has set-up a support line (289-337-5505 ext.102), to provide businesses with direct access to staff to answer questions.
Burlington Foundation Grants
The COVID-19 Pandemic Response Grant will be provided to eligible charitable organizations on the front-line, serving high need, vulnerable people and families. These include those experiencing food insecurity, isolated seniors, childcare supports, disability, mental health and safe housing. With a maximum grant of $15,000, the Burlington foundation aims to help those helping others.For more information, click the link below and if you have additional questions, Phone: 905-639-0744 ext 222.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
The Business Credit Availability Program’s goal is to help Canadian businesses obtain financing during this current period of uncertainty. Export Development Canada and Business Development Bank of Canada will provide more than $65 million 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 restricting.
Business Information Line: Stop the Spread
The Province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support for Ontario businesses who have questions about the province’s recent emergency order to close at risk work places. If you have questions about essential versus non-essential businesses, assistance is available from Monday to Sunday from 8:30-5pm.
Canada's Economic Response Plan
The government of Canada has created the ‘Economic Response Plan’ to help businesses. To learn more about the federal financial relief program the link below.
Update - Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
The Government of Canada created the Canada Emergency Business Account, which have been implemented by eligible financial institutions, in cooperation with Export Development Canada (EDC). This $25 billion program provides interest free loans of up to $40 000 to small businesses or non-profits, to help cover operational costs. As of October 2020, interest free loans have been expanded by an additional $20,000, and have been extended to December 31, 2020. Additionally, businesses who repay half of their loan by December 2022 will be eligible for 50% loan forgiveness.

Here are links to the CEBA application forms with the following banks:

Bank of Montreal (BMO)
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC)
Laurentian Bank
National Bank of Canada
Royal Bank of Canada (RBC)
Scotiabank
Toronto Dominion (TD)
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy provides simple and easy-to-access rent and mortgage support to qualifying organizations affected by COVID-19. This new iteration of rent assistance is paid directly to tenants, until June 2021, on a sliding scale, covering up to 65% of rent. Additionally, if your business has been affected by specific public health restrictions, you are eligible to an additional 25% of rent coverage.
Update - Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
The Government of Canada has announced an up to 75% wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020. Furthermore a new 100% refund for certain employer-paid contributions to Employment Insurance and the Canada Pension Plan. This will also covers the period employees are on leave with pay for which the employer is eligible to claim the wage subsidy for those employees. In October 2020, the Wage subsidy program was extended until June 2021.
Canada Summer Jobs Program
The Canada Summer Jobs Program provides opportunity to youth to develop and improve skills within the not-for–profit, small business and public sectors. Their have been significant alterations to the program to help employers cover the hourly wages for each of these employees. Up to 100% of the hourly territorial or provincial minimum wage.
Update - Canada United Small Business Relief Fund
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund Provides relief grants of up to $5000 to small businesses. The grant can be used for specific efforts: purchasing PPE renovating physical spaces, or developing your website or e-commerce capabilities.
Changes to Hydro Rates
Effective March 24, 2020, the Ontario government has suspended time-of-use electricity rates for the next 45 days. This means that electricity prices will be held to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. This new price will be available 24/7 to all Ontarians. This will result in a 50% rate reduction compared to the on peak rate. This discount will be applied automatically to electricity bills.
Update - Covid-19 Energy assistance Program – Small Business (CEAP-SB)
The Ontario Government is providing $8 million to help small business and registered charity customers with energy bills through the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business.
COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund (CRRF)
The province is providing $40 million specifically to support residential service providers through the COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund.(CRRF) These funds will help manage the health and safety of children, youth and adults supported in residential settings, as well as the staff that support them. The CRRF can be used to cover the exceptional costs during these uncertain times, such as additional staff compensation, protective equipment, etc.
COVID-19: Tackling the Barriers
Ontario’s new initiative, COVID-19 Tackling the Barriers, seeks to help businesses seeking to retool production to meet health care needs, or businesses learning to operate in these new challenging times by allowing them to request temporary rule changes. The government recognizes that these changing times have brought on new challenges for business, so they are accepting submissions for those requesting temporary rule changes to enable them to stay open and keep fighting.
Update - Digital Main Street Program
The Ontario government is helping small businesses create and enhance their online presence to reach more customers through the $57 million Digital Main Street program
Economic and Financial Help
The Government of Canada is working diligently to help all individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19, who now face financial uncertainty and hardship. Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan will provide $27 billion in direct support to Canadians, workers and businesses. For a comprehensive look at all the measures covered in the 'Economic Response Plan,' click the link below.
Essential Service List
The Ontario Government has created a comprehensive list of what exactly being an essential service entails.For those who still have questions about what will be open or impacts to your business or employment, you can call the ‘Stop the Spread’ phone line @ 1-888-444-3659.
Update - Extending the Temporary Ban on Evictions
Helping small businesses that rent by extending the temporary ban on evictions, and partnering with the federal government to provide $975 million in urgent rent relief through the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses program, which helped about 65,600 small business tenants that employ close to 627,000 people.
GoodWill Career Centres
GoodWill is here to support businesses and people in the community by offering remote services for job seekers and employers during COVID-19. GoodWill Career solutions are there to provide employer solutions, job postings, as well as information on wage subsidies and Canada/Ontario Job Grants. You can contact employmentservices@goodwillonline.ca or @ 905-526-8488 ext 1307.
Update - Large Employer Emergency and Financing Program
The Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) provides bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going.
New - New Ontario Business Support Grant
The government is announcing the new Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which will provide a minimum of $10,000 and up to $20,000 to help small business owners during this challenging period.
Ontario Action Plan
The Ontario Action plan is a $17 billion package, of which $10 billion was allocated to support people and businesses to improve cash flows. By deferring tax payments, for WSIB, education property tax or general tax deferrals, the provincial government is constantly reassessing how it can best ease the stress put on people and small business.
Update - Ontario Main Street Relief Grant
Helping eligible small businesses with the unexpected costs of personal protective equipment with one-time grants of up to $1,000 through Ontario's Main Street Relief Grant.
Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (OCECRA)
The Ontario-Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program (OCECRA), provides forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners experiencing rent shortfalls because their small business tenants have been heavily impacted by COVID-19. To receive the loan, property owners will be required to reduce the rental cost of small business tenants for April to June 2020 by at least 75 %, and commit to an eviction moratorium for 3 months. This program is run in partnership between the federal and provincial/territorial governments.
Ontario Non-Profit Network (ONN)
The Ontario Non-Profit Network’s goal is to advocate for non-profits & charities directly with the provincial government. Whether it’s lobbying for better support or keeping organizations up to date with new laws and their implications, the ONN has created a dedicated webpage to track all changes affecting non-profits and charity groups due to Covid-19.
Update - Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
The Canadian government is providing over $1.5 billion through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) to help more businesses and organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, tourism and others that are key to the regions and to local economies.
Re-Opening Ontario
Re-opening Ontario during the COVID-19 outbreak will take place in 3 Stages. The provincial government will closely monitor public health during the implementation of each stage, before deciding when subsequent stages begin. A basic description of each stage is:
- Stage 1: Allows the opening of businesses which can immediately meet or modify operations to meet public health guidance and occupational health and safety requirements.(Stage 1 of re-opening began on May 19, 2020.)
- Stage 2: Opening more workplaces, based on risk assessment, which may include service industries, and additional office and retail workplaces.
- Stage 3: Opening all workplaces responsibly.
Restaurant and Food Services Health Guide
The Ontario Government has compiled a list of the best practices and information to help keep employers and workers in the food industry safe and healthy during COVID-19. If you have questions about what practices you should be taking, from sanitation, scheduling, physical distancing, signage, etc. you can find ideas here.
Tax Filing Extension
The 2019 Income Tax filling date has been deferred until June 1, 2020, with balances deferred until August 31 with no accrual of interest or penalties. You can read more about changing tax filling and payment deadlines by clicking the link below.
Update - Waving Tariffs on Medical Goods
The Canadian government is waiving tariffs on certain medical goods, including PPE such as masks and gloves. This will reduce the cost of imported PPR for Canadians, help protect workers, and ensure our supply chains can keep functioning well.
Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
The Ontario Government has compiled a list of companies that sell personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies to keep employees and customers safe. Businesses can find PPE suppliers by clinking the link below.
Workplace Safety Guidelines
The Ontario Government has assembled sector-specific guidelines and posters to help protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19. Businesses can use this resource to understand and promote important public health guideline during the outbreak.
Work Sharing Program Extension
Work Share is a program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs, when there is a shift in normal business activity, beyond the employer’s control. Work sharing involves employees getting income support for those eligible for employment insurance benefits, while the employer recovers. Workers agree to a reduced work schedule and share available work over a period of time. The federal work-sharing program has been extended form 38 weeks to 76 weeks.

Loans, Grants, Rebates and more

Support for Students