| State of Local Emergency Closures (SOLE) |
| The City of Lloydminster's State of Local Emergency was updated on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Amendments went into effect Thursday, March 26, 2020, and can be found here. |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) |
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Province of Saskatchewan
Businesses resuming operations as part of the Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan may be required to utilize Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) in order to protect themselves and their clients/customers and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. See the guidelines for the use of PPE.
Province of Alberta
The Government of Alberta is focusing on the delivery of PPE to Albertans. To order your PPE, complete the order form at xnet.gov.ab.ca/pee. Given the volume of requests, the availability of items and the need to fulfil priority orders, they are unable to fill all requests at this time.
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| Surveys |
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The Lloydminster Economic Recovery Task Force needs your feedback. To create community supports specific to Lloydminster and your business, we need to understand how your business has been affected by COVID-19. Complete the Business Operations Survey.
Alberta Bits and Pieces Program
Thank you for your interest in supporting Alberta’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. If you, your company, or your organization has a product or service to offer, please complete their survey.
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| Webinars |
| Startup Lloydminster |
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Open Forum Zoom Chats for Business
Mondays at 2 p.m. | Fridays at 10 a.m.
Weekly Zoom video conferencing chats hosted by Startup Lloydminster staff with a different topic each week.
Email info@startuplloyd.com for the meeting information.
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| Back to Business - Forum on Reopening |
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Back to Business – Forum on Reopening
Wednesday, May 27 | 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.
This forum aims to bring businesses together to discuss reopening standards, best practices and the challenges of COVID-19.
Broken down into a series of industry-specific sessions, such as personal care services, retail, food services and restaurants, and general business/professional services, all business owners and operators are invited.
Schedule:
8-9 a.m.: Personal Care
9-10 a.m.: Retail
10-11 a.m.: Food Services and Restaurants
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.: General Business & Professional Services
Join the forum via Zoom.
For more information, contact Community Futures Lloydminster & Region.
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| Employer and Employee Supports |
| Financial |
| Government of Canada |
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The government established a Business Credit Availability Program to provide $40 billion of additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada. Expected to roll out in mid-April, interested businesses can contact their financial institution. Credit and business supports are also available on the government's website.
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) provides additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada. For more information, visit their website.
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, to keep their operations going. To apply, visit the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporate website.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. Banks and credit unions have implemented this program in collaboration with Export Development Canada.
Business owners can apply for support from the Canada Emergency Business Account through their banks and credit unions.
New developments with the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans program.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loans program will be expanded for:
- sole owner-operators;
- those dependent on contractors; and
- family businesses that pay employees by dividends rather than payroll.
CEBA will also be modified to become available to new businesses (those which have never filed a tax return) and companies which do not have a business account but operate through personal accounts.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program starts May 25, 2020
An agreement in principle with all provinces and territories to implement the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance for small businesses. This program will lower rent by 75% for small businesses affected by COVID-19.
To apply visit, Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund helps businesses and organizations in sectors such as manufacturing, technology, tourism and others that are key to the regions and local economies. This fund is specifically targeted to those that may require additional help to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been unable to access existing support measures. To apply, visit Canada’s Regional Development Agency’s website.
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| Government of Saskatchewan |
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Emergency Support Program for Saskatchewan Small Businesses
Saskatchewan small businesses will receive additional provincial support to help deal with current COVID-19 challenges through the new Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment. For more information, visit saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.
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| Government of Alberta |
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The Site Rehabilitation Program provides grants to oil field service contractors to perform well, pipeline, and oil and gas site closure and reclamation work, creating jobs and supporting the environment.
First round grant application period:
Open until May 31, 2020, or until all funds have been allocated.
Second grant application period:
May 21 to June 18, 2020
Contractors have until December 31, 2022, to complete the work.
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Business Development Bank of Canada
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BDC has updated their website with supports for entrepreneurs. They're closely monitoring the situation and updating the tools, financial solutions and additional measures to help Canadian entrepreneurs. BDC also has a business continuity toolkit.
How to cope with the impacts of COVID-19 on your business. Free, online webinar.
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| Banks/Mortgages/Rent |
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Bank of Montreal, CIBC, TD Canada, National Bank of Canada, RBC Royal Bank and Scotiabank have announced they will be allowing the deferral of mortgage payments. Contact your financial institution for additional information.
Organizations within rental facilities are encouraged to contact their landlord directly for more information on rent requirements.
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| Other Rescources |
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Canadian Federation of Independent Business - Small business FAQ
BusinessLink - Current information and resources for small business.
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| Employers and Employees |
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Saskatchewan Business Response Team
For more information, businesses can contact the Business Response Team by calling 1-844-800-8688, emailing supportforbusiness@gov.sk.ca or by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses.
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
A business continuity plan describes how an organization will continue to function during or after some kind of emergency, disaster or event. It involves planning how your key services or products can be continued, and the recovery of key business and systems.
View Business Continuity Planning for infectious diseases.
Agribusiness
Canadian Federation of Agriculture has been monitoring the COVID-19 situation as it relates to Canadian agriculture. Visit their site for weekly updates and resources.
Temporary Wage Subsidy
Canada Revenue Agency updated the wording on the Temporary Wage Subsidy of 10 per cent (maximum of $1,375 per employee up to a total maximum of $25,000) to include more eligible employers including partnerships and individuals. Visit the Government of Canada's website for more information.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Eligible employers can access the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy by applying through a Canada Revenue Agency online portal. Visit the Government of Canada's website for additional information.
| Employment Insurance (EI) |
| Federal |
| The Government of Canada regulated workplaces and have two pathways for employment insurance (EI) being introduced March 18, 2020. For inquiries, contact 1-833-381-2725.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
If you do not have a CRA My Account and will be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, it is recommended you register for an account. You'll need your most recent personal income tax return to answer a security question during setup. Visit the Government of Canada's website for more information.
The application process opened on April 6 and has set specific days to apply based on your birth month.
- Monday: January, February or March
- Tuesday: April, May or June
- Wednesday: July, August or September
- Thursday: October, November or December
- Friday through Sunday: open for all applications
CERB
Questions about applying for CERB with the CRA?
Find answers to common questions with this automated helpline: 1-833-966-2099
To speak with an agent about CERB, or CRA My Account: 1-800-959-8281
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| Alberta |
| Job-protected leave is available to full-time and part-time employees. The leave does not apply to self-employed individuals or contractors. |
| Saskatchewan |
| The Government of Saskatchewan amended the Saskatchewan Employment Act to guarantee access to unpaid job protected leave during COVID-19. This is aimed at workers who are not protected by the union or employee policies. |
| Payroll |
| The Canadian Payroll Association has provided answers to employers questions regarding COVID-19. |
| Other Resources |
| Work Sharing Program - Government of Canada |
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| Start Selling Online |
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BusinessLink: How To Start Selling Online
Having a reliable e-commerce platform is more important than ever for businesses needing to find a new way of selling to customers who are no longer able to visit their stores.
Learn how to transition to an online sales platform with BusinessLink.
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| Municipal and Utility Reliefs |
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City of Lloydminster residential and non-residential property owners have the option to defer property taxes and utility payments.
| Property Taxes |
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Lloydminster residential and commercial property owners will have until November 10, 2020, to pay their current property taxes. Tax notices will be issued in May; however, penalties for failure to pay current property taxes will not be applied until November 2020.
Taxpayers enrolled in the pre-authorized debit plan may cancel their ongoing payments and obtain a full refund of their contributions toward their current property taxes. Cancellations must occur before May 8, 2020.
Penalties are still applicable to any taxes in arrears, and all payments made must be applied to taxes in arrears first.
For more information, email taxes@lloydminster.ca.
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| Utility Payments |
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Lloydminster utility customers, both residential and commercial, can defer payments 90 days up until September 30, 2020. Invoices will continue to be issued monthly, and any invoice issued before April 1, 2020, is not available for deferment.
During this time, there will be no water disconnections for nonpayment; however, where applicable, outstanding balances will be transferred to property taxes after 180 days.
For more information, email water@lloydminster.ca.
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| Other Opportunities |
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Business licenses will still be issued; however, business license fees will not be due until September 30, 2020.
The current penalty for accounts receivable is “Net 30” after the invoice is due. Until September 30, 2020, penalty terms will be extended to “Net 60.”
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| Collections |
| The relief options will not encompass or include those already in arrears. Collection and recovery actions will continue for outstanding accounts. |
Alberta
Utility 90-day Deferral Program for Electricity and Natural Gas.
Email you retailer directly with your account number, business name and the request for the 90-day referral.
Individual, family and business utility deferral until June 19, 2020.
SaskPower Deferral Program
Call Directly: 1888-757-6937 Option 2 for Businesses
SaskEnergy
Visit the SaskEnergy website for the Utility Waiver Program.
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| Tourism |
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Travel Alberta
Stay Home. Stay Healthy. Provincial parks and related information.
Tourism Saskatchewan
The time for adventure will come again. Provincial parks and related information.
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| Supply Chains |
| Across all sectors and industries, supply chain professionals are seeing first-hand the impacts of the Coronavirus on businesses, on global trade and the economy. Supply Chain Canada has set up a resource page with resources, webinars and contacts for all sectors effected. Visit Supply Chain Canada's website for more information. |
| Tourism |
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Travel Alberta
Stay Home. Stay Healthy. Provincial parks closure and related information.
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| Health Links |
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Self Assessment
If you, or your employee, is unsure about being test for COVID-19, please complete the self-assessment tool at myhealth.alberta.ca. This tool gives a broad understanding of the signs and symptoms and can be completed within minutes.
Canadian Mental Health Association — Mental Health Link
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| Public Service and Procurement Canada |
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Public Services and Procurement Canada is requesting companies to advise the Government of Canada on what products they have or what services they can provide in support of Canada's response to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.
This includes medical products for prevention, like disposable N95 masks, vinyl gloves and hand sanitizer. It also includes different services, such as security, nursing, and food services.
The full list is available at Calling all suppliers – Help Canada Combat COVID-19 on Buyandsell.gc.ca. Information regarding product specifications is also available.
Supply Chains
Across all sectors and industries, supply chain professionals see first-hand the impacts of the coronavirus on businesses, on global trade and the economy. Supply Chain Canada has set up a resource page with resources, webinars and contacts for all sectors affected. Visit Supply Chain Canada's website for more information.
- Federal Call to Action for Manufacturers allows Canadian manufacturers to assist Canada in meeting the need for medical supplies.
- ATB Nexus (an Alberta based procurement solution, supported by ATB Financial) can help create RFP packages and find supply chain opportunities for businesses.
- Rapid Response Platform is an automated system that can match supply with demand, simplifying supplier discovery during the procurement process.
- Amazon has publicly launched the COVID-19 Store for Canada, giving manufacturers and other vendors/sellers opportunities to sell inventory.
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| Local Business Support Organizations |
- Lloyd Supports connects residents with the social services resources within the community and regional area.
- Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce – 780-875-9013 or lloydminsterchamber.com
- Startup Lloydminster works to support entrepreneurs by offering business coaching, networking opportunities and professional learning events.
- Community Futures Lloydminster and Region support help people turn business ideas into reality in rural Alberta. Our small business specialists connect you with the skills, financing and resources you need to succeed.
- Discover Lloydminster
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| Federal and Provincial Support Lines |
- Alberta Health Link - 811
- Saskatchewan Health Line - 811
- Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) - 1-877-232-2269 or info@BDC.ca
- Federal Employment Insurance - 1-833-381-2725
- CERB - Questions about applying? Find answers to common questions at 1-833-966-2099
- CERB - To speak with an agent about CERB or CRA My Account, call 1-800-959-8281
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