2020 Economic & Fiscal Update

Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19

In an effort to draw full attention to mitigating both the health and economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Ontario has elected to delay the release of its annual Budget. 

Instead, on March 25, the government released an economic and fiscal update entitled, “Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID‑19,” which provides a one-year economic forecast and the government’s initial response plan to the COVID-19 crisis. The response plan consists of a proposed $17 billion package, with measures intended to complement the federal response. 

Note that we can expect a formal Budget no later than November 15, 2020.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE BUSINESS COMMUNITY? 

BUSINESS SUPPORTS

The government announced plans to:

• Defer $6 billion of provincially administered taxes (April 1 to August 31)
• Defer $1.9 billion of Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) premiums and expenses for employers for 6 months
• Work with municipal partners to defer $1.8 billion in property taxes for 90 days (including the provincial education tax)
• Postpone the 2021 property tax reassessment 
• Retroactively reduce the Employer Health Tax (EHT) and temporarily increase the exemption from $490,000 to $1 million
• Help support regions lagging in employment growth with the proposed new Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit
• Support energy affordability for small business, farm, and residential consumers with approximately $5.6 billion towards electricity cost relief programs in 2020-21, an increase of approximately $1.5 billion compared to the 2019 Budget plan

OTHER SUPPORTS

The government announced plans to:

• Invest an additional $3.3 billion in health care resources beyond what was budgeted last year. This includes:
• $935 million towards the hospital sector
• $160 million towards public health funding to support COVID-19 monitoring, surveillance, testing, and Telehealth Ontario
• $243 million for surge capacity in the long-term care sector
• $75 million to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to front-line staff
• Provide $26 million in additional support to Indigenous peoples and communities 
• Help families pay for the extra costs associated with school and daycare closures by providing a one-time payment of $200 per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those under 21 with special needs
• Double the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for low-income seniors for six months
• Defer loan payments and interest accrual for six months for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) borrowers

Read Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update) and the OCC's full rapid policy update.

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Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659

The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health. Read more here

Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses under Canada’s response to COVID-19

Canadian farmers and food businesses work hard so Canadians have quality food on their grocery store shelves and kitchen tables. In these times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make sure that they are supported so they can continue providing the good, healthy food that nourishes our families. Read more here

Business Centre Guelph-Wellington is offering free 1 hour consultations to anyone needing to talk to an advisor about their specific business issue. Please click here; then click the BOOK NOW tab where you can pick a date/time that works best for you. An advisor will reach out to you before the appointment to arrange the type of meeting i.e. zoom, skype or by phone if need be.

Wellington-Waterloo Community Futures: Supports and Updates regarding COVID-19 Government Funding

WWCF loan clients are welcome to ask for a three month loan payment deferral and can access COVID-19 information including the supports and resources to help businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak here

Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) Tools and Resources for Businesses

COVID-19 TOOLS AND RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS

Stay up to date on COVID-19

Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Hicks Morley have created a COVID-19 Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit to support Ontario businesses. Access the toolkit here. 

Business and Employee Supports

We know that this is a difficult time and businesses across the province are faced with many unknowns. Read more here

OCC COVID-19 Advocacy Response

The Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is taking concerns from the business community and communicating them to all levels of government.

Feedback from Ontario Business

We have established an online form for Ontario business to share their specific needs and concerns as they face new challenges that the COVID-19 crisis has generated.

Government News

The latest news from the Government of Canada and Ontario on COVID-19. Read more here

Mental Health Resources

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may cause anxiety and stress. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce has put together mental health resources to help you during this time.

For important and up to date information about COVID-19 visit the Public Health Agency of Canada website at: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html.

Work From Home

Tips, tricks, and resources to support you in working from home. Read here

How to Protect Yourself

COVID-19 SELF ASSESSMENT

*This information is not intended to provide medical advice. If you have medical questions, consult a health practitioner.

If you think you have coronavirus (COVID-19) symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care. Take the assessment.

Click here to see the most up to date information from the Ministry of Health on how to protect yourself.

 Shipping is Essential:

Trucking industry news and resources

Truckers facing challenging conditions on the road

Truckers are being widely hailed as heroes in the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, for keeping store shelves stocked and goods moving, but lack of access to food and facilities is making their jobs even more challenging. Read more here

Truck News: COVID-19 Hub - read more here

CANADIAN TRUCKING ALLIANCE COVID-19 TIP SHEET:

TIPS FOR CARRIERS WHEN REVIEWING AND UPDATING INTERNAL POLICIES