FUNDING

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Grants, Funding & Payments

Provincial Business Support Resources

British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from $5 billion in income supports, tax relief, and direct funding for people, businesses, and services. View the Provincial business support resources on the BC Government website.

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Community Futures COVID-19 Loan Program

British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic will benefit from $5 billion Community Futures Thompson Country: COVID-19 Loan Program to support Community Futures clients with up to $20,000 for local businesses.

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BC Emergency Benefit for Workers

The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a tax-free, one time $1,000 payment for B.C. residents whose ability to work has been affected due to COVID-19.

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Eligibility 

To be eligible for the emergency benefit, you must:

  • Have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020
  • Meet the eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
  • Have been approved for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, even if you haven’t received a federal benefit payment yet
  • Be at least 15 years old on the date you apply
  • Have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return
  • Not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance
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Climate Action Tax

A one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid in July The BC government announced a one-time enhanced BC climate action tax credit payment for July 2020 to assist in the response to COVID-19. Only one person can receive the credit on behalf of the family.

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Eligibility 

You’re eligible to receive the credit if you’re a resident of B.C. and you:

  • are 19 years of age or older, or
  • have a spouse or common-law partner, or
  • are a parent who resides with your child
  • be a resident of BC on both the first day of that quarter and the first day of the previous quarter
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Temporary Rental Supplement

Gives tenants and landlords temporary support towards rent payments for renters impacted by COVID-19. This provides rental supplement for April, May and June 2020 and will cover part of the rent for low and moderate-income renters who have lost income as a result of COVID-19. Payment is made directly to the landlords of eligible households. Applicants only have to apply once. If they apply in April, they will get payments for all three months.

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Eligibility

Households need to meet each of the following criteria :

  • Have a 2019 gross household income of less than:
    • $74,150 for singles and couples without dependents
    • $113,040 for households with dependents
  • As a result of COVID-19:
    • Be receiving or eligible for Employment Insurance; or
    • Be receiving or eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit offered by the federal government; or
    • Have experienced, and be able to provide evidence of, a drop of 25% or more in monthly household employment income
  • Be paying more than 30% of current household income towards rent
  • Must be renting primary residence in BC and must be covered by the Residential Tenancy Act,  the Manufactured Home Act, or the Cooperative Association Act
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COVID-19 Music Industry Relief Program

A new funding program with $500,000 available to musicians. The program’s funding is allotted to groceries, housing costs and medical expenses. Interested potential partners and parties willing to help can contact the organization at sponsorship@unisonfund.ca.

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Eligibility 

  • Be a member of the music industry
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COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund
for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations

Canadian cultural, heritage and sport organizations are facing significant financial losses due to COVID-19 and facing challenges accessing Canada’s broader support measures such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy because of unique seasonal revenues and costs. 

Fund will provide $500 million to help address the financial needs of affected organizations within these sectors so they can continue to support artists and athletes.

Support will be provided in a manner consistent with other COVID-19 supports such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Business Account.

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Eligibility

  • Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations facing significant financial loss due to COVID-19 from closed facilities or cancelled events
  • Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations facing challenges accessing Canada’s support measures such as Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy because of unique seasonal revenues and costs.
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BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund 

Provides access to grants of up to $600 for customers to pay their bills. If eligibility is met, applications can be filed for both BC Hydro Customer Crisis Fund and the COVID-19 Relief Fund.

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Eligibility 

To be eligible for the COVID-19 Relief Fund for residential customers:

  • You need to be a residential account holder and have had your account as of March 31, 2020
  • Your account must be on a residential rate, which includes rate schedules: 1101, 1105, 1107, 1121, 1127, 1148, 1151 and 1161
  • You need to be eligible for Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (when it becomes available)
  • You or your spouse/partner have stopped working due to COVID-19 
  • You must be able to upload a document that proves your eligibility 
  • Your average monthly electricity consumption must not exceed 2,500 kWh
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BC Hydro Customer Relief Fund – Residential

The COVID-19 Relief Fund allows eligible residential customers who have experienced job loss to receive three months of free credit on their BC Hydro bill based on their average consumption.

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Eligibility 

To be eligible for the COVID-19 Relief Fund for residential customers:

  • You need to be a residential account holder and have had your account as of March 31, 2020
  • Your account must be on a residential rate, which includes rate schedules: 1101, 1105, 1107, 1121, 1127, 1148, 1151 and 1161
  • You need to be eligible for Employment Insurance, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, or the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (when it becomes available)
  • You or your spouse/partner have stopped working due to COVID-19 
  • You must be able to upload a document that proves your eligibility 
  • Your average monthly electricity consumption must not exceed 2,500 kWh.
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BC Hydro COVID-19 Relief Fund – Small Business 

If you own a small business that needed to close due to COVID-19, you may be eligible to have your business’ electricity use charges waived for up to three months. Eligible customers can apply any time until June 30, 2020.

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Eligibility 

To be eligible for the COVID-19 Relief Fund for small businesses:

  • You need to be a business account holder and have had your account prior to March 31, 2020
  • Your account must be on the Small General Service (SGS) rate, which includes rate schedules: 1300, 1301, 1310, 1311, 1234 and 1205 (exclusions apply, see below)
  • You need to have closed your business for at least 14 consecutive days, ceased most operations, and are not earning any revenue due to a government order or because of a reduction in business due to COVID-19
  • You must upload information to demonstrate that your business is closed due to COVID-19, such a photo of the business being closed, a screenshot of the closure message on your business’ website or social media channel, or a customer notification email or text message
  • If you have more than one eligible business account on the SGS rate, you need to submit an application for each account. You can apply to get the charges waived for up to 10 accounts.
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Government of Canada Work Sharing Program 

The measures allow for eligible employers to retain skilled employees and workers to remain employed during the temporary downturn in business due to COVID-19. These temporary special measures are: 

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Eligibility 


Eligible employers 

  • To be eligible for a WS agreement, your business must:
  • be a year-round business in Canada for at least 1 year
  • be a private business or a publicly held company, or
  • have at least 2 employees in the WS unit

Eligibility was also extended to:

  • Government Business Enterprises (GBEs), also referred to as public corporations, and
  • not-for-profit employers experiencing a shortage of work due to a reduction of business activity and/or a reduction in revenue levels due to COVID-19

Eligible employees

To be eligible for WS, your employees must:

  • be year-round, permanent, full-time or part-time employees needed to carry out the day-to-day functions of the business (your “”core staff””)
  • be eligible to receive EI benefits, and
  • agree to reduce their normal working hours by the same percentage and to share the available work

Eligibility was also extended to:

  • employees considered essential to the recovery and viability of the business can now be eligible to participate in Work-Sharing (such as technical employees engaged in product development, outside sales agents, marketing agents, etc.)
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Canada’s Regional
Development Agencies (RDA’s) Funding 

Canada’s Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) are the front line for economic development in Canada and help to address key economic challenges by providing regionally tailored programs, services, knowledge and expertise.

If you are a tourism operator, small or medium-sized business or organization, and have received RDA funding and COVID-19 is affecting your operation, your local RDA office can assist. The RDA office can review your situation and provide guidance, additional funding, and flexible arrangements. RDA’s can also assist with access to federal funding in order to help you stay in business, and provide pathfinding resources to other federal programs and services available.

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Eligibility

Registered tourism operator or small or medium-sized business in Canada.

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Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

CCERB will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 every 4 weeks for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19. When submitting your first claim, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the four-week benefit period of your claim. When submitting subsequent claims, you cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for the entire four-week benefit period of your new claim.

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Eligibility 

The Benefit is available to workers:

  • Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
  • Who have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits or Employment Insurance fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020;
  • Who had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and,
  • Who have not quit their job voluntarily
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Indigenous Community Support Fund

This fund helps Indigenous communities prevent, prepare and respond to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The March 18 COVID-19 Economic Response Plan includes $305 million for new, distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities.

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These funds will flow directly into Indigenous communities and groups and could be used for measures including, but not limited to: 

  • Support for Elders and vulnerable community members
  • Measures to address food insecurity
  • Educational and other support for children
  • Mental health assistance and emergency response services
  • Preparedness measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19
  • $75 million of the $380 million in the Indigenous Community Support Fund is new funding that has been announced for Indigenous organizations providing services to Indigenous peoples in urban centres and off reserve. More information on this $75 million will be available soon

Eligibility 

  • Communities identified jointly by Indigenous Services Canada, the National Indigenous Organizations and other Indigenous leaders, based on emergency needs, do not need to apply
  • On-reserve and self-governing First Nations communities will receive funding directly
  • The amount provided to each community will take into account a base amount of $50,000 per community, the total population residing in community (based on 2016 Census population), and will be adjusted for remoteness and Community Wellbeing Index scores 
  • Regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations need to apply through a call for proposals. This call will be opened soon and available on this web page.
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Increasing the Child Tax Benefit

An extra $300 per child is being provided through the Canada Child Tax Benefit (CCB) for 2019-20. This will mean approximately $550 more for the average family. This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May.

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Eligibility 

  • Those who already receive the Canada Child Benefit do not need to re-apply.
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Emergency Relief Support Fund for
Children & Youth with Special Needs

The fund will provide direct payment of $225 per month to eligible families over the next three months (to June 30, 2020). Using a needs-based approach, the emergency funding will support 50% more of the eligible families that are currently awaiting services. This payment can be used to purchase supports that help alleviate stress. 

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These could include: 

  • Meal preparation and grocery shopping assistance; 
  • Homemaking services caregiver relief support (e.g., funded support to allow a family member to provide temporary care for a child or youth);
  • Counselling services, online or by phone; 
  • and other services that support family functioning.

Eligibility 

Eligibility and access to At Home Program medical benefits will be relaxed, and any families receiving benefits will continue to do so without the need for a reassessment during the pandemic period.

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Special Goods & Services Tax Credit Payment

One-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.

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Eligibility 

  • There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.
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The Industrial Research Assistance Program-Innovative Solutions Canada COVID-19 Challenge Program

Provides financial support to post-secondary student, and recent post-secondary and high school graduates who are unable to find work due to COVID-19. From May to August 2020 payments will be provided.

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Eligibility

Students who: 

  • You did not apply, receive, nor qualify, for the CERB or EI benefits for the same eligibility period
  • You are one of the following:
    • Canadian citizen
    • registered Indian
    • permanent resident
    • protected person
    • You are studying in Canada or abroad
    • you are enrolled in a post-secondary educational program (at least 12 weeks in duration) that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
    • you completed or ended your post-secondary studies in December 2019 or later
    • you completed or expect to complete high school, or received, or expect to receive your high school equivalency in 2020, and have applied for a post-secondary educational program that starts before February 1, 2021
    • you are enrolled in a post-secondary educational program (at least 12 weeks in duration) that leads to a degree, diploma, or certificate
    • you completed or ended your post-secondary studies in December 2019 or later
    • you completed or expect to complete high school, or received, or expect to receive your high school equivalency in 2020, and have applied for a post-secondary educational program that starts before February 1, 2021
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Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)

One-time special payment by early May through the Goods and Services Tax credit for low and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.

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Eligibility 

  • There is no need to apply for this payment. If you are eligible, you will get it automatically.
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Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)

The national $1 billion RRRF provides funding to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are unable to access the government’s existing support measures, including Destination Marketing Organizations (DMOs), and access to capital for rural businesses and communities.

This Fund is being delivered by Regional Development Agencies (RDA) across the country to help organizations continue their operations and position themselves for a successful recovery.

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Eligibility

Businesses must meet the following mandatory criteria:

  • Have less than 500 full-time employees (FTEs)
  • Are incorporated to operate in Canada
  • Were operational as of March 1, 2020
  • Are located in Western Canada (defined as British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba)
  • Have suffered financially because of the COVID-19 pandemic
  • Can demonstrate 2019 revenue, or be pre-revenue businesses that received angel or venture capital funding
  • Have applied for funding from other federal COVID-19 support measures, such as the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Co-Lending Program, and Export Development Canada’s Business Credit Availability Program
  • Intend to continue operations in Western Canada
  • Can describe the financial impact that COVID-19 has had on its operations, and outline how WD funding will help support the western Canadian economy to:
    • retain diverse and valuable talent
    • maintain sector knowledge and skills
    • maintain capital flow
    • maintain critical supply chains and increase capacity to withstand supply chain disruptions
    • protect technologies and processes that improve resilience, productivity, and/or competitiveness
    • protect vital intellectual property
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Futurpreneur Canada

An extra $20.1 million to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges due to COVID-19.

The funding will allow Futurpreneur Canada to provide payment relief for its clients for up to 12 months.

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Eligibility 

  • Aspiring business owners aged 18 – 39 years old 
  • Canadian citizens or permanent residents currently living in Canada
  • To determine best fit for you – review the basic eligibility criteria on the Futurepraneur website
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Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (WES)

An extra $15 million in new funding through WES Enabling third-party organizations to provide timely support and advice to women entrepreneurs facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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  • Must be an existing WES Ecosystem Fund recipient organization
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Stingray Stimulus Plan

Stingray Radio will provide a minimum of $15 million in radio advertising grants to local businesses in markets across Canada where Stingray operates local radio stations.

Via the 104 radio stations in markets across Canada, the plan will help local businesses obtain grants in the form of radio advertising during this unprecedented crisis.

Stimulant grants will range from a minimum of $1000 to a maximum of $100,000 in radio advertising per business.

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Eligibility 

  • The Stingray Stimulus Plan will support access to radio advertising grants for local Canadian businesses in all sectors
  • For the purposes of the Stingray Stimulus Plan, local Canadian business is defined as any registered Canadian business, not for profit organization or charity that operates within 100 km of the designated municipality in which the applicable Stingray radio operation is located
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British Columbia Association of Farmers’ Markets (BCAFM) Funding

The B.C. government is providing $55,000 to the BCAFM to cover fees for individual farmers markets to join the online platform and set up their digital market store presence

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Eligibility 

  • BC Farmers
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Emergency Processing Fund

$77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund to help food producers:

  • Access more personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • Adapt to health protocols
  • Automate or modernize their facilities, processes, and operations
  • Respond to emerging pressures from COVID-19 so they can better supply Canadians with food during this period.
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  • Canadian Farmers
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National AgriRecovery

$125 million in funding to help producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19 such as set-asides for cattle and hog management programs to manage livestock backed-up on farms, due to the temporary closure of food processing plants.

This new federal funding will help beef and pork producers and processors adapt to a changing market, and help farmers and ranchers keep their animals longer before marketing.

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Eligibility 

  • Beef and pork producers and in Canada affected by temporary closure of food processing plants during the pandemic
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Support for Animal Care Facilities

Funding is available for animal hygiene, habitat upkeep, veterinarian care, limited transportation, and repairs to equipment required to ensure the welfare of the animals in care

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B.C. shelters, animal refuges, aquariums and rehabilitation centres that lack the revenue to ensure animals in their care will not be in distress are eligible to apply for funding.

To inquire about funding eligibility, email: BRMB.General.Inquiries@gov.bc.ca

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Buy BC e-Commerce Funding

Qualifying B.C. farmers and food and beverage processors of all sizes can apply for up to $5,000 to support their Buy BC e-commerce activities.

The program provides financial support to access and develop websites that accommodate online sales and helps cover the costs of marketing and shipping products to consumers throughout the province.

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Eligibility 

New applicants must meet the following criteria to be considered eligible:

  • Be licensed to do business in BC and have a valid BC business number
  • Have at least two years of business revenues
  • Be growing or processing one or more agricultural or food products in BC
  • Use raw materials from BC for processing products when they are available in enough quantities
  • Not be contracted to receive Buy BC cost-shared funding from IAF this fiscal year
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Canada Council for the Arts Advance Funding

Canada Council for the Arts is providing $60 million in advance funding to core funded organizations

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Eligibility 

  • Core-funded organizations
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Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund

Canadian Heritage is simplifying the 2020/21 funding requests process for the Canada Book Fund and Canada Periodical Fund to reduce the time it takes to process files

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Eligibility 

  • Eligible beneficiaries will be able to access financial assistance faster
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Arts and Culture Resilience Supplement

All existing Operating Assistance clients will receive the equivalent of 50% of their previous year grant amount as an advance against their 2020/21 operating grant. This payment will be issued within the coming weeks.

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Eligibility 

  • BC Arts Council Existing (operating assistance) clients, eligible project clients
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Showcase BC Grant Program

The new Showcase BC music funding program offers one-time micro-grants of $500 to emerging artists and $2,000 to established artists for live streaming, songwriting and professional development.

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Eligibility 

BC artists who have previously submitted complete and eligible applications to:

  • Creative BC’s Career Development program
  • Music BC’s Artist Travel Grant program
  • First Peoples’ Cultural Council’s Indigenous Music Initiative

No application is required

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Licensed child care providers Temporary Emergency Funding

Licensed child care providers staying open can receive funding to keep operations going. These centres are eligible to receive seven times their average monthly funding from the government.

This is expected to cover approximately 75% of a group facility’s average monthly operating expenses and licensed child care providers can continue to receive Child Care Fee Reduction Initiative payments and continue to receive Early Childhood Educator wage enhancements for staff.

Licensed child care providers who close will be eligible to receive two times their average monthly government funding. This is expected to cover approximately 20% of an average group facility’s monthly operating expenses.

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Eligibility 

  • Licensed group child care providers and smaller home-based child care providers are eligible for temporary emergency funding to keep operations going or maintain their business while close
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Subsidies

Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy for Employers

As a Canadian employer whose business has been affected by COVID-19, you may be eligible for a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 24 weeks, retroactive from March 15, 2020, to August 29, 2020.

This wage subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, help prevent further job losses, and better position you to resume normal operations following the crisis.

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Eligibility 

Eligible employers include:

  • individuals (including trusts)
  • taxable corporations
  • persons that are exempt from corporate tax (Part I of the Income Tax Act), other than public institutions:
  • non-profit organizations
  • agricultural organizations
  • boards of trade
  • chambers of commerce
  • non-profit corporations for scientific research and experimental development
  • labour organizations or societies
  • benevolent or fraternal benefit societies or orders
  • registered charities
  • certain Indigenous government-owned corporations that carry on a business
  • partnerships consisting of eligible employers and certain Indigenous governments
  • registered Canadian amateur athletic associations
  • registered journalism organizations
  • private schools or private colleges, and
  • partnerships consisting of eligible employers (including partnerships where at least 50% of the interests in the partnership are held by eligible employers)
  • Public institutions are not eligible for the subsidy. This includes municipalities and local governments, Crown corporations, public universities, colleges and schools, and hospitals
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Canada Summer Jobs Program

In response to the COVID-19 situation, the following temporary flexibilities for Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ 2020) have been introduced to respond to the needs of employers and youth:

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  • Wage subsidies 
    • All funded employers will be eligible to receive a wage subsidy reimbursement of up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage
    • Previously, private and public sector employers were only eligible to receive up to 50% of the provincial or territorial minimum wage
  • Part-time employment 
    • All funded employers may offer part-time placements (eg. fewer than 30 hours/week)
    • Previously, all CSJ funded employment had to be full time (minimum of 30 hours/ week for 6 weeks)
  • Employment period
    • All funded employers may offer job placements between May 11, 2020 and February 28, 2021
    • Employers can offer part-time employment to youth who want to work during the academic year
    • Previously, al CSJ-funded positions had to be completed no later than August 28, 2020
  • Changes to project and job activities 
  • All funded employers will be provided the flexibility to amend project and job activities to support the delivery of critical services, potential adjustments to existing project and job activities could include: 
    • community programming
    • service industry
    • administrative positions
    • support for vulnerable populations
    • retail services

Eligibility 

  • To be eligible to receive funding under the CSJ program, employers must be able to provide youth a job placement in a safe work environment
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The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

To help businesses keep and return workers to their payroll through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic a 75% wage subsidy will be available to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

This wage subsidy aims to prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help better position Canadian companies and other employers to more easily resume normal operations following the crisis.

Public institutions are not eligible for the subsidy. This includes municipalities and local governments, Crown corporations, public universities, colleges, schools and hospitals.

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Eligibility 

Eligible employers include:

  • individuals (including trusts)
  • taxable corporations
  • persons that are exempt from corporate tax (Part I of the Income Tax Act), other than public institutions:
  • non-profit organizations
  • agricultural organizations
  • boards of trade
  • chambers of commerce
  • non-profit corporations for scientific research and experimental development
  • labour organizations or societies
  • benevolent or fraternal benefit societies or orders
  • registered charities
  • certain Indigenous government-owned corporations that carry on a business
  • partnerships consisting of eligible employers and certain Indigenous governments
  • registered Canadian amateur athletic associations
  • registered journalism organizations
  • private schools or private colleges, and
  • partnerships consisting of eligible employers (including partnerships where at least 50% of the interests in the partnership are held by eligible employers)
  • Public institutions are not eligible for the subsidy. This includes municipalities and local governments, Crown corporations, public universities, colleges and schools, and hospitals
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Canada Emergency Commercial
Rent Assistance for Small Businesses (CERCA)

Provides relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19 and offers unsecured, forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners to:

  • Reduce the rent owed by their impacted small business tenants
  • Meet operating expenses on commercial properties.
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Eligibility 

Impacted small business tenants are:

  • To qualify for CECRA for small businesses, the commercial property owner must:
    • own commercial property which is occupied by one or more impacted small business tenants
    • enter (or have already entered) into a legally binding rent reduction agreement for the period of April, May and June 2020, reducing an impacted small business tenant’s rent by at least 75%
    • ensure the rent reduction agreement with each impacted tenant includes:
    • a moratorium on eviction for the period during which the property owner agrees to apply the loan proceeds, and  
    • a declaration of rental revenue included in the attestation
    • The commercial property owner is not and is not controlled by an individual holding federal or provincial political office.
  • CECRA will not apply to any federal-, provincial-, or municipal-owned properties, where the government is the landlord of the small business tenant.
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Temporary Wage Top-Up for Low-Income Essential Workers

Provinces and territories have confirmed plans to cost-share wage top-ups for their essential workers. $3 billion in federal support to increase the wages of low-income essential workers.

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Eligibility 

  • Each province or territory will determine which workers would be eligible for support, and how much support they will receive.
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viaSport Funding

viaSport is advancing 50% of 2020/21 funding to existing clients.

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Existing operating assistance clients

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Payment Deferrals 

BC Hydro COVID-19
Customer Assistance Program 

For residential and commercial customers that are not eligible for our COVID-19 Relief Fund, we have the COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program available Provides customers with the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty.

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Eligibility 

  • Customer experiencing financial impact due to COVID-19 that have resulted in changes in employment from workplaces closing, reduced staffing levels, and higher electricity bills due to increased consumption from spending more time at home
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BDC Support for Entrepreneurs Impacted
by the Coronavirus COVID-19 

Working capital loans of up to $2 million with flexible terms and payment postponements for up to 6 months for qualifying businesses. Postponement of payments for up to 6 months, free of charge, for existing BDC clients with total BDC loan commitments of $1 million or less with reduced rates on eligible loans.

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Eligibility 

  • Eligible businesses needed to be financially viable entities prior to the impact of the coronavirus.
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Province of BC Support for People with Student Loans

Effective March 30, the Government of Canada is placing a six-months. Deferral happens automatically, you do not have to apply

*Payment deferral refers to the postponement, or delay, or payment owed.

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Eligibility 

  • Must have a student loan issued by the province of BC for your loan to be eligible for payment deferral.
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Spring 2020 suspension of repayment

To support student and apprentice loan borrowers during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada put the following measures in place from March 30 to September 30, 2020:

  • suspension of repayment of Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans 
    • no payments are required on student and apprentice loans during this time
    • pre-authorized debits will be stopped 
  • no interest will accrue on student and apprentice loans
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  • If you have a Canada Student Loan, you do not need to apply for the repayment pause
  • Pause will automatically kick in
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Autoplan Payment Plan

Customers on a monthly Autoplan payment plan, who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19, can defer* their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty. Payment deferral is also available for fleets.

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  • Must be on ICBC Monthly payment plan to be eligible
  • Must apply for deferral at least one business day before your next payment is due 
  • Total sum of deferred payments will be withdrawn on your requested date of deferral
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Provincial Tax Support for Businesses

Effective March 23, 2020, the filing and payment due dates for the following sales taxes are extended to September 30, 2020:

  • Carbon tax
  • Motor fuel tax, including the International Fuel Tax Agreement
  • Provincial sales tax (PST), including the municipal and regional district tax on accommodation
  • Tobacco tax
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  • Tax returns and payments with due dates after March 23, 2020 and before September 30, 2020 will now be due on September 30, 2020
  • This deferral is automatic and no action, such as an application, is required on your part
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Extra Time to File Income Tax Returns

Filing due date for the 2019 tax returns of individuals (other than trusts) will be deferred to June 1, 2020.

Any new income tax balances, due, or instalments, to be deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.

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  • If you expect to receive benefits under the Good and Services Tax credit or the Canada Child Benefit, we encourage you to not delay your 2019 return filing to ensure that your entitlements are properly determined.
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Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes 

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will allow all businesses to defer payment of any income tax amounts owing until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period.

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  • Small or medium-sized business in Canada 
  • Is automatically applied. No enrollment necessary
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Mortgage Payment Deferral for Individuals

Homeowners facing financial stress may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral up to 6 months to help ease the financial burden. The COVID-19 Mortgage Payment Deferral program will be ongoing. You can apply at any time during this outbreak. The deferral is an agreement between you and your lender.

Typically, the agreement indicates that you and your lender have agreed to pause or suspend your mortgage payments for a certain amount of time. After the agreement ends, your mortgage payments return to normal and the missed payments — including principal and accumulated interest – repaid.

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  • Your lender — your bank or your mortgage professional — can tell you if you are eligible for a mortgage payment deferral
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Deferral of GST Sales Tax Remittances

The CRA will allow all businesses to defer, until the end of June 2020, any GST/HST payments or remittances that become owing on or after March 27, 2020 and before June 2020. This means that no interest will apply if your payments or remittances are made by the end of June 2020

Deadline for businesses to file their returns is unchanged but the CRA will not impose penalties where a return is filed late provided that it is filed by June 30th.

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  • Businesses in Canada that are dealing with the difficulties in making their GST/HST payments or remittances.
  • Those who are able to, should continue to file their GST/HST returns on time reporting their next tax for the reporting period to help facilitate tax compliance and administration.
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Deferral of Customs Duty and Sales Tax for Importers

Businesses including self employed individuals can defer payments of customs duty owing on their imports  until June 30, 2020. Deferral will include amounts owing for March, April and May. These amounts were normally due to be submitted to the Canada Revenue Agency and the Canada Border Services Agency as early as the end of March 2020.

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  • If you have a Canada Student Loan, you do not need to apply for the Businesses with imported goods
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Worksafe BC Payment Deferral

WorkSafeBC is postponing the payment deadline for Q1 2020, in light of the uncertainty and challenges many employers are facing during the COVID-19 outbreak. Payment can be deferred for Q1 until June 30, 2020.

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  • If you have a Canada Student Loan, you do not need to apply for the repayment pause
  • Pause will automatically kick in
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Vancity CommUNITY Centre

Customers of Vancity have these service available:

  • Waiving fees to transact by Interac e-Transfer, phone, debit card, ATM and online.
  • Vancity Unity Term Deposit. 
  • Loan Payment Deferral Program.
  • Community Response Fund.
  • Buying back foreign currency.
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Fortis BC COVID-19 Customer Recovery Fund – Small Business

If you’re a small business owner in the program, you have the option to:

  • receive support in the form of bill credits to help offset the charges on your account while you’re unable to operate your business.
  • defer your bill payments from April 1 to June 30, 2020. When you apply to the program, you will automatically be entered into a repayment plan that will be spread out over the next 12 months to help lessen the immediate financial impacts to you during this time.
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Eligibility 

The following criteria is required for enrolment:

  • Small businesses must acknowledge that they have had income loss or were forced to close due to the COVID-19 outbreak, including the date of the business closure. 
  • Small business customers must provide their FortisBC account number(s) confirming they’re a small business customer.
  • All customers must agree to enter into a payment arrangement for their deferred balance.
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Reduced School Tax Rates for Businesses

Classes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are included in the reduction. Overall, the commercial property tax bill for most businesses will be reduced by 25% on average. Late payment penalties for classes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 are postponed to October 1, 2020.

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  • Must own or be a tenant of a Class 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8 commercial property
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Fortis BC COVID-19 Customer Recovery Fund – Residential

The Customer Recovery Fund addresses the billing concerns of residential customers during the COVID-19 outbreak. Customers who are unable to work or have lost their livelihood, can receive assistance from FortisBC. If you’re a residential customer in the program, you will have your bills automatically deferred, from April 1 to June 30, 2020.

When you enter the program, Fortis will work with you to create an interest-free repayment schedule. When you apply to the program, you will automatically be entered into a repayment plan that will be spread out over the next 12 months to help lessen the immediate financial impacts to you during this time.

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Eligibility 

The following criteria is required for enrolment:

  • Acknowledge loss of employment, livelihood or being forced to take voluntary leave due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
  • Residential customers must provide their FortisBC account number(s) confirming they’re a residential customer.
  • All customers must agree to enter into a payment arrangement for their deferred balance.
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Deferral of Employer Health Tax

Businesses with a payroll of over $500,000 can defer their employer health tax payments until Sept. 30, 2020. Businesses with a payroll under $500,000 are already exempt.

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Eligibility

  • B.C. businesses
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Liquor Licensess Fee Extension & Deferral

Temporary extension for liquor licences expiring between March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020. Extended licences must still be renewed prior to their new expiry dates. Renewal fees will be deferred until Sept. 30, 2020, and will continue to be calculated in accordance with the Liquor Control and Licensing Regulation.

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Eligibility 

  • Extensions will be applicable to most liquor licences, with the exceptions of licensee retail stores, special wine stores and wine stores with wine on shelf in grocery stores
  • Eligible licensees whose licences fall within March 31, 2020 and June 30, 2020 in financial need may ask for support by emailing a request to LCRB_COVID19@gov.bc.ca.
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Access to Credit & Loans

Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)

CEBA is part of the Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) and is 100% funded by the Government of Canada. It provides much needed credit for small businesses to pay for immediate operating costs such as payroll, rent, utilities, insurance, property tax, or debt service.

Under CEBA, financial institutions will be able to provide interest-free credit facilities of up to $40,000 to eligible businesses. If the loan is repaid by December 31, 2022, 25% (up to $10,000) will be forgiven. If the loan is not repaid by December 31, 2022, the remaining balance will be converted to a three-year term loan at 5% interest.

On May 20, 2020 the Prime Minister announced an expansion to the eligibility criteria to include many owner-operator small businesses, this extended measure will help small businesses protect the jobs that Canadians rely on. Changes will allow more Canadian small businesses to access interest-free loans that will help cover operating costs during a period when revenues have been reduced, due to the pandemic.

The program will now be available to a greater number of businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll.

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Eligibility 

  • The Borrower is a Canadian operating business in operation as of March 1, 2020.
  • The Borrower has a federal tax registration.
  • The Borrower’s total employment income paid in the 2019 calendar year was between Cdn.$20,000 and Cdn.$1,500,000.
  • The Borrower has an active business chequing/operating account with the Lender, which is its primary financial institution. This account was opened on or prior to March 1, 2020 and was not in arrears on existing borrowing facilities, if applicable, with the Lender by 90 days or more as at March 1, 2020.
  • The Borrower has not previously used the Program and will not apply for support under the Program at any other financial institution.
  • The Borrower acknowledges its intention to continue to operate its business or to resume operations.
  • The Borrower agrees to participate in post-funding surveys conducted by the Government of Canada or any of its agents
  • To qualify under the expanded eligibility criteria, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 would need:
  • a business operating account at a participating financial institution
  • a Canada Revenue Agency business number, and to have filed a 2018 or 2019 tax return.
  • eligible non-deferrable expenses between $40,000 and $1.5 million. Eligible non-deferrable expenses could include costs such as rent, property taxes, utilities, and insurance.
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Community Futures COVID-19 Loan Program

The loan is provided to small businesses in Kamloops that are small, independently owned and operated with limited ability to inject capital. 

Loan is adapted to meet with immediate cash flow needs with a maximum of $20,000 per business.

Pre-approved interest rate range of Prime + 2-5% (Currently 3.45%) 

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Eligibility 

  • Business includes: 
    • Not-for-profit 
    • Sole proprietorships
    • Partnerships
    • Incorporated companies
    • Ranches and farms 
  • Was in operation when the emergency commenced 
  • Have a valid business license or approval to operate from the municipal or regional government
  • Business owner must be prepared to sign a personal guarantee 
    • In the case of not-for-profit organizations or incorporated companies, director(s) must sign on its behalf
  • Business that has not been able to operate or has operated at a reduced level for more than 5 days due to the emergency situation 
  • Business must be able to demonstrate loss or reasonable expectation of reduction of business due to the emergency situation
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Farm Credit Canada (FCC)

To ensure producers, agribusinesses and food processors can remain focused on business-critical functions rather than worrying about how to access funds to keep operating through this challenging period, effective immediately, FCC has put in place.

A deferral of principal and interest payments up to six months for existing loans; or a deferral of principal payments up to 12 months. An enhancement to its capital base that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity.

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  • Farmers involved in Agribusiness, food and logistics are directed to visit the FFC link provided to discuss eligibility options
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BDC Small Business Loans

Up to $100,000 can be obtained.

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Eligibility 

  • Canadian based business
  • Generating Revenues for at least 24 months 
  • Good credit history 
  • You’ve reached the age of majority in the province or territory where you live
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Relief Measures for Indigenous Businesses

$306.8 million in short-term, interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions for First Nations, Inuit, and Metis businesses. Support measures should complement support offered by the provinces and territories.

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Eligibility 

  • Small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses that are current or former clients of an Aboriginal Financial Institution
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Canada Student Loans – COVID-19

Fall 2020 to 2021 support for post-secondary students changes to Canada Student Grants and Loans have been introduced so students facing financial challenges from COVID-19 can access and afford post-secondary education.

Pending government approvals, the new measures will come into effect on August 1, 2020 and be available to students for 1 year.

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Doubling of Canada Student Grant amounts

  • In response to increased need for the coming 2020 to 2021 school year, the maximum amount of Canada Student Grants will be doubled.
  • The Canada Student Grant for Full-Time Students will increase up to a maximum of $6,000 and the grant for part-time studies to $3,600. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependants will also be doubled.

Exemption from student and spousal contribution

  • For the 2020 to 2021 school year, students will not be required to make their fixed student contribution; no spousal contribution would be required either
  • This will ensure that more students with need can qualify for more financial support.

Increasing the cap on Canada Student Loans

  • For the 2020 to 2021 school year, the weekly maximum loan limit will increase from $210 to $350.
  • As a result, students could receive up to $11,900 in Canada Student Loans to help them meet the rising cost of post-secondary education this coming school year.

Eligibility 

  • Canadian Students in a Post-Secondary education
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Support & Financial Stability

Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP)

Allows mortgage lenders to pool previously uninsured mortgages into National Housing Act Mortgage.

The impact of this measure will provide financial institutions with more liquidity, which all allow financial institutions to continue to lending to businesses and individuals while assisting customers who face hardship and need flexibility, on a case by case basis.

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Eligibility

  • The eligibility criteria for portfolio insurance is temporarily relaxed to help mortgage lenders access the IMPP
  • This will allow previously uninsured mortgage loans that were funded before March 20, 2020, to be eligible for mortgage insurance
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Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)

  • LEEFF will provide 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.
  • The additional liquidity provided through LEEFF will allow Canada’s largest businesses, their workers and their suppliers to remain active during this difficult time, and position them for a rapid economic recovery.
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Eligibility 

Large Canadian employers who:

  1. Have a significant impact on Canada’s economy, as demonstrated by 
    1. Having significant operations in Canada or
    2. Can generally demonstrate approximately $300 million or more in annual revenues; and 
    3. Require a minimum loan size of $60 million
  • Large for-profit enterprises in all sectors, except for those in the financial sector, can apply for funding under LEEFF. Certain not-for-profit enterprises, such as airports, could also be eligible. Companies that have been found guilty of tax evasion are not eligible under the program. 
  • Companies seeking support must :
    • commit to minimizing the loss of employment 
    • sustaining their domestic business activities, 
    • demonstrate that funding under LEEFF forms part of their overall plan to return to financial stability.
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