Stats Canada Releases June Labour Force Survey: The survey highlights positive signs of recovery in the BC economy. According to the data, the number of people employed in BC rose by 118,000 in June, following an increase of 43,000 in May. These gains have brought back around 40 per cent of the total job losses seen in BC since February.
View June Labour Force Survey
View Minister’s Statement
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Below you will find recent announcements, updates and resources to support business July 10 – 16, 2020. Please note links and information are changing frequently. Check your resources often and revisit links to view updated information.
- Western Economic Diversification Canada Supports Women-Owned Businesses in Western Canada – July 15
- B.C.’s strong fiscal response, economic foundation support people – July 14
- Delivery of packaged liquor from restaurants, pubs extended – July 13
- Canada Employment Wage Subsidy (CEWS) to be extended to December – July 13
- Stats Canada releases June Labour Force Survey – July 10
Transition to Recovery
- Destination BC’s Signals and Sentiments Dashboard: Destination BC has built an easy-to-access dashboard to monitor what is happening in each of our core geographic markets, to inform our approach to recovery and resilience marketing activities. The dashboard data will help us, and BC’s tourism industry, quickly understand which markets and audiences can start traveling again, and when, helping us make informed decisions about when to restart marketing activities and in which geographic markets. The dashboard brings together key data from a number of sources, and through trend data over time, it will show which markets are recovering and optimistic and interested in travel in general, and specifically, travel to BC —all in one place.
- Travelling Within BC During Phase 3: Like most aspects of our lives, travel has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. This may not be the year for international vacations, but our collective successes in flattening the curve has meant residents of British Columbia are free to enjoy a “staycation” within our province – if it’s carried out in a smart, safe and respectful manner. In this article, we run through some tips and best practices for keeping yourself, and our communities, safe this summer.
- Small Business BC launches PPE Marketplace for businesses: As we move through the four phases of BC’s Restart Plan and businesses start to reopen and operate, non-medical personal protective equipment – PPE – will play a key role in helping keep us all safe. Small Business BC has created the Non-Medical PPE Marketplace to connect businesses with suppliers of non-medical safety equipment.
- BCRFA – Physical Distancing and Patios: BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association guidelines for achieving Provincial Health Officer (PHO) and WorkSafe directives.
- Business Reopen Toolkit: Cowichan Strong has designed a Reopen Toolkit for Cowichan businesses using the Buy Local Cowichan brand and colors. The toolkit includes print ready signage templates for occupancy, front entry checklist and social distancing stickers. These templates are free to use and can be found on the Cowichan Strong website or at local print shops throughout the region.
- Health and safety guidance for employers and workers: Free tip sheets for employers and workers, to help workplaces operate safely. They cover a range of sectors, including construction, health care, retail and restaurants.
- Best Practices for Re-Opening your Business–WorkSafeBC: Advice for re-opening your business and keeping staff safe.
- Industry Resources for Re-Opening: Links to resources and guidance to specific industries.
- How to Create a Safety Plan for Re-Opening: Assess business readiness for re-opening and minimize risk.
- BC’s Restart Plan lays out a series of steps that we will take together to protect people and ensure that our province can come back from COVID-19 stronger than before.
Federal Government Support
- Regional Relief and Recovery Fund to support the Women’s Enterprise Initiative (WEI) organizations across Canada: The Women’s Enterprise Centre in British Columbia, Alberta Women Entrepreneurs, Women Entrepreneurs of Saskatchewan, and their Women’s Enterprise Centre of Manitoba will each receive $2 million in additional loan funds for women entrepreneurs. In addition, $300,000 in operating funding will be divided equally among the four WEIs to meet the increased demand for advisory services and business supports.
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) to be extended to December: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed the CEWS will be extended to December, 2020. The program covers 75 per cent of wages, to a weekly maximum of $847, for workers at businesses affected by the economic slowdown caused by COVID-19. A full news release is expected soon.
Provincial Government Support
- Delivery of packaged liquor for restaurants, and pubs extended: The BC government is extending the temporary authorization that permits food-primary and liquor-primary licensees to sell and deliver sealed, packaged liquor products alongside the purchase of a meal for off-site consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic. The authorization will remain in place until October 31, 2020.
- BC announces move to Phase 3 of our Restart Plan: BC Premier, John Horgan, has announced the move to Phase 3 of BC’s Restart Plan. This will allow businesses and industries such as hotels and resorts, parks, the film industry and select entertainment, like movie theatres to reopen under the guidance of WorkSafe BC. The move to Phase 3 also allows for the safe and respectful return of travel and tourism within the province.
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To keep businesses informed and up-to-date Economic Development Cowichan has compiled a COVID-19 Business Resource guide. Visit here to view essential links.
