News

COVID-19 Notice, Info and Resources

2020/03/18

The World Trade Centre Winnipeg would like to address the current situation regarding COVID-19 as it relates to its operations and programming as well as pertinent information for Manitoba businesses.

We have made the difficult decision to close our office to the public. Our team will be working remotely from home until further notice. Please note that our operations will continue, however we will not be taking in-person meetings. As the situation continues to be monitored closely, we ensure you that we remain dedicated to supporting you as it relates to your business activities.

Although we understand this situation is not ideal, the health and safety of the WTC Winnipeg clients, partners and staff members is our highest priority.

We thank you in advance for understanding and for your collaboration. For all inquiries and continued support, please contact us by email info@wtcwinnipeg.com or by phone 204.253.4888/1.800.665.2019.

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Looking for guidance on the following questions relating to the current COVID-19 situation? 

  • What is the situation pertaining to the WTC Winnipeg’s seminars, events and trade missions?
  • Where can I find available support from government for individuals and business owners?
  • Where can I find additional support for businesses and business owners?
  • Where can I find local updates on COVID-19?
  • Additional resources

Update on the WTC Winnipeg’s seminars, events and trade missions

  • March Seminars (online only)
  • April Seminars (online only)
  • World Trade Day 2020 (cancelled and will be rescheduled for May 2021)
  • World Trade Mission: SIAL Canada (postponed)
  • Manitoba Information Seminars (postponed)

Available support from the Federal Government for individuals and business owners

  • To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has established the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit. The application form will be available on April 6. If you have already applied for EI, you do not need to also apply for this new benefit, your claim will be automatically moved over to the CERB and you will receive the 16-week benefit.
  • Helping Businesses Keep their Workers. Eligible businesses receive temporary wage subsidy. The subsidy will be equal to 10% of remuneration paid during that period, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. Employers benefiting from this measure would include corporations eligible for the small business deduction, as well as not-for-profit organizations and charities.
  • Flexibility for Businesses Filling Taxes. The Canada Revenue Agency will allow all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today 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. This measure will result in businesses having more money available during this period.
  • Increase the credit available to Canadian businesses offered by Export Development Canada (EDC) and the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC). Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) will provide more than $10 billion of additional support to businesses experiencing cash flow challenges
  • More credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada. Farm Credit Canada will receive support from the Government of Canada that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. In addition, all eligible farmers who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program (APP) loan due on or before April 30 will receive a Stay of Default, allowing them an additional six months to repay the loan.
  • Advance Payments Program: Step 1. What this program offers
  • Exemptions to travel restrictions to protect Canadians and support the economy.
  • Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents. The Canadian government is Waiving the one-week waiting period and requirement to provide a medical certificate for those individuals in imposed quarantine that claim Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
  • If you’ve been forced to work at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic you might be able to claim some of your household expenses on your income tax next year.
  • The Government of Canada has put in place Work-Sharing (WS) temporary special measures for employers affected by the downturn in the forestry and steel and aluminum sector and to support employers and workers affected by COVID-19.
  • The government, through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation set in motions an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program to purchase up to $50 billion of insured mortgage pools through CMHC. It will provide stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders and support continued lending to Canadian businesses and consumers.
  • The government is proposing to provide a one-time special payment by early May 2020 through the GSTC. This will double the maximum annual GSTC payment amounts for the 2019-20 benefit year. The average boost to income for those benefiting from this measure will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples. This measure will inject $5.5 billion into the economy.
  • The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets, effective immediately. This action will allow Canada’s large banks to inject $300 billion of additional lending in to the economy.

Additional support for businesses and business owners

Financial

Human resources

Local

  • Opportunities for On-Demand Capacity. Air Canada Cargo is launching extra sessions – passenger aircraft flights used solely for the purpose of cargo.

Local update on COVID-19

Additional resources

Webinars

Partners’ COVID-19 resource pages

Additional articles