COVID-19 Support, Information & Resources
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The ongoing COVID-19 global pandemic will create stresses on businesses, job seekers, and community organizations across Canada. As an organization working across these groups, as well as with educators, policy makers, local chambers, and industry representatives, Magnet is committed to acting as a resource to ensure clarity around these developments.
Magnet acts as a flexible digital infrastructure that can host or direct users to relevant external resources, thereby allowing research, knowledge, and learning opportunities to scale.
Below are key features of the Magnet platform, and our various partnerships and initiatives, that will be valuable in:
Disseminating information affecting job seekers, employers, industry, and community organizations.
Hosting virtual informational and discussion sessions in partnership with business and industry associations to support navigating this situation and its long-term impact.
Providing a digital collaboration platform where businesses and communities across Canada can exchange knowledge and information, allowing businesses of all sizes to pose questions and work together to navigate unique challenges.
Enabling businesses and job seekers to continually connect through intelligent matching.
National Updates
Magnet’s COVID-19 updates are changing.
Effective July 12, 2021, we are no longer publishing weekly updates on this page.
If you’d like to continue to receive timely, relevant information about COVID-19 relief and recovery programs for individuals and businesses, please click here to create a free Magnet account. You’ll receive messages about targeted opportunities based on the information and details you enter in your Magnet profile.
Communication and information sharing through the Magnet network:
For all users in our network, Magnet will leverage our various communications channels to share updates and information on changes to government programs.
Student Work Placement Program (SWPP)
The Magnet Student Work Placement Program (SWPP) will continue to support eligible employers with funding of up to $7,500 when they hire Canadian post-secondary students for work integrated learning (WIL) placements. Following a time of downturn, this program can be valuable in helping employers boost their capacity with young talent while offsetting costs.
Magnet Export Business Portal (MEBP)
The MEBP allows users to receive customized updates on funding, trade missions, business growth resources based on pre-set preferences. Users can be informed in real-time of new opportunities from partners such as Global Affairs Canada, Business Development Bank of Canada, and Export Development Canada. As new programs and changes to existing programs are introduced, the MEBP will be used as a channel to share information in a timely manner.
Community of Practice (COP)
Magnet is currently developing a Community of Practice, through which we will disseminate research and stories from the Future Skills Centre (FSC). The COP will also allow users to register as collaborators on the network to share resources and connect with potential partners based on common challenges and areas of interest. Similar infrastructure can support a digital space where businesses across Canada can connect, share resources, and collaborate to navigate the current challenge posed by COVID-19.
Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs)
The economic impact of COVID-19 is expected to be significant for SMEs across Canada and across sectors. Each of the programs outlined above can contribute to supporting SMEs through various developments and in recovering from long-term impacts of COVID-19.
Specific Magnet tools that SMEs can leverage include:
- Hiring students through SWPP to boost capacity and reduce costs.
- Access to real-time information around the stimulus and aid initiatives as well as analysis and support from industry experts through the MEBP and Magnet communication channels.
- Opportunities to participate in online knowledge sharing and collaboration with businesses in different regions and sectors.
Magnet is committed to serving as a resource and supporting the efforts of Ryerson University and the Canadian government. By helping job seekers, businesses, and community organizations address current challenges, we can also create a strong foundation for long-term recovery and opportunity.
Business Support Resources
Ontario Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Toolkit
Ontario Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Updates
Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for Retailers, Retail Council of Canada
How EDC is helping exporters during COVID-19, Export Development Canada (EDC)
Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19, BDC
Ceridian resources for businesses: Covid-19 Central
For businesses in Durham Region (including webinars and toolkits)
COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre, The Canadian Federation of Business