Newfoundland: 

• The province announced a number of initiatives to support businesses through the COVID-19 pandemic 
  • In support of licensees, which includes lounges, bars and restaurants, effective immediately the Newfoundland and Labrador Liquor Corporation (NLC) will waive liquor license fees for the 2020-21 fiscal year 
  • The NLC will work with the licensee community to return general list product in an effort to help with working capital 
  • The NLC is also temporarily waiving warehousing service fees for microbrewers with annual production of 1,000 hectoliters or less for those who use the NLC’s distribution network
  • To further assist the province’s beverage industry, the NLC has been approved to implement a wholesale pricing discount for licensees, by providing a five per cent discount for wines and spirits, and ready to drink beverages 
  • Additionally, the province has approved an increase in product commission discounts for craft breweries, wineries, distilleries and cideries producing 1,000 hectoliters or less to 55 per cent for non-NLC distributed products.
  • The NLC will further support businesses through its distribution and marketing capabilities by listing products of local microbreweries 

Manitoba: 

• The provincial government’s online portal to facilitate business applications to the Manitoba Gap Protection Program (MGPP) is now live
  • The MGPP provides an interest-free, forgivable $6,000 loan to small and medium-sized businesses in Manitoba that have experienced hardships as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic 

Saskatchewan: 

• The Government of Saskatchewan announced new supports for northern outfitters and businesses operating in provincial parks 
• Amendments to the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) program will ensure these small businesses are eligible for grants up to $5,000
  • A modified application will be available in the coming days and can be accessed by visiting www.saskatchewan.ca/covid19-businesses 
• Workers helping Saskatchewan’s vulnerable citizens through the COVID-19 pandemic will have their salaries topped up by a cost-shared $400 per month temporary wage supplement 
  • The new wage supplement consists of a flat $400 per month benefit for up to 16 weeks (March 15 to July 4) for each eligible worker
  • The application process for the supplement will be outlined in the coming days 
• The Government of Saskatchewan is providing $1 million to support a province-wide marketing campaign to encourage Saskatchewan residents to support local businesses and their employees
• The Together We Stand campaign helps bridge the gap between consumers and businesses in the province 
• The campaign will encourage consumers to support local businesses, including through online and phone sales, and curbside pickup and delivery options 

British Columbia: 

• Applications for the B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) are now available online 
  • The BCEBW is a one-time, tax-free payment of $1,000 for eligible British Columbians 
  • To apply, British Columbians with their social insurance number and direct deposit information can go to: www.gov.bc.ca/workerbenefit
  • On Monday, May 4, 2020, agents will be available by phone to assist people who need help applying, including those who do not have internet access 
  • General support is available at 778 309-4630 or toll-free within B.C. at 1 855 955-3545, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time)