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
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
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