The province announced additional investments to support essential workers, small businesses, and the fishing and aquaculture industries
For essential workers:
The province announced the $16.7 million COVID-19 Incentive to Support Essential Workers. This temporary wage top-up program is for Island workers employed by any business or organization, including for-profit, non-profit or other entity providing essential services
For fisheries and aquaculture industries:
The province announced two new programs designed to assist fisheries and aquaculture operators who may be negatively impacted by economic conditions related to COVID-19
The Prince Edward Island Fish Emergency Loan Program will provide loans up to $25,000 to Islander harvesters at 4 per cent interest over a five-year term
The Interest Relief Program will support fish harvesters with up to 12 months of interest relief and service debt costs on a maximum of $250 million at an average interest rate of 5 per cent
For small businesses:
The COVID-19 Workspace Adaption Assistance Fund to help small businesses purchase and install protective measures such as plexiglass dividers or handwashing stations to safeguard employees and customers
Businesses can receive up to $2,000 and the program will be retroactive to March 16th to support businesses that have already put measures in place to operate safely
Businesses do not need to be inspected before re-opening, but they must prepare an operational plan that can be provided to officials, if requested
Businesses may open immediately, but it is up to each business operator to decide if they are ready and if all guidelines have been met
Business owners who have questions can contact Opportunities NB Business Navigators by emailing nav@navnb.ca or by calling 1-833-799-7966
Saskatchewan:
The Government of Saskatchewan announced the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) program will be extended to the month of May for businesses that are required to remain closed or substantially curtail operations after May 19, 2020
Businesses will not need to reapply to the program
Businesses that qualify for the program will automatically receive a second payment after May 19
Alberta:
The province has created a new Agriculture Training Support Program to help employers in the food supply chain provide necessary training to new Alberta employees
The program is intended to offset costs for COVID-19 safety and training, including the costs for personal protective equipment
The maximum government contribution under the program is $2,000 per new employee, up to a maximum of $50,000 per employer. Grants will be administered on a first-come, first-served basis until available program funding is fully allocated
