Prince Edward Island:

• Prince Edward Island is easing travel restrictions to allow Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are family members of seasonal residents to travel to the province. 
• Family members can apply online for pre-approved travel. Visiting family members will be required to complete a 14-day self-isolation upon arrival.
• This easing of restrictions is similar to the Family Connections stream, which allows family members of PEI residents to visit.
• For more information, visit PEI’s Travel Guidance site.

Nova Scotia:

• The Nova Scotia Loan Forgiveness Program is helping more young people graduate and start their careers with less debt. The provincial government has forgiven about $8 million in Nova Scotia student loans for more than 1,000 Nova Scotia students who graduated from Nova Scotia universities in 2020.
• Learn more about the Nova Scotia Student Loan Forgiveness Program for university students, and the program for Nova Scotia Community College students. 

 

• Nova Scotia’s forestry sector will hold a virtual trade mission with Sweden on Aug. 25. Similar events with key markets, such as Finland and Maine, will take place over the fall to support forestry sector transition efforts.
• Lands and Forestry Minister Iain Rankin will lead discussions on innovation, diversification and forestry management.
• A mission to Sweden and Finland scheduled for March was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Learn more about Nova Scotia’s Forestry Sector Transition Team.

Quebec:

• The provincial government is increasing aid for arts and crafts by nearly 55 percent, the largest increase ever recorded for this sector, from $2 million in 2019-2020 to $3.4 million in 2020-2021.
• With a budget of $400 million, the Economic Recovery Plan for the Cultural Sector is made up of a series of measures aimed at helping artists, organizations and cultural businesses and promoting Quebec culture.
• Read about the recovery plan for the arts sector (French link).

Ontario:

• The provincial government is investing $2.2 million in eight new projects to help disadvantaged youth and job seekers from underrepresented groups in the Greater Toronto Area. The projects will focus on developing the skills and training they need to begin successful careers.
• The funds will help nearly 500 young people and job seekers from underrepresented groups receive practical on-the-job experience in a wide variety of sectors.
• The funding comes from the new Premier’s Council on Equality of Opportunity, a key part of the government’s ongoing COVID-19 jobs and recovery efforts
• Learn more at Employment Ontario.

Manitoba:

• The Manitoba government is enhancing its Back to Work wage subsidy program to support Manitoba businesses in bringing back more of their employees. 
• The program reimburses 50 percent of wage costs per employee hired or re-hired between July 16 and Oct. 31, 2020, up to a maximum of $5,000 per person. 
• The enhanced program allows businesses, not-for-profit organizations or charities to receive wage subsidies for up to 20 full or part-time employees, up from the original limit of 10. 
• The application deadline is Oct. 1.
• Lean more about the Back to Work in Manitoba wage subsidy program.

Saskatchewan:

• An additional 618 projects, representing more than $22 million of provincial funding, have been approved through the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020.
• The $150 million MEEP was announced in May. It is a key component of the provincial government’s $7.5 billion, two-year capital plan to build a strong province and stimulate its economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Learn more about MEEP 2020.

British Columbia:

• The provincial government announced $10 million in one-time funding for organizations and agencies in B.C.’s community social services sector to build capacity, support recruitment and retention, and improve occupational health and safety training programs for staff.
• The funding will support training programs to agencies and organizations across the sector, including training and development for Indigenous agencies and Indigenous staff, foundational training and development opportunities, and occupational health and safety.
• Learn more about the Social Services Sector Roundtable.

Yukon:

• The territorial government announced funding for three infrastructure projects that will create immediate and long-term jobs.
• The federal government is investing $6.5 million in these projects through the Investing in Canada plan. Yukon is providing $2.4 million and the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in First Nation is contributing $50,000.
• Learn more about Canada’s plan for Investing in COVID-19 Community Resilience.

 

• The territorial government will receive up to $4.16 million from the Government of Canada’s new Safe Return to Class Fund to help further the safety of students and staff members.
• Yukon could spend the money on providing more custodial staff, supplying additional buses and providing mental health supports, health and safety training, or more support for students and school communities.
• This funding is in addition to the $13.5 million allocated to Yukon through the Safe Restart Agreement with the federal government completed earlier this month.
• Link: Prime Minister Trudeau announces support for a safe return to school.