Newfoundland and Labrador:

• The provincial government announced funding worth $1.87 million to help meet labour demand for the tech sector. 
• Employer demand in the Newfoundland and Labrador tech sector is expected to exceed 2,000 new tech jobs over the next three years.
• The Tech Talent Strategy will help meet this demand by working with existing community supports and developing paths to retrain local workers and attract others from across Canada and around the world.
• Read the official release to learn more.

 

• The provincial government announced $1.12 million over three years to support Hospitality Newfoundland and Labrador’s (HNL) efforts to prepare the tourism and hospitality sector for a post-pandemic recovery.
• HNL’s Rebuilding a Dynamic Tourism Workforce for Newfoundland and Labrador project will use this investment to provide resources, support, and learning opportunities for businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector.
• Read the official release to learn more.

 

• The provincial government increased the maximum gross monthly income threshold for the Essential Worker Support Program from $3,000 to $3,500.
• This program, which is cost-shared with the Federal Government, provides a one-time payment to individuals who meet eligibility criteria and who work in professions included in the Government of Canada’s “Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Pandemic” document.
• The application deadline has been extended to February 26, 2021.
• Program inquiries can be sent by email to EssentialWorkers@gov.nl.ca or by calling toll-free 1-833-771-0696.

Québec:

• The provincial government announced an investment of $19 million to boost careers in information technology (IT).
• The measures are intended to encourage young people, women and immigrants, in particular, to pursue careers in IT.
• These investments will support the hiring, retraining, and upskilling of nearly 4,500 workers.
• Read the official release to learn more.

 

• Revenue Québec is renewing several easing measures put in place during the first wave of the pandemic.
• Individuals can file returns with electronic signatures, and the claim for a deduction for teleworking expenses incurred by employees during the COVID-19 pandemic has been simplified.
• Learn more about the easing measures.

 

• The provincial government announced an investment of nearly $1.5 million to support self-employed workers with psychological health needs during the pandemic.
• Self-employed workers will have access to workshops and online training to support them with stress management and psychological health.
• Self-employed workers and small businesses can get more information by calling 418 644-4545.

Ontario:

• Applications are now open for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which provides a minimum of $10,000 and as much as $20,000 to help small business owners.
• Eligible small businesses required to close or significantly restrict services under public health orders will be able to apply for a one-time grant.
• Learn more about the Ontario Small Business Support Grant.

 

• The provincial government is investing up to $3 million through the Equine Hardship Program to help horse experience businesses cover animal maintenance costs incurred from COVID-19 disruptions.
• The program will provide individual businesses offering horse-related experiences up to $2,500 per horse, upto a maximum of $20,000, to help cover the costs of feed, water, veterinary care and farrier services.
• Enrollment and claim forms will be accepted until March 12, 2021, or while program funding remains available, whichever comes first.
• Learn more about the Equine Hardship Program.

Manitoba:

• The provincial government is extending the Manitoba Bridge Grant application deadline until January 31 and expanding eligibility to offer financial support and protection for more small businesses.
• Eligibility has been expanded to include hotels, resorts, lodges and outfitters, travel agencies, janitorial services companies, and owner/operators of licensed passenger transportation businesses that have seen demand for their services impacted by the public health orders.
• Get more information about the Manitoba Bridge Grant.

Alberta:

• The provincial government is expanding the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant to allow new businesses to apply. 
• By expanding applications to businesses that started operating between March 1 and October 31, 2020, up 5,000 more Alberta businesses will be eligible for funding.
• New Alberta businesses impacted by public health orders will need to demonstrate a 30 per cent reduction of revenue using figures from November or December 2020 compared with any prior month between March and October 2020. 
• The grant pays 15 percent of an affected business’ monthly revenue, up to a maximum of $15,000.
• Learn more about the Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.

British Columbia:

• The provincial government is creating the new $500,000 Pivot for Individuals program through the BC Arts Council to help professional artists, cultural workers and arts administrators get support to help with challenges related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Those eligible can apply for up to $12,000 to learn new skills or adapt their practices. Artists are also able to apply for support for professional development, like mentorship or training.
• Applications are open until February 16, 2021. The BC Arts Council will adjudicate and award the grants in early spring.
• To learn more, or apply online, visit the Pivot for Individuals grant program website.