Quebec:

• As part of the economic recovery plan for the cultural sector, the provincial government announced grants totalling $33.5 million for the music industry, artists, musicians, and presenters.
• The grants will support around 100 companies that develop nearly 1,000 projects each year.
• Visit the program website to learn more.

Ontario:

• The federal and provincial governments are making strategic infrastructure investments to help rural municipalities and First Nation communities strengthen their local economies in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• The Government of Canada is investing over $12.4 million through Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) while the province is investing $7.5 million. The money will go towards multiple road and bridge projects across Southwestern Ontario.
• Learn more about the projects here.

 

• The provincial government has offered $3.3 million in cost-share funding to 58 projects through the updated Rural Economic Development program (RED) to help rural and Indigenous communities diversify their economies, retain skilled workers, invest in local infrastructure, and create jobs.
• Get more details at the Rural Economic Development program website.

 

• The provincial government is providing $498,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) to help increase tourism, boost economic development and create 13 new jobs in the Kenora-Rainy River region.
• The NOHFC promotes economic development across Northern Ontario by providing financial assistance to projects that stimulate growth, job creation and skilled workforce development.
• Visit the NOFHC website to learn more.

 

• The provincial government is giving $100,000 from the Ontario Together Fund to the Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business (CCAB).
• The funds will help Indigenous businesses navigate various COVID-19 programs, services and procurement opportunities available through webinars and web-based assistance.
• Visit the Ontario Together website for more information.

Manitoba:

• The provincial government is launching an $8 million #RestartMB Event Attraction Strategy. The strategy aims to maximize the potential of Winnipeg and rural Manitoba destinations to host large-scale meetings, conventions and events.
• Learn more about #RestartMB initiatives.

Saskatchewan:

• Applications are being accepted for a $1 million fund to encourage development of agricultural technology. Administered by Innovation Saskatchewan, the fund will drive private investment and help attract international agtech companies to the province.
• Find more information at the Innovation Saskatchewan website.

 

• The provincial government approved 303 new projects under the Municipal Economic Enhancement Program (MEEP) 2020, totalling more than $16.6 million of provincial investment.
• The $150 million MEEP 2020 is part of the province’s $7.5 billion, two-year plan to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Visit the MEEP 2020 website for more information.

Alberta:

• The provincial government introduced the Innovation Employment Grant (IEG), a program that begins January 1, 2021. The program will promote economic growth and job creation by supporting small and medium-sized businesses that invest in research and development (R&D).
• The IEG provides eligible businesses with a grant of up to 20 percent of R&D spending.
• Visit the Innovation Employment Grant website for more information.

 

• The province will give Northern Alberta Institute of Technology $8.13 million to upgrade heating, ventilation and cooling systems, creating an estimated 46 jobs. Elsewhere, Keyano College will receive $3.2 million for maintenance and repairs, creating an estimated 18 jobs. Additionally, the province is funding a $2.58-million project to replace infrastructure systems in the theatre complex at the Banff Centre, creating an estimated 14 jobs.
• The projects are part of Alberta’s Recovery Plan.

British Columbia:

• Employers and workers who need to extend temporary layoffs due to COVID-19 can more easily apply for a variance using the Employment Standards Branch’s new online application.
• An application deadline of Aug. 25, 2020, has been set to ensure that all applications will be processed by the Aug. 30 expiry date.
• Visit the updated website for temporary layoff variance applications.

 

• Alacrity Canada is accepting applications for a virtual Digital Marketing Bootcamp to support people and businesses as they move online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The bootcamp will provide participants with a foundation in digital marketing, including search engine optimization (SEO), paid advertising, analytics, and content marketing.
• To register or inquire about financial support, visit Alacrity Canada.