The COVID-19 crisis has us all on edge and no one is exactly sure how this crisis will grow, evolve and eventually settle. It is incumbent on all of us to follow the advice of medical experts and elected officials in order to minimize the impact of COVID-19. However, the board and staff of the Fredericton chamber know that this will mean hardship for many, including our members. Since last week, we have been in contact with representatives from all three levels of government advocating on your behalf for support that will help mitigate the damage being done to the business community.
On Friday, the federal government announced an additional $10 billion lending fund through the Business Development Bank of Canada. It has been communicated that while positive, accumulating debt during immense uncertainty was not an adequate response. We have been assured that more relief will be announced soon, but we do not have any further details at this time.
Below are resources and information that you may find helpful at this time, but we also want to hear from you about your specific experiences and suggestions for how government can help you and your employees. We will share your requests and stories with government officials on an ongoing basis.
Contact either myself (kristar@frederictonchamber.ca) or our Policy & Research Manager, Morgan Peters (advocacy@frederictonchamber.ca).
Sincerely,
Krista Ross, CEO
Fredericton Chamber of Commerce
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce is soliciting your participation in a short survey to gather information on the specific scope of impacts on Atlantic Canadian businesses and the economy. The main objective is to guide our governments to implement effective programs to minimize the personal and commercial impacts. Please access the survey at this link: https://conta.cc/3aZH7Gf
Government of Canada Business Support Page
Canadian Chamber of Commerce Pandemic Preparedness Plan
In addition to pandemic preparedness tools, we have also created templates for your use: a Crisis Communications Plan and a Business Continuity & Recovery Plan.
Financial
Additional $10 billion in loan funding available from BDC
Economic Development Corporation
Employment Insurance (New dedicated COVID-19 number: 1-833-381-2725)
Health
New Brunswick Chief Medical Officer (Public Health)
Canada Public Health
Social distancing, handwashing and cleaning / ventilation
Increasing cleaning procedures (Ontario)
Travel
Latest Government of Canada Travel Advice
Other organizations
Restaurants Canada
Retail Council
Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters
Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses
— CFIB is opening their Business Helpline to non-CFIB members. For advice managing #coronavirus in the workplace, business owners can call 1-888-234-2232.
