Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses
Throughout the pandemic, the Government of Canada has focused on keeping Canadians safe and healthy and helping families pay their bills. That’s why we have introduced strong measures to protect middle class jobs and support businesses, so they can keep Canadians on the payroll during this challenging time. The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced […]
Government extends the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
The Government of Canada is extending Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan to continue the support to Canadians and protect jobs during the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) helps businesses keep employees on the payroll and encourages employers to re-hire workers previously laid off, and better positions businesses to bounce back following […]
Better Together Sooke Region Laptop Drive gives old laptops a new life, helping Sooke Region students in need
May 14, 2020, Sooke BC: Schools have closed, and education has moved online for thousands of students, Sooke to Port Renfrew, due to COVID-19. If you are looking for ways to give back to your community during the Covid-19 crisis, this may be an option for you. Better Together Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce Laptop […]
There’s a plan to re-open the economy, starting mid-May; employers, here are the guidelines
Employers, here are the four phases of the pandemic, followed by guidelines. If you belong to an organizing association (eg, the British Columbia Restaurant and Food Services Association) please refer to them for guidance. In all likelihood, they are already working with the province on standards and protocols. The Four Phases Phase One (Current): Essential […]
Small businesses to get 75% break on commercial rent
Remember to join the Chamber on the weekly Sooke Zoom Room call, Monday’s at 11:00 am CLICK HERE TO JOIN The following announcement comes from the Prime Minister’s office, April 24, 2020 ( Small businesses across the country are the backbone of our communities, and they are now facing significant challenges. That is why the […]
Almost half of BC businesses that are temporary closed not confident in ability to reopen
The COVID-19 crisis is deepening for British Columbia businesses with four-in-ten (43%) of those surveyed stating they can only continue to operate for up to three months under current restrictions. For businesses temporarily closed, the future is similarly dire, with only half (53%) expecting to reopen once the restrictions are eased on workplace operations, while […]
COVID-19 ravages local economy, Sooke Chamber rallies community
Today, the Sooke Region Chamber of Commerce launches BetterBuySooke.ca, a “buy now, redeem later” gift card solution for the many Sooke businesses that have had to close their doors or reduce their services as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a FREE made-in-Sooke solution, businesses can soon sell online certificates ranging from $5 to $100. […]
Banks ready to process emergency loans (25% forgivable*) starting April 9, 2020
Starting April 9, 2020, owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and managers of non-profit organizations (NPOs) who are National Bank clients will be able to submit their applications online for the Canada Emergency Business Account. This program is guaranteed by the Government of Canada and aims at helping businesses cope with the economic challenges resulting from the COVID-19 […]
Changes to Canada Summer Jobs program to help businesses and young Canadians affected by COVID-19
The Government of Canada is taking unprecedented action to support workers, businesses, and all Canadians impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Right now, young people are facing serious challenges in finding work. To build the foundations of strong communities, we need a strong workforce that includes good job opportunities for youth. That is why the government is working […]
Canadian Chamber and Feds launch Canadian Business Resilience Network to help businesses get through COVID-19
SOURCE Canadian Chamber of Commerce The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has established the Canadian Business Resilience Network (CBRN) in partnership with the Government of Canada to help the business community prepare, persevere and, ultimately, prosper in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. “COVID-19 has provided us with an unprecedented challenge, but Canadians are resilient,” said Jackie King, Chief […]