CEBA Expansion, CERB Extension, CEWS Update, & Reopening Your Business
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) Expansion – On June 15th, 2020, the CEBA website (https://ceba-cuec.ca/) was updated to include additional FAQs focused on the details and differences between applying under the “Non-Deferrable Expenses Stream” as compared to the “Payroll Stream”. It has also been announced that applications under the extended program would commence on Friday, June 19th, 2020.
Once the expanded eligibility criteria become effective, eligible businesses will be required to contact their primary financial institution to apply.
Payroll Stream – for businesses with total employment income paid to employees in 2019 greater than $20,000 and less than $1,500,000. CEBA applications will be completed directly through the financial institution in which your business holds its primary business chequing/operating account. Your financial institution will provide application information to the Government of Canada to confirm eligibility. If approved, your financial institution will provide the funds into your business chequing/operating account.
Non-Deferrable Expenses Stream – for businesses with total employment income paid to employees in 2019 of $20,000 or less, and 2020 Eligible Non-Deferrable Expenses (subject to adjustments for support or subsidies under other Government of Canada COVID response programs) greater than $40,000 and less than $1,500,000. These applications will follow a two-step process:
Step 1: Initiate the application directly at your primary financial institution where you hold your primary business chequing/operating account.
Step 2: You will be directed to a CEBA website to provide supporting documentation (the name of you financial institution, your 9-digit business number, and electronic or paper copies of receipts/invoices/agreements) of the 2020 Eligible Non-Deferrable Expenses, and to complete the application. If successful, the Government of Canada will notify your financial institution and provide funding for your CEBA loan.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – The Canada Emergency Response Benefit has been extended for an additional 8 weeks, from 16 weeks to 24 weeks.
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) – On May 15th, 2020, it was announced that CEWS will be extended for an additional twelve (12) weeks, to August 29th, 2020. No further details about potential changes have been released, but any potential changes would commence for periods 5 (July 5th, 2020 to August 1st, 2020) and/or six (August 2nd, 2020 to August 29th, 2020).
Businesses can calculate their subsidy amounts at this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-calculate-subsidy-amount.html#h-1 and apply through My Business Account on www.canada.ca.
Reopening Your Business – Many businesses have questions about the proper reopening procedures. We strongly advise that you do your research, and make sure that you are following the proper protocols for your specific business type and industry.
You can download a Workplace Guidance for Business Owners document at this link: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/covid-19-workplace-guidance-for-business-owners.pdf
The current circumstances are constantly changing, therefore any information we provide is subject to change, and we will try to keep you informed as there are any new developments. Please go directly to the CRA’s website at https://www.canada.ca to receive the latest updates and to develop your own understanding of the information provided. Your eligibility for any, and all, of the programs made available is solely determined by the CRA, and it is your responsibility to ensure that you make truthful and accurate declarations. Our office is closed to the public, although we are operating within our modified summer hours, and our security camera monitored front vestibule is open for pick-ups and drop-offs from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Thursday.