Media Release

The Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce Announces the 2021 Awards of Excellence, Citizen of the Year

JoAnne Sytsma

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of the businesses, organizations and individuals who make a difference in our community.

We are pleased to announce the recipient of the 2021 Award of Excellence for Citizen of the Year, JoAnne Sytsma. JoAnne has made outstanding contributions benefiting the well-being of our community through her many long-term commitments with various organizations. She is a shining example of a person who is true to her convictions and steadfast to her values. She believes in our community, its potential, and the people who make up our community. She works sometimes as a leader, sometimes quietly behind the scenes, to make Brockville and area a better place for everyone. No matter what her formal role may be, she always works as a ‘champion’ for our community.

Hours upon hours of her time and energy have been dedicated to all aspects of service from administration, to logistics, marketing, promotion, fundraising, recruiting , networking, participation and making donations, all to better the lives of others in Brockville and the surrounding area, and to move forward a cause. She has given her all to organizations such as the Brockville & Area Food Bank, Girls Inc, Climb for CARE, Career Services, Brockville Power & Sail Squadron, Care & Share Golf Committee, Feed Ontario, 100 Women who care, Our Kenyan Kids as well as her own family business, Dedicated Shunting Services, and her newest investment, the Village Store in Athens, to mention only a few of her accomplishments.

JoAnne demonstrates a seemingly effortless ability to inspire and motivate others to her level of contribution. Her intense motivation, energetic commitment and giving nature continue to inspire others to participate and give. She is a determined, goal oriented person who brings others together for the greater good.

We look forward to celebrating Citizen of the Year, with JoAnne’s family and friends at the Awards of Excellence Gala being held (drive-in cinema style) on Thursday, September 30^th at the Sunnidell Golf & Learning Centre. We will also be announcing the recipients for: Business of The Year, Small Business of The Year, Community Excellence Award, the Tourism Award and the Ben TeKamp Award.

Seating is limited and tickets must be purchased in advance at www.brockvillechamber.com

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce represents more than 400 members and has been the community's business advocate since 1906. Our mission is to foster a competitive business environment in the Brockville region that benefits the people of this region through the growth of jobs, wealth and quality of life.

COVID-19 UPDATES

The safety and well-being of our members and community are of the utmost importance to us. We will communicate all updates to our members, and the community through email, social media posts, and updates on our website. There has been so much support from so many individuals and business in our community. We have a  very supportive community and we will get through this!!!

The Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce is appreciative of all of the front-line staff, first responders and health care professionals who continue to show dedication in our community. We will continue to update these pages as information becomes available.

Government of Canada

The Government of Canada is committed to providing you with the information and support you need to make informed decisions as your business navigates through these challenges; including supporting your employees.

• Support to Businesses
• Risk-informed decision-making guidelines for workplaces and businesses during COVID-19
• Frequently Asked Questions - Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers
• Employment and Social Development - Benefits and Services for Individuals and In Your Workplace

• Economic Response Plan:

  https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

• Canada Emergency Response Benefit:

• https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

  https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/apply-for-cerb-with-cra.html

• Resources for Canadian Businesses

Calling All Suppliers - Help Canada Combat COVID-19
The Government of Canada is asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services.  See the list of items needed, and notify them if you can help out.

Update - Nov 2020

Resources from the Federal Government

CEWS Extension Details: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/details-on-the-canada-emergency-wage-subsidy-extension.html

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/canada-emergency-rent-subsidy.html

Lockdown Support for Businesses Facing Significant Public Health Restrictions (under CERS): 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/lockdown-support-for-businesses-facing-significant-public-health-restrictions.html

Brief Summary of Total Support under new CEWS and CERS: 

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/11/rate-structures-applicable-in-periods-8-9-and-10-september-27-to-december-19-2020.html

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)

Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.

This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.

https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy.html 

Government of Ontario 

Update: Thursday June 24, 2021 

TORONTO — With key public health and health care indicators continuing to improve, the provincewide vaccination rate now surpassing the targets outlined in the province’s Roadmap to Reopen, and on the recommendation of the the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is moving the province into Step Two of its Roadmap to Reopen at 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, June 30, 2021.

“Because of the tireless work of our health care heroes, and the record setting success of our vaccine rollout, we are able to move into Step Two ahead of schedule on June 30 with the support of our public health experts” said Premier Doug Ford. “We are proceeding safely with the re-opening of our province and will continue to work around the clock until the job is done.”

In order to enter Step Two of the Roadmap, Ontario needed to have vaccinated 70 per cent of adults with one dose and 20 per cent with two doses for at least two weeks, ensuring a strong level of protection against COVID-19. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of Ontario’s health care partners, as of June 23, 2021, over 76 per cent of the population in Ontario ages 18 and over have received one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and over 29 per cent have received their second dose. More than 13.3 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered provincewide.

Before entering Step Two, the province also needed to see continued improvement in key public health and health care indicators, including hospitalizations, ICU occupancy and the weekly cases incidence rates. After entering Step One, during the period of June 11 to 17, 2021, the provincial case rate decreased by 24.6 per cent. As of June 22, the number of patients with COVID-19 in ICUs is 305, including 10 patients from Manitoba, as compared to 450 two weeks ago. The province expects these positive trends to continue over the coming days before entering Step Two.

“Due to a continued improvement in key indicators, Ontario is ready to enter Step Two of our Roadmap, allowing us to safely and gradually ease public health measures while continuing to stop the spread of COVID-19,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “Thank you to the Ontarians who rolled up their sleeves to help us reach this exciting milestone. Every dose administered brings us one step closer to the things we’ve missed, so please sign up to receive the vaccine when it’s your turn.”

Step Two of the Roadmap focuses on the resumption of more outdoor activities and limited indoor services with small numbers of people where face coverings are worn, with other restrictions in place. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Outdoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 25 people;
• Indoor social gatherings and organized public events with up to 5 people;
• Essential and other select retail permitted at 50 per cent capacity;
• Non-essential retail permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Personal care services where face coverings can be worn at all times, and at 25 per cent capacity and other restrictions;
• Outdoor dining with up to 6 people per table, with exceptions for larger households and other restrictions;
• Indoor religious services, rites, or ceremonies, including wedding services and funeral services permitted at up to 25 per cent capacity of the particular room;
• Outdoor fitness classes limited to the number of people who can maintain 3 metres of physical distance;
• Outdoor sports without contact or modified to avoid contact, with no specified limit on number of people or teams participating, with restrictions;
• Overnight camps for children operating in a manner consistent with the safety guidelines produced by the Office of the Chief Medical Officer of Health;
• Outdoor sport facilities with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Outdoor concert venues, theatres and cinemas, with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Outdoor horse racing and motor speedways, with spectators permitted at 25 per cent capacity;
• Outdoor fairs, rural exhibitions, festivals, permitted at 25 per cent capacity and with other restrictions.

Please view the regulation for the full list of public health and workplace safety measures that need to be followed.

While the province has surpassed Step Three vaccination targets, Ontario may remain in Step Two for a period of approximately 21 days to allow the most recent vaccinations to reach their full effectiveness and to evaluate any impacts of moving to Step Two on key public health and health care indicators. When it is determined to be safe, the province will promptly move to Step Three of the Roadmap to Reopen.

“Due to the continued commitment of Ontarians adhering to public health measures and going out to get vaccinated, we have seen our key health indicators continue to improve across the province,” said Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health. “While we can now begin preparing to ease public health measures under the Roadmap, the fight against COVID-19 is not over and we must continue adhering to the public health advice and measures currently in place to maintain this great progress.”

More Information click the link below 

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1000399/ontario-moving-to-step-two-of-roadmap-to-reopen-on-june-30 

FRIDAY, MAY 21, 2021

Update on March 19, 2021 to dining in Red Zone 

Indoor In-Person Retail:

• Essential stores (supermarkets) operate at 75% capacity
• Other retail - operate at 50% capacity
• Passive Screening
• Capacity limits MUST be publicly displayed (on store door/window)
  • Print a capacity limit sheet HERE

Dining: 

• Capacity limits
  • Indoors: the lesser of approximately 50% of indoor dining area or 50 people
  • Outdoors: limited to allow physical distancing of 2 metres to be maintained
• Contact information of all seated patrons required
• Establishments must be closed from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m.
• Liquor sold or served only between 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• No consumption of liquor permitted between 10 p.m. to 9 a.m.
• Patron screening required

Hair and Nail Salons, Personal Care Services: 

• Services requiring removal of face coverings prohibited
• Require contact information from all patrons
• Screening of patrons is required

Gyms:

• Increase spacing between patrons to 3 metres in areas where there are weights or exercise equipment and in exercise and fitness classes
• Capacity limits, where physical distancing can be maintained
  • 10 people in indoor areas with weights and exercise machines
  • 10 people in all indoor classes or 25 people in outdoor classes
  • No spectators permitted, however each person under 18 may be accompanied by one parent or guardian
• Require contact information for all members of the public that enter the facility
• Require reservation for entry; one reservation for teams

Update March 15, 2021 

https://news.ontario.ca/en/release/60339/ontario-returning-27-public-health-regions-to-strengthened-covid-19-response-framework 

Feb 5, 2021 

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/zones-and-restrictions 

Jan 2021

Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs

https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs 

• Ministry of Economic Development Job Creation and Trade Update - March 26, 2020
• WSIB Financial Relief Package
• Alcohol and Gaming Commission - Liquor Licenses sell liquor for takeout or delivery along with food - March 26, 2020
• Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 - March 25, 2020
• Newsroom
• List of Essential Services - March 23, 2020

  • Updated ESSENTIAL BUSINESSES LIST REDUCED FROM 74 to 44 CATEGORIES - April 3, 2020

    Following advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, on April 3, 2020, Ontario updated the list of essential businesses that can remain open. The restrictions are aimed at further reducing contact between people and stopping the spread of COVID-19. See the revised list here.  

  • Cannabis stores and most construction projects, including non-critical industrial construction have been removed from this list. 
  • The new essential services list will go into effective at 11:59pm on Saturday, April 4.
    • Businesses and service providers with question about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency measures impact their business or employment can learn more at Stop the Spread Business Information Line or call -888-444-3659.
      Help is available Monday - Sunday, from 8:30 a.m - 5 p.m.

FedDev Ontario

The Government of Canada is taking action to support tourism and other businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can take advantage of new investments and initiatives.  Learn more about the support available.

• 1000 Islands CDC
• Grenville CFDC
• Valley Heartland CFDC - loans
•  

Canadian Chamber of Commerce

Update: April 6 , 2020       The Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network to bring together its vast network of over 450 chambers of commerce and boards of trade and over 100 of Canada’s leading business and industry associations, including the Business Council of Canada, the Canadian Federation of Independent Business and Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters, to help the business community prepare, persevere and, ultimately, prosper as we collectively face the COVID-19 pandemic.

• COVID-19 | Pandemic Preparedness for Business

Ontario Chamber of Commerce

• Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for Ontario Business

Leeds Grenville Economic Development - COVID - 19  Business Resources and Update

Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre Training & Resouce's

City of Brockville - Information and Resources 

United Way of Leeds & Grenville COVID 19 Resources 

Tourism Industry Association of Ontario (TIAO)

• Second Phase COVID-19 Industry Survey (deadline for completion by Monday, March 23 at 8am)
• TIAO Survey 3.0 - We Need Your Input (deadline for completion by Monday, April 6)   TAKE THE SURVEY 
•  

Regional Tourism Organization 9 (RTO9)

RTO9 strives to support the tourism and travel industry in the region by closely monitoring events that could cause significant challenges to the industry, including the Covid-19 virus.  Visit the Tourism Talk website for more support.

News

Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan / Plan d'intervention économique du Canada pour répondre à la COVID-19 English

French

What Canada's Regional Development Agencies are doing to help business during the COVID-19 pandemic 

Business Development Bank of Canada - Support for Entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus 

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian Businesses 

Health Resources & Updates

Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit

• healthunit.org/coronavirus

Ontario Government

• www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus

• Update March 16 – Enhanced Measure to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19

Government of Canada

• www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

COVID-19 subscription for Public Health Updates 

HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF

The Government of Ontario recommends taking the following actions to avoid the continuous spread of germs and viruses:

• wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• sneeze and cough into your sleeve
• avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
• avoid contact with people who are sick
• stay home if you are sick

Coronaviruses are spread mainly from person to person through close contact, for example, in a household, workplace or health care centre.

There is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus.

Join the Ontario SPCA and Humane Society between May 25^th and June 25^th for Sweat for Pets, a virtual fundraiser that challenges you to get active for animals’ in need! 

Choose your Challenge, Collect Funds and Change Animals’ Lives!  Register today at sweatforpets.ca

For More Information click on this link 

Canada Summer Jobs/Student Employment Opportunity- Social Media Community Coordinator

Canada Summer Jobs Opportunity 2021

Location: Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce – 3 Market Street, Suite 1

Contact: pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com

Job Type:  Canada Summer Jobs Employment Opportunity-Social Media Community Coordinator (Between the age of 15 and 30 at the start of employment)

Start Date: June 21, 2021 

Work period: 8 weeks (280 hours @ $14.25 per hour)

Schedule: Full Time 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm, odd weekend or evening with advance notice)

In this position, you will be providing support to the Executive Director, Events/Membership Manager and Social Media Consultant with the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce

Work activities to include:

• Provide support to the Chamber Management Team and the Social Media Consultant
• Support Chamber members on the Chamber social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Google) by reposting content and assisting with google my business
• Update M2M programs and member benefits to provide value for Chamber members
• Assist with workplace events, programs and information sessions 
• Create new relevant programs for Chamber Members
• Prepare a variety of marketing materials for events, programs and resources.  
• Prepare blogs and surveys for Chamber members
• Research and prepare Key Economic Information impacting Brockville 
• Perform other duties as required

Skills

• Excellent customer service/telephone skills
• Strong organization skills
• Eye for detail and a dedication to quality
• A team player who can also take initiative when needed
• Excellent spelling and proofreading skills
• Background in graphic design considered an asset
• Positive attitude
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong background in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Zoom, Social Media Platform

NOTE:  All COVID-19 Guidelines as set forth by the Government and Public Health Unit must be strictly followed.

• Salary: $14.25 - $14.25 Per Hour
• Deadline: 12:00AM on June 7, 2021

Company Name: Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce

Location: Brockville

Website: www.brockvillechamber.com  

Company Profile: Our mission is to support and grow business to build a strong economic community through proactive leadership in advocacy and relevant programming.

Canada Summer Jobs/Student Employment Opportunity-Web Site Administrator

Canada Summer Jobs Opportunity 2021

Location: Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce – 3 Market Street, Suite 1

Contact: pjrobertson@brockvillechamber.com

Job Type:  Canada Summer Jobs Employment Opportunity-Web site administrator and Event Support (Between the age of 15 and 30 at the start of employment)

Start Date: June 21, 2021 

Work period: 8 weeks (280 hours @ $14.25 per hour)

Schedule: Full Time 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday 9:30am – 4:30pm, odd weekend or evening with advance notice)

In this position, you will be providing support to the Executive Director and Events/Membership Manager with the Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce

Work activities to include:

• Provide administrative support and/or other duties for the Chamber management team, including the Executive Director
• Assist with planning Chamber events and/or information sessions as required, both on-line and in-person
• Populate a new CRM (Customer Relationship Management) system
• Update the Chamber website business directory by calling each Chamber Member
• Update the Chamber website with events, programs and/or updated COVID information
• Prepare and coordinate distribution of the Chamber member newsletter
• Provide support on PPE programs for businesses and the building of new COVID assistance programs for the members
• Provide other duties as required

Skills

• Excellent customer service/telephone skills
• Strong organization skills
• Eye for detail and a dedication to quality
• A team player who can also take initiative when needed
• Excellent spelling and proofreading skills
• Positive attitude
• Ability to multi-task
• Strong background in the use of Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, Zoom, websites and CRM programs

NOTE:  All COVID-19 Guidelines as set forth by the Government and Public Health Unit must be strictly followed.

• Salary:$14.25 - $14.25 Per Hour
• Deadline:12:00AM on June 7, 2021

Company Name: Brockville and District Chamber of Commerce

Location: Brockville

Website: www.brockvillechamber.com  

Company Profile: Our mission is to support and grow business to build a strong economic community through proactive leadership in advocacy and relevant programming.

Hey Brockville!

Are you looking forward to Summer? We hope you are, and we want you to try out some local experiences that you may not have been to before, or are overdue to try again soon.

The City of Brockville have partnered with TONS of local businesses and attractions to bring together a Summer Experience Package filled with loads of 2-for-1 experience offers, coupons and deals to get you out and experiencing everything that Brockville has to offer this summer - as soon as it is safe to do so. The package also includes great items from local businesses to help you enjoy the summer, including a frisbee, sidewalk chalk, sunscreen, and more!

Everything will be packaged up in a high quality, insulated Brockville zippered tote bag, and all for only $25.

Pre-sales of these packages will be sold through Brockville 120 Seasonal Surprise Boxes starting on Thursday, May 13^th at noon. Send them an email starting at noon to reserve your bag specifying the Summer Experience Package (emails received prior to the noon kick-off will not be eligible).This initiative is available for Brockville and area residents only, limited quantities available, only one per person. Once those are sold out, a second (smaller) batch will be available at the Aquatarium’s online gift shop.

Pick up will start on Friday June 18^th from the Aquatarium – the home of our new tourism office.

A huge thank you to all of our partners and contributors who are helping us create this opportunity:

• Brockville & District Chamber of Commerce: sidewalk chalk
• Downtown Brockville (DBIA): frisbee
• Brockville 120 Seasonal Surprise Boxes: lip balm
• The Aquatarium: 1 child/youth day pass (with the purchase of an adult admission)
• The Brockville Arts Centre: BOGO movie ticket
• 1000 Islands & Seaway Cruises: 2-for-1 adult ticket on a 1.5 hour Jewels of the St. Lawrence Cruise
• Capitol Axe Throwing: 2 can throw for the price of 1
• Skedaddle Escape Rooms: 25% off one escape room
• Stinger’s Indoor Paintball: 2 free games of laser tag for up to 4 people
• Comfort Inn Brockville: family pool pass ofr 1 hour of swimming
• Wild Little Roses: 50% off a creative workshop
• Dive Brockville Adventure Centre: 10% off a private river cruise of 10% off canoe/kayak rental
• Parnie’s Fun Art Paint Parties: $5 off painting class
• Sunnidell Golf and Learning Centre: BOGO driving range bucket of balls OR mini putt
• RD Athletics - Therapy and Training: $25 towards any service (registered massage therapy & semi-private training services)
• Heavenly Touch Spa: Book your pedicure and receive a free EVO (gel) treatment and a foot paddle to take home OR book a full one hour relaxation massage for $75 (regular price $90) plus complimentary bath bomb; 15% off regular priced bath and body products
• Beauty Inside Wellness Spa: $10 off any regular priced service
• Drive Point Rentals & Leasing: 50% off a weekend rental (min. 3 days)
• Hang Ups Creative Picture Framing: mini frame + 20% off one custom frame
• The Brockville Public Library: Mini magnet or zipper pull, bookmark, TinkerLab Activity Kit, and City Scavenger Hunt; 10% off a library tote bag
• The Brockville Museum: postcard pack
• Giant Tiger Brockville: 3-pack of Callaway golf balls OR summer fun item from CANARM
• Sequence Gaming: 2 packs of trading card game decks
• Savvy: Shoehorn
• Ebb & Flo: mini cream or soap (for the first 50 bags sold)
• Northern Cables: drink coozie
• The Real Canadian Superstore Brockville: full sized sunscreen
• 1000 Islands Co.: PopSocket
• Pharmasave Brockville: facial tissue travel pack
• Leeds Grenville Small Business Enterprise Centre: cord-keeper
• Moose McGuire’s: $5 off
• Mini Moose Café: BOGO ice cream
• Tandoori Mint: $5 off
• Finnigan’s Tavern: BOGO appetizer
• Tait’s Fresh Start: 15% off bakery
• Boboli - regular sized cappuccino
• Gabriel Pizza: 10% off online order through Gabe's Pizza Perks
• Manoll’s Fish & Chips: 10% off
• Don’s Fish & Chips: $1 regular pogo
• Billy K’s: free steamie
• Cowan’s Dairy: free small ice cream
• Bonita Bold Fashion: discount
• Pauline’s Lingerie: 20% off purchase of $100 or more on Spring & Summer lines
• 1000 Islands B&B: 10% off
• Rob Thompson Hotels
• Riverside Brockville Chevrolet Buick GMC: $20 off specified auto (car and truck) health check ups and oil change packages

When purchasing our Summer Experience Package, be sure to also check out Brockville 120's "Jump into Summer" Seasonal Surprise Box as well - they put together a curated box featuring products from local artisans and businesses for $50 each season.

Energy Bill Relief Offers On-bill Credits of $750-$1,500

Do you know about the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program (CEAP)? It provides an on-bill credit to eligible residential, small business and registered charity customers to help them catch up on their energy bills and resume regular payments. Residential customers can receive up to $750 and small business/registered charity customers up to $1,500—for electricity and natural gas bills, respectively.

CEAP is funded by the Government of Ontario and delivered by electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers (USMPs). To apply, contact your utility or USMP directly as each may have a unique approach for application in-take. CEAP funding is limited with applications processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Learn more about CEAP at www.oeb.ca/ceap.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19)

Paid Sick Days & INFECTIOUS DISEASE EMERGENCY LEAVE PAY (IDEL)

Employment Standards Act, 2000 (“ESA”) was amended to provide time off (paid or unpaid) for COVID-19 related matter including vaccination.

Q:           How many days is an employee entitled to?

A:           Total of three (3) paid days from April 19, 2021 until September 25, 2021, unless the employer has a practice, policy or contract in place that would provide the employee with three or more paid sick days during the same period i.e., April 19, 2021 to September 25, 2021.

                Leave does not need to be taken in consecutive days.

Q:           What happens if an employee takes ½ day?

A:           An employee who takes part of a day as paid leave it is deemed to have taken a full day of paid leave. For this reason, employees can similarly elect to have their qualifying Infectious Disease Emergency Leave taken as either unpaid (i.e., for a part / portion of a day) or paid and then as full day.

Q:           What constitutes paid-for IDEL leave?

A:           Employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment related to COVID-19 (which includes taking vaccine or recovering from it).

                Employee subject to quarantine, isolate or another control measure implemented as a result of information or direction from public health, qualified medical practitioner or other relevant public authority, including self-isolation.

                Employee is under direction from employer in response to a concern of COVID-19 exposure.

                Employee is providing care or support of family member suspected to be under supervision/treatment/isolation for COVID-19.

Q:           What happens if an employee was off for COVID related issues from April 19-29?

A:           The employee may elect to take the day as one of the three paid IDEL days, provided they qualify for this and provided that the employee advises the employer in writing and by no later than May 13, 2021, that they intend to have these days processed as paid leave. 

Q:           When does an employee receive payment for the IDEL day taken?

A:           Payment for IDEL days follow the regular payroll cycle. 

Q:           What happens an employee take a IDEL on a Public Holiday?

A:           If paid leave is taken on a public holiday, the employee is not entitled to premium pay for the paid leave taken.

Q:           Who is entitled for IDEL leave?

A:           All employees provided they do not qualify for comparable paid-for leave during the period April 19 – September 25. However, where the Company offers paid sick days during this time, this will serve to reduce the employee’s entitlement to be reimbursed paid-for sick leave under this legislation.

• Company offers 3 or more paid sick days – employee is entitled to zero paid-for and reimbursed IDEL days.
• Company offers 2 paid sick days – employee is entitled to one paid-for and reimbursed IDEL days.
• Company offers 1 paid sick day – employee is entitled to 2 paid-for and reimbursed IDEL days.

Q:           How much is the employee entitled to?

A:           Pay for a leave day is the lesser of:  

• $200.00; or
• The wages the employee would have earned if they had not taken the leave.
• Employee would not be entitled to a shift premium and/or overtime pay if they had worked, they are only entitled to the daily rate of up to a maximum of $200.00.

Q:           Does the employee need to provide proof?

A:           We are entitled to request evidence reasonable in the circumstances (proof of vaccination, direction to isolate, COVID-19 test results).

                We cannot ask the employee to provide a medical certificate from a doctor as evidence of their paid day.

Q:           What happens if an employee leaves and comes back to work after vaccination appointment?  Does this time get paid by WSIB?

A:           To alleviate the administrative burden, the employer is entitled to apply the paid-for reimbursed sick days as complete days and therefore time off can be applied and reclaimed as full days. For this reason, it would make sense to enforce this with employees when takin the leave.

Q:           Are these three paid days job protected?  Can we discipline for their absence?

A:           We cannot discipline for these days are they are job protected.  If we suspect abuses (long weekend, Fridays), we can request evidence reasonable in the circumstances and this may include written undertaking or attestation by an employee.

Ontario COVID-19 Worker Income Protection Benefit

Paid infectious disease emergency leave

On April 29, 2021, the Ontario Government amended the Employment Standards Act, 2000 to require employers to provide employees with up to three days of paid infectious disease emergency leave because of certain reasons related to COVID-19covid 19.  This entitlement is in addition to employees’ rights to unpaid infectious disease emergency leave.

Paid infectious disease emergency leave is available for certain reasons related to COVID-19covid 19, including:

• going for a COVID-19covid 19 test
• staying home awaiting the results of a COVID-19covid 19 test
• being sick with COVID-19covid 19
• going to get vaccinated
• experiencing a side effect from a COVID-19covid 19 vaccination
• having been advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19covid 19 by an employer, medical practitioner or other specified authority
• providing care or support to certain relatives for COVID-19covid 19 related reasons, such as when they are:
  • sick with COVID-19covid 19 or have symptoms of COVID-19covid 19
  • self-isolating due to COVID-19covid 19 on the advice of a medical practitioner or other specified authority

For more information please call the Ontario COVID-19covid 19 Worker Income Protection Benefit Information Centre 1-888-999-2248 ( TTY: 1-866-567-8893).

Employers are required to pay employees up to $200 a day for up to three days. The three days do not have to be taken consecutively.

For more information click link

April 29, 2021

Hon. Victor Fedeli
Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation, and Trade
College Park 18th Flr 777 Bay St
Toronto
ON M7A 1S5

Hon. Prabmeet Sarkaria
Associate Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction 7th Floor, 56 Wellesley St. W
Toronto, ON
M7A 2E7

Re: Concerns with the Ontario Small Business Grant

Dear Minister Fedeli and Minister Sarkaria,

Thank you for your continued leadership to support employers as they experience economic disruption related to COVID-19. As the situation continues to evolve, the Ontario Chamber of Commerce (OCC) is taking concerns from the business community and communicating them to all levels of government.
As you know, small businesses are experiencing significant hardships during the pandemic and unprecedented revenue losses. Comprised of 140 chambers of commerce and boards of trade in every corner of the province, the Ontario Chamber Network has worked tirelessly and closely with the province’s small business community, providing critical supports and information to support members. I am writing to you to share the growing concerns we have heard from our Chamber Network as it relates to the Ontario Small Business Grant, which centres around four key areas:

Lack of communication with applicants:
• Applicants have been denied without reason and/or insufficient explanation.
• Applicants have been unable to speak to anyone via the helpline or different support channels.
• Applications have been deemed ineligible for missing information rather than being asked to provide that additional information.

Lack of clarity:
• The appeals process is unclear. Businesses who thought they were eligible have been rejected, with no way to follow up and no timely response from government.
• Applicants have been declined because they are self-employed and use their personal bank accountants for their business as opposed to a business account.
• Applicants have trouble applying to the grant if English or French is not their first language.

Technical issues with the system:
• The system continues to crash or does not properly save applicants’ information. Consequently, some business owners have had to restart the entire application processes, wasting precious time and resources as a result.
• Applicants are asked to provide additional information before the second round of payment is processed, but the link provided does not always work.

Short timeframe to submit an application:
• On March 24, the province announced through Budget 2021 a new intake round for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant. The original deadline to apply was March 31, which was subsequently extended to April 7, 2021.
• We acknowledge and thank your government for doubling the grant in the recent budget. The grant has helped many organizations survive the crisis thus far. Moreover, we commend the province for making this an automatic top-up instead of asking businesses to re-apply. This will reduce the administrative burden on both businesses and government.
• However, some small businesses were unable to meet the April 7 deadline as many are grappling with numerous pressures during the pandemic. The short, two-week window is unfeasible and, consequently, the grant may not support the very businesses it was intended to help.

Accordingly, the OCC is asking your government to address the above issues related to the Ontario Small Business Support Grant by considering the following recommendations:
• Improve transparency and clarity of government responses to applicants who have been denied. As part of this communication, the government should provide greater clarity on the appeals process and decision-making criteria.

• Ensure relevant information and assistance is available in other languages for applicants whose first language is not English or French.

• Fix the back end of the online system for businesses trying to access this grant.
• Provide businesses with a sufficient timeframe and clear eligibility criteria to submit an application, be it for future rounds of the Small Business Support Grant or other similar programs. Specifically, we hope that the forthcoming Ontario Tourism and Hospitality Small Business Support Grant accounts for the shortcomings of the Small Business Support Grant identified above.

Public health and safety are priorities for all Ontario businesses. We will continue to monitor and assess new developments pertaining to COVID-19 closely and work with our members, partners, and all levels of government to provide support to business.
Sincerely,
Rocco Rossi
President and CEO
Ontario Chamber of Commerce