Flowers Canada Growers (FCG) continues to monitor program availability and seek any and all support opportunities for its members. Below they have captured several key programs currently available.
AgriStability
FCG are encouraging all members to apply into AgriStability now; please note the current application deadline is April 30, 2020. AgriStability is delivered differently in each province, but for broad information on this program and provincial contact points, please see: http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/?id=1291990433266
Members in the province of Ontario are currently being approached by AgriCorp (the local delivery authority) for inclusion in AgriStability for the upcoming year. Many of them will receive a call from AgriCorp to participate in this program, while others will be contacted by the FCG office directly to ensure awareness of this program. If you have not received a call from AgriCorp or the FCG office to participate in this program, please contact ArgiCorp at 1.877.275.1380 | contact@agricorp.com
https://www.agricorp.com//en-ca/programs/agristability/Pages/Overview.aspx
Please note: FCG has been informed that the 6-month minimum production period for AgriStability's interim payment tool may be waived for farms in financial distress. If you have already experienced considerable loss, please contact your local delivery organization immediately to accelerate your AgriStability claim.
Wage subsidies
Wage subsidy information can be found at the below links:
- 10% wage subsidy: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update/frequently-asked-questions-wage-subsidy-small-businesses.html
- 75% wage subsidy: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan/wage-subsidy.html
Tax remittance and loan programs
Several programs are currently available for Canadian businesses to reduce the impact caused by COVID-19. These programs include tax deferral tools, as well as several loan programs. Please see the link for more information on several programs available and how to access them. https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
The Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC), both financial Crown corporations, will work closely with private sector lenders to improve access to financing for Canadian businesses. For more information, see: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/financial-sector-policy/business-credit-availability-program.html
Increased lending power for Farm Credit Canada
For more information on FCC's programs, please see: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19/program-details.html
Stay for default for the Advanced Payments Program
A temporary stay of default has been issued for users of the Advanced Payments Program (APP). For more information on this, please see the announcement: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/23/prime-minister-announces-support-farmers-and-agri-food-businesses
Workers' Compensation Program relief across Canada
Several programs remain available.
- WorkSafe BC (British Columbia) - WorkSafe BC is postponing payment deadlines, please see: https://www.worksafebc.com/en/about-us/news-events/announcements/2020/March/covid-19-situation-your-reporting-payment-deadline
- Workers' Compensation Board (Alberta) - WCB Alberta has provided updates on relief programs for employers: https://www.wcb.ab.ca/about-wcb/news-and-announcements/COVID-19.html
- Workers' Compensation Board (Saskatchewan) - WCB Alberta has provided updates on relief programs for employers: http://www.wcbsask.com/wcbs-employer-relief-measures/
- WSIB Relief (Ontario) - WSIB has issued a relief package that will enable premium deferrals until August 31, 2020. For more information, please see: https://www.wsib.ca/en/financialrelief
- CNESST Relief (Quebec) - CNESST has provided updates on relief programs for employers in Quebec: https://www.cnesst.gouv.qc.ca/salle-de-presse/Pages/mesures-assouplissements-covid-19.aspx?utm_source=CNESST&utm_medium=Carrousel-accueil&utm_campaign=Mesures_d%E2%80%99assouplissement_de_la_CNESST
Health and safety resources
Federal and provincial governments have encouraged agriculture to take all necessary measures toward protecting the health of their employees, and that of government employees who may have to enter your properties. Please note that the CFIA have expressed great concern with potential exposure to COVID-19 for their staff. Your CFIA contacts may request information on your health and safety guidelines toward protection from infection, and the federal government is encouraging all farms to engage with their local health authority toward ensuring health and safety on your farms. Below please find some additional links of value on health and safety relating to COVID-19:
- from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council (CAHRC): https://cahrc-ccrha.ca/programs/emerging-agriworkforce-issues/information-and-updates-coronavirus-covid-19#
- from the Canadian Federal of Agriculture (CFA): https://www.cfa-fca.ca/resources/resources-on-covid-19/
- from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB): https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/covid-19-coronavirus-business
Government of Canada COVID-19 updates and resources
For more broad information from the Government of Canada on COVID-19, please see: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Flowers Canada Growers