Letter from the Minister of Energy - 2022-309
In 2022, through our government’s Comprehensive Electricity Plan, industrial and commercial consumers are forecast to save 15 and 17 per cent, respectively, on their electricity bills. In addition, as a result of the Ontario Electricity Rebate, an average residential consumer is expected to see 12 per cent lower electricity bills by 2025 and 23 per cent lower electricity bills by 2029, according to a recent report from the independent Financial Accountability Office of Ontario.
Ontario Small Business Grant Application Guide
In January 2022, the Ontario Small Business Relief Grant was introduced to help eligible small businesses that were required to close indoor operations as a result of the province’s modified Step Two restrictions that came into effect on January 5, 2022.
Eligible businesses that are subject to closures under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen can receive a one-time grant of $10,000.
Ontario Launches Additional Supports for Small Businesses
The Government of Ontario is excited to share that eligible small businesses that were required to close under the modified Step Two of the Roadmap to Reopen can now apply for the Ontario COVID-19 Small Business Relief Grant (OSBRG).
The following information and linked report were provided by the Ontario Chamber of Commerce.
The Ontario Chamber of Commerce released its sixth annual Ontario Economic Report (OER), providing the latest data on Ontario’s economy and business confidence, highlighting the unprecedented year that was 2021 and the unpredictability of the year ahead. Read the release.
This report features exclusive data from our Business Confidence Survey, spotlighting the business community's main policy priorities as well as regional and provincial economic forecasts.
The following information and the attached PDF were provided by the Executive Director of Stakeholder Relations, Office of the Premier of Ontario.
The Ontario government, in consultation with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, has released A Plan to Safely Reopen Ontario and Manage COVID-19 for the Long-Term, which outlines the province’s gradual approach to lifting the remaining public health and workplace safety measures by March 2022. The plan will be guided by the ongoing assessment of key public health and health care indicators and supported by local or regional tailored responses to COVID-19.
Enhanced COVID-19 Vaccine Certificate with QR Code and Verify Ontario App Available for Download Starting October 15
Ontario Making it Easier and More Convenient to Show Proof of COVID-19 Vaccination.
Canadian Chamber Encouraged by New Border Measures for Fully Vaccinated Travellers, but Questions Remain
Canadian Chamber President and Chief Executive Officer, Perrin Beatty, issued the following statement on yesterday’s new border measures for fully vaccinated travellers:
“As Canada moves from recovery into growth, having workable border measures for fully vaccinated travellers is critical for Canadian businesses. While many questions remain about how this partial reopening will work, we welcome today’s announcement as a positive step towards making safe international mobility a reality.”
Clarification on Bill C-208 Provides Much Needed Certainty for Small Businesses
On July 19th, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance, released a statement offering clarification on Bill C-208 and the taxation for intergenerational transfers of small business shares.
Business Leadership for Canada’s Net-zero Future
To ensure Canada’s pathway to net-zero is competitive, enhances investment, creates jobs for Canadians and promotes innovation, how we get there matters.On July 19th, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Finance, released a statement offering clarification on Bill C-208 and the taxation for intergenerational transfers of small business shares.
FEDERAL COVID 19 RESOURCES FOR BUSINESS
The Canada Small Business Financing Program makes it easier for small businesses to get loans from financial institutions by sharing the risk with lenders. Up to a maximum of $1,000,000 for any one borrower, of which no more than $350,000 can be used for purchasing leasehold improvements or improving leased property and purchasing or improving new or used equipment. Financial institutions deliver the program and are solely responsible for approving the loan. For more information download their PDF pamphlet or click here to find a lender near you.
The Government of Canada has also introduced many COVID-19 supports to help businesses weather the storm. To get a tailored list of the ones that fit your business situation or to discover other federal, provincial and territorial programs and services designed to help Canadian businesses grow, try the interactive business benefits finder. You can also sign up for the notification feature to receive emails when there are changes to your favourite programs, when application deadlines are approaching, or when a new program that meets your needs is introduced.
You can also discover the Overview of Federal Government Services for Small Business page which highlights programs and initiatives for small business.