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On October 7, 2020, Ontario announced its Main Street Recovery Plan (the “Plan”) to assist small businesses in recovering from financial difficulty as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Plan includes:

  • a one-time grant of up to $1,000 for eligible “main street” small businesses with two (2) to nine (9) employees to help offset costs of personal protective equipment (PPE);
  • creation of a new portal, the Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Network, to help small businesses quickly access advice and information on local, provincial and federal programs;
  • providing digital aids to help small businesses grow online;
  • mental health supports; and
  • creation of Ontario’s Small Business Recovery Webpage to provide easier access to small business supports.

As part of the Plan, the provincial government introduced Bill 215, Main Street Recovery Act, 2020 on October 7, 2020. The bill, which has not yet passed into law as of October 14, 2020, looks to “modernize” the regulatory landscape for small businesses by removing certain obstacles to innovation.

In addition to the Plan, on October 13, 2020, Ontario announced that it will make a $300 million fund available to assist businesses impacted by second wave public health orders by helping to offset fixed costs, including property taxes, hydro and natural gas bills.

These new supports to Ontario businesses will surely be welcome news to employers. The government plans to release further details of the Plan and the fund in the coming weeks. As always, we will monitor the progression of these developments and post further updates as they become available to keep you In the Know.

This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues.

This information is not intended as legal advice.