COVID-19 Information Department Departmental Website - Conservative Party of Canada
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COVID-19 Information
Department Health
Departmental Website https://www.canada.ca/en/public-
health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
For immediate assistance regarding COVID-19 and any questions you may have please contact:
• Phone: 1-833-784-4397
Interpretation services are available in multiple languages for those who do not speak English
or French
• Email: phac.info.aspc@canada.ca
Federal Support Services
The government of Canada is taking many actions in monitoring COVID-19, here is a link providing
more details on:
• Protecting the health and safety of Canadians
• Collaborating with provinces and territories as well as Indigenous leaders and communities
• Contributing to the international response
• Ensuring economic resilience
• Maintaining government services to Canadians
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-
infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html
For further information on:
• How Canada is responding to COVID-19
• Travel advisories
• At Canadian borders
• Support for Canadians abroad
• Collaboration
• For clinical trial sponsors
• Drug and medical device supply monitoring
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-
infection/canadas-reponse.html
How Canada is monitoring COVID-19:
The Public Health Agency of Canada is working with provinces, territories and international partners,
including the World Health Organization, to actively monitor the situation. Global efforts are
focused on containment of the outbreak and the prevention of further spread.
Canada's Chief Public Health Officer of Canada is in close contact with provincial and territorial Chief
Medical Officers of Health to ensure that any cases of COVID-19 occurring in Canada continue to be
rapidly identified and managed in order to protect the health of Canadians.
Canada's National Microbiology Laboratory is performing diagnostic testing for the virus that causes
COVID-19. The laboratory is working in close collaboration with provincial and territorial public
health laboratories, which are now able to test for COVID-19.
For further information on this please follow this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-
health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
1The government is encouraging those who can donate blood to book an appointment online at
Blood.ca or to call Canadian Blood Services at 1-888-236-6283.
Here are links to some important graphics, including fact and information sheets, provided by
Health Canada:
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-
infection/awareness-resources.html
Health Canada expedites access to COVID-19 diagnostic laboratory test kits and other medical
devices- https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/news/2020/03/health-canada-expedites-access-
to-covid-19-diagnostic-laboratory-test-kits-and-other-medical-devices.html
Prime Minister announces Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19
https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-canadas-plan-
mobilize-industry-fight-covid
National Research Council COVID-19 Challenge Program
https://nrc.canada.ca/en/research-development/research-collaboration/nrc-covid-19-response#s2
**all information has been obtained from Health Canada https://www.canada.ca/en/public-
health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html
2Department Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Website Link https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
Federal Support Services
REQUEST EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE
Global affairs directly at 613-996-8885
https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-assistance
Travelers should register online with Global Affairs Canada here:
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration
• We recommend that Canadians abroad return to Canada by commercial means
while they are still available.
• However, some countries have put measures in place such as closing land borders
and in some cases shutting down their airspace.
• In some cases, such measures can go as far as the complete cancellation of flights
for an indeterminate period of time.
• Such measures might prevent some Canadians from leaving the country in which
they are located.
• If this is the case, we strongly recommend that you follow the advice of local
authorities for your health and safety.
• We have also set up a loan program of up to $5,000 per person to assist Canadians
who need to either book an emergency flight or extend their stay abroad. For
financial assistance, Canadians abroad can email
CAN.finances.CV19@international.gc.ca.
• A form for Canadians seeking financial assistance abroad can be found here:
https://www.international.gc.ca/covid-19-loan-pret/form-formulaire.aspx?lang=eng
• For more information, you can contact the 24/7 Emergency Watch and Response
Centre in Ottawa at +1 613-996-8885 (collect calls are accepted where possible) or
send an e-mail to sos@international.gc.ca. (Emergencies Only)
• Please note that at this time, there are no other plans to repatriate Canadians abroad
using charter flights.
• We continue to encourage Canadians outside of the country to register in the
Registry of Canadians Abroad to receive important updates
(https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration) and that they check the entry and exit
requirements of the countries through which they may be transiting.
3Department Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
Website Link https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development.html
Federal Support Services
Advice to Canadians
• Someone who is laid off who is EI eligible (Eligibility)
o They should apply for EI immediately – Online is the best option.
There have been no changes to the waiting period or time to received
benefits under regular EI.
• Someone who is sick, under quarantine, or caring for someone sick and is EI eligible.
o They should apply for EI sickness immediately – Online is the best option
1 week waiting period is being waived for COVID cases
• Someone who is laid off but is not EI eligible
o The new Emergency Support benefit is for them (info here)
We do not have a lot of details for this yet, but they say it will be EI-like for
people who are not eligible for regular EI
Will not be open until April – details on how long it will take to get benefits
are unknown.
• Someone who is sick, under quarantine, or caring for someone sick and is not EI eligible.
o The new Emergency Care benefit is for them (info here)
Like the previous one we don’t have all the details and it will not be open to
applications until April – people can apply online through Service Canada or
CRA.
• Someone who is in a dire situation and cannot pay their bills or feed their family.
o They need to look into provincial social assistance programs which can provide
emergency support.
March 18th Announcement:
The government has announced measures to support Canadians without paid sick leave, who are
sick, quarantined, or forced to stay home.
A full list of the measures can be found here: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-
finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-
businesses.html
Application for the Benefit will be available in April 2020, and require Canadians to attest that they
meet the eligibility requirements. They will need to re-attest every two weeks to reconfirm their
eligibility.
Employment Insurance summary:
4An individual will qualify for the waiver of the one week waiting period for EI Sickness Benefits if
they are self-isolated or quarantined due to COVID-19 and if they meet all other eligibility
requirements required for EI Sickness Benefits.
As provinces have begun closing schools, businesses, etc. we have received an increase number of
questions regarding whether those losing work qualify for EI Sickness Benefits. The closing of
businesses, schools, etc. is being done in an effort to encourage individuals to social distance to
prevent possible spread of the virus. Social distancing does not amount to self-isolation or
quarantine as required for EI Sickness Benefits.
In most provinces at this time, individuals are being asked to self-isolate or self-quarantine for 14
days if they:
• Have travelled outside of Canada,
• Have come into contact with someone known to have COVID-19,
• Etc. Please note, this is not meant to be an exhaustive list. Refer to and listen to relevant
health authorities.
o Example: Canada.ca COVID-19 Website, “Risk to Canadians” heading
If an individual meets the EI sickness requirements they can apply for EI sickness and have the first
week waived. The one week waiting period will be waived for EI sickness benefits claimants for
whom a period of quarantine is imposed when the quarantine is:
• Imposed on the claimant under the laws of Canada or a province; or
• Imposed on the claimant by a public health official for the health and safety of the public at
large; or
• Recommended by such an official for health and safety of the public at large, and the
claimant was asked by their employer, medical doctor, a nurse or a person in authority to
place themself under quarantine.
To clarify the last bullet, a person of authority is intended to be inclusive of other orders of
“employer”. This would include examples such as a principal or chancellor of a school or a
commanding officer.
In most jurisdictions, the “Recommended by such an official for health and safety of the public at
large” has been met. Therefore, to be eligible, the claimant just needs to have been asked by their
employer, medical doctor, a nurse or a person in authority to place themselves under quarantine.
Again, these individuals need to meet all other EI eligibility criteria with the exception of needing a
medical certificate if it is in the context of COVID-19. E.g. someone who broke their leg and missed
work because of it, may still need to get a medical certificate.
If someone believes they are eligible, they can contact the new dedicated toll-free phone number if
you are in quarantine and seeking to waive the one-week EI sickness benefits waiting period so you
can be paid for the first week of your claim:
• Telephone: 1-833-381-2725 (toll-free)
• Teletypewriter (TTY): 1-800-529-3742
5Department Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada
Website Link https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-
citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-measures.html
Federal Support Services
March 20th:
- Canada and the USA have agreed to begin returning illegal immigrants who attempt to cross
anywhere along the Canada-U.S border. This new measure is in effect as of March 21st. and
will continue until April 21st 2020.
General decisions regarding COVID-19:
- In light of COVID-19, IRCC has cancelled all Citizenship ceremonies, citizenship tests, and
itinerant service trips until further notice.
- Disruptions include visa application centre closures, travel plan disruptions, and limited
access to local government offices and businesses
- https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-
measures.html
March 18th – USA and Canada to close border to all non-essential travel. More information to come.
6Department Transport Canada
Departmental Website Link https://www.tc.gc.ca/en/transport-canada.html
Federal Support Services
March 20th, 2020 measures for Transportation across the Canada- U.S. border:
• Additionally, under the Aeronautics Act, the Minister of Transport will require airlines to
deny boarding of a traveller who is symptomatic, regardless of citizenship status. This
applies to international and trans-border flights, including those from the United States. The
pre-boarding health assessment will include the operator asking simple health questions,
looking for visible signs of illness before boarding.
• In the event the traveller presents COVID-19 symptoms, the airline will be required to refuse
to board the passenger for travel for a period of 14 days, or until a medical certificate is
presented that confirms the patient does not carry the virus.
• For crossings by air, marine and rail modes, the transportation operator will be asked to
clearly advise their customers of the restrictions when they buy a ticket and again before
they commence the journey. If the operator carries a passenger to the port of entry despite
the legal restriction, the passenger would be refused entry by the Canada Border Services
Agency or United States Customs and Border Protection officers at the port of entry, and
the operator would have to return the passenger, with the cost of the return trip borne by
the operator.
Details of the announcement can be found here: https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-
releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-temporary-border-agreement-united-states
New measures for COVID-19 response – UPDATED DAILY
https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/03/new-measures-for-covid-19-
response.html
Sunwing announces that they will give free seats to non-Sunwing customers where they have
openings in the last few days of flights they do before their shutdown on Monday.
http://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2020/03/19/2003575/0/en/Sunwing-offers-
available-seats-on-repatriation-flights-to-stranded-Canadians-for-free.html
More information here:
https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices/221
General FAQ
I am currently outside of Canada. Should I be returning home to Canada earlier than planned?
The government is recommending that travellers find out what options are still available to return to
Canada and consider returning as soon as possible. Canadians seeking to return now face reduced
commercial travel options and may experience a sudden spike in prices.
To help Canadians abroad return home, the Government of Canada is creating a special financial
assistance program, the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. With this
program, Canadian abroad directly impacted by COVID-19 will have the option of applying for an
emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help secure their timely return to Canada and to temporarily cover
their life-sustaining needs while they work toward their return.
7Ensure that you have sufficient finances and necessities, including medication, in case your travels are
disrupted.
Click here to access this program: https://www.canada.ca/en/global-
affairs/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-to-provide-financial-assistance-to-canadians-
abroad.html
I am currently outside of Canada. Should I be returning home to Canada earlier than planned?
The government is recommending that travellers find out what options are still available to return to
Canada and consider returning as soon as possible. Canadians seeking to return now face reduced
commercial travel options and may experience a sudden spike in prices.
To help Canadians abroad return home, the Government of Canada is creating a special financial
assistance program, the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. With this
program, Canadian abroad directly impacted by COVID-19 will have the option of applying for an
emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help secure their timely return to Canada and to temporarily cover
their life-sustaining needs while they work toward their return.
Ensure that you have sufficient finances and necessities, including medication, in case your travels are
disrupted.
Click here to access this program: https://www.canada.ca/en/global-
affairs/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-to-provide-financial-assistance-to-canadians-
abroad.html
WestJet Airlines says it will suspend all international flights — including to the U.S — for 30 days,
beginning this Sunday March 22.
If you have travel booked through WestJet please visit this link: https://www.westjet.com/en-
ca/travel-info/advisories
Public Health officials are advising that those travelling on certain flights between Feb. 28th and March
12th, self-isolate for the required 14 day period. WestJet says people who were on the listed flights
but not in affected rows are advised to self-monitor for signs of cough, fever or respiratory issues and
to call their local health authorities if symptoms arise within the next 14 days. The list of these flights
can be found here: https://blog.westjet.com/operational-updates-coronavirus-covid-19/
What do I do when I return to Canada?
Returning after March 12 – All travellers returning from outside Canada are required to self-isolate for
14 days and monitor for symptoms.
More information here:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/travel
8Department Agriculture
Departmental http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agriculture-and-agri-food-
Website canada/?id=1395690825741
Federal Support Services
March 18th:
Augment credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada.
https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-
workers-and-businesses-through
General FAQ
How will TFWP and SAWP be affected?
- On March 21st, the Minister of Agriculture and Agir-foods announced that seasonal and
temporary foreign workers will be allowed to come to Canada after a 14-day surveillance
isolation at the border as well as having the proper paperwork from their home country and
their employers.
- Agriculture Minister has assured stakeholders and others that the TFWP and SAWP will
proceed despite the border closure. However, no formal public announcement has been
made.
- Minister Blair has caused some confusion during media interviews stating that TFWs will be
allowed in, however, it seems his comments were in the context of the Canada-US border
only.
- Affected stakeholders from across the agriculture sector have presented a TFW COVID
Protocol and Risk Management Plan to the federal government for review.
- Conservative Shadow Ministers are in contact with Agriculture, Immigration and Employment
Ministers and are pushing for clear answers and a positive resolution.
- As of March 18th, PM Trudeau closed the borders to anyone other than Canadians, direct
family members, medical professionals and permanent residence.
- https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/16/prime-minister-announces-new-
actions-under-canadas-covid-19-response
9Department Canadian Revenue Agency
Departmental Website https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html
Federal Support Services
March 18th:
- Provide additional assistance to individuals and families with low and modest incomes with
a special top-up payment under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit. This measure
would inject $5.5 billion in the economy. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-
releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-workers-and-businesses-
through
- Extend the tax filing deadline for individuals to June 1, and allow all taxpayers to defer, until
after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or
after today and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, as well
as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties will accumulate
on these amounts during this period. This measure will result in households having more
money available during this period. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-
releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-workers-and-businesses-
through
- Allow all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax
amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. This relief
would apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.
No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period. This measure
will result in businesses having more money available during this period.
https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-
support-workers-and-businesses-through
- Provide eligible small businesses a 10 per cent wage subsidy for the next 90 days, up to a
maximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. Employers benefiting from
this measure would include corporations eligible for the small business deduction, as well as
not-for-profit organisations and charities. This will help employers keep people on their
payroll and help Canadians keep their jobs. https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-
releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-workers-and-businesses-
through
Government extends tax deadline to June 1 amidst COVID-19 outbreak-
https://nationalpost.com/news/politics/government-extends-tax-deadline-to-june-1-amidst-covid-
19-outbreak
10Department Finance
Website Link https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-
covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-
businesses.html
Other Contacts BDC: 1-877-232-2269
EDC: 1-800-229-0575
Federal Support Services
On Friday March 13, 2020, the Minister of Finance announced stimulus measures from the
Government of Canada to support Canadian businesses during the coronavirus COVID-19 outbreak.
The government established a Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) that will provide more
than $10 billion in additional support to Canadian business through the Business Development Bank
of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC).
Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC)
BDC is offering flexible and tailored solutions for entrepreneurs:
1. Small Business Loan
Get up to $100,000 through a completely online application process.
Postpone capital payment for the first 6 months and repay your loan over 5
years. Interest rate of 5.05% (variance ranging between 1% and 12%).
Click here for Terms and Conditions
Click here to apply now
2. Working Capital Loan
Apply for additional funds to bridge cash flow gaps and support operations.
Click here to learn more
3. Purchase Order Financing
Cover up to 90% of a Purchase Orders(PO) amount with shorter term
financing options.
Click here to apply
4. Advisory Services for Financial Management and Operations
For more information and support, please contact a BDC representative:
Call: 1-877-232-2269 (Mon-Fri 7:30am to 8:00pm ET / Sat-Sun 9:00am to 5:00pm ET)
Submit an online inquiry by clicking here.
Export Development Canada (EDC)
EDC is here to help Canadian exporters. For all inquiries, please contact an EDC Trade Advisor:
Email: tradeadvisor-conseiller@edc.ca
Call: 1-800-229-0575 (9am to 5pm ET)
Submit an online inquiry by clicking here.
Additional Links for Employers:
11Coronavirus and small business: keeping you and your employees safe
https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/tools-resources/covid-19-coronavirus-business
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses
https://www.tradecommissioner.gc.ca/campaign-campagne/ressources-entreprises-COVID-19-
business-resources.aspx?lang=eng
Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19
https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19
For the updated Economic Package including the most up-to-date information please visit the
economic package available on C-Source by clicking HERE
12Department Innovation, Science and Industry
Departmental Website https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/home
Federal Support Services
Canada outlines measures to support the economy and the financial sector
https://www.bdc.ca/en/about/mediaroom/news_releases/pages/canada-outlines-measures-
support-economy-financial-sector.aspx
Prime Minister announces Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19
https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-canadas-plan-
mobilize-industry-fight-covid
Government of Canada partners with the telecommunications sector to ensure Canadians abroad
receive text messages containing key Global Affairs Canada information during the COVID-19
outbreak
https://www.canada.ca/en/innovation-science-economic-
development/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-partners-with-the-telecommunications-sector-
to-ensure-canadians-abroad-receive-text-messages-containing-key-global-affairs-can.html
Call to action: Canadian Manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/business/maintaingrowimprovebusiness/manufacturers-
needed.html
Prime Minister announces more support for workers and businesses through Canada’s COVID-19
Economic Response Plan
https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-
workers-and-businesses-through
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