Employers are required to develop a COVID-19 Safety Plan that outlines the policies, guidelines, and procedures they have put in place to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission. This tool will guide you through a six-step process to help you create your plan. The tool is provided as a fillable PDF you can download and save with the details of the plan for your workplace.
“The B.C. government welcomes the federal government’s decision to extend the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program through to the end of August. Our government has been advocating for additional support for business owners and tenants affected by the pandemic, and this will give them additional time to recover and reopen.
The BC Government has taken steps to protect people from legal proceedings for civil damages that result from transmission or exposure to COVID-19. This coverage can give comfort to people that they have protection from civil proceedings as BC restarts its economy and we collectively continue on the path towards recovery. The protection covers both paid and unpaid positions, and is available to businesses and non-profit services with a community benefit, such as community recreation or leisure a
The Province is delaying implementation dates to April 2021 for changes to provincial sales tax (PST) and B.C.’s carbon tax, to help businesses and families through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery.
B.C. businesses and organizations wanting to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs can get rebates for electric vehicles through $2 million in additional funding for the CleanBC Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) program.
The B.C. government welcomes the federal government’s decision to extend the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program through to the end of August. Our government has been advocating for additional support for business owners and tenants affected by the pandemic, and this will give them additional time to recover and reopen.
The Employer Reimbursement Program for COVID-19 paid sick leave has launched, and employers can now apply for reimbursement of wages paid to workers who have taken sick leave related to COVID-19.
To support student loan borrowers during COVID-19, payments will be suspended without interest accruing to borrowers until September 30th, 2020.
Get information on what’s available to: those who have lost income; renters and homeowners; families; seniors; students; businesses; Canadians abroad. There’s also a personal finance section with information on tax and utility bill deferrals. This guide provides the basic benefit information you need to apply for subsidies.
The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global COVID-19 outbreak.
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) for small businesses provides relief for small businesses experiencing financial hardship due to COVID-19. It offers unsecured, forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners to:
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
Download Canada Business to see how easy it is to navigate government services, get recommendations tailored to your business, set up personalized notifications and find the answers you need to start up, scale up and access new markets.
This monitor provides daily updates on the evolution of COVID-19 in selected countries using data available as of 8:00am EDT. We also compare the transmission of COVID-19 with that of other pandemics and offer an update of our financial conditions index for Canada.
On April 17, 2020, the Government of Canada announced $250 million in funding for the Innovation Assistance Program (IAP) to assist Canadian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). IRAP IAP provides a wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks.
Many temporary workers with employer-specific work permits lost their jobs this spring. While some have left Canada, others are unable to leave due to international travel restrictions or the reduction in flights available. Under existing rules, to change jobs they need to apply and wait for a new work permit to be issued before starting to work at their new job.
The Province has protected jobs and workers impacted by COVID-19 with an online variance application that simplified the process to extend temporary layoffs, resulting in the approval of more than 500 variances that protect more than 9,100 jobs across a variety of economic sectors.
COVID-19 Action Plan: B.C.’s first steps to support people, businesses
The province's priority is to protect British Columbians and ensure our province is best positioned to effectively respond to the pandemic.
The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income working families with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments.
COVID-19 Action Plan: B.C.’s first steps to support people, businesses
The province's priority is to protect British Columbians and ensure our province is best positioned to effectively respond to the pandemic.
The Rental Assistance Program provides eligible low-income working families with cash assistance to help with their monthly rent payments.
BC Hydro's Customer Assistance Program allows you to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty.
Essential services are those daily services essential to preserving life, health, public safety and basic societal functioning. They are the services British Columbians come to rely on in their daily lives.
British Columbians affected by the COVID-19 pandemic can rely on income supports, tax relief and direct funding for people, businesses and services.
In a Provincial State of Emergency, the Provincial Health Officer can make orders as needed. You must follow the orders.
The Ministry of Children and Family Development is proactively responding to COVID-19 ensuring children, youth, families, caregivers, service providers, partners and staff have the information they need.
COVID-19: Schools & Ongoing Learning
Effective March 30, 2020, all British Columbia student loan borrowers will temporarily have their repayments suspended until September 30, 2020. During this time, no payment will be required, and interest that currently applies to the federal portion of student loans will not accrue. Repayment will be paused automatically, so borrowers do not need to apply to have their repayment suspended.
A one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid in July 2020 for moderate to low-income families.
Find out what you must do if employees fall ill, are absent from work or your business is unexpectedly disrupted.
Due to COVID-19, new emergency measures are in place to ensure that people on income or disability assistance and low-income seniors, do not encounter additional barriers.
The B.C. government is bringing financial relief for people and businesses as we address the effects of COVID-19.
The Residential Tenancy Act has been amended to support renters and landlords during the provincial state of emergency and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The amendments are in effect for the duration of the state of emergency. Talk to your landlord and make sure they are aware of the changes that have been made.
ICBC business continuity response teams are meeting daily to assess the situation and identify impacts to employees, customers and their business operations.
BC Transit is continuing to provide transportation services customers can rely on as they recognize people still need to get to work, including at healthcare facilities, or to other activities such as weekly grocery shopping trips.
The COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect all of us, including BC Ferries. Traffic across all of our routes is down approximately 80% because of COVID-19, and BC Ferries is adjusting service levels across multiple routes. The Coastal Ferry Services Contract with the Province of British Columbia has been amended to permit these service reductions.
While Phase 2 is now underway, the provincial health officer order restricting mass gatherings to no more than 50 individuals remains in place. Further, the order has been amended to also include no more than 50 vehicles for outdoor drive-in events, with a restriction on the sale of refreshments. Anyone attending these events must stay in their cars unless they have to go to washrooms, which must be serviced with running water for proper hand hygiene
The book publishing tax credit delivered more than $2.5 million to the industry last year. This refundable tax credit program was scheduled to expire at the end of March 2021. Instead, it will be extended five years to the end of March 2026 and will support the economic and cultural value of book publishers, increase their competitiveness and strengthen their economic recovery out of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Governments and the private sector are providing a wide-range of supports for businesses in British Columbia affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan, the B.C. government is providing an additional $5 billion in income supports, tax relief and funding for people, businesses and services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please visit the links below for the most up-to-date information.
We believe this is a time, more than ever, for small businesses to come together to help each other overcome challenges and find solutions. To help facilitate this, SBBC is pleased to share our new Digital Meetups, a community video call for the small business community during COVID-19. Every Tuesday – Thursday at 11:00 AM, we will be hosting a Digital Meetup focused around one pressing issue re:COVID-19: from how to generate revenue, to employment law, all specific to small businesses.
Governments and the private sector are providing a wide-range of supports for businesses in British Columbia affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of B.C.’s COVID-19 Action Plan, the B.C. government is providing an additional $5 billion in income supports, tax relief and funding for people, businesses and services in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. Please visit the links below for the most up-to-date information.
We believe this is a time, more than ever, for small businesses to come together to help each other overcome challenges and find solutions. To help facilitate this, SBBC is pleased to share our new Digital Meetups, a community video call for the small business community during COVID-19. Every Tuesday – Thursday at 11:00 AM, we will be hosting a Digital Meetup focused around one pressing issue re:COVID-19: from how to generate revenue, to employment law, all specific to small businesses.
Download Canada Business to see how easy it is to navigate government services, get recommendations tailored to your business, set up personalized notifications and find the answers you need to start up, scale up and access new markets.
Small Business BC has created the Non-Medical PPE Marketplace to connect businesses with suppliers of non-medical safety equipment. Add your PPE supplier listing to the marketplace!
B.C. businesses and organizations wanting to reduce air pollution and save on fuel costs can get rebates for electric vehicles through $2 million in additional funding for the CleanBC Specialty-Use Vehicle Incentive (SUVI) program.
The D&I landscape is always evolving, but the resources and tools on this site are suggested measures to help employers create inclusive culture. We recommend using the D&I resource hub to learn and apply what resonates for your organization.
Supplier of PPE
Tools and resources for members of the Directors Guild of Canada.
ArtistsCAN is a collective artist initiative raising funds for COVID-19 relief in Canada. Created by artists Tyler Shaw and Fefe Dobson, the pair gathered other musicians from across the country to cover the Bill Withers treasured classic “Lean On Me.” With over 25 artists virtually coming together in song, all proceeds from the single go directly to The Canadian Red Cross to fight COVID-19 in Canada.
Live Event Community is a resource and voice for Canadian live event workers who have lost their livelihood due to COVID-19 shutting down events worldwide. Please reach out and tell your story, and tune in for support.
Daily for live streams from around the globe — follow artists live from their homes as they share music, stories, and more.
Updates, resources tools and impacts from Music Managers Forum.
Visit museums, view live music, watch dance, explore science centres, from across British Columbia, all from the comfort of your home. #CultureDoesntStop
A website dedicated to keep our community connected in times of uncertainty—continuing everyday life, while staying inside. A website by Studio Faculty.
Floatplane is a B.C.-based video platform that allows creators to diversify their revenue sources and connect with their audience.
Sidedoor Access is a B.C.-based platform that matches artists with hosts, builds direct connections, and simplifies the show-booking process with easy and transparent digital tools.
The Spotify COVID-19 Music Relief project has been created to amplify the efforts of organizations that focus on helping those most in need, beginning with those listed below. Spotify is making a donation to these organizations and will match donations made via this page dollar for dollar up to a collective total of $10 million.
We Show Up is British Columbia-based pay-as-you-go streaming platform. The model allows streaming viewers to choose their viewing price after the performance, allowing artists to monetize when the value is highest, after the show is over.
From Terrace and Qualicum Beach to Cranbrook, the Made-in-B.C. Indie Bookstore Map is yours to use in support of your community bookstore, now offering online orders, home delivery and/or curb-side pickup during COVID-19. Courtesy of Don Gorman from Rocky Mountain Books.
Stream, search and submit made in B.C. events from the creative industries. Showcase is an online content hub managed by Creative BC.
An interactive map and list of neighbourhood businesses that are still open during the COVID-19 pandemic, with information on how these businesses are operating and how the public can support them. We have organized the list into three categories:
WorkSafeBC is working to support the direction of public health agencies for slowing the progression of COVID-19 by helping workplaces to take appropriate preventative measures. We've collected the following health and safety information about COVID-19 and the workplace:
An online event hub sharing B.C. events.
COVID-19 resources and information for Canada's music industry.
VIFF is teaming up with independent film distributors to offer you the chance to savour excellent cinema in the safety of your own home. We hope you will enjoy these VIFF curated streaming options in the knowledge that a significant portion of your rental fee – between 40 and 80% – goes to support and sustain VIFF operations during this challenging time.
Civic Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott.
Testing available for film and large groups in Whistler, Vancouver Island, and the Lower Mainland. Testing available in the Lower Mainland and other areas such as Covid Testing Whistler, Covid Testing on Vancouver Island. Provides Covid and Health & safety consulting for film.
Updates, critical alerts, self-assessment tool, and resources from public health
Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus.
BC's provincial health officer has declared COVID-19 a public health emergency. Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community.
The British Columbia Pandemic Provincial Coordination Plan describes the provincial government’s strategy for cross-ministry coordination, internal and external communications and provincial government business continuity in response to public health events that are pandemic in nature.
The situation regarding COVID-19 continues to evolve here in B.C., Canada and other jurisdictions in the world. The Ministry of Health, Office of the Provincial Health Officer, BC Centre for Disease Control, and the Province are responding to the pandemic.
Information for Canadian Heritage grants and contributions recipients related to COVID-19
Through compassionate and confidential support, we help Canadian entertainment professionals maintain their health, dignity and ability to work.
A national, professional non-profit arts service organization dedicated to representing the interests of set, costume, lighting, projection and sound designers.
Behind the Scenes assists those who are seriously ill or injured. We will accept applications from anyone who meets our criteria and has been hospitalized with Covid-19. If you are seeking assistance due to work cancellations, the following organizations may be able to help you. Keep in mind that you must meet their established criteria, and please follow their instructions for how they want you to apply, as all are dealing with an unprecedented number of inquiries and applications.
A $25,000 fund to help photographers impacted by COVID-19.
FACTOR’s programs provide financial support to Canadian recording artists, labels, songwriters, publishers, event producers and distributors. Whether an artist is looking to record a demo or a full-length sound recording, market an existing album, or go on tour at home or internationally, there is funding available.
Emergency funding to professional Canadian writers in mid-project.
As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been countless exhibition closures, gig and event cancellations, all translating into lost income for low-income artists, musicians, and cultural producers.
A $25,000 fund sponsored by RBC Ventures to support and encourage entrepreneurship in Canada.
The Canada Book Fund (CBF) ensures access to a diverse range of Canadian-authored books nationally and internationally, by fostering a strong book industry that publishes and markets Canadian-authored books.
As part of the COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organizations, this fund provides additional temporary relief to cultural, heritage and sport organizations facing significant financial losses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be distributed by FACTOR, Musicaction, the Canada Council for the Arts, the Canada Media Fund and Telefilm Canada as third-party administrators of the Individual Initiatives and Collective Initiatives components of the Canada Music Fun
Providing funding to sponsor and support industry events and initiatives that promote and build the capacity of BC's creative sector.
Creative BC announces renewal of $7.5M music fund to stablizie, support and sustain British Columbia's music industry.
The Project Development Fund provides non-recoupable advances to BC based production companies who meet the eligibility criteria outlined in the Program Guidelines. The funds advanced must be used to develop film, television or digital media content which a broadcaster, distributor or other eligible triggering agent has committed, in writing, to advance cash for the current phase of development.
Passports to Markets – Virtual Edition provides financial support for BC resident producers to virtually “attend” select markets, co-production conferences and exchanges for the purpose of promoting projects in development, securing broadcast sales and stimulating co-production opportunities within international and domestic markets.
Updates, critical alerts, self-assessment tool, and resources from public health
News and information about the spread of COVID-19 around the world is coming at us quickly. It can be hard to keep up and if you are keeping up on the latest, it can be even harder to remain calm given all that is going on. Stress, anxiety, and depression are not unusual for people of all ages. But there are things we can do as individuals and collectively to deal with stress and support one another during these challenging times.
The Unison Benevolent Fund offers a toll-free number to connect Canadian music professionals with resources and support for personal and practical issues. This service is free, anonymous, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
A mental health resource hub for health and wellness during COVID-19.
B.C. seniors, adults, youth and frontline health care workers experiencing anxiety, depression or other mental health challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic can get help through virtual services.
The Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) is a national charity that helps maintain and improve mental health for all Canadians. As the nation-wide leader and champion for mental health, CMHA promotes the mental health of all and supports the resilience and recovery of people experiencing mental illness.
Here2Talk connects students with mental health support when they need it.
Covid Testing service on set for productions.
Resources and news from British Columbia's music member association.
Resources, prevention, updates and more for BC Arts + Culture.
The Union of British Columbia Performers (UBCP/ACTRA) is an autonomous branch of ACTRA (Alliance of Canadian Cinema, Television and Radio Artists), the national organization of professional performers working in the English-language recorded media in Canada. ACTRA represents the interests of 27,000 members across Canada – the foundation of Canada’s highly acclaimed professional performing community.
Comprised of some 200 professionals passionate about Canadian content, Telefilm works to finance, develop, and promote the Canadian audiovisual industry of today and tomorrow.
CMPA-BC represents over 100 independent production companies based in British Columbia.
The Association of Book Publishers of BC (ABPBC) is a trade association, founded in 1974, whose aims are to foster an environment in which our members will flourish and to expand an awareness of the value of books in all our lives. We are a regional affiliate of the ASSOCIATION OF CANADIAN PUBLISHERS.
The First Peoples' Cultural Council is a First Nations-run Crown Corporation with a mandate to support the revitalization of Indigenous languages, arts, culture and heritage in British Columbia. We provide funding and resources to communities, monitor the status of First Nations languages and develop policy recommendations for First Nations leadership and government
Established in 2002, the Motion Picture Production Industry Association of British Columbia (MPPIA) is a member-based non-profit organization dedicated to a strong future for BC’s motion picture production sector.
The Directors Guild of Canada, B.C. District Council (DGC BC) represents the creative and logistical personnel in the film and television industry in British Columbia. The DGC BC Collective Agreement covers the categories of Director, 2nd Unit Director, Production & Unit Manager, plus those employed in the various Assistant Director and Locations Departments.
Women In Film and Television Vancouver (WIFTV) incorporated in 1989 as a not-for-profit society registered in British Columbia.
The Commercial Production Association of Western Canada (CPAWC) is formed of industry professionals assembled to identify and address the issues and challenges affecting commercial production in Western Canada. CPAWC’s mission is to promote and protect the commercial production industry in Western Canada.
Vancouver Post Alliance (VPA) is a non-profit association established for the benefit and representation of the Post Production industry in British Columbia, Canada.
Around the globe, the film, television, and streaming industry drives the creative economy. The Motion Picture Association – Canada (MPA-Canada) serves as the voice and advocate of the major producers and distributors of movies, home entertainment and television programming in Canada and is an affiliate of the Motion Picture Association, Inc. (MPA).
DigiBC's mission is to promote, support and accelerate the growth of British Columbia's Interactive & Digital Media (IDM) industry to the benefit of current and future generations.
The VR/AR Association (VRARA) is an international organization designed to foster collaboration between innovative companies and brands in the VR and AR ecosystem that accelerates growth, fosters research and education, helps develop industry standards, connects member organizations and promotes the services of member companies.
CIMA is the not-for-profit national trade association representing the English-language, Canadian-owned sector of the music industry. CIMA's membership consists of Canadian-owned companies and representatives of Canadian-owned companies involved in every aspect of the music, sound recording and music-related industries. They are exclusively small businesses which include: record producers, record labels, recording studios, managers, agents, licensors, music video producers and directors, creati
Music Managers Forum Canada (MMF Canada) is a non-profit trade association and is one of many such associations around the world. We offer education, networking and advocacy on behalf of our members, their artists, and the wider Canadian music community. We aim to be the go-to source for Canadian artists and managers on issues related to music management in Canada and around the world. As the management sector’s voice in the industry, the MMF Canada acts as advocates to various levels of the gov
The Magazine Association of BC is a member-run organization. They unite a diverse network of member magazines and professionals, and develop strategic partnerships, projects and programs that strengthen the industry.
Livres Canada Books supports Canadian-owned book publishers in their export sales activities, in developing international partnerships, and to assist publishers in improving their overall results through a range of services, including financial support, promotion, research, training, and a collective presence at major international book fairs, and by providing a unique forum for collaboration between English- and French-language publishers in Canada.
Magazines Canada is the national association representing the majority of Canadian-owned, Canadian-content consumer, cultural, specialty, professional and business magazines. French and English member titles cover a wide range of interests across multiple platforms, including arts and culture, business and professional, lifestyle and food, news and politics, sports and leisure, women and youth. The association focuses on government affairs, professional development, research, national marketing
WorkBC centres were created with one key goal – to help all British Columbians successfully navigate B.C.’s labour market.
I Lost My Gig Group (Canada) is a space for arts and other vulnerable freelance and gig workers in Canada and beyond to share stories and resources addressing the impacts of COVID-19 and growing income precarity more broadly. Discussion in English ou français is encouraged. Founded by Jessa Agilo. Incubated by ArtsPond. Inspired by ILostMyGig.com founded by SXSW in Austin, Texas. More info at ILostMyGig.ca.
A place to connect job seekers with employers amid today's global crisis
The BC Alliance provides a range of valuable services and supports for members and for the broader BC creative community.
A one-stop portal for creative slashies building community, confidence, and hard-skills.
Helping talented people find opportunities with top local companies both online and in real life.
The Reel Green Carbon Literacy course is a free, unique, engaging and solutions-based training session offering attendees the information and inspiration to live and work in a more sustainable way.
Powered by The Albert Project, the Reel Green Carbon Calculator is a free one-hour digital training session to learn how to track the carbon footprint of your production.
Pandemic University is a pop-up writing school for, and by, locked-down and quarantined writers. We’re offering 14 short and affordable creative writing classes online. By taking our classes, you’re helping support artists who’ve suffered financially during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Udemy is an online learning platform aimed at professional adults and students. The platform has more than 50 million students and 57,000 instructors teaching courses in over 65 languages.
Udemy is an online learning platform aimed at professional adults and students. The platform has more than 50 million students and 57,000 instructors teaching courses in over 65 languages.
Whites Toolbelt is an online, mobile-friendly educational resource that lets you access technical information about our equipment on demand. It’s ideal for tech scouts, production planning, classroom instruction and more
Skillshare is an online learning community for people who want to learn from educational videos. The courses, which are not accredited, are available through subscription.
Skillshare is an online learning community for people who want to learn from educational videos. The courses, which are not accredited, are available through subscription.
Raindance is dedicated to fostering and promoting independent film around the world. Based in the heart of London, Raindance combines Raindance Film Festival, training courses — which are offered throughout the year at our 10 international hubs — and the British Independent Film Awards.
MasterClass is the streaming platform that makes it possible for anyone to watch or listen to hundreds of video lessons taught by 80+ of the world’s best.