Insights

Ontario Extends COVID-19 State of Emergency

On March 30, 2020 / Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight, Public Safety

With Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer recommending stronger updated guidelines for vulnerable individuals to stay home and self-isolate, Premier Ford confirmed that the province will be extending its state of emergency declaration for another 14 days (it is set to expire on March 31st). The Ontario Legislature is

Federal Government Broadens Access to Wage Subsidy

On March 30, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the broad eligibility requirements for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Businesses will be eligible if their revenues have decreased by at least 30 per cent due to COVID-19 The wage subsidy will be available to non-profit organizations and charities, as well as

March 27 Update: Second Wave of Federal Support for Businesses

On March 27, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Finance, Institute, Our Thinking

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced additional supports to Canadian businesses and workers under the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, providing up to an additional $65 billion in direct support, and an additional $30 billion in deferred taxes and duties. The federal government will be increasing the small business

Canada Approves COVID-19 Emergency Package

On March 26, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking

After negotiations between the government and opposition parties all day Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday, both the House of Commons and Senate have passed the Trudeau government’s emergency financial legislation, Bill C-13, the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act (CERA). Governor General Julie Payette gave the

Ontario Unveils Fiscal Update; COVID-19 Worsens

On March 25, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight

Ontario’s Action Plan 2020: Responding to COVID-19 During an emergency session of the legislature, Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips announced sweeping investments in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as part of his March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update. Much of it is aimed at getting money into

Ontario Lowering Hydro Rates in Response to COVID-19

On March 24, 2020 / Energy and Environment, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight

With social distancing in full effect, the Ford government is temporarily ending time of use electricity rates for families, farmers, and small businesses. At all hours of the day, customers will be charged the lower off-peak rates usually reserved for the overnight period. This measure will be

Potential Economic & Fiscal Impact of COVID-19 on Ontario

On March 24, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Provincial, Provincial Highlight

By Gabriel Sekaly On March 25th, Ontario will present a one-year fiscal and economic update, rather than a full budget, given the currently uncertain economic situation. This one-year outlook will allow transfer partners to plan their operations and for the government to table Expenditure Estimates and a

COVID-19 responses accelerate ahead of First Ministers’ call

On March 23, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Health Care, Institute, Municipal, Our Commentary, Provincial, Public Safety, Uncategorized

As the number of COVID-19 cases in Canada surpassed 2,000, Prime Minister Trudeau announced additional measures to fight the spread of COVID-19: The Prime Minister will have a call with First Ministers this evening to discuss coordinating approaches and messaging with the provinces and territories. $192 million in new projects prioritized under the

COVID-19 Relief: How Ontario Can Stay Open for Business

On March 23, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Health Care, Institute, Provincial, Provincial Highlight

COVID-19 has forced countries around the world to scramble together massive relief measures to protect their individual economies. If you include loans, credit guarantees, and direct aid, Spain is spending €200 billion on mitigation packages. France another €300 billion. The United Kingdom unveiled £330 billion. President Donald

Federal Plan Mobilizes Industry to Combat COVID-19

On March 20, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial

Prime Minister Trudeau made three key announcements: Confirmed the closure of the Canada/US border to non-essential travel as of midnight tonight Introduced Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19, providing support to mobilize Canada’s industrial base and innovators to meet demand with domestic production and leveraging