Insights

How, Not When: Ontario’s Framework to Re-Open the Economy

On April 27, 2020 / Our Thinking

Ontario Premier Doug Ford, along with economic ministers Rod Phillips and Vic Fedeli, and Health Minister Christine Elliott presented a three-stage process to guide the way forward in re-opening Ontario’s economy from the COVID-19 shutdown: Stage 1: “Protect and Support”: open select workplaces and allow some small

Rent Relief and Long-Term Care Challenges Mark End-of-Week COVID-19 Update

On April 24, 2020 / Our Thinking

As some provincial governments like New Brunswick and Saskatchewan are turning their attention to plans for re-opening their economies, the federal government continues to address the ongoing acute challenges that COVID-19 poses to the economy and the health care system. Rent Relief for Small Businesses The federal

New Federal Supports for Vulnerable Populations

On April 21, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Institute, Our Thinking

As previously announced, employers will be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) on Monday, April 27. The Canada Revenue Agency will administer the program and expects to process 90 per cent of CEWS applications by May 5th, with direct deposits and cheques sent

House of Commons Establishes COVID-19 Workplan

On April 20, 2020 / Federal, Federal Highlight, Health Care, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight, Public Safety

After an intense weekend of negotiations between the Government and Opposition parties, the House of Commons convened today to debate and vote on how it will conduct itself over the next few weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic. The crux of the debate surrounded the number of in-person

Ensuring a Successful Ontario COVID-19 Recovery Committee

On April 20, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Institute, Provincial, Provincial Highlight

By Mitchell Davidson When reflecting on the 2008 financial crisis, famed billionaire Warren Buffett once said “Only when the tide goes out do you discover who’s been swimming naked.” Well, the early days of COVID-19 have left millions of Ontario’s workers and thousands of its businesses exposed

Enhanced Measures for Frontline Workers and Parents

On April 17, 2020 / Education, Health Care, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight, Public Safety

Ontario continues to face challenges to mitigate and contain COVID-19. Premier Doug Ford announced additional measures to support frontline staff, allow flexibility in health care staffing, and provide added at-home learning tools to primary and secondary students as schools remain closed for the foreseeable future. In addition,

Government Announces Relief for Oil & Gas and Cultural Sectors

On April 17, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Energy and Environment, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Our Thinking

The federal government announced its first sector-specific measures as part of its COVID-19 response, including targeted support for the oil and gas sector that is aligned with the Trudeau government’s key priorities: Up to $1.72 billion to clean up orphan and inactive oil and gas wells in

Government Expands Relief for Small Businesses

On April 16, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Finance, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking

Federal Government Expands Relief to Small Businesses as Response Efforts Continue Across Canada COVID-19 and the resulting economic shutdown has greatly impacted small businesses across the country. Early announcements from the federal government (and subsequent comments about gaps in federal support raised by stakeholder groups and opposition

Expanding CERB and Addressing Long-Term Care

On April 15, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Public Safety

Since launching the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the federal government has faced specific questions about certain groups of Canadians who might not technically qualify for these benefits but still require assistance. As such, the federal government announced expanded eligibility today for the CERB, including: Allowing

Long-Term Care Still Challenging Governments

On April 14, 2020 / Economy and Jobs, Federal, Federal Highlight, Health Care, Institute, Our Thinking, Provincial, Provincial Highlight, Public Safety

Federal Update Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new supports for health care, air transportation, business supports and enhancing the Nutrition North Program for communities in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. Looking ahead, the Prime Minister indicated that further adjustments are forthcoming to the federal economic response plan,