COVID-19
COVID-19
CHBA continues to communicate relevant industry information to members about COVID-19 support and CHBA action. On this dedicated section of the website you'll find the following information:
Federal Fall 2020 Economic Statement
On November 30, the federal government tabled its long-awaited fiscal update, which included a series of CHBA-advocated measures for businesses that have implications for the housing and residential construction sectors. CHBA has done an analysis of the Federal Fall Economic Statement, which can be read here.

Key Government Measures
This section summarizes key measures taken by the federal government to support Canadians and businesses during the COVID-19 epidemic.
PDF – Provincial Plans for Reopening the Economy
Presented in an easy-to-read table, this document outlines each province's plans for reopening the economy as the COVID-19 pandemic eases (last update October 13, 2020).
Updated November 16, 2020
Below we have identified the most relevant measures included in Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19, and other federal or national-in-nature responses to the crisis.
MEASURE | TIMELINES | ELIGIBILITY | ||
HBAs | Members | Employees | ||
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP)
BCAP will support access to financing for Canadian businesses in all sectors and regions. Through this program, EDC and the BDC will provide direct lending and other types of financial support. |
Combination of Temporary and Permanent Options | X | X | |
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Temporary credit program providing up to $40,000 guaranteed interest-free loans to small businesses and not-for-profits.The program was expected to expire October 31, 2020, but the federal government announced it will be extended to December 31, 2020 and making available an additional up to $20,000 (for a total of $60,000). Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000) for the first $40,00 and 50 percent for the additional $20,000 (up to $10,000). *Changes subject to legislative approval. Program is administrated financial institutions and credit unions. |
December 31, 2020 | X | X | |
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy
Temporary program (subject to legislative approval) replacing the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program, support for non-deferrable business expenses, including mortgage, rent, property taxes and related. It is available for businesses and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. There is an additional Lockdown Support top up of 25 per cent would be available to businesses that are temporarily forced to close or temporarily have their business activities significantly restricted by a public health order issued under the laws of Canada or a province or territory. |
Retroactive to September 27, 2020 and until June 2021. | X | X | |
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Temporary subsidy is to help businesses of all sizes faced with declines of revenue to either keep their workforce on payroll or re-hire them. It was implemented in March 2020, and has been expanded through to June 2021 (pending legislative approval). The subsidy is expected to remain at the current rate of up to 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020 with a top-up of up to 25 per cent for employers that have been most adversely affected by the pandemic. |
March 2020 - June 2021 | X | X | |
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
Temporary income support providing $500 per week for up to 26 weeks, to workers who are self-employed or are not eligible for EI and who still require income support and who are available and looking for work. Applications are now being accepted through the CRA’s My Account portal. |
September 27, 2020 -September 25, 2021 | X | ||
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
Temporary program providing $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household, for eligible Canadians unable to work because they must care for a child or family member with a disability or a dependent, for reasons related to COVID-19. Applications now being accepted through the CRA’s My Account portal. |
September 27, 2020 -September 25, 2021 | X | ||
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
Temporary program providing $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are sick, must self-isolate or they have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19. Applications now being accepted through the CRA’s My Account portal. |
September 27, 2020 -September 25, 2021 | X | ||
Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits
Revamped EI system and has begun transitioning Canadians currently receiving the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB), but eligible for EI, back onto the EI system (starting September 27). Those receiving EI will be eligible for a taxable benefit rate of at least $500 per week, or $240 per week for extended parental benefits, and regular benefits will be accessible for a minimum duration of 26 weeks. |
Permanent Program
|
X | ||
Industrial Research Assistance Program Innovation Assistance Program (IRAP IAP)
Temporary program intended to support “innovative” high-potential, small and pre-revenue firms that do not qualify for the government's wage subsidy measure access funding, on a priority basis. The federal government provided $250M for the first period from April 1, to June 23, and $155M for the second period of June 24 to December 19. The second period now includes a declining scale of support, aligning with that of the wage subsidy. |
April 1, 2020 through December 19, 2020. | ? | ||
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
Temporary loan program offering access to credit of $60M or more to large for-profit and certain not-for-profit businesses with revenues greater than $300M. It is being administrated by the Canada Enterprise Emergency Funding Corporation a new subsidiary of Canada Development Investment Corporation. |
Temporary Program | ? | ? | |
Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
Temporary program with $1.5B in funding committed to helping rural and remote businesses through Canada’s Regional Development Agencies and Communities Futures. Funding is intended to support businesses who are unable to access other federal emergency support—specifically the loan programs. Members can apply through your Regional Development Agency (RDA):
|
Temporary Program | X | X | |
OTHER (NON-GOVERNMENT) MEASURES | ||||
Mortgage and Credit Deferrals
Banks announced that they will allow Canadians to defer their mortgages for up to six months and may provide the opportunity for relief on other credit products for both businesses and individuals. |
Ongoing | X | X | X |
Domestic Stability Buffer
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) has eased buffer requirements for federally-regulated banks, allowing them to have more capital available to facilitate lending. |
Ongoing | |||
CMHC Support for Homeowners and Borrowers
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has announced a number of measures to support homeowners, borrowers and housing providers experiencing financial difficulty and others measures to strengthen the financial system, including revisions to its Insured Mortgages Purchase Program (IMPP) expansion of the issuance of Canada Mortgage Bonds and suspending dividends to allow the federal government to conserve capital to support Canadians and the economic recovery. |
Ongoing, Some Have Been Scaled Back | X | ||
Monetary Policy
The Bank of Canada has made three emergency interest rate cuts, with the benchmark interest rate now standing at 0.25%, and has implemented new measures to ensure the financial system has sufficient liquidity so that credit continues to be available to businesses and households. |
X | X | X | |
EXPIRED MEASURES | ||||
Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance
Temporary program to provide forgivable loans to qualifying, commercial property owners to cover 50% of the rent otherwise payable by eligible small businesses during April (retroactively), May and June, July, August and September (for those approved for the previous periods). The program was replaced with the CERS. |
Ended September 2020 | X | ||
Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Temporary program that merges the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit. This income support provides up to $2,000/month to those who lose pay as a result of COVID-19’s impact. As of September 27, the federal government began moving those who are eligible, back into the revamped EI system, and those who are not, onto the new suite of income supports. |
Ended September 27, 2020 | X | ||
Deferral of 2019 Tax Return Filing
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is deferring the 2019 tax return filing due date for businesses and individuals until June 1, 2020. The CRA will also allow taxpayers to defer anything owing until August 31, 2020. The CRA will also not contact any small or medium (SME) businesses to initiate any post assessment GST/HST or Income Tax audits for the next four weeks. |
Ended June 1, 2020 | X | X | X |
Deferral of Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST)
Payments for all businesses, including self-employed individuals, has been deferred until June, as well as customs duties owed for imports to help ease cashflow issues. |
Ended June 2020 | X | X | X |
Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy
Three-month measure extended to employers eligible for the small business deduction, non-profit organizations and registered charities for salaries paid from March 18 to June 20, 2020 for a maximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer, deducted from their payroll remittances. |
Ended June 20, 2020 | X | X |
Additional information
The governments of Quebec, Prince Edward Island (PEI), British Columbia, Newfoundland & Labrador, and Alberta declared public health emergencies in March 2020, granting them varying powers under their respective public health acts. Alberta has since lifted theirs on June 15.
The governments of Ontario, Saskatchewan, British Columbia, New Brunswick, Manitoba and Nova Scotia have declared state of emergencies over the coronavirus, closing a range of business and services. All have extended them into October.
Across all jurisdictions, residential and commercial construction has been able to continue operating with enhanced health, safety and distancing measures, balancing the need to maintain key economic activity while supporting worker and public health.
All provinces have also, to some degree, suspended evictions, rent supports and many offer financial help for utility bills or the option to postpone payments.
The federal government and the provinces have committed to common principles for reopening the economy as more provinces begin to release their own reopening plans. CHBA continues to monitor these developments, and details are available at the top of this page (see "PDF – Provincial Plans for Reopening the Economy.")
Check your provincial and local government websites for the most up-to-date information.
Government Relations
This sections outlines how CHBA National is engaging with government and stakeholders to inform further responses and support you during this challenging time.
Updated November 16, 2020
As the COVID-19 situation continues to evolve, CHBA is heavily engaged in dialogue with the federal government as it takes actions to support Canadians, industry, and the economy. CHBA is in constant discourse with government and stakeholders to inform further responses and support you during this challenging time.
Issues Watchlist
Wage subsidy extended to June 2021; providing up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19
The federal government announced another extension to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program, a key part of its emergency response to COVID-19. It will now be offered through until June 2021 to help businesses through subsequent waves and give them a longer runway to resume operations in recovery. The bill to unlock the extension is currently before the Senate. In August, the federal government introduced a sliding scale for all qualifying businesses, where the base wage subsidy is proportional to any revenue loss, which should help more businesses across the economy receive some level of relief. It also introduced a stepping down of support through to December 19 (November 21 for some based on the changes). As of August 18, these changes are now live and accepting applications (subsidy retroactive to July 5). As part of the recent extension, the federal government announced it CEWS will remain at the current subsidy rate of up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible wages until December 19, 2020 It is unclear what will happen thereafter, however CHBA remains engaged and will continue to represent the sector in program discussions. Early on CHBA determined that initial eligibility criteria proposed for the temporary 75% wage subsidy would not work for many businesses in residential construction, whose revenues are seasonable and highly dependent on closings. Slow uptake of the program overall has forced the federal government to consider further changes to broaden access. Accordingly, CHBA has been in constant contact with Finance Canada and other relevant Ministers’ offices to share ongoing feedback from members and offer guidance, including during the formal consultations process in May. CHBA has previously helped secured greater flexibility on the revenue calculation (through the option of using cash or accrual method) and reference periods (comparing last year or Jan/Feb this year) when demonstrating revenue declines, which has helped more members access the program.
CECRA for small businesses expires; replaced with new rent subsidy
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program, which was announced on April 16, expired at the end of September. On October 9, 2020, the federal government announced, it will be replaced by the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy that will include a mechanism to allow direct application and relief to small businesses, addressing a key concern with its predecessor. It is available for businesses and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop, on a sliding scale, up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until December 19, 2020. Organizations would be able to make claims retroactively for the period that began September 27 and ends October 24, 2020. There will also be a top-up of 25 per cent for organizations temporarily shut down by a qualifying public health authority, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy.
CHBA secures important changes to CEBA; program now accessible to more businesses and extended to December 31, 2020.
The federal government announced further details on its pledge to extend federal emergency loan programs, including the $40,000 government-backed interest-free Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) loan, will be extended to the end of the year. The federal government is also making an additional $20,000 in credit available, with 50% forgivable, building changes to the program announced on May 19 respond directly that CHBA recommendations, opening the program to business with >$20,000 in payroll expenses, namely sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors, and those that pay employees through dividends, who have a business operating account, CRA number, 2018 or 2019 tax return, and non-deferrable expenses of between $40,000 and $1.5 million. They also addressed the ongoing issue around non-business banking accounts. This should allow many more businesses within the residential construction sector—and across the economy—access much needed support, although we’ve raised concern about the threshold for non-deferrable expenses, which will be hard for home-based businesses to meet. This builds on earlier successes that expanded eligibility by decreasing the minimum annual payroll threshold from $50,000 to $20,000 and the maximum from $1 million to $1.5 million. The CEBA has been available (as of April 9) through businesses’ respective financial institutions, and the new changes for those >$20,000 in payroll expenses was made available as of June 26. CHBA is awaiting more details.
Lumber issues increasing cost of residential construction; long-term implications for housing affordability
Price escalations and shortages on critical residential construction inputs, most notably lumber, are impacting construction costs and timelines for builders and buyers (and continue to be a threat to housing affordability). There are a series of converging and compounding factors are influencing the price and availability of lumber, from efficiency and capacity limitations across the supply chain as a result of COVID-19, to unexpected surges in consumer demand. CHBA remains engaged with the lumber industry, and understands they are working to correct the imbalance in supply and demand. Concurrently, CHBA is calling for federal leadership to work with domestic lumber producers to accelerate the ramp up of production, continue to support a back-to-work transition for workers post-COVID-19, strive for avoidance and timely resolution of trade disputes and consider other ways to offset material shortages and rising construction costs. A letter to that effect has been sent to Minister Ng, Bains and O’Regan.
Transition plan from CERB to EI complete
The federal government has moved millions of Canadians still out of work off the Canada Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB) and onto a revamped EI system (starting Sept. 27). The reworked EI can be claimed for between 26 and 45 weeks. The government is freezing the EI premium rate for two years at $1.58 per $100 for employees and $2.21 per $100 for businesses. For those not eligible for EI has launched three new benefits: the “Canada Recovery Benefit” (workers who are self-employed, gig or contract workers); the “Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit” (workers who need to care for a child or family member); and, the “Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit” (workers who don’t already have paid sick leave through their employer). CHBA is pleased to see the latter is a temporary measure, providing $500 per week for two weeks for COVID-19 recovery/isolation, with funds from the federal Consolidated Revenue Fund, with no expectations for business still recvering from the first wave of COVID-19 and bracing for the second wave. Residential construction is being increasingly affected by supply shortages, driven partly by production inefficiencies that are a result of a lack of available labour. It is important to help more Canadians return safely to work, and to have supply chains become more robust to support the activity returning to the sector.
New Minister of Finance to lead development of federal economic stimulus plan; CHBA advocating for housing and residential construction to play key role
With the federal government now working on what is expected to be a significant economic recovery plan, CHBA is engaging the new Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland and advocating for a range of smart solutions that will to maximize the economic potential of the residential construction sector to generate jobs, investment and support the homeownership aspirations of millions of Canadians. This includes responsibly addressing demand-side levers such as the stress test and re-introducing 30-year amortizations, strategically implementing tax incentives, and showing leadership to improve how we build our homes and communities. The federal government can support the housing needs and aspirations of Canadians, while also meeting other public policy objectives, including reducing emissions, and helping seniors age-in-place. Please see CHBA’s Getting Building: An Action Plan For Economic Recovery in Residential Construction for more details.
Support for the not-for-profit sector
Recognizing many of the CHBA federation of associations are struggling financially due to the severe impact COVID-19 is having on non-due revenues (e.g. cancellations of conference, home shows, parades of homes, dinner meetings, etc.), CHBA has added our voice to a call by the Canadian Society for Association Executives’ (CSAE) for fiscal support for the association sector. As a result, government programming like the wage subsidy is indeed being made available to not-for-profits, including the HBAs within our Association, which has also now been adjusted to better reflect not-for-profit cash flows. CHBA has also provided a template letter for provincial HBAs to consider sending to their provincial governments with the recommendations they match federal funds. A copy of CHBA’s letter to the Minister of Finance is available here.
Construction as an essential service
To date, each level of government has taken a different approach to try to contain the spread of the virus. Federally, the government has urged Canadians to stay home, while provinces have implemented their own measures, leveraging new powers unlocked through public health or state of emergencies while declaring some service essential. Residential construction has not been shutdown in any province other than Quebec (which has since been lifted). As of April 4 in Ontario, new restrictions for permits were implemented (but also since lifted) that limited the start of new projects, while ongoing projects were able to continue. Through this, CHBA has been producing best practice guides and supporting tools (like site signage) to encourage health and safety on worksites and other company environments to help member companies stay healthy and safe, while also helping to ensure residential construction can continue to operate to build the housing needed for Canadians. CHBA has also provided all of this information to federal government agencies to support the same.
Benchmark qualifying rate change for insured mortgages
As part of the response to COVID-19, OSFI announced that it was suspending consultations on all regulatory initiatives, including changes to the benchmark qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages (the stress test). Finance Canada announced concurrently that they were suspending the implementation of the new benchmark qualifying rate for the mortgage stress test for insured mortgages, which was scheduled to come into effect on April 6, 2020. This move was made in response to the lowering of interest rates, deemed to be temporary and likely to rise as soon as the COVID crisis alleviates, and with the intention of keeping in lockstep with OSFI. CHBA National has been in direct communication with Finance Canada and the Minister’s office expressing the industry’s concern over this delay and the need to implement the stress test changes as quickly as possible. Adjustment to the stress test and other mortgage rule changes will be important to support Canadians and the sector in helping Canada build back from this unprecedented time. The official CHBA letter to the Minister of Finance on this subject can be found here.
CMHC’s changes to mortgage underwriting concerning amid pandemic; Private insurers step in to fill void
On June 4, 2020, the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) announced changes to the eligibility rules for mortgage insurance, reducing borrowing limits, setting higher credit thresholds and restricting sources of down payments for anyone seeking default insurance through CMHC. CHBA—and others in the housing industry—responded that the changes were ill-timed and inject further uncertainty into the housing market, and Canadian economy, with potential implications for recovery. Fortunately, other mortgage insurers, including CHBA Alliance Network partner Genworth Canada did not follow suit and change their underwriting rules; as a result, the business should simply shift to them. Still, the signals from CMHC continue to be troubling, and CHBA has engaged with the Minister of Finance and the Minister responsible for CMHC, including sending a formal letter, outlining CHBA’s concerns and recommendations for federal policy offsets and communications that support homeownership and Canadian home buyers. CHBA remains in dialogue with the federal government on these issues.
Bank of Canada lowers overnight rate target to ¼ percent
The new Governor of the Bank of Canada said they will be maintaining the current interest rates over the near-term, given the current economic circumstances created by the COVID-19 pandemic. The rate has been reduced three times over the past few months, in an effort to leverage monetary policy to increase liquidity and the financial sector’s ability to provide and extend credit to Canadians and businesses facing COVID-related financial difficulties. CHBA continues to call for the previously promised stress test adjustments be made asap so that home buyers can best benefit from reduced mortgage rates (especially since mortgage rates are not tracking as low as interest rates given the risks financial institutions are building into their posted rates).
Engagement with Canada’s banking sector and other national associations to support the residential construction sector
As municipal governments and utilities deal with the COVID-19 crisis, many are changing or suspending operations that involve front-line inspectors and workers. These steps are causing delays to necessary inspections that allow residential construction projects to close, receive occupancy permits, and allow the builder/developer to collect the proceeds of the sale and to pay out the credit used to finance project costs. CHBA National recognizes the serious implications this can have for our members, and has engaged with the Office of the Minister of Finance accordingly. CHBA is also engaging with the Canadian Banking Association to explore options for supporting our businesses through these delays and national associations, including the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, Canada Mortgage Professionals, Canadian Construction Association, Canadian Real Estate Association and the Canadian Society of Association Executives to work together where possible to advance shared priorities.
Trade and commerce activities exempt from travel restrictions
To slow the spread of COVID-19 across international borders, the federal government has barred access to all foreign nationals by air, directing all flights to four Canadian airports: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto and Montreal—and has temporarily restricted non-essential travel across the Canada-US border until July 21. All travellers returning home to Canada must go into mandatory self-isolation for 14 days according to new measures being enacted under the federal Quarantine Act. Trade, supply chains and essential goods and services, like food and medicine, are exempt, and some flexibility has been added for immediate family members of Canadians and Canadian permanent residents. That said, supply chains are being affected by other issues around COVID-19 and CHBA is engaged in dialogue with government officials on that issue.
Draft Guidelines for Operating During COVID-19
This is a living document, open for discussion and input from members across the country who are on jobsites and adjusting their business practices to follow the recommendations and requirements of their local health authorities, while also finding innovative ways to be most efficient, productive and safe.
Last update to this page: April 3, 2020
A PDF of the information below can be accessed here.
On the Jobsite
Social Distancing
Health authorities are currently recommending social distancing as much as possible.
- Anyone with symptoms or who has been exposed to the virus should not come to work and should alert their supervisor.
- Anyone who has been out of the country must self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of whether or not they’re showing symptoms.
- Avoid carpooling to travel to/from work. If unavoidable, sit as far apart as possible and wear masks and gloves.
- Stagger shifts, breaks, and lunch breaks to minimize the number of people in one area. Have multiple break areas or allow everyone on the jobsite to take their breaks (along) in their personal vehicles.
- Limit how many people are on the site at one time.
- Keep crews/trades physically separated from one another.
- Spread people out so that they are working 2 meters (6 feet) apart whenever possible, including during meetings, which should have the minimum people required attending.
- Have clearly identified designated delivery zones. When possible, have shipments and deliveries dropped off, avoiding personal contact. If a signature is needed, whoever accepts the delivery should use their own pen.
- For residential renovations where homeowners are still occupying the home, consider having clear space boundaries (dedicated washroom, crew does not enter certain areas, homeowners stay out of renovation zone even after hours, etc.).
Health and Sanitation
Health and sanitation measures should be increased during this time.
- Provide more hand washing stations and encourage frequent hand washing. Sanitize hand washing stations frequently.
- Don’t share personal protective equipment (PPE) and limit sharing of tools and equipment when possible. Sanitize PPE and personal tools frequently.
- Wear gloves as often as possible, but continue to minimize unnecessary touching of anything (including the user’s face).
- Sanitize equipment and vehicles (personal and shared), washrooms, and other shared facilities often, especially areas that are most likely to be handled.
- Post signage on proper hand washing techniques and reminders to sanitize tools and working areas.
- Ensure waste bins and garbage receptacles are emptied regularly and safely.
- For home renovations, all of the above actions should also be followed. Ensure sanitation of work surfaces and shared facilities before leaving for the day.
On the Jobsite – multi-family construction
In addition to the other jobsite actions listed, the following apply to multi-family (mid- and high-rise) construction.
- Limit access to shared devices within trailers (coffee machines, microwaves, fridges, etc.) Make sure there are cleaning supplies are reminders to sanitize each area after use.
- Where possible, remove doors or door handles to limit people touching those surfaces. Provide paper towels at points where doors remain so that users avoid skin contact, and garbage cans to dispose of the paper towels.
- Modify communal washrooms where possible: install more sinks and/or physical separation between sinks, and change taps, paper towel dispensers and garbage cans to hands-free models.
- Use one-way staircases where possible.
- Freight elevators should be operated/occupies by only one individual at a time whenever feasible.
In the Office
Social/Physical Distancing
Most provinces and municipalities have now stated that any employees who can work from home should do so.
- Those who can work from home should.
- Anyone with symptoms or who has been exposed to the virus should not come to work.
- Anyone who has been out of the country must self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of whether or not they’re showing symptoms.
- Avoid carpooling to travel to/from work. If unavoidable, sit as far apart as possible and wear masks and gloves.
- Stagger shifts, breaks and lunch breaks to minimize the number of people who may be using communal facilities at one time.
- Workstations should be spread out as much as possible.
- Lunch breaks staggered or taken at the employees’ workspace rather than in a communal lunchroom.
Health and Sanitation
Health and sanitation measures should be increased during this time.
- Office equipment such as phones, keyboards, and desks should be sanitized regularly.
- Communal areas (kitchens, bathrooms, hallways) should be sanitized regularly, including door handles and faucets.
- Make hand sanitizer and cleaning products widely available.
- Consider temporarily stopping non-essential mail and deliveries, or have a drop-off location for shipments to avoid contact with delivery personnel as much as possible.
With the Public (if open)
Some areas of Canada have mandated the closure of non-essential public spaces. Check your municipality or province to see if sales and design centers, show homes, etc. can stay open at this time. If you are still allowed to operate and wish to, implement the following measures.
Social/Physical Distancing
Health authorities are currently recommending social distancing as much as possible.
- Limit the number of staff and visitors who can enter at one time; consider by-appointment-only visits.
- Anyone with symptoms or who has been exposed to the virus should not come to work and should alert their supervisor.
- Anyone who has been out of the country must self-quarantine for 14 days, regardless of whether or not they’re showing symptoms.
- Stagger staff shifts, breaks and lunch breaks to minimize the number of people who may be using communal facilities at one time.
- Limit person-to-person exchange of items like brochures.
- Limit handling credit cards; use tap when available.
Health and Sanitation
Health and sanitation measures should be increased during this time.
- Equipment such as phones, keyboards, and desks should be sanitized regularly
- Communal areas (kitchens, bathrooms, hallways) should be sanitized regularly, including door handles and faucets.
- Make hand sanitizer widely available, especially at entrances as people come in.
- if you use touch displays, limit their use during this time and sanitize regularly.
- Consider sharing the sanitation measures you’re taking as a company (to your website, social media, onsite at the show home, etc.).
Best Practices for Business Owners
A list of best practices for business owners to consider during the current pandemic as well as any future event.
Last update to this page: March 17, 2020
As more health and safety measures are put in place in response to COVID-19, businesses across the country are being affected. Below are some best practices for business owners to consider during the current pandemic as well as any future event.
- Follow the Guidance of Health Authorities
- Review your Contract(s)
- Communicate with your Client(s)
- Stay Informed About Government Measures to Help Businesses
- Follow Workplace Best Practices
Follow the Guidance of Health Authorities
Guidance from Health Authorities should inform your interactions with clients, subcontractors, and staff. We encourage you to monitor status and guidance updates from Health and Government Authorities, including:
- The Government of Canada
- The Public Health Agency of Canada
- The World Health Organization
- The Centres for Disease Control
- Your provincial and local health authorities
Your health and safety, as well as the health and safety of everyone in your community, is paramount. Before making professional or personal decisions, review and consider the latest information and guidance available from Health Authorities.
Review your Contract(s)
All your contracts should have specific procedures documented to prepare you and your clients for situations that are out of your control (including Force Majeure events). For existing contracts, defer to the procedures you set in place. Those procedures should include your cancellation and rescheduling policies, as well as how you communicate with your clients regarding project timelines.
Going forward, if you do not already have illness/epidemics/pandemics and other examples explicitly listed under what constitutes as a Force Majeure event, you should consider including them to future contracts.
You can find language on what to include regarding unavoidable delays in CHBA’s Residential Renovation Contracts: A Guide For Renovators (page 17).
Communicate with your Client(s)
The key during these challenging times is to communicate with your clients. Remind your clients that the priority for your company is their health and safety as well as the health and safety of your employees and subcontractors. Follow the procedures set out in your contract if you need to delay a project. Clearly communicate any change in milestones or delivery dates.
At this time, no one can know what the next few weeks will hold. Stay in contact with your client(s) and reassure them you are monitoring information coming from Health Authorities and will contact them when the situation changes.
Stay Informed About Government Measures to Help Businesses
The federal government has announced measures to financially support Canadians and businesses that are affected by the pandemic, including:
- Waiving the one-week waiting period for people who are in quarantine or have been directed to self-isolate and are claiming for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits.
- Enhancing the Work-Sharing Program to help employers who are experiencing a downturn in business due to COVID-19, and their workers.
- Supporting businesses should the economy experience tightening credit conditions, by acting swiftly to stimulate the economy by strengthening investment in federal lending agencies. In addition, flexible arrangements could be made for businesses trying to meet payment obligations to the Canada Revenue Agency.
CHBA will keep members informed if/when new measures are announced.
Follow Workplace Best Practices
At this time, Health Authorities advise that companies maintain social distancing as much as possible. However, if you still have people working in your workplace, below are some best practices to protect yourself and others from getting sick.
o Make sure your workplaces are clean and hygienic.
o Surfaces (e.g. desks and tables) and objects (e.g. telephones, keyboards) need to be wiped with disinfectant regularly.Sanitation
o Promote regular and thorough hand-washing by employees, contractors and customers.
o Put sanitizing hand rub dispensers in prominent places around the workplace.
o Make sure that staff, contractors and customers have access to places where they can wash their hands with soap and water. Remember – the best practice is to wash with soap and warm water for at least 20-seconds.
Good Hygiene in the Workplace
o Promote good respiratory hygiene in the workplace – cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze – not with your hand, use the crook of your arm, this will help prevent you from spreading germs to other objects and/or people.
o Please DO NOT use a mask if you are not infected. It is not necessary to make use of this resource as a precautionary measure. There is currently a shortage of masks world-wide, a much needed protection device for front-line workers.
o Ensure Kleenex are available at your workplaces, for those who develop a runny nose or cough at work, along with closed bins for hygienically disposing of them.Proactive Measures
o Brief your employees, contractors and customers that if COVID-19 starts spreading in your community anyone with even a mild cough or low-grade fever needs to stay at home. They should also stay home (or work from home) if they have had to take simple medications, such as paracetamol/acetaminophen, ibuprofen or aspirin, which may mask symptoms of infection.
o Keep communicating and promoting the message that people need to stay at home even if they have just mild symptoms of COVID-19.
o Display posters with this message in your workplaces. Combine this with other communication channels commonly used in your organization or business.
Remember to stay vigilant but that there is no need to panic.
CHBA will continue to engage with members on this topic as more information is made available.
Additional Resources
1) Government of Canada Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
2) WHO: COVID-19 Situation Report
3) CDC: COVID-19 FAQs
Resources
Resources related to COVID-19 for members and HBAs.
Approvals, Permits, and Inspection Process for New Homes (& Adjustments During Covid-19)
This document illustrates all of the many checkpoints during the new home construction process. It explains that builders are taking extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of their crews and inspectors/building officials, but that this is a time of adjustment for municipalities and businesses and to check with your builder if you have concerns about the status of your new home's construction.
Poster: Prevent the spread of COVID-19 on the jobsite
Remind everyone on the jobsite to wash their hands often. This poster is ready to be printed on 8.5"x11" paper (and laminated for longevity if possible).
Payroll and COVID-19
COVID-19 answers to employer questions from the Canadian Payroll Association.
WEBINAR: Navigating Government Support During COVID-19
With Peter Bangs & Gavin Miranda, Partners, Taxation Services, MNP
The Federal Government has put several measures in place to support businesses and individuals through the economic realities during COVID-19. New details and adjustments are being made at a dizzying pace. CHBA has been actively engaged with government to get changes for the better, and continues to push for more support for members. CHBA has been keeping members updated on all these changes, but it’s also time to hear from the tax experts to help you access the best options for you and your business.
Kevin Lee, CHBA's CEO, and Peter Bangs and Gavin Miranda, Partners in Taxation Services at MNP host this interactive webinar as they walk you through the different options and qualifying criteria as they currently stand, so that you can make the best possible decisions for your business during this challenging time. You’ll also hear about next steps for CHBA on your behalf. View the slide deck here.