Looks like COVID-19 will continue to be our reality for the foreseeable future. While the rate of news is slowing down, key developments continue to take place in the industry. We will continue to share the latest important updates as part of regular news from hereon. The pandemic is now a part of our regular lives, after all.
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PODCASTS
Fenestration Conversations COVID Special: Get It Delivered – Eamonn O’Rourke, RenoRun
Bonny Koabel’s Pandemic Relief Update #4
Corona Coverage – A look at credit insurance with Carl Pickett and Roch Simard from AU Group
Support for your Business – Bonny Koabel, AKR Consulting
Paying for Pandemic UPDATE – Bonny Koabel, AKR Consulting
Preventing pandemic pandemonium – Suzanne Bernier
Paying for pandemic – Bonny Koabel
RESOURCES
Fenestration Canada COVID-19 Hub
Canadian Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Business Resilience page
MNP consultants’ business advice page
CME resource page for manufacturers
Government resources pages for businesses
Business/financial assistance
Regional
Links to the regional agencies delivering federal funds to assist business.
- Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
- Canada Economic Development for Quebec Regions
- Regional Relief and Recovery Fund – Northern Ontario
- RRRF – Southern Ontario
- Western Economic Diversification Canada
- Northern Business Relief Fund
National
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
- Export Development Canada (Canada Emergency Business Account)
- Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance
Health
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
- Ontario Ministry of Health
- Toronto Public Health
- Peel Public Health
- Public Health Ontario
- Public Health Agency of Canada
- World Health Organization
Travel
OLDER NEWS
July 31
Understanding how the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program has changed can be helpful for businesses looking for emergency relief. CFIB shares six important changes that business owners need to know.
The new home market in GTA picked up pace in June after two months of historically slow sales. Find out more in this news release from the Building Industry and Land Development Association.
PCL Construction has announced its support for and participation in the federal government initiative – the COVID POST Promise program. Practicing safety continues to be a priority at workplaces.
July 24
Government has released details of Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Small businesses will now be able to formulate staffing plans for rest of the year. Canadian Federation of Independent Business pleased with this development.
Construction industry in general going strong in Prince Edward Island despite the pandemic. However, marked difference seen across the different sectors in construction.
What should you look for in construction contracts as we continue to live with the pandemic? This article notes five important points.
The construction industry is working to recover from the pandemic. But will the supply chain recover? If yes, will it be the same? This article discusses the extent of the impact.
In Altona, Manitoba, residential and commercial construction activity has been strong despite the current situation.
Construction sector comes in fourth place in COVID-19 related complaints recorded by WorkSafe BC.
Brisk building activity noted in Hanover. Building permits have gone up slightly this year.
July 17
How has the housing market fared in the Greater Toronto Area during the pandemic? Will it see an upward climb in the near or distant future? Find out from the experts in this webinar scheduled for July 23rd.
A helping hand from the federal government. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the extension of the emergency wage subsidy program to December of this year.
Is too much of anything not a good thing? Seems like too many requests for home renovations fuelled by COVID-19 have pushed contractors in Newfoundland and Labrador to their limit.
Future construction contracts are likely to be radically different. Why? Because the industry is not likely to forget COVID-19 and how it affected business. This article discusses how the wording might change.
Construction was deemed essential in B.C. early on with mandatory safety and cleanliness protocols. However, the extra precautions seem to be adding to the anxiety levels of the workers on the job sites.
New automated tool launched by KPMG is designed to make it easier for commercial landlords applying to the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program. Could make it easier to provide rent relief to tenants.
Major decline in residential and non-residential building construction investment seen across Canada. Data collected by Statistics Canada for April 2020.
July 10
The much-awaited industry event WinDoor, hosted by Fenestration Canada, has been moved online. The new format will have a lot of value to offer to attendees and exhibitors alike.
Here’s a silver lining. A COVID-19 mental health survey finds construction workers are faring better than those in other sectors.
What happens when businesses restart their operations while still living with the continued existence of COVID-19? This article discusses some legal considerations that the construction industry can keep in mind when reopening operations.
More legal advice to help contractors who are procuring new work during the pandemic.
The labour market in the construction industry continued to improve in June. Despite this bounce back, there is still a long way to go, indicates Statistics Canada’s latest Labour Force Survey.
July 3
Construction industry leaders in Alberta appreciate the provincial government’s recovery plan.
The importance of taking precautions cannot be stressed enough in these times. In this article, David Wilkes, president and CEO of Building Industry and Land Development Association talks about steps being taken to perform safe home renovations.
An interesting webinar presented by a group of lawyers regarding the new regime under which construction projects are operating in B.C.
Improvement in sanitation facilities is being seen across construction sites in Vancouver Island as a result of the pandemic. Construction workers appreciate the handwashing stations now available.
Construction, as well as sales in Alberta’s housing industry, is reeling from the impact of COVID-19. However, being deemed essential has helped the housing industry in the province breathe better.
How has the pandemic impacted costing in construction? This article discusses 10 such impacts.
June 26
Virtual events could draw in more attendees than live ones. This is what Fenestration Canada found out after its highly successful Online Spring Conference. The event saw attendance even from people who would usually skip the travel.
The National Glass Association has decided to cancel GlassBuild America 2020 amidst the continued restrictions on large public gatherings. As an alternative, the association will be hosting an online marketplace called GlassBuild Connect: The Glass & Fenestration Online Experience.
Statistics Canada numbers indicate that loss of employment has been worse for women compared to men during the pandemic. Experts suggest it could be a good time for women to consider a career change and move into the relatively thriving construction industry.
Good news for home renovations and new home construction in Newfoundland and Labrador. Provincial government offering a generous $30-million rebate.
Construction project delays in GTA due to COVID-19 will hurt everyone concerned. David Wilkes, CEO and president of the Building Industry and Land Development Association discusses its full implications.
June 19
Is glass the ideal material for protective barriers? National Glass Association has released the Glass for Personal Protective Barriers Glass Technical Paper (GTP) to discuss that and more.
Relief for those out of work due to COVID-19 as CERB is extended. Active job search encouraged by the government.
Has Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) been able to reach all businesses that need the assistance? No, says CFIB; there are problems that need to be fixed. Open letter sent by CFIB to Minister Morneau, requesting immediate action.
Who will lead the Canadian economy on the road to recovery post-COVID-19? It could be the residential and non-residential construction industry, according to some industry associations.
Hosting events online is the trend of the times. Skills Ontario follows suit with a virtual Summer Camp program.
A wonderful display of compassion from Saskatchewan’s construction associations. They have joined forces for a COVID-19 food bank drive to keep the province from going hungry during this crisis.
June 12
Kohltech is now offering the possibility of safe interactions to customer-facing retail workers with its Koltech Shield barriers.
A breath of relief may soon be possible for commercial tenants in Ontario impacted due to COVID-19 as the province proposes steps to safeguard them.
How can small businesses emerge stronger from the current recession? Canada must extend the necessary help, says Neil McLaughlin from RBC.
CERB becomes a pain point for the Canadian government? This article discusses how fraud and error under CERB could possibly be worse than previously feared.
The changing times are forcing all businesses to adapt and evolve. Could innovations and digital technologies help the construction industry grow and push forward? This article takes a look at how this is the right time to consider whether technology could be the next step forward.
New construction takes a big hit from COVID-19 in Greater Victoria. Big drop in the value of building permits in the area, with similar trends in 10 Canadian provinces.
June 5
Fenestration Canada’s Online Spring Conference kicked butt.
The Fenestration and Glazing Industry Alliance has released details of the education sessions at its Virtual Conference happening June 24 and 25.
The April building permit statistics are out and they are not pretty. A 17 per cent drop nationwide – declines not seen since the 2008 financial crisis.
How might the pandemic affect the construction industry long-term? This article takes a look at how we might work differently on and off job sites, and how building design might be affected.
Ontario is talking about its plan for testing and tracing on jobsites.
B.C. joins Nova Scotia and New Brunswick to ban commercial evictions by landlords who won’t apply for CECRA. Alberta is making noises about doing the same and Ontario’s premier is talking tough.
June 1
Fenestration Canada’s Summer Conference is going ahead as an online event today.
Nice overview of the BC construction sector’s response to COVID in the Vancouver Sun. Big takeaway: WorkSafeBC has allowed only one claim for COVID contracted on a construction site. Numbers around the country appear to be similar – Ontario has less than six construction-related COVID claims.
The April building permit statistics are out. They are not good. Average 17 per cent decline in April in permits issued – the largest month-to-month decline measured since the 2008 financial crisis.
May 28
Fenestration BC has done a great job keeping members connected and apprised of critical pandemic information. Here’s its latest update on developments in BC.
Great news segment from CTV Vancouver featuring Anton Van Dyk from Centra Windows explaining measures his teams are taking on installation sites. Good job, Anton!
Officials in the Toronto area are indicating manufacturing plants and warehouses appear to be at higher risk for outbreaks, perhaps due to numbers of people clustering indoors.
If your staff’s lift operating certifications are running out, IPAF has online options for them to renew their training and certificates.
Here’s a chance to hear from some top experts on their predictions for the economic recovery from the lockdown and advice on how to get your business ready. Q&A session to follow the webinar.
Ontario’s suspension of time-of-use electricity pricing is supposed to expire Sunday. Maybe Doug Ford will have something to announce about this today…
May 27
Facebook Canada has launched a bunch of supports for small businesses…including direct grants! Don’t know how easy it will be to get the grants, but one thing everyone has access to is the advice and help setting up an online presence and e-commerce site. Now, I know everyone in the window and door industry is a digital wizard and doesn’t need any help with internet stuff, but I just thought I’d post it anyway…
Trudeau wants provinces to require employers to offer 10 paid sick days per year as part of the COVID “recovery phase”…
…the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses is not a fan of making this permanent.
Here is Dan Kelly, CFIB president, talking about it:
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May 26
The Canadian Chamber of Commerce has teamed up with Salesforce to offer $10,000 COVID relief grants to 62 lucky small businesses. Applications open Monday.
Some economists are seeing signs of improvement in the housing market. Others are predicting double-digit drops in prices in 2020. The moral of the story is that, as usual, no one has the slightest idea what is going on with the housing market.
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program opened for applications yesterday. Did your landlord apply?
BC Building Trades is calling for a public inquiry into COVID protection protocols on construction sites. It’s executive director pointed to a “culture of non-compliance.”
Alberta jobsites are legally exempt from the 50-person gathering limit but industry leaders are saying measures will be taken to prevent too many workers clustering together.
Some voices in Nova Scotia’s construction industry are calling for a pause as cases in the province start to mount.
May 25
Fenestration Canada is lobbying for energy-efficient building policies to help members recover from the pandemic. Could be a smart way to kill two birds with one stone. As long as you have to shovel money into the economy anyway, why not encourage better buildings and fight climate change at the same time?
Dan Kelly from the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses explains recent changes to the Canada Emergency Business Account. What would we do without him?
Dan also tweets out this message that really needs to make the rounds:
May 22
Nearly a third of Canadian businesses are now fully open, according to this report. Alberta has the highest rate of open businesses, while Ontario has the lowest.
Ottawa has entirely lifted payroll requirements for CEBA loan eligibility. It’s initial floor of $50,000 payroll eliminated many businesses that pay through dividends, hire contractors or work alone.
The CECRA rent-relief program opens for applications on May 25. Of the various programs announced in this pandemic, this one is getting the most negative attention. It’s hard to see why landlords would volunteer to fill out a bunch of paperwork in order to receive 75 per cent of the rent they are owed…unless it meant the difference between keeping the tenant or not.
May 20
CSA says it is doing special inspections and field evaluations again.
Ottawa will redirect planned assistance for provincial infrastructure projects to support COVID-preparedness infrastructure.
CFIB is happy with Ottawa’s plan to expand the CEBA to take in more small businesses.
May 19
Trudeau has announced the federal CEWS wage subsidy will extend through the summer.
Here’s a thorough discussion of legal issues facing Canadian construction companies during the pandemic. Delays, force majeure, essential services and more.
May 15
Fenestration Canada has posted a handy PDF sheet with guidelines for installers and customers.
The Canadian Real Estate Association sees activity drop around 56 per cent in April.
Ontario has lifted its restrictions on construction activities. Get back to work, safely.
Ontario has posted a list of PPE suppliers for businesses opening up. It’s a great resource, but you have to make an agreement with the Queen herself before you log in! (First line on the terms of service.)
May 14
Here’s an extensive report on the pandemic’s impact to Q1 Canadian construction from the Canadian Institute of Quality Surveyors. Takeaways: workloads down modestly, expectations down sharply, margins likely to drop.
Ontario to lift “essential” restrictions on construction: report
MasterCard is offering free cybersecurity assessments to small businesses.
Need something to spray down equipment, vehicles and your shop? Check out Larson’s electrostatic sprayer.
When it comes to lockdowns, there are as many opinions as there are people. Here’s a video from Journal of Commerce showing what leading voices around the industry had to say.
May 12
Fenestration Canada’s Ontario Committee and the Siding and Window Dealers Association of Canada are calling on Queen’s Park to allow residential renovations to go forward with appropriate health and safety protocols. There’s a form letter to MPPs that everyone is encouraged to sign and send.
Fenestration Canada has released the agenda for its online Summer Conference. Test your skills on Trivia Night…do you know more than Fenestration Canada’s technical director?
The International Powered Access Federation will host a webinar advising how to minimize COVID-19 exposure when using aerial equipment.
The Canadian Construction Association has released a recording of its very detailed webinar on the various financial assistance programs available for construction companies. Believe me, you will know how to apply after this one.
Export Development Canada is making loans available to larger companies ($50 to $300 million revenues) that can’t access finance through their regular channels.
Quebec has opened up commercial construction sites and developers are happy. But there’s little hope of getting back on schedule.
Experts warn that forehead thermometer checks are not enough to ensure workers don’t have COVID-19.
McMillan is hosting a webinar Friday to discuss construction sector recovery. There’s some big hitters on the panel.
May 8
Provincial workers compensation boards say they are only allowing claims for COVID infections if the workplace put the workers at increased risk for getting the virus. And you don’t even have to report if the worker’s case doesn’t seem to fit the criteria. But whether workers were put at risk will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis. If someone comes down with COVID in your company, are you better safe than sorry? One thing is for sure: PPE, distancing and handwashing are absolutely essential to protect your operation against claims.
Architects from around the world chime in in this Canadian Architect article on how the pandemic might permanently change how we think about cities and development. The fear of a return to suburban sprawl is palpable.
The construction season is going ahead in Saskatoon.
Trudeau is extending the CEWS through June.
Some people are not happy with Quebec reopening.
May 6
Do you love numbers? Here’s StatCan’s raw pandemic data since January.
Surrey. B.C., city council has approved an impressive slate of assistance measures for residents, including cuts to municipal development fees. How does it compare to what your jurisdiction is doing?
B.C. is going to allow municipalities to hold public hearings online to make sure no one loses the opportunity to scream about a proposed development in their area.
Quebec has pushed back the date for Montreal retail stores opening amid an increase in hospitalizations, but construction and manufacturing are still set to go on May 11.
Expiry of working-at-heights certificates in Ontario has been pushed back one year. If you got your certificate between February and August 2017, it is good for four years instead of three. In other words, you don’t have to update it this year.
May 5
SAWDAC has launched a petition calling on the federal government to save jobs and the environment with its promised $40,000 home renovation loan program.
FeneTech has taken its annual user conference virtual for the first time ever.
Clera Windows is being careful, offering video consultations.
Jeld-Wen has some advice on designing healthier indoor environments.
CFIB welcomes the start of reopening but praises a measured approach.
A step-by-step guide to applying for CEWS from the Canadian Business Resilience Network.
B.C. extends its temporary layoff period to 16 weeks.
May 4
The Winnipeg Construction Association will host a webinar May 6 on Implications of COVID-19 for the Surety Industry.
Something to keep in mind when trying to keep your staff safe: female workers can struggle with poorly fitting PPE.
Lots of horror stories circulating of landlords refusing to participate in the CECRA commercial rent relief program. The Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses has posted a template letter you can use to request CECRA rent relief from your landlord.
New Brunswick may have this thing licked.
Newfoundland goes a second day with no new cases, too.
May 1
Ontario expands list of allowable construction activities
Ontario guidelines for manufacturing operations
Alberta allowing utility payment deferrals until June 18, no service cutoffs
B.C. emergency benefit for workers open today
Manufacturing and construction exempted from north Saskatchewan travel restrictions
Quebec premier warns opening could be pushed back if situation worsens
New Brunswick won’t open border with PEI until July
Nova Scotia state of emergency extended through May 17
April 30
Quebec construction and manufacturing to open May 11, limits on workers allowed on shop floors
Lawyer’s podcast addresses construction issues with holdbacks, delays and more
On-Site speaks to Mary Van Buren, CCA president, on its efforts to guide policy for the reopening
Many concerns about CECRA – some landlords saying they will not participate
B.C. to release reopening plan next week
Real stimulus spending on infrastructure will be needed following pandemic
April 29
Lawyers across the country weigh in on force majeure and COVID effect on construction
CFIB survey shows some improvement in SME outlook
StatCan report on impact to businesses
Chamber offers five key considerations for opening economy
April 28
Vaughan, Ont., Chamber of Commerce YouTube presentation tomorrow on CEWS, CECRA
Canadian Construction Association webinar to address insurance losses
Ontario lays out phases of reopening
Skills Ontario launches Wacky Hair challenge
Over 10,000 businesses apply for CEWS on first day
April 27
NGA offering free webinar for fenestration industry on surviving COVID crisis
Ottawa to coordinate national economic opening plan
Businesses need to consider tax implications of CEWS
Federal wage subsidy open for applications
April 23
Centra Windows thanks health care providers
IAP program supports tech startups ineligible for CEWS
Saskatchewan to begin reopening May 4
Construction, COVID-19 and force majeure in Quebec
CSA hosting webinar describing online testing and inspection options
Manitoba offering no-interest forgivable loans to small businesses not eligible for federal relief
Most businesses in Toronto say they would close in three months without rent relief
April 22
Koabel’s overview of federal relief programs
FGIA transitions Summer Conference to online event
B.C. real estate association predicts slow 2020, strong rebound
Tiger Stop offering consultations on changing shop floor process
Nova Scotia small business grant deadline for application is Friday
Manitoba WCB returns surplus to employers
CEWS calculator is live online
CEWS money will not flow until May
Physical distancing posters for Ontario construction sites
CCA webinar on worksite health protocols happening tomorrow
April 21
Ontario Chamber of Commerce and Pearson airport report on efforts to maintain supply chains
Federal money to flow to regional development agencies
Canadian Security upcoming webinar on cybersecurity for at-home workers
Vancouver Regional Construction Association calls for stimulus infrastructure spending
Ontario health authorities suggesting growth in cases may have peaked
Ontario premier muses about gradual reopening
Great slideshow with images of construction sites adapted for pandemic safety
Cash flow, recession, decline in consumer spending top list of SME worries in CFIB survey
April 20
Ply Gem offering downloadable fun signs for windows
Veka providing PVC for hospital cable trunking
Fensterbau looking ahead to 2022
Residential construction resumes in Quebec
Money available to help Ontario firms retool to produce PPE
Montreal Manufacturing Technology Show postponed
Construction and manufacturing may recover relatively quickly once pandemic measures lifted
Ontario emergency order amended to allow release of construction lien holdbacks
Credit unions able to access CEBA funding
“The people I have to lay off are friends”
April 17
Bumpy road back for manufacturing
Surprise growth in February manufacturing sales
CFIB weighs in on federal assistance programs
Canadian Construction Association video outlining resources they have
Public Healthy Agency’s COVID-19 dashboard
Ivey interview with Goldy Hyder, CEO of BCC, on crisis leadership
Federal backgrounder on CERB including recent changes
Construction Record podcast compares COVID response across country
Quebec construction companies gearing up to start again next week
April 16
Message from Janice Yglesias, FGIA executive director
Toronto Construction Association CEO sees muddy waters ahead for contract disputes
CCOHS offering free industry-specific pandemic health tip sheets
CCA webinar: Managing your workforce remotely
Trudeau announces assistance for commercial landlords who lower or waive rent
Saskatchewan launches Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Program
April 15
Veka UK mixing plant to provide PVC for temporary hospital projects
Innisfail shows spirit with window art
Trudeau says provinces, Ottawa, in talks to open economy in stages
BC’s home renovators try to keep working
Ontario extends state of emergency to May 12
Ivey business school releases video on leadership in crisis
April 14
Grim outlook for residential architecture in U.S.
List of U.S. construction projects accepting bids
Quebec reopens residential construction
How to hold a professional video conference
Saskatchewan premier hoping to announce plan next week to re-open province
Proposal from the TABIA for rent relief for small businesses
Advice from CCOHS on bringing workplace together even when apart
COVID may delay construction on three Calgary schools
Toronto councillor calls for residential construction halt
Halifax Examiner calls open construction sites a “loophole”
April 13
Ottawa passes wage subsidy legislation with upgrades for small businesses
Changes from earlier proposals (per Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses) :
- Employers who qualify in one month qualify for eight weeks of support
- Businesses may compare March 2019 OR average Jan./Feb. 2020 revenues to determine revenue decline
- Accrual or cash accounting may be used to compare revenues
- Only 15 per cent reduction in March required to qualify. Threshold for April/May is still 30 per cent.
- Business owner and family member salaries are covered IF they are paid through usual payroll system and not through dividends
- More details
Canada Emergency Business Account loans to become available Thursday
BC workers concerned about life in remote work camps
Saskatchewan offering emergency support to small businesses
Ontario extends emergency orders to April 23
Quebec premier suggests construction could resume sooner than other sectors
Approaches to construction shutdown vary across the country
April 9
Richelieu comments on pandemic response
Pella launches virtual window-buying service
Major banks accepting Canada Emergency Business Account online applications today
Canadian Chamber of Commerce calls on parliament to swiftly pass CEWS
Trudeau warns anti-pandemic measures may be “new normal” until vaccine available
Federal minister of small business video with Chamber of Commerce discussing COVID impacts, aid
Calgary construction workers keeping it clean
Saskatchewan construction industry donates masks to health authorities
Municipalities, construction groups concerned about cost overruns on federal infrastructure projects
April 8
Windows part of keeping Canadians connected
Pollard’s COVID blog provides insight to our industry’s experience
Centra Windows outlines safety policy
Hanover reporting business as usual for now
Construction continues in Thunder Bay despite concerns
P.E.I. acts fast to modify jobsite guidelines
Osler law firm white paper explaining provincial essential services orders
Ottawa updates, clarifies and expands Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
Changes, per Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses:
1. Small firms will be able to compare gross revenue against either (a) the same month in 2019 or (b) January and February 2020. This will help new and rapidly growing firms gain access to the wage subsidy.
2. Only a 15% gross revenue decline will be needed in March (30% for April and May). Now firms that had a decent first half of March (but were hit in the second half) will be able to use the wage subsidy.
3. Firms will be able to choose between cash and accrual accounting to determine the 30% drop. This will help many firms whose gross revenue may look good on paper during the 3 months, but may not have the $ to pay wages.
The government has also clarified that pre-covid wages will be based on average weekly remuneration from Jan 1 to Mar 15, 2020.
Canada Post offering free emergency mail forwarding
CSA has made several workplace health-related standards free to download
April 7
Indoor humidity may affect virus transmission
CERB takes over 300,000 applications on first day
Ottawa, banks, near deal on small business loans
ConstructConnect lists delayed projects by province
Saskatchewan Construction Association wants work to continue
Manitoba to set up temporary hospitals
Construction concerns in New Brunswick
Sites working in Nova Scotia at a slower pace
April 6
Worker on Vancouver airport expansion site tests positive
Saskatchewan Construction Association collecting information on affected projects
Manitoba announces tax and payment deferrals
Manitoba construction orgs put guidelines in place for construction sites
CCQ list of continuing and suspended services
Difficulty with COVID safety on Atlantic sites
Health Canada guidelines for disinfecting workplaces
CD Howe institute calls for support for asset-based finance industry
Canadian Chamber of Commerce launches business conditions survey
Mixed reaction from small business to wage subsidy
April 3
Ontario shuts down commercial and industrial construction
EDC chief economist predicts terrible recession, even stronger recovery
What’s an essential service? Ottawa’s definition…
Toronto passes bylaw mandating social distancing in public – $5,000 fine
April 2
Arcola Building Supplies has come up with a novel use for All Weather’s products
6.6 million Americans file for unemployment benefits in one week
More details of federal wage subsidy released
Ontario considering shutting down construction sites
Quebec construction workers don’t want to lose construction holiday
Canada revenue agency hiring in anticipation of avalanche of benefits claims
WorkSafe BC releases safety guidelines for construction
April 1
Manitoba seeking businesses to provide supplies
Ontario state of emergency extended through April 13
Canadian Construction Association webinar tomorrow giving economic outlook for construction industry
CFIB reporting Canada Post will waive fees for forwarding business mail to home addresses. Nothing on the Canada Post site about this yet.
Ontario Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development warns jobsites will be shut down if they don’t sanitize toilets.
March 31
Manitoba orders non-essential businesses closed, manufacturing and construction exempted
BC Construction Association calls for input to inform lobbying efforts
Feds extend wage subsidy eligibility to any company seeing 30% revenue drop
Canadian Construction Association best practices for construction sites during pandemic
Mass gathering limits
BC – 50
Alberta – 10
Saskatchewan – 10
Manitoba – 10
Ontario – 5
Quebec – 2
New Brunswick – 10
Nova Scotia – 5
P.E.I. – 5
Newfoundland and Labrador – not specified “avoid crowds”
March 30
AXYZ invites fabricators to group making PPE and other COVID-fighting products
Ontario updates construction site guidelines
Ontario bans gatherings of more than five people
O’Leary predicts three-month shutdown, gives coping and investment advice
Ontario keeping highway service centres open for truckers
March 27
Golden Windows to reduce operations:
“In light of the COVID-19 Pandemic declaration by the World Health Organization and the Government of Canada,
Golden Windows has been taking various precautionary measures and adjusting our operations to ensure the health
and safety of our employees, vendors and customers. At this time, we have reached the decision to operate on a very limited scale while ceasing plant operations from Monday, March 30, 2020 to Friday, April 10, 2020, with our full return on Monday, April 13, 2020. To our valued customers – if you have any questions related to an order, delivery, or service, please contact your sales representative. Also, you can continue to process your payments as always. We are taking this situation seriously and want to ensure that we all remain healthy and safe. May you experience health and peace during these trying times!”
The cure is not worse than the disease: Bloomberg
Small business group petitioning for government support
Statement from Canadian Construction Association
March 26
Feds to send $2,000 per month to support laid off and sick workers
WorkSafe BC to enforce social distancing on construction sites
Alberta Construction Association urges government to keep sites open
Ontario WSIB to allow payment deferral
Quebec construction union wants to keep working with safety measures
CCOHS makes courses and publications available to help workplaces
March 25
Fenestration Canada launches COVID-19 Hub
March 24
Quebec window and door industry ordered to shut down
Ontario window and door companies may remain open
March 20
Pandemic expert advises fenestration industry to expect more government orders
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