The Government of Canada announced Friday, Oct. 9, that new supports are coming to help businesses and organizations hit hardest by COVID-19.

“The government plans to introduce legislation to provide support that would help these businesses safely get through the second wave of the virus and the winter, cover costs so they can continue to serve their communities, and be positioned for a strong recovery.”

Included in the plan is a new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy which is intended to provide easy-to-access rent and mortgage support until June 2021 for qualifying organizations.

Unlike previous rent assistance programs, the proposed subsidy would be provided directly to tenants, available on a sliding scale up to a maximum of 65 per cent of eligible expenses until Dec. 19.

In addition, a top of 25 per cent of the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy for organizations temporarily shut down by a mandatory public health order, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy.

The government has also proposed extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy until June 2021, with levels of 65 per cent of eligible wages covered until Dec. 19.

Also proposed is an expansion of the Canadian Emergency Business Account (CEBA), enabling businesses and not-for-profit groups eligible to access an interest-free loan of up to $20,000.