We are here for you and your business during COVID-19.
Running and Marketing Your Business During Coronavirus
To our loyal small and medium-sized business clients,
We recognize that, as members of the communities and consumers you serve, businesses like yours may be experiencing unexpected challenges due to COVID-19. DRMG is committed to providing you as much support as possible and continues to help Canadians Save, Businesses Grow, and Neighbourhoods Thrive.
At DRMG, we are closely monitoring the evolving situation from all perspectives by focusing on our people, our families, our clients, and our communities. DRMG is working to ensure that we continue to provide the level of service you have come to expect.
Read and bookmark this page to stay up to date and keep your business informed on Canadian developments.
Government Updates, Tools & Resources
Following advice from Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, on April 3, 2020, Ontario updated the list of essential businesses that can remain open. The restrictions are aimed at further reducing contact between people and stopping the spread of COVID-19. By 11:59 p.m. Saturday, April 4, 2020, businesses that are not identified on this list must close their physical locations.
In this short video, Doug Ettinger, President and CEO of Canada Post, speaks to Canadians about the postal service during COVID-19. As the situation caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) quickly evolves, we want to assure you that Canada Post is doing everything they can to keep our communities safe.
There has never been a documented incident whereby the COVID-19 virus has been transmitted from a print newspaper, print magazine, print letter, or print package, according to the world’s top doctors and scientists. To read the full article, click here.
Canada has just announced wage subsidies for small businesses will go up to 75% from 10%. This is great news for small businesses and their workers, increasing their ability to keep staff on the payroll.
The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), in conjunction with the Government of Ontario, has developed a financial relief package worth $1.9 billion to help employers reduce the financial burden of the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation.
Canada’s Minister of Health, announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19.
The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
The government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. For details, visit canada.ca.
The Ontario Government has announced it would temporarily reduce Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing to an off-peak flat rate to lighten the burden on people while staying at home to slow the spread of COVID-19. This will be in effect for a period of 45 days. For information, visit Hydro One.
Ontario orders the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. The list of essential workplaces has been released.
The Government of Canada is asking suppliers about their ability to provide products and services. For the list of products and services, click here. The Ontario Government is also asking for help from businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions. For the list of products and innovations, click here.
The Canadian Revenue Agency has updated messaging on payment deadlines for individuals, businesses and has extended the deadline for charities.
Canada Post is doing everything possible to maintain the services you rely on while keeping people safe. Read the full update from Doug Ettinger on Canada Post’s response to COVID-19.
Justin Trudeau announces a new set of economic measures to stabilize the economy and support Canadian workers and businesses. This plan supports:
- Additional support through loans, guarantees and insurance policies through the Canada Account
- Temporary wage subsidies to help prevent lay-offs
- Flexibility for filing taxes with the Canadian Revenue Agency
- Ensuring access to credit through the Business Credit Availability Program
- Additional financial market liquidity through an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program
For details on this and how to support your workers, please see: Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
Canada’s six largest banks yesterday announced plans to provide financial relief to Canadians impacted by the economic consequences of COVID‑19.
For details please see: Canadian Bankers Association
Resources, Toolkits & Guides
Download the Canada Business App, from the Government of Canada, to see how easy it is to navigate government services, get recommendations tailored to your business, set up personalized notifications and find the answers you need to start up, scale up and access new markets.
DRMG’s network brings you valuable information from BDO. Click here to view a presentation on Cash Flow Strategies and Government Incentives in the Time of COVID-19.
Google is suspending review and Q&A functionality during the unprecedented COVID-19 situation. New reviews, review replies, and new Q&A will be unavailable during this time. New reviews will not be posted publicly. For Google’s complete Help article on the issue, click here. To stay updated, visit Google’s COVID-19 Business Page.
The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) is providing regular Coronavirus (COVID-19) updates and resources for the CFA member community to stay informed and be prepared.
Facebook offers $100M in Small Business Grants to up to 30,000 eligible small businesses in over 30 countries. To sign up for updates, visit the Facebook Small Business Grants webpage.
In a crisis or economic downturn, how can boards, senior management and risk managers act so that they can safeguard the business and discover opportunities? In this publication, KPMG has compiled a series of business continuity insights to help businesses across all sectors stay on course.
Industry Specific Trends
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| Restaurants | With the recent closures of on-site dining, many restaurants are offering Takeout, Delivery or Curb-side pickup during this time. Now is the time to change your ads to highlight these options and continue reaching the families counting on you. |
| Landscaping | With many customers working from home, it’s a great time for people to get that landscaping project completed under their full control. Highlight the enhanced sanitation practices that you are offering. |
| Home Improvement | With customers even closer to their mailboxes and looking to get household projects finalized, both indoor and outdoor, get creative with your messaging. Share the preventative measures your team is taking and encourage phone consultations, virtual walkthroughs and free estimates. There are so many ways to keep in ‘touch’ with customers looking to renovate. |
| Entertainment | Get social! Interact with customers on their favourite movies, live stream a show or sell a discounted membership for when business returns to normal. |
| Personal Service | Many establishments are offering live streams of their professional service to interact with your customers and help them through a trying time. Offer prepayment for future appointments. |
| Professional Service | Communication is key! Let your customers know you are here for them by keeping them updated on your office status. Offer emergency services per request and call clients to pre book future appointments. |
Credible Information Sources
Health updates within Canada:
International updates:
Travel updates:
Best business practices:
Our Promise During This Time:
We have taken proactive measures for business continuity, and remain fully operational and are actively distributing our clients’ marketing campaigns across our suite of products. Working closely with our strategic partner, Canada Post, your message and our products continue to be delivered directly to the mailbox and to homes, through their vast network of carriers.
During the coming days and weeks, we will be sharing relevant information, resources and reference links from reputable sources, plus industry-specific ideas, including leveraging our shared experiences and best practices for small and medium businesses.
