Government response plan for Canada, Québec, Ontario ... · Martin Legault, David H. Benarroch,...

Government response plan for Canada,Québec, Ontario, British Columbia andAlberta

APRIL 8, 2020

Authors : Claude Jodoin, Ryan Rabinovitch, Ronald Nobrega, Paul Casuccio, Mike CoburnMartin Legault, David H. Benarroch, Danny Galarneau Soraya Jamal, Puyang Zhao, Matthew Wilkins

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ContentCANADA - For individuals ............................................................................. 6Financial Assistance 6Tax Measures 9

CANADA - For businesses.......................................................................... 15Financial Assistance 15Tax Measures 23

QUÉBEC - For individuals........................................................................... 27Financial Assistance 27

QUÉBEC - For businesses ......................................................................... 35Financial Assistance 35Tax Measures 41

CITY OF MONTRÉAL - For individuals ...................................................... 46

CITY OF MONTRÉAL - For businesses ..................................................... 47Financial Assistance 47Tax Measures 48

QUÉBEC CITY- For individuals .................................................................. 50Tax measures 50

QUÉBEC CITY- For businesses ................................................................. 51Financial assistance 51Tax measures 53


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ONTARIO - For individuals ......................................................................... 54Financial Assistance 54

ONTARIO - For businesses ........................................................................ 57Financial Assistance 57Tax Measures 57

CITY OF TORONTO - For individuals ........................................................ 60Financial Assistance 60

Tax Measures 60

CITY OF TORONTO - For businesses ....................................................... 61Financial Assistance 61Tax Measures 61

BRITISH COLUMBIA - For individuals ....................................................... 62Financial Assistance 62

Tax Measures 64

BRITISH COLUMBIA - For businesses ...................................................... 66Financial Assistance 66Tax Measures 66

CITY OF VANCOUVER .............................................................................. 69Financial Assistance 69

None announced. 69Tax Measures 69

ALBERTA- For individuals .......................................................................... 70Financial assistance 70


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Tax measures 73

ALBERTA - For businesses ........................................................................ 75Financial Assistance 75

Tax Measures 77

CITY OF CALGARY- For individuals .......................................................... 79Financial Assistance 79

CITY OF CALGARY - For businesses ........................................................ 80Financial Assistance 80Tax Measures 80

CITY OF EDMONTON- For individuals ...................................................... 81Tax Measures 81

CITY OF EDMONTON - For businesses .................................................... 82Tax Measures 82

Your Dedicated Team - Montreal ................................................................ 83

Your Dedicated Team - Québec ................................................................. 84

Your Dedicated Team - Toronto ................................................................. 85

Your Dedicated Team - Vancouver............................................................. 86

Your Dedicated Team - Calgary ................................................................. 87


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The information provided in this document is not legal advice. It is intended solely to provide generalinformation for the reader who accepts full responsibility for its use.

The information set out herein is limited to measures announced on or before April 8, 2020.

The sections that have been updated to reflect today’s announcements are highlighted in yellow.

CANADA - For individualsFinancial Assistance

MEASURES WHO? WHAT? CONDITIONS NOTES

Increase in Canada ChildBenefit (CCB)

Families with childreneligible for CCB.

Increase of $300 for the 2019-2020 year per child.

$300 increase per child aspart of the May payment.

Mortgage support Individuals. Payment deferral beginningimmediately (up to 6 months), loanre-amortization, capitalization ofoutstanding interest arrears andother eligible expenses, andspecial payment arrangements.

Employment insurance Waiver of the one-week waitingperiod for individuals in imposedquarantine that claim EmploymentInsurance (EI) sickness benefits.

Waiver of the requirement toprovide a medical certificate toaccess.

People who cannot complete theirclaim for EI sickness benefits dueto quarantine may apply later andhave their EI claim backdated tocover the period of delay.

Canadians who are sick,quarantined or forced to stay hometo care for children.

In effect as of March 15,2020.

Canada EmergencyResponse Benefit (CERB)

Workers who havestopped working andare withoutemployment or self-

$2,000 a month for up to fourmonths.

Canadians who are at least 15years old, have stopped workingbecause of COVID-19 or areeligible for EI regular or sickness

Administered and deliveredby CRA. Onlineapplications can now bemade using the prescribed


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MEASURES WHO? WHAT? CONDITIONS NOTESemployment incomefor reasons related toCOVID-19 regardlessof whether or not theworker is entitled toEI.

benefits. The worker must have hadincome of at least $5 000 in 2019 orin the 12 months prior to theapplication date. The worker mustexpect to be without employment orself-employment income for at least14 consecutive days in the initialfour-week period.

form. The benefit isavailable from March 15,2020, to October 3, 2020.You can apply untilDecember 2, 2020.

The income of at least$5,000 may be from any ora combination of thefollowing sources:employment; self-employment; maternity andparental benefits under theEI program and/or similarbenefits paid in Quebecunder the Quebec ParentalInsurance Plan. The $5 000does not need to be earnedin Canada. Non-eligibledividends (generally, thosepaid out of corporateincome taxed at the smallbusiness rate) can becomputed towards the$5,000 income requirementto be eligible for CERB.

It is a single payment for a4-week period.

The benefit is taxable. Noincome tax withholding isapplicable.


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The benefit is only availableto individuals who stoppedwork and are not earningemployment or self-employment income as aresult of reasons related toCOVID-19. If you have notstopped working becauseof COVID-19, you are noteligible for the Benefit.

If the worker is alreadyreceiving EI regularbenefits, he will continue toreceive these benefits untilthe end of his benefitperiod. If he was eligible forEI benefits that startedbefore March 15, 2020, andthese benefits end beforeOctober 3, 2020, he maythen apply for the CERB ifhe meets the eligibilityrequirements.

No one can be paid EIbenefits and the CERB forthe same period.

This program replaces theEmergency Income Supportfor People Unable to Workand the Long Term Income


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MEASURES WHO? WHAT? CONDITIONS NOTESSupport.

Canadians would begin toreceive their CERBpayments within 10 days ofapplication.

Increased GST credit The average boost to income forthose benefitting from thismeasure will be close to $400 forsingle individuals and close to$600 for couples. This will inject$5.5 billion into the economy.

Canada student loans Students Six-month interest-free moratoriumon the repayment of CanadaStudent Loans.

In the process of repaying theloans.

Effective March 30, 2020.

OTHER MEASURES ARE AIMED AT SPECIFIC GROUPS:- Homeless people- Women and children fleeing violence including sexual assault.- Indigenous Community

Tax Measures

INDIVIDUALS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Filing of income tax return forindividuals

April 30, 2020 June 1, 2020 CRA will recognize electronicsignatures as a temporaryadministrative measure to authorizetax preparers to file tax returns inorder to avoid the necessity of


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INDIVIDUALS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTESmeeting in person.

Filing of income tax return forindividuals who (or whose spouse)operate an enterprise

June 15, 2020 N/A. CRA will recognize electronicsignatures as a temporaryadministrative measure to authorizetax preparers to file tax returns inorder to avoid the necessity ofmeeting in person.

Filing of income tax return fortrusts

March 30, 2020 (if December 31 year-end)

May 1, 2020 (if December 31 year-end)

CRA will recognize electronicsignatures as a temporaryadministrative measure to authorizetax preparers to file tax returns inorder to avoid the necessity ofmeeting in person.

Income tax payment for individuals April 30, 2020 After August 31, 2020 No interest or penalties.

Applies to any amount that becomesowing on or after March 18, 2020 andbefore September 2020.

Applies to: tax balances due, as wellas instalments, under Part I ofthe Income Tax Act.

Payment of income tax forindividuals who (or whose spouse)operate an enterprise

April 30, 2020 After August 31, 2020 No interest or penalties.


Applies to: tax balances due, as wellas instalments, under Part I of


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INDIVIDUALS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTESthe Income Tax Act.

Self-employed individuals who arerequired to remit GST/HST amountsall qualify for the relief given tocorporations described below.

Payment of income tax for trusts After August 31, 2020 No interest or penalties.


Applies to: tax balances due, as wellas instalments, under Part I ofthe Income Tax Act.

Holders of a Registered RetirementIncome Fund (RRIF)

Must make mandatory annualwithdrawals (Mandatory amount in %is subject to the age of holder).

Reduced minimum withdrawal amountby 25%.

Similar rules would apply toindividuals receiving variable benefitpayments under a defined contributionRegistered Pension Plan.

Tax audits, verification andcollection activities

N.A. Suspended. No new audits being launched.

No requests for information related toexisting audits.

No audits should be finalized and noreassessments should be issued.

Collections activities on new debts aresuspended.

Payment arrangements can be made.


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Administrative Tax Measures Due between March 18, 2020 andJune 1, 2020

June 1, 2020 These administrative income taxactions include returns, elections,designations and information requestsThis measure does not include trustreturns (T3), Partnership returns(T5013), and statement of amountspaid or credited to non-residents(NR4) all required by May 1, 2020.

Note that payroll deductions paymentsand all related activities are excludedfrom this measure.

Notices of Objection N.A. June 30, 2020 Any notices of objection due March18 or later, the deadline is effectivelyextended until June 30, 2020.

Any notices of objection related toCanadians' entitlement to benefits andcredits have been identified as acritical service and will continue to beprocessed during the COVID-19crisis. As a result, there should not beany delays associated with theprocessing of these objections.

CPP/EI Appeals to the Minister The CPP/EI appeals program iscurrently only actioning appeals thatare related to cases where EI benefitsare pending. These cases will betreated on a priority basis. All otherappeals will be actioned when normalservices resume.


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In addition, CPP/EI Appeals willexercise discretion on a case by casebasis when additional time is requiredto respond to a request.

In cases where taxpayers wish to filean appeal in relation to a CPP/EIruling decision, they are encouragedto do so through MyAccount to avoidpotential delays.

Tax Court of Canada Procedures(TCC)

N.A. N.A. All sittings and conferences callsscheduled between March 16, 2020and May 1, 2020 inclusively arecancelled and that the Court and itsRegistry offices will be closed untilfurther notice.

The TCC announced that it issuspending, from March 16, 2020 toMay 1, 2020, the time limits providedfor in the Tax Court of Canada Rulesand any TCC orders and directionsmade prior to March 16, 2020.

The statutory deadlines for filingnotices of appeal from income taxassessments and reassessments andGST assessments andreassessments continue to apply.

The notices of appeal required to be


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INDIVIDUALS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTESfiled within these statutory deadlinesmust be filed electronically or bytelecopier. Where no statutorydeadline applies, taxpayers are askedto wait and file their notices of appealonce the Court resumes itsoperations.


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CANADA - For businessesFinancial Assistance

MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTES

Canada EmergencyWage Subsidy

On April 1, 2020 FinanceMinister Bill Morneauannounced that the measurenow applies to individuals,taxable corporations, andpartnerships consisting ofeligible employers as well asnon‑profit organizations andregistered charities.

Public bodies which includemunicipalities and localgovernments, Crowncorporations, publicuniversities, colleges, schoolsand hospitals are not eligiblefor this subsidy.

Subsidy equal to 75% ofremuneration paid of thefirst $58,700 normallyearned by employees,representing a benefit of upto $847 per week. Theprogram would be in placefor a 12-week period, fromMarch 15 to June 6, 2020.

There would be no overalllimit on the subsidy amountthat an eligible employermay claim.

If the organization does notqualify for the CanadaEmergency Wage Subsidy,it may continue to qualifyfor the previouslyannounced wage subsidy of10 % of remuneration paidfrom March 18 to beforeJune 20, up to a maximumsubsidy of $1,375 peremployee and $25,000 peremployer. The measurewould only targetCanadian-controlled private

Eligible employers whosuffer a drop in grossrevenues of at least 15 percent in March or 30 percent in April or May, whencompared to either thesame month in 2019 or anaverage of their revenueearned in January andFebruary 2020, would beable to access the subsidy.The subsidy received willnot be accounted for incomputing the March, Aprilor May 2020 revenues.

For eligible employersestablished after February2019, eligibility would bedetermined by comparingmonthly revenues to areasonable benchmark.

The 30% revenue droprequirement does not applyfor the 10% wage subsidy.

The wage subsidy will be paid on amonthly basis, a new application willhave to be submitted for each month.The wage subsidy will be a taxablebenefit taxed as government assistance

An employer’s revenue must be derivedfrom its business carried on in Canadaand earned from arm’s-length sources.Employer’s must use one of theaccounting methods described below,and need to exclude revenues fromextraordinary items and amounts onaccount of capital.

Employers will be allowed to measurerevenues either on the basis of accrualaccounting (as they are earned) or cashaccounting (as they are received).Special rules would also be provided toaddress issues for corporate groups,non-arm’s length entities and jointventures. Employers will be required touse the same approach for the entireduration of the program.

Registered charities and non-profitorganizations would also be able tobenefit from the additional flexibilities


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MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTEScorporations eligible to thesmall business deduction,eligible partnerships, non-profit organizations andregistered charities.

being provided to employers withrespect to the revenue loss calculation.Charities and non-profit organizationswill be allowed to choose to include orexclude government funding in theirrevenues for the purpose of applyingthe revenue reduction test. Thegovernment will continue to work withthe sector to ensure the definition ofrevenue is appropriate to their specificcircumstances.

Eligible remuneration may includesalary, wages, and other remunerationlike taxable benefits. However, it doesnot include severance pay, or itemssuch as stock option benefits or thepersonal use of a corporate vehicle.There is no limit on the subsidy amountthat an eligible employer may claim.

A special rule will apply to employeesthat do not deal at arm’s length with theemployer. The subsidy amount for suchemployees will be limited to the eligibleremuneration paid in any pay periodbetween March 15 and June 6, 2020,up to a maximum benefit of the lesser of$847 per week and 75 per cent of theemployee’s pre-crisis weeklyremuneration. The subsidy would onlybe available in respect of non-arm’slength employees employed prior to


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MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESMarch 15, 2020.

There would be no overall limit on thesubsidy amount that an eligibleemployer may claim. Employers mustmake their best effort to top-upemployees’ salaries to bring them topre-crisis levels. Eligible employerswould be able to access the subsidy byapplying through a CRA online portal.

Eligibility for the CEWS of anemployee’s remuneration, will be limitedto employees that have not beenwithout remuneration for more than 14consecutive days in the eligibility period,i.e., from March 15 to April 11, fromApril 12 to May 9, and from May 10 toJune 6.

This rule replaces the previouslyannounced restriction that an employerwould not be eligible to claim the CEWSfor remuneration paid to an employee ina week that falls within a 4-week periodfor which the employee is eligible for theCERB.

Wages subsidy will reduce the amountof remuneration expenses eligible forother federal tax credits calculated onthe same remuneration.

An employer will have to choose


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MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESbetween the “75% wage subsidy” or the“10% wage subsidy”. They will not becumulative although they will beintegrated for employers who havealready claimed the 10% wage subsidy.

The expected timeline to start receivingfunds is between 3-6 weeks. Employersare encouraged to immediately starthiring back employees.

If an employer does not qualify, he orshe will be required to refund theamounts paid. To counter fraudulentclaims, there will be penalties that mayinclude fines and penalties (25% of thesubsidy claimed) or even imprisonment.

Refund for CertainPayroll Contributions

Employers eligible for CEWS 100 per cent refund forcertain employer-paidcontributions toEmployment Insurance, theCanada Pension Plan, theQuebec Pension Plan, andthe Quebec ParentalInsurance Plan

For employer-paidcontributions for eligibleemployees for each weekthroughout which thoseemployees are on leavewith pay and for which theemployer is eligible to claimfor the CEWS for thoseemployees.

In general, an employee will beconsidered to be on leave with paythroughout a week if that employee isremunerated by the employer for thatweek but does not perform any work forthe employer in that week. This refundwould not be available for eligibleemployees that are on leave with payfor only a portion of a week.

This refund would not be subject to theweekly maximum benefit per employeeof $847 that an eligible employer mayclaim in respect of the CEWS. Therewould be no overall limit on the refundamount that an eligible employer may


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MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESclaim.

For greater certainty, employers wouldbe required to continue to collect andremit employer and employeecontributions to each program as usual.Eligible employers would apply for arefund at the same time that they applyfor the CEWS.

Extending worksharing program

Workers who agree to reducetheir normal working hours

EI benefits subject tocurrent employmentconditions.

The maximum duration of the worksharing program is extended from 38 to76 weeks.

Cutting interest rates Cutting interest rate to0.75%.

Lowering the domesticstability buffer of risk-weighted assets

Banks $300 billion. Lowering the domestic stability buffer by1.25% will allow Canada’s large banksto inject $300 billion of additionallending into the economy.

Launch an insuremortgage purchaseProgram

Bank and Mortgage Lenders $50 billion Details of the terms of thepurchase operations will beprovided to lenders byCanada Mortgage andHousing Corporation(CMHC) later this week.

Government will purchase up to $50billion of insured mortgage poolsthrough the CMHC.

Business creditavailability program:

Development Bank ofCanada (BDC)

SME’s $ 65 billion BDC and EDC cooperating with privatesector lenders.

EDC is offering banks a guarantee onloans to ensure companies can access


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MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTES- and -Export DevelopmentCanada (EDC)

more cash.

EDC is working with financialinstitutions so that they can issue newoperating credit and cash flow termloans of up to $6.25 million to SME’S.

The BDC is working with financialinstitutions to co-lend term loans toSMEs for up to $6.25 million for theiroperational cash flow requirements.

Loans to theagricultural industry

Farm Credit Canada $5 billion Farm Credit Canada received anenhancement to its capital base that willallow for an additional $5 billion inlending capacity.

Farm Credit Canada has also placedthe following measures in place:

deferral of principal and interestpayments up to six months for existingloans; or deferral of principal paymentsup to 12 months; and

access to an additional credit line up to$500,000, secured by general securityagreements or universal movablehypothec (Québec only).

Access to Credit Banks Broadening the range ofeligible collateral

Support for the CanadaMortgage Bond (CMB)

Inclusion of a range of collateralaccepted as eligible collateral under theStanding Liquidity Facility, with theexception of the non-mortgage loan


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MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESmarket. portfolio.

Purchase of CMBs in the secondarymarket as required.

Bank of CanadaActions

All businesses The Bank has responded by loweringinterest rates, intervening to support keyfinancial markets and providing liquiditysupport for financial institutions.

New CanadaEmergency BusinessAccount

SME’s

Not for profits

$ 40 000 loan Organizations will need todemonstrate they paidbetween $50,000 to $1million in total payroll in2019.

Applications are now available.

Loan will be interest free for the firstyear.

Repaying the balance of the loan on orbefore December 31, 2022 will result inloan forgiveness of 25 per cent (up to$10,000).

New SME Loan andGuarantee program

SME’s $12.5 million loan Intended for SMEs thatrequire greater help to meettheir operational cash flowrequirements for SMEsaffected by COVID-19

Supported through EDC and the BDC,the program that will enable up to $40billion in lending.

Assistance for TourismIndustry

Tourism operators

SME’s

Affected by COVID-19 andneed pressing assistance

Contact regional development agencies(“RDA”) for assistance with federalfunding and services.

BDC Support forEntrepreneurs

Businesses Business must have beenimpacted directly or

Working capital loans of up to $2 millionwith flexible repayment terms such asprincipal postponements for qualifyingbusinesses.


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MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESindirectly by recent events.

Business must have beenfinancially viable prior to theimpact of COVID-19.

Reduced rates on new eligible loans.

Flexible repayment terms, such aspostponement of principal payments forup to 6 months, for existing BDC clientswith total BDC loan commitment of $1million or less.


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Tax Measures

CORPORATIONS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Filing of income tax return Within six months of the endof its fiscal year.

N.A. No relief for corporations filing of income tax return.

Income tax payment Within six months of the endof its fiscal year.

After August 31, 2020. No interest or penalties.

Applies to any amount that becomes owing on orafter March 18, 2020 and before September 2020.

Applies to: tax balances due, as well as instalments,under Part I of the Income Tax Act.

Payment of GST/HST Monthly/Quarterly/Annually June 30, 2020 Equivalent to $30 billion interest free loans tobusinesses.

No relief measures were announced in regards tothe filing of GST/HST returns.

The deferral will apply to GST/HST remittances forthe February, March and April 2020 reportingperiods for monthly filers; the January 1, 2020through March 31, 2020 reporting period forquarterly filers; and for annual filers, the amountscollected and owing for their previous fiscal yearand instalments of GST/HST in respect of the filer’scurrent fiscal year.

This relief measure does not clearly address thesituation of registrants who file on a quarterly basisbut whose fiscal year-end is not December 31. Suchbusinesses should contact the CRA to confirmwhether they benefit from the deferral.


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Self-employed individuals are also targeted by thismeasure.

Payment of custom duties Before the first day of themonth following the month inwhich the Statements ofAccount are issued.

June 30, 2020 Applies to custom duties in respect of March, Apriland May Statements of Account.


N.A. Suspended. No new audits being launched.

No requests for information related to existingaudits.

No audits should be finalized and no reassessmentsshould be issued.

Banks and employers do not need to comply orremit on existing Requirements To Pay (RTP)

Collections activities on new debts are suspended.

Payment arrangements can be made.

Objection request N.A. June 30, 2020 For any notices of objection due March 18 or later,the deadline is effectively extended until June 30,2020.

Any objections related to Canadians' entitlement tobenefits and credits have been identified as a criticalservice and will continue to be processed during theCOVID-19 crisis. As a result, there should not beany delays associated with the processing of theseobjections.


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Administrative Tax Measures Due between March 18, 2020and June 1, 2020

June 1, 2020 These administrative income tax actions includereturns, elections, designations and informationrequests This measure does not include trustreturns (T3), Partnership returns (T5013), andStatement of Amounts

Paid or Credited to Non-Residents (NR4) allrequired by May 1, 2020.

Note that payroll deductions payments and allrelated activities are excluded from this measure.

Tax Court of Canada Procedures(TCC)

N.A. N.A. All sittings and conferences calls scheduledbetween March 16, 2020 and May 1, 2020inclusively are cancelled and that the Court and itsRegistry offices will be closed until further notice.

The TCC announced that it is suspending, fromMarch 16, 2020 to May 1, 2020, the time limitsprovided for in the Tax Court of Canada Rules andany TCC orders and directions made prior to March16, 2020.

The statutory deadlines for filing notices of appealfrom income tax assessments and reassessmentsand GST assessments and reassessments continueto apply.

The notices of appeal required to be filed withinthese statutory deadlines must be filed electronicallyor by telecopier. Where no statutory deadlineapplies, taxpayers are asked to wait and file theirnotices of appeal once the Court resumes its


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CORPORATIONS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTESoperations.

Transfer Pricing Relief Requests for contemporaneous documentation thatwere made prior to April 1, 2020 having a deadlineof March 18, 2020 or later will be consideredcancelled and will be re-issued at a later date,providing the maximum amount of time of 3 monthsto submit the documentation.

CHARITIES REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Charities Information Return Between March 18 andDecember 31, 2020 December 31, 2020 This will allow charities more time to complete and

submit their T3010.

PARTNERSHIPS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Partnership Returns May 1, 2020

NON-RESIDENTS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Statement of Amounts Paid orCredited to Non-Residents May 1, 2020

LIST OF NO RELIEF MEASURES- Payroll taxes; and- Withholding on payment to non-residents.


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QUÉBEC - For individualsFinancial Assistance


Workers' compensation Québec residents who are 18years of age and over.

In isolation because theyhave contracted the virus,present symptoms of thevirus, have been in contactwith a person who hascontracted the virus or, havereturned from abroad.

Not receiving compensationfrom the employer, have noprivate insurance and notcovered by anothergovernment program (i.e.employment insurance).

$573/week for a period of 14days of isolation.

If justified for health reasons,the coverage period could beextended for a maximum of28 days.

Student Loans Students Suspension all student loansrepayments for 6 months.

Must be a client of the Aidefinancière aux études whichincludes a person whoseaccount is in collection.

No additional interest will becharged or added to the debt.

No action is required, themeasure is automaticallyapplicable.

This measure applies even ifyour file is in collection.


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Tax credit for seniors Seniors A four-month extension hasbeen granted for the renewalof the advanced payments forthe tax credit for home-support services to seniors.

The payments underway aremaintained until the renewal.

Shelter Allowance Program Person benefiting from theShelter Allowance Program

The renewal date forpayments relating to theShelter Allowance Programis postponed until December1, 2020.

The payments underway aremaintained until renewal.

Hydro Québec All customers No cut off power to anyonefor non-payment.

Starting Monday, March 23,Hydro Québec will stopapplying administrationcharges for unpaid bills untilfurther notice for allcustomers. Customersunable to pay their electricitybills over the coming monthswill thus not be penalized.They can enter into apayment arrangement withHydro Québec to deferpayment.

There will be no plannedservice interruptions forsystem maintenance, with


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MEASURES WHO? WHAT? CONDITIONS NOTESthe exception of those thatare absolutely necessary.


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Tax Measures

INDIVIDUALS REGULARDEADLINE

RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Filing of income tax return for general individuals April 30, 2020 June 1, 2020 Revenu Québec will allow tax preparers to use anonline electronic signature on form TP-1000.TEV.

Payment of income tax for general individuals April 30, 2020 September 1, 2020

Filing of income tax returns, individuals who (orwhose spouse) operate a business, is responsiblefor a family resource or intermediary

June 15, 2020 N.A. Date for filing of income tax return remainsunchanged. However, there is relief for the date of taxpayment.

Revenu Québec will allow tax preparers to use anonline electronic signature on form TP-1000.TEV.

Payment of income tax for individuals who operate(or whose spouse operates) a business.

April 30, 2020 September 1, 2020 This includes the annual fee for registration in theCompany Register.

Filing income tax return of a deceased person whodied in 2019 before December 1, 2019

April 30 - May 30,2020

June 1, 2020

Payment of QPP, RQAP, FSS, RAMQ contributions April 30, 2020 September 1, 2020

Instalments June 15, 2020 September 1, 2020

Holders of a Registered Retirement Income Fund(RRIF)

Must make mandatoryannual withdrawals(Mandatory amount in% is subject to the ageof holder).

Reduced minimumwithdrawal amountby 25%.


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RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Tax audits, verification and collection activities N.A. Suspended. Revenu Québec will show flexibility in respect ofpayment agreements.

Administrative tax actions where the deadline wouldfall within the period beginning on March 17, 2020and ending on May 31, 2020

June 1, 2020 Administrative tax measures, including asserting aright, providing information, sending a document orfiling an election.

This applies to tax actions other than returns that arealready subject to a deferral date, including:corporate income tax returns; elections provided forunder Québec tax legislation or regulations, such as arollover (except for QST elections that are harmonizedwith the GST); application for a tax credit where onewould have to file a document; application for a FuelTax refund; response to information requests fromRevenu Québec; mandatory or preventive disclosureof aggressive tax planning; application for the Québeceducation savings incentive (QESI).

Notice of Objection June 30, 2020 The deadline for filing a Notice of Objection whichexpires in the period beginning on March 15, 2020and ending on June 29, 2020 is extended to June 30,2020.

Tax Appeals The time-limits applicable for filing a notice of appealare suspended from March 15, 2020 until the expiry ofthe emergency period.

This suspension also applies to : appeals to the Courtof Quebec; summary appeals to the Small ClaimsDivision of the Court of Quebec; applications for


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RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

review of a decision of the Minister of Revenuerefusing an extension of time to file an objection; andapplications for an extension of time to file an appealor a summary appeal.

TRUSTS(other than specified investment

flow-through (SIFT) trust)

REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Filing of tax return for trusts March 30, 2020 (if December 31 year-end).

May 1, 2020 (if December 31 year-end).

Other than a testamentary trustsubject to the graduated rate tax.

Filing of tax return for atestamentary trust subject to thegraduated rate tax

May 1, 2020 Taxation year must end in 2019.

Filing of tax return deadline mustotherwise be after March 16, 2020.

Tax payment 90 days after tax year-end. September 1, 2020 (if December 31year-end).

This includes the annual fee forregistration in the Company Register.

Payment of QPP, RQAP, FSS,RAMQ contributions

April 30, 2020 September 1, 2020

Instalments June 15, 2020 September 1, 2020


N.A. Suspended. Revenu Québec will show flexibility inrespect of payment agreements.

Administrative tax actions where June 1, 2020 Administrative tax measures,


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the deadline would fall within theperiod beginning on March 17, 2020and ending on May 31, 2020

including asserting a right, providinginformation, sending a document orfiling an election.

This applies to tax actions other thanreturns that are already subject to adeferral date, including:

corporate income tax returns;elections provided for under Québectax legislation or regulations, such asa rollover (except for QST electionsthat are harmonized with the GST);application for a tax credit where onewould have to file a document;application for a Fuel Tax refund;response to information requestsfrom Revenu Québec; mandatory orpreventive disclosure of aggressivetax planning.

Notice of Objection June 30, 2020 The deadline for filing a Notice ofObjection which expires in the periodbeginning on March 15, 2020 andending on June 29, 2020 is extendedto June 30, 2020.

Tax Appeals The time-limits applicable for filing anotice of appeal are suspended fromMarch 15, 2020 until the expiry of theemergency period.


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This suspension also applies to :appeals to the Court of Quebec;summary appeals to the Small ClaimsDivision of the Court of Quebec;applications for review of a decision ofthe Minister of Revenue refusing anextension of time to file an objection;and applications for an extension oftime to file an appeal or a summaryappeal.


35

QUÉBEC - For businessesFinancial Assistance


Temporary concertedaction program forenterprises (PACTE)

Investissement Québec forbusinesses, cooperatives andother social economyenterprises

Funding of a minimum of$50 000 per company.

Refinancing is prohibited.

This measure applies tocompanies (includingcooperatives and other socialeconomy enterprises)operating in Québec that arein a precarious situation andin temporary difficulty as aresult of COVID-19.

The business must show thatits financial structure offersrealistic prospects.

The difficulty must resultfrom a problem related to thesupply of raw materials or inproducts (good or service) oran impossibility orsubstantial reduction of theability to deliver products(good or service) or goods.

Businesses seeking supportthrough this program shouldget in touch with their financialinstitution quickly. Once asolution is found with thefinancial institution, theinstitution will contactInvestissement Québec'sregional office directly.

Financing in the form of loanguarantee is preferred at alltimes, but financing can alsotake the form of anInvestissement Québec loan.

Loans to the agriculturalindustry

Farm Credit Canada Access to an additional creditline up to $500,000, securedby general securityagreements or universalmovable hypothec.

See above additional


36

MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESmeasures offered by thefederal government.

Caisse de dépôt etplacement du Québec(CDPQ)

Companies seeking financingof over $5 million

Having been profitable beforethe COVID-19 crisis.

Having a promising growthoutlook in their sector.

Seeking financing of over$5 million.

Companies do not need to bepart of the CDPQ’s portfolio.

The measure is intended tocomplement the variousinitiatives that other financialinstitutions, Québecinstitutional investors and thegovernments of Québec andCanada have announced.

CDPQ will continue to deploythe financial and operationalexpertise of its teams to helpthe selected companies indeveloping innovative andstructuring financial solutions.

Fonds de solidarité FTQ Six-month deferral of loaninterest and principalpayments

Being a member of itsportfolio companies.

Hydro Québec All customers No cut off power to anyonefor non-payment.

Starting Monday, March 23,Hydro Québec will stopapplying administrationcharges for unpaid bills untilfurther notice for allcustomers. Customersunable to pay their electricity


37

MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESbills over the coming monthswill thus not be penalized.They can enter into apayment arrangement withHydro Québec to deferpayment.

There will be no plannedservice interruptions forsystem maintenance, withthe exception of those thatare absolutely necessary.

Programme actionsconcertées pour le maintienen emploi (PACME-COVID-19)

The program is designed forcompanies that have sloweractivities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program applies toemployers, self-employedworkers (incorporated or not)with employees, workergroups, collective promotersrecognized by theCommission des partenairesdu marché du travail for theCollective Promoterscomponent of the program,cooperatives, social economyenterprises, non-profitorganizations and communityorganizations active in

The program aims at takingadvantage of the currentinterruption to increase theskills of employees or self-employed workers by offeringtraining programs.

The government hasannounced a $100 millionbudget for this project, whichwill be used to reimburseeligible expenses incurred bycompanies for eligible trainingactivities.

Reimbursements, percompany, will be : 100% ofeligible expenses of $100,000or less; AND 50% of eligibleexpenses that are between

The program has a Companycomponent and a CollectivePromoters component.

For the Company andCollective Promoterscomponents, the eligibletraining activities are:

Basic employee trainings;francization; trainings ondigital skills; continuingeducation related to thecompany's activities, whetheror not directly related to theposition held by the trainedemployee; trainingsrecommended by professionalorders; trainings required toresume the company's

It is possible to apply for aretroactive reimbursement toMarch 15, 2020. Projects areaccepted now untilSeptember 30, 2020 or untilthe budget is exhausted.

Training or human resourcemanagement projects may beof variable duration.

In all cases of on-site training,companies must comply withthe current public healthguidelines.

This program may becombined with andcomplementary to any othermeasures announced by the


38

MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTEScommunities.

Collective promoters aregroups of employers orworkers who are in a positionto create employment-relatedprojects and who can overseeor ensure theirimplementation, such assectoral workforcecommittees.

$100,000 and $500,000. activities once the orderforcing the temporaryshutdown of all non-essentialworkplaces is lifted; trainingsrelated to a strategy foradjusting or modifying thecompany's activities, in thecontext of the economicuncertainty related to theCOVID-19 pandemic, thatallows the company tomaintain or diversify itsactivities (health, teleworking,etc.); trainings that enable therequalification of workers.

For the Company componentonly, eligible humanresources managementactivities are :

Diagnosis of the humanresources function and, ifapplicable, other functions;human resourcesmanagement consultingmandates (e.g.,organizationalcommunication, remote-working policy, employeemobilization, planning ofworkforce requirements formaintaining and resuming

federal or provincialgovernment.

A non-exhaustive list of onlinetrainings, including trainingfrom the university network isavailable. These are,however, only suggestionsamongst different options forcompanies.


39

MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESactivities, support fordiversification of activities);coaching and development ofmanagement skills.

Eligible expenses for trainingprojects are:

Reimbursement of wages:25% of the payroll ofemployees in training(maximum eligible wage of$25 per hour), if the companyreceives the 75% CanadaEmergency Wage Subsidy;90% of the payroll of workersin training, if the companyreceives the 10% CanadaTemporary Wage Subsidy;100% of the wages of workersin training, if the companydoes not receive a wagesubsidy from the federalgovernment.

Reimbursement for trainingexpenses: Reimbursement ofup to 100% of trainingexpenses, related costs andcosts related to humanresources managementactivities, according toapplicable scales.


40


The eligible training expensesand applicable scales are asfollows: the wages of workersin training (excluding payrolltaxes) up to $25 per hour;professional fees forconsultants or trainers up to$150 per hour; indirect costsfor trainers (travel, meals,accommodation, etc.) at thereal cost; indirect costs forworkers in training (travel,meals, accommodation, etc.)at the real cost; development,adaptation and purchase ofteaching and learningmaterials at the real cost;materials and suppliesneeded to carry out trainingactivities at the real cost;development and adaptationof training content at the realcost; transfer from face-to-face training to online trainingat the real cost; registrationfees or other costs related tothe use of a platform at thereal cost; if applicable, costsrelated to management andadministrative activities (bankcharges, materials, suppliesneeded to carry out activities,


41

MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESetc.) borne by the delegatedorganization, up to amaximum of 10% of eligiblecosts.

Tax Measures


Filing of income tax return wherethe deadline would otherwise bedue within the period beginning onMarch 17, 2020 and ending on May31, 2020

Within six months of the end of itsfiscal year.

June 1, 2020 Revenu Québec will allow taxpreparers to use an online electronicsignature on form CO-10000.TE.

Tax payment where the paymentwould otherwise be due within theperiod beginning on March 17, 2020and ending on August 31, 2020

Within six months of the end of itsfiscal year.

September 1, 2020 The deferral of the payment of thebalance of tax and the payment ofinstallments does not apply to thecompensation tax for financialinstitutions, the tax on capital for aninsurance company capital or the taxon capital for life insurancecorporations.

The deferral of payment also appliesin respect to mining tax.

QST Filing/Remittance March 31, April 30, May 31, 2020 June 30, 2020 In light of the announcement by theMinister of Finance of Canada onMarch 27, 2020, and due to theharmonization of the QST andGST/HST regimes, the deadlines for


42

CORPORATIONS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTESfiling the returns remain unchanged.Those who are in a position to do soshould file their GST/HST and QSTreturns on time to facilitatecompliance and tax administration.However, due to currentcircumstances, no late-filing penaltywill be imposed on a person who filesthese returns on or before June 30,2020.

It should be noted that for reportingperiods for which the filing due date isafter June 1, 2020, the filing andpayment deadlines set out in the taxlegislation will apply.

Québec will accelerate the process ofrequests for tax credits intended forbusinesses and tax refunds.

Tax payment where the paymentwould otherwise be due within theperiod beginning on March 17, 2020and ending on August 31, 2020

Monthly or quarterly. September 1, 2020 The deferral of payment also appliesin respect to mining tax.


N.A. Suspended. Revenu Québec will show flexibility inrespect to payment agreement.

Administrative tax actions wherethe deadline would fall within theperiod beginning on March 17, 2020and ending on May 31, 2020

June 1, 2020 Administrative tax measures,including asserting a right, providinginformation, sending a document orfiling an election.


43


This applies to tax actions other thanreturns that are already subject to adeferral date, including:

corporate income tax returns;elections provided for under Québectax legislation or regulations, such asa rollover (except for QST electionsthat are harmonized with the GST);application for a tax credit where onewould have to file a document;application for a Fuel Tax refund;response to information requestsfrom Revenu Québec; mandatory orpreventive disclosure of aggressivetax planning.

Notice of Objection June 30, 2020 The deadline for filing a Notice ofObjection which expires in the periodbeginning on March 15, 2020 andending on June 29, 2020 is extendedto June 30, 2020.

Tax Appeals The time-limits applicable for filing anotice of appeal are suspended fromMarch 15, 2020 until the expiry of theemergency period.

This suspension also applies to :appeals to the Court of Quebec;summary appeals to the Small ClaimsDivision of the Court of Quebec;applications for review of a decision of


44

CORPORATIONS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTESthe Minister of Revenue refusing anextension of time to file an objection;and applications for an extension oftime to file an appeal or a summaryappeal.

Logging Tax that would otherwisebe due in the period beginning onMarch 17, 2020 and ending onAugust 31, 2020

September 1, 2020

SPECIFIED INVESTMENTFLOW-THROUGH (SIFT)

TRUSTS


Tax payment of tax instalments andthe balance of tax due betweenMarch 17, 2020 and September 1,2020

September 1,2020

CHARITIES REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Charities Information Return duebetween March 17, 2020 andDecember 30, 2020

Between March 17, 2020 andDecember 30, 2020 December 31, 2020


45

PARTNERSHIPS REGULAR DEADLINE NEW DEADLINE NOTES

Partnership Information Returns March 31, 2020 May 1, 2020 All members of the partnership mustbe individuals.

In situations where all the members ofthe partnership are corporations, Thereturn must be filed within five monthsafter the end of the fiscal year. Wherethe due date for filing this returnwould otherwise be after the March16, 2020 but prior to May 1, 2020, thisdate is postponed to May 1, 2020.

In all other situations, the return for afiscal year ending in 2019 must befiled no later than 1 May 2020 or thelast day of the fifth month followingthe end of the fiscal year, whicheverexpires first. However, when the lastday of the fifth month following theend of the fiscal year is after March16, 2020, the due date for filing thisreturn for that fiscal year will be onMay 1, 2020.

LIST OF NO RELIEF MEASURES:- Employee and employers’ portion of source deductions.- Withholding on payments to non-residents.


46

CITY OF MONTRÉAL - For individuals


Municipal taxes June 1, 2020 July 2, 2020 The deadlines for other invoices, suchas duties on transfers of immovables,remain unchanged.


47

CITY OF MONTRÉAL - For businessesFinancial Assistance


Provision of additionalemergency aid

Businesses who are in thecreative and cultural, localcommerce and tourismindustries.

Emergency help of 5 M$. Operating a business that ispart of the targeted industries:

Creative and culturalindustries, local commerceand tourism

Moratorium offered by SMEMTL without interestcharges

Private corporations 6-month moratorium onrepayment of principal andinterest

Holds a loan from the MTLSME Fund, Local SolidarityFund and InnovationCommercialization Fund.

Ville de Montréal undertakesto assume, at its expense, theinterest during this period, i.e.,$1.3 million.


48

Emergency Assistance toSMEs

Businesses in all sectors ofactivity, cooperatives, non-profit organizations and socialeconomy enterprises carryingout commercial activities

Companies experiencingfinancial difficulties as a resultof COVID-19 and in need ofcash flows of less than$50,000

To be eligible, businessesmust have been operating inQuébec for at least one year.The entity must betemporarily closed, likely toclose or show signs ofclosure. The EmergencyAssistance must favourmaintaining, consolidating orrestarting business activities.The entity must demonstratea causal link between itsfinancial or operationalproblems and the COVID-19pandemic. The entity cannotbe an applicant under theprotection of the Companies'Creditors Arrangement Act orthe Bankruptcy andInsolvency Act.

More details to follow.

The announcement suggestsone of the two followingconditions have to be met inaddition to those described inthe previous column: aninability or substantialreduction in the capacity todeliver products (goods orservices) or merchandise ORa problem with the supply ofraw materials or products(goods or services).

$150M as an earmarked forthe Emergency Assistance forSMEs program. The programwill be administered byRegional countymunicipalities and equivalentterritories. An amount of$40M will be allocated toMontreal.

Tax Measures


Municipal taxes June 1, 2020 July 2, 2020 The deadlines for other invoices, suchas duties on transfers of immovables,remain unchanged.


49


50

QUÉBEC CITY- For individualsTax measures


Municipal taxes May 4, 2020 August 4, 2020

Municipal taxes July 3, 2020 September 3, 2020

Municipal taxes September 3, 2020 November 3, 2020


51

QUÉBEC CITY- For businessesFinancial assistance


Accommodating and easingcertain contractualobligations during theCOVID-19 situation

Service providers for the Cityof Québec

Six (6) month extension ofcontractual agreementsexpiring by October 1, 2020for certain suppliers

Issuing of public calls fortender for goods, servicesand construction workpostponed until after April 13,2020

Additional time forperformance granted withoutpenalty if the delay is relatedto the COVID-19 pandemic

Invoicing price adjustmentbased on changes to materialcosts and exchange rates

Reducing the payment termfor invoices from 30 to 15days

Dépôt de soumissions enligne pour répondre auxdemandes de prix pour lesachats entre 25 000$ et 100000$

Each of the City’s serviceproviders must contact theirbuyer or advisor in the City’sprocurement department toknow whether thesemeasures apply to them

The contact information is inthe call for tender documentsor purchase order


52

Moratorium of three (3)months on repayment ofloan principal and interest

Businesses

Retailers

Self-employed workers andemployees

Moratorium of three (3)months on repayment of loanprincipal and interest

Eligibility requirements for thismeasure are not yet available

Awaiting further informationregarding this measure andits scope

Emergency Assistance toSMEs

Businesses in all sectors ofactivity, cooperatives, non-profit organizations and socialeconomy enterprises carryingout commercial activities

Companies experiencingfinancial difficulties as a resultof COVID-19 and in need ofcash flows of less than$50,000

To be eligible, businessesmust have been operating inQuébec for at least one year.The entity must betemporarily closed, likely toclose or show signs ofclosure. The EmergencyAssistance must favourmaintaining, consolidating orrestarting business activities.The entity must demonstratea causal link between itsfinancial or operationalproblems and the COVID-19pandemic. The entity cannotbe an applicant under theprotection of the Companies'Creditors Arrangement Act orthe Bankruptcy andInsolvency Act.

More details to follow.

The announcement suggestsone of the two followingconditions have to be met inaddition to those described inthe previous column: aninability or substantialreduction in the capacity todeliver products (goods orservices) or merchandise ORa problem with the supply ofraw materials or products(goods or services).

$150M as an earmarked forthe Emergency Assistance forSMEs program. The programwill be administered byRegional countymunicipalities and equivalentterritories. An amount of$10M will be allocated toQuébec City.


53

Tax measures


Municipal taxes May 4, 2020 August 4, 2020

Municipal taxes July 3, 2020 September 3, 2020

Municipal taxes September 3, 2020 November 3, 2020


54

ONTARIO - For individualsFinancial Assistance


Increased Payment forGuaranteed Annual IncomeSystem (GAINS)

Low income seniors who areentitled to receive fundsthrough GAINS

Double the GAINS maximumpayment for six monthsstarting in April 2020.

Maximum payment increasedto $166 per month forindividuals and $332 permonth for couples.

Support for FamiliesInitiative

Parents with children up to 12years of age or with children 0to 21 years of age with specialneeds.

One-time payment of $200per child up to 12 years ofage, and $250 per child up to21 years of age with specialneeds.

Suspension of OntarioStudent AssistanceProgram (OSAP) LoanRepayments

Students with OSAP loans OSAP loan repaymentssuspended between March30, 2020 and September 30,2020.

No interest accrual during thissix month period. Anyrepayments made during thisperiod will go directly towardstheir loan principal.

Electricity Subsidies Low income families Support for families for theirenergy bills by expanding


55

MEASURES WHO? WHAT? CONDITIONS NOTESeligibility for the Low‑incomeEnergy Assistance Program(LEAP)

Ensure their electricity andnatural gas services are notdisconnected for nonpaymentduring the COVID‑19outbreak.

All residential consumers ofelectricity

Electricity prices for residentialtime-of-use customers fixed atthe lowest off-peak price of10.1 cents per kwh , 24 hoursa day for 45 days.

Tax Measures


RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Postponement of Property Tax Reassessment Spring 2020 Postpone theplanned propertytax reassessmentfor 2021.

This process will be postponed until 2021 so thatproperty taxes in 2021 will be the same as thevaluations in place for 2020.

Northern Ontario Property Tax Deferral Extra 90 days topay Provincial LandTax instalmentswithout incurringinterest or penalties


56


RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

for people living inparts of NorthernOntario locatedoutside ofmunicipalboundaries.


57

ONTARIO - For businessesFinancial Assistance


Electricity Subsidies Certain farm and smallbusinesses

Electricity prices forresidential, farm and smallbusiness time-of-usecustomers fixed at the lowestoff-peak price of 10.1 centsper kWh, 24 hours a day for45 days.

Tax Measures


Increased Exemption for EmployerHealth Tax

Increase of annual exemption from$490,000 to $1,000,000 for eligibleemployers with annual payrolls of upto $5,000,000 for 2020 calendar year.

Regional Opportunities InvestmentTax Credit

10% refundable corporate income taxcredit available to Canadian-Controlled Private Corporations(CCPCs) who make qualifying capitalexpenditures in Ontario, but outsideOttawa, the Greater Toronto Area andmany of the regions near the GreaterToronto Area.

Qualifying expenditures are between$50,000 and $500,000 on propertyclassified, for the purposes of thecapital cost allowance rules in theIncome Tax Act, under Class 1 orClass 6 (including certainexpenditures with respect to eligiblecommercial and industrial buildings).


58


Only available to the extent that thequalifying investment becomes“available for use” on or after March25, 2020, as that term is used withrespect to the capital cost allowancerules.

Deferral of Tax filings andRemittances

August 31, 2020 Beginning April 1 and up until August31, 2020, businesses will not incurany penalty or interest if they missfiling or payment obligations for:

· Employer Health Tax· Tobacco Tax· Fuel Tax· Gas Tax· Beer, Wine and Spirits Taxes· Mining Tax· Insurance Premium Tax,· International Fuel Tax

Agreement;· Retail Sales Tax on Insurance

Contracts and Benefit Plans· Race Tracks Tax.

Ontario personal and corporateincome taxes are administered by theCRA. Accordingly, filing andremittance relief is provided under theannounced federal measures.


59


Deferral of WSIB PremiumsRemittance

August 31, 2020 Defer remitting premiums for theperiod starting March 25, 2020 andending August 31, 2020, with nopenalty or interest.

Interest on outstanding premiumpayments will cease to accrue.

All employers covered by the WSIBworkplace insurance are automaticallyeligible for this relief.

Postponement of Property TaxReassessment

Spring 2020 Postpone the planned property taxreassessment for 2021.

This process will be postponed until2021 so that property taxes in 2021will be the same as the valuations inplace for 2020.

Northern Ontario Property TaxDeferral

Extra 90 days to pay Provincial LandTax instalments without incurringinterest or penalties for businesses inparts of Northern Ontario locatedoutside of municipal boundaries.


60

CITY OF TORONTO - For individualsFinancial Assistance

MEASURES REGULARDEADLINE

RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Deferral of Municipal Property Tax and Utility BillsPayments

A grace period forpayments andpayment penaltiesfor 60 days, startingMarch 16, 2020.

Late payment penalties would be waived for 60 days,starting March 16, 2020.

Tax Measures


RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Toronto hydro As of March 24,2020, households,farms and smallbusinesses thatpay time-of-useelectricity rates willbe charged the off-peak rate of 10.1¢per kWh, 24 hoursa day, seven daysa week.

Extend its current suspension of residential electricitydisconnections until July 31, 2020 for no payment ofbills.


61

CITY OF TORONTO - For businessesFinancial Assistance


RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Deferral of Municipal Property Tax and Utility BillsPayments

A grace period forpayments andpayment penaltiesfor 60 days, startingMarch 16, 2020.

Late payment penalties would be waived for 60 days,starting March 16, 2020.

Tax Measures

CORPORATIONS REGULARDEADLINE

RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Toronto hydro As of March 24,2020, households,farms and smallbusinesses thatpay time-of-useelectricity rates willbe charged the off-peak rate of 10.1¢per kWh, 24 hoursa day, seven daysa week.

Extend its current suspension of residential electricitydisconnections until July 31, 2020 for no payment ofbills.


62

BRITISH COLUMBIA - For individualsFinancial Assistance


B.C. Emergency Benefit forWorkers

B.C. residents who have lostincome because of COVID-19

A one-tine $1,000 payment Individuals must be receivingfederal EmploymentInsurance, or the new federalCanada EmergencyResponse Benefit.

Enhanced Climate ActionTax Credit

B.C. residents who :

• are 19 years of age or older,or

• have a spouse or common-law partner, or

• are a parent who resideswith your child.

Payments of $218 (increasedfrom $43.50) for adults and$64.00 (increased from$12.75) for children

Individuals must qualify forthe existing Climate ActionTax Credit

B.C. Student Loans B.C. residents withoutstanding student loanbalances

Six month freeze None announced


63

B.C. Hydro Grants B.C. Hydro ResidentialCustomers

Grants of up to $600 to applyto B.C. Hydro bills

Must be applied against billsfor residential hydro use.

Your account must haveoverdue payments and befacing disconnection.

You must have experienced alife event, within the last 12months, that caused atemporary financial crisis.

B.C. Hydro Credits B.C. Hydro Customers Up to 3 months credit basedon average usage.

If you or your spouse/partnerhave lost employment or havebecome unable to work due toCOVID-19.

Income & DisabilityAssistance

Individuals on income ordisability assistance;

Low-income seniors.

$300 supplement in each of inApril, May, and June.

Individuals must not receivingfederal EmploymentInsurance or the CanadaEmergency ResponseBenefit, and must be on:

- Income Assistance;

- Disability Assistance;

- Comforts Allowance;

- BC Senior's Supplement.

Qualifying individuals willautomatically receive thesupplement with no actionrequired on their part.


64

Expansion of BCTransportation Supplement

BC Bus Pass Program usersreceiving disability assistance.

$52 TransportationSupplement for each monthwhile the BC transit faresuspensions remain in place.

Individuals must be onDisability Assistance andqualify for the BC Bus Pass(and must not otherwise bereceiving the TransportationSupplement).

Qualifying individuals willautomatically receive thesupplement with no actionrequired on their part.

Tax Measures


RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Production of Income Tax Return for GeneralIndividuals

April 30, 2020 June 1, 2020 B.C. Income Tax is administered by the CanadaRevenue Agency and generally follows the deadlinesset out the in Income Tax Act (Canada). Therefore,the announcement by the Federal Government toextend the deadline for filing federal income taxreturns will also apply to the B.C. income tax returns.

Payment of Income Tax for General Individuals April 30, 2020 September 1, 2020 B.C. Income Tax is administered by the CanadaRevenue Agency and generally follows the deadlinesset out the in Income Tax Act (Canada). Therefore,the announcement by the Federal Government toextend the deadline for paying federal income tax(including installments) will also apply to B.C. incometax.


65

TRUSTS (other than specified investment flow-through (SIFT) trust)

REGULARDEADLINE

RELIEFMEASURE

NOTES

Production of Tax Returns for Trusts March 30, 2020 (ifDecember 31 year-end).

May 1, 2020 (ifDecember 31 year-end).

B.C. Income Tax is administered by the CanadaRevenue Agency and generally follows the deadlinesset out the in Income Tax Act (Canada). Therefore,the announcement by the Federal Government toextend the deadline for filing federal income tax trustreturns will also apply to the B.C. income tax trustreturns.

Tax Payment 90 days after tax year-end.

September 1, 2020(if December 31year-end).

B.C. Income Tax is administered by the CanadaRevenue Agency and generally follows the deadlinesset out the in Income Tax Act (Canada). Therefore,the announcement by the Federal Government toextend the deadline for paying federal income tax willalso apply to the B.C. income tax .

Instalments June 15, 2020 September 1, 2020 B.C. Income Tax is administered by the CanadaRevenue Agency and generally follows the deadlinesset out the in Income Tax Act (Canada). Therefore,the announcement by the Federal Government toextend the deadline for filing federal income taxinstallments will also apply to the B.C. income taxinstallments.


66

BRITISH COLUMBIA - For businessesFinancial Assistance


Post-COVID 19 Economic Stimulus No details announced $2.2 billion No conditions announced The B.C. ProvincialGovernment has committed tospending at least $2.2 billionto provide relief to businessesand help them recover afterthe outbreak.

B.C. Hydro Credits Small Businesses Up to 3 months ofB.C. Hydro charges(based on averageusage)

No conditions announced Applications upon on April 13and can be submitted untilJune 30

Tax Measures


Production of Tax Return Within six months of the end of itsfiscal year.

N.A. B.C. Income Tax is administered bythe Canada Revenue Agency andgenerally follows the deadlines set outthe in Income Tax Act (Canada).Therefore, the announcement by theFederal Government to allow forelectronic authorizations will extend toB.C. Income Tax matters.

Income Tax Payment Within six months of the end of itsfiscal year.

September 1, 2020 B.C. Corporate Income Tax isadministered by the Canada Revenue


67


Agency and generally follows thedeadlines set out the in Income TaxAct (Canada). Therefore, theannouncement by the FederalGovernment to extend the deadlinefor paying federal corporate incometax will also apply to B.C. corporateincome tax .

Instalments Monthly or quarterly. September 1, 2020 B.C. Income Tax is administered bythe Canada Revenue Agency andgenerally follows the deadlines set outthe in Income Tax Act (Canada).Therefore, the announcement by theFederal Government to extend thedeadline for paying federal corporateincome tax installments will also applyto the B.C. corporate income tax .

Filing of Returns and Payment of:

• Provincial sales tax (includingmunicipal and regional district tax*)

• Carbon tax

• Motor fuel tax

• Tobacco tax

Various The filing deadline for both the filing ofreturns and the payment of tax hasbeen extended to September 30,2020.

Filing of Return and PaymentofEmployer Health Tax

March 31, 2020 Deadline for both filing returns andpaying tax has been extended to


68


September 30, 2020.

Carbon Tax Increases to Carbon Tax wereScheduled for April 1, 2020.

All Carbon Taxes rate have beenfrozen until further notice.


69

CITY OF VANCOUVERFinancial Assistance

None announced.

Tax Measures

MEASURES REGULAR DEADLINE RELIEF MEASURE NOTES

Deferral of Property Taxes July 2, 2020 September 1, 2020


70

ALBERTA- For individualsFinancial assistance


Utility payment deferral Residential, farm, and smallcommercial consumers

Deferral of electricity andnatural gas bill payments for90 days (ending June 19,2020, at which time arepayment plan asdetermined between theconsumer and the utilityprovider will begin)

Those who are experiencingfinancial hardship and cannotmake regular payments as aresult of the COVID-19pandemic are eligible.

For electricity consumers,those who consume less than250,000 kilowatt hours ofelectricity per year areeligible.

For natural gas consumers,those who consume less than2,500 gigajoules per year areeligible.

Alberta student loanrepayment deferral

Individuals with Albertastudent loans

Six-month interest-freemoratorium on the repaymentof Alberta Student Loans

Applies automatically.

Individual must be in theprocess of repaying loans.

Driver’s license, vehicle Alberta residents Driver’s licenses, vehicle


71

MEASURES WHO? AMOUNT CONDITIONS NOTESregistration and ID cardexpiry date extension

registrations and ID cardsexpiring between March 16and May 15 have beenextended until May 15, 2020

Deferral of ATB loans, linesof credit, and mortgages

Individuals with creditproducts from ATB

Individuals may deferpayments on ATB loans, linesof credit, mortgages andMastercard for up to 6 monthsand may also cash in ATBGICs early without penalty

The full balance of a non-redeemable ATB GIC can beobtained without penalty,however the redemptioninterest rate will be 0%

Alberta credit unions are alsoexpected to provide a varietyof programs and solutionsdesigned to ease difficultieswith short-term cash flow


72


Job-protected leave Alberta employees who arerequired to self-isolate or whoare caring for a dependentwho is required to self-isolate

Employees may take 14 daysof job-protected leave(pursuant to changes to theEmployment Standards Code)

Neither a medical note nor aminimum work period isrequired to be eligible

The leave does not apply toself-employed individuals orcontractors

The leave may be extendedbeyond 14 days if the adviceof the chief medical officerchanges


73


Job-protected leave foremployees caring forchildren or family members

Employees caring for childrenaffected by school anddaycare closures or ill/self-isolated family members dueto COVID-19

The typical 90-dayemployment requirement forjob-protected leave is waived

The leave length is flexibleand linked to guidance fromthe Chief Medical Officer

A medical note is not required

Regular personal and familyresponsibility leave rulescontinue to apply for all othercircumstances

OTHER MEASURES:- Additional funds to homeless shelters;- Additional funds to women’s emergency shelters and community-based organizations;- Creation of the Alberta Economic Recovery Council to advise on economic crisis resulting from COVID-19 and collapse of energy prices.

Tax measures

INDIVIDUALS REGULAR DEADLINE RELIEF MEASURE NOTES


74


Education Property Tax Freeze forIndividuals

N/A The previous 3.4% increase inEducation Property Taxesannounced for the 2020 budget hasbeen cancelled

Note: The federal extensions to tax filing deadlines and tax payment due dates for individuals apply to Alberta personal taxes.


75

ALBERTA - For businessesFinancial Assistance


Workers CompensationBoard premium deferral

Alberta private sectoremployers (small and mediumbusinesses are entitled toadditional relief)

WCB premiums will bedeferred until early 2021 forall private sector employers(approximately 1 year).

For small and mediumbusinesses, 50% of the 2020premiums will be waived.

Small and mediumbusinesses are consideredthose that make $10 million orless in insurable earnings for2020.

The deferral appliesautomatically and employerswho have already paid their2020 WCB premium will berefunded automatically. Nointerest charges will beapplied for unpaid 2020premiums.

Deferral of ATB loans, linesof credit, and mortgages

Corporations with creditproducts from ATB

Small business may deferpayments on ATB loans, linesof credit, and Mastercard.Other businesses may beeligible for other relief.

Tourism levy deferral Hotels and other lodgingproviders

Tourism levies due afterMarch 27, 2020 do not needto be paid to the governmentuntil August 31, 2020

Hotels and other lodgingproviders must still file returnsand collect the tourism levyfrom guests during thisperiod.

Funding of Alberta EnergyRegulator levy

Oil and gas industry The Alberta government willwaive 6 months of AlbertaEnergy Regulator levies andwill fund such levies itself(amounting to approximately$113 million)


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Extensions for oil and gastenures

Oil and gas industry Mineral agreements expiringin 2020 are being extendedby 1 year

Orphan Well Associationloan

Orphan Well Association An additional $100 millionloan is being extended by theAlberta government

This measure is intended tocreate additional jobs and tobolster immediate reclamationefforts.

Annual General Meetingsand Annual Returns

Alberta corporations,partnerships, cooperativesand non-profit organizations

Deadlines are suspended forannual general meetings andfiling of annual returns

These entities will not bedissolved due to failing to fileannual returns.

Temporary EmploymentLaw Amendments

Alberta employers. The maximum time for atemporary layoff hasincreased from 60 days to120 days (retroactive tolayoffs that occurred on orafter March 17, 2020);

Employers are no longerrequired to provide grouptermination notice toemployees and unions when50 or more employees arebeing terminated;

Employers are no longerrequired to give 2 weeks’notice for changes to workschedules under averagingagreements;

Individual terminationentitlement remain in effect,and group termination noticesmust still be given to theMinister of Labour andImmigration.


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Employers are no longerrequired to give 24 hourwritten notice for shiftchanges.

More job-protected leaveavailability for employeescaring for children affected byschool and daycare closures,as well as ill or self-isolatedfamily members.

Tax Measures

CORPORATIONS REGULAR DEADLINE RELIEF MEASURE NOTES

Tax Payment Deferral to August 31,2020

As payments become due August 31, 2020 No interest or penalties related todeferral.

Applies to any amount (including taxbalances and instalments) thatbecomes due between March 18,2020 and August 31, 2020.

Refunds will not be provided forpayments made prior to March 18,2020.


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Corporations are expected tocontinue to file their tax returns asrequired by legislation.

Education Property Tax CollectionDeferral for Businesses

June 30, 2020 Collection of non-residentialeducation property tax forbusinesses will be deferred for 6months.

Collection of non-residentialeducation property tax for businesseswill be deferred for 6 months.

The government anticipates that thedeferred amounts will be collected infuture years, with more details tocome.

Deferral of Tax Filings June 1, 2020 The filing due date for AlbertaCorporate Tax Returns has beenextended to June 1, 2020 for returnsdue after March 18, 2020 and beforeJune 1, 2020


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CITY OF CALGARY- For individualsFinancial Assistance


Utility payment relief Water, waste and recyclingcustomers

Up to 3 months ofdeferred payments


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CITY OF CALGARY - For businessesFinancial Assistance


Utility payment relief Water, waste and recyclingcustomers

Up to 3 months ofdeferred payments

Tax Measures


Business Improvement Area (BIA)late fee penalty cancellation

March 31, 2020 June 30, 2020 Any business that has not alreadypaid their BIA tax has until June 30,2020 to pay penalty free.

Tax Instalment Payment PlanPayments Decreased

N/A Non-residential property ownersparticipating in a tax instalmentpayment plan will have decreasedApril 1 instalments, the remainder ofwhich is deferred for 6 months


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CITY OF EDMONTON- For individuals

Tax Measures


Property tax payment delay June 30, 2020 No penalties or late fees will becharged to tax payments made byAugust 31, 2020


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CITY OF EDMONTON - For businessesTax Measures


Property tax payment delay June 30, 2020No penalties or late fees will becharged to tax payments made byAugust 31, 2020


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Your Dedicated Team - Montreal

Claude E. JodoinPartner

+1 514 397 [email protected]

Ryan RabinovitchPartner


Martin LegaultPartner


David H. BenarrochAssociate



84

Your Dedicated Team - Québec

Danny GalarneauAssociate



85

Your Dedicated Team - Toronto

Ronald E. NobregaPartner


Paul CasuccioPartner


Puyang ZhaoAssociate

+1 416943 [email protected]


86

Your Dedicated Team - Vancouver

Mike CoburnPartner


Soraya JamalPartner



87

Your Dedicated Team - Calgary

Matthew WilkinsAssociate, Calgary



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