Tax remittance
If your business has been affected by the fires, you can apply for tax remittance relief from the CRA while you navigate these difficult times.
Emergency Preparedness
If your business has not been affected by the fires, but you are located in an area that may be at risk, now is the perfect time to formulate an Emergency Preparedness plan, should the unthinkable happen. CFIB members can access an Emergency Preparedness template by logging into our CFIB Member Portal.
Business Insurance
Some commercial insurance plans may not cover part, or all damages caused by forest fire. Contact your business insurance provider today to ensure that your business is covered.
Employees
If your business is affected by the wildfire, your employees may have the ability to collect Employment Insurance (EI). Should you be a business owner who owns less than 40% of your company and you pay into EI, you may also qualify for benefits.
Temporary Foreign Workers
Impacted employers who employ temporary foreign workers should note that periods of work stoppage, unemployment, or a weekly hour reduction, can be offset by periods of work that enable a worker to have an average of 30 hours per week over the entire employment period.
Employers who make the business decision to keep workers are expected to make up any income gaps if the circumstances prevent a worker from meeting a 30-hour average work week over the employment period. This may require an employer to top up workers’ pay to meet the average of 30 hours per week over the employment period. This is not required during weeks when workers receive income supports.
Temporary foreign workers are subject to provincial and, when applicable, federal employment regulations. Employers can legally layoff workers should a work stoppage make it impossible for the employer to fulfill their obligations under the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). However, under these circumstances, employers remain responsible for fulfilling other obligations under the LMIA, such as providing return airfare to workers where this is a Program requirement.
Should this not be feasible, if you have any questions, or need help with the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, please contact the Employer Contact Centre.
