Tax remittance
If your business has been affected by the fires, you can apply for tax remittance relief from the CRA and 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.
Business Insurance
Review your business insurance to confirm whether you have wildfire coverage. Many insurance plans that claim to cover fire damage only do so when the fire was caused by the actions of the business or arson. Often, “acts of nature” are not included in business insurance plans unless specifically requested. Contact your business insurance provider today to ensure that your business is covered. If not, you may still be able to add this coverage.
Employees
If your business is affected by the wildfire, your employees will need the ability to collect Employment Insurance (EI). If you currently pay into EI, you will need this ability as well.
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 where 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.
For your house/personal
Home Insurance
Get in touch with your home insurance provider to ensure that your house is covered for wildfire damage. It is much more commonly included in home insurance; however, it is always best to confirm. Also, if you have not catalogued goods in your house that you would like insured (that you would not be able to bring with you in an evacuation), now is a good time to do so. Take a picture of the item and receipt (if available) and write a description.
Emergency Evacuation Plan
Wildfires can move fast. If you have kids, pets or a significant other, it is important to have an emergency evacuation plan in place, including multiple evacuation routes planned (should one be closed), a house exit strategy, plus “ditch kits” (i.e., an overnight bag prepared in case you need to grab and run, including non-perishable foods and water). Know where you are going to go. Do you have family or friends you can stay with? Call them now to confirm so you don’t have to scramble and fight for hotel space. Having a plan in place will help you to maintain your calm and be prepared.
Mortgage
CMHC encourages homeowners to contact their financial institution at the first sign of difficulty to discuss their individual situations and options.
CMHC provides lenders with options for homeowners that may be impacted by these unfortunate events including:
- Deferral of payment,
- Re-amortization of the loan, to result in lower payments,
- Capitalization of outstanding interest arrears and other eligible expenses,
- Special payment arrangements,
- A combination of the above.
For more information, homeowners may consult “How to Deal with Mortgage Payment Difficulties” on the CMHC website.
Pets
In some cases, pets are left behind due to not being able to find them in an emergency, or not being able to fit them in a vehicle. The Canadian Disaster Animal Response Team (CDART) is a non-profit organization that goes into at-risk or affected communities and aids in the safe evacuation of your furry friends. If you will need assistance or currently need their help, please visit the link provided and contact them as soon as possible.