COVID-19 Bulletin: Associations Included In Federal Wage Subsidy
Businesses are losing customers because of COVID-19. Associations have been similarly hard hit, but to this point, measures to increase liquidity and support employees were not yet directed to the not-for-profit (NFP) and charitable sectors.
Through ongoing lobbying efforts, CSAE has delivered the message to government that our sector is vital to supporting training, professional development, innovation in business, and networking across association, NFP and affiliated sectors.
Today, the government announced that not-for-profits and charities will be eligible for wage subsidy supports if they meet the same criteria as eligible businesses.
While more details are forthcoming, the government has indicated the following:
- If your business revenue has gone down by at least 30%, you will be eligible
- The number of employees you have will not be taken into account
- Eligibility will include operations with employees from 10 people to 1000 people
- The first $58,700 that Canadians earn, up to $847 a week, will be covered
- Backdated to March 15th
We expect a technical briefing from the government with further information soon. CSAE will share the details as they become known.
Lend Your Voice to CSAE’s Advocacy Efforts
Add your weight to our efforts to garner government support for Canadian associations. Send this letter to your regional Parliamentary Secretaries and use the attached list to identify your regional representatives, with a “cc” to the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages.
Advocacy is front and centre in the work CSAE is doing on behalf of members and the sector. To build capacity in this area, we are hosting a webinar, “Adapting your Advocacy Strategy for COVID-19 and the New Normal,” with our advocacy partners Huw Williams and Rob LeForte of Impact Public Affairs. Mark your calendars for April 7, 12:00 p.m. EDT, and watch for details.
CSAE will continue to press the government, provide updated information and stay connected with you, through Talk Tuesdays and other virtual events, as well as discussion threads on Associations Connect.
