BCRFA COVID-19 update March 18, 2020

 

As a result of the pace of change in these unprecedented times, we anticipate that we will be updating you every day.

Here’s what we are working on today:

City of Vancouver announcing state of emergency

  • Vancouver mayor is announcing that the City of Vancouver is under a state of emergency.

  • All restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs are to close for in-dining service. Only take-out and delivery is permitted. 

  • Webnames.ca, in partnership with the BCRFA, is providing FAST and FREE livesites for businesses that need to get their menus online quickly. Email membership@bcrfa.com for code.

Dr. Bonnie Henry’s address

  • Extraordinary circumstances mean extraordinary measures.

  • 45 new cases across the province for a total of 231.

  • Safe distancing measures apply to all businesses. 

Shift to Delivery, Take-Away and Drive Thru

Our partner Webnames.ca is offering free one-page livesites to our members who need to get their menus online now. Here for more info. Code for our members is available if you email membership@bcrfa.com

Federal Stimulus Package

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $82-billion aid package to help Canadians and businesses cope with the global COVID-19 pandemic, including income support, wage subsidies, and tax deferrals.

The package includes $27 billion in direct support and another $55 billion to help business liquidity through tax deferrals. 

This $82-billion aid package is in addition to a $1 billion COVID-19 response package and supports for business already announced by government. On March 13, the federal government also announced the establishment of a $10 billion credit fund to lend money to businesses to help them continue operations.

It will take some time for the new economic measures to be implemented. During this morning’s press conference, however, the Prime Minister said that Parliament could be recalled as early as next week to pass legislation bringing in the fiscal measures. Financial support should start flowing in weeks.

A comprehensive update is available on our website, here: 

Employment Insurance

Employment Insurance has changed. See our comprehensive update, including new sickness benefits, on our website here.

What we are doing FOR YOU.

We are sending a letter to all local municipal governments advocating for measures to help keep restaurants in business. 

We have lobbied the liquor board for immediate wholesale pricing for licensees, and we have asked to consider letting restaurants incorporate alcohol service into their take-out menus.

 
BCRFA COVID-19 UpdateAleah Chaytor