April 7, 2020 Update In light of the cell phone network outage today and possibility of future outages, we are recommending that individuals have a backup plan for contacting 911 should cell networks be unavailable. Please continue scrolling to navigate the Village's website. Assistance for Individuals Canada Emergency Response Benefit launched April 6 - The Government of Canada announced further details about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) application process. Key details: Direct deposit payments will be made within three to five days of applying, with cheques taking approximately 10 days. Canadians who have already applied for EI do not need to apply again - applications will be automatically enrolled in CERB. Employment Insurance Benefits - Regular EI and Medical EI are programs that are already available to Canadians and can be applied for online. There is also a dedicated phone line for those individuals who are making an application for Medical EI due to COVID-19. In order to facilitate as many calls as possible, Service Canada is requesting that individuals first make their application online and then contact Service Canada at 1-833-381-3725. Canada Emergency Response Benefit to launch April 6 - The Government of Canada announced further details about the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) application process. Key details: CERB applications are expected to open online on Monday, April 6. Direct deposit payments will be made within three to five days of applying, with cheques taking approximately 10 days. Canadians who have already applied for EI do not need to apply again - applications will be automatically enrolled in CERB. Employment Insurance Benefits - Regular EI and Medical EI are programs that are already available to Canadians and can be applied for online. In the coming week we expect the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) to be rolled out and available. It will be beneficial for those residents who have not already done so, to set up these accounts in order to facilitate the application process for benefits programs as they become available. My Service Canada Account CRA "My Account" There is also a dedicated phone line for those individuals who are making an application for Medical EI due to COVID-19. In order to facilitate as many calls as possible, Service Canada is requesting that individuals first make their application online and then contact Service Canada at 1-833-381-3725. Assistance for Businesses Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - Federal ministers announced further details of the proposed Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Key details: The program would be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020. Eligible employers would be able to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy by applying through a CRA online portal. Employers would have to reapply each month. Government will work with non-profit organizations and registered charities to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances. The government expects employers will receive the wage subsidy six weeks after applying. Federal Small Business Wage Subsidy - The Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers is a three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA). Programs through Business Development Canada - On March 13, 2020 the federal government announced that the government is establishing a Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) to support financing in the private sector through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC). Here are the current options available: Small Business Loan, Up to $100,000 can be obtained online. Working capital loan, For loans over $100,000 and can support everyday operations. Purchase Order Financing, Loans to fulfill domestic or international orders. All business are expected to be compliant with the public health order. The businesses and services on the essential services list can continue to provide services at locations accessible to the public and must have proper risk mitigation measures in place, such as sanitation stations and appropriate distancing between customers. Businesses not listed on the Essential Services List must be closed. For Cremona Residents COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - This is a link to all of the programs announced by the Government up to March 31, 2020. Please note that not all programs are available at this time applications are still being produced. In effort to control to spread of COVID-19 all playgrounds in Cremona are now closed. We are encouraging residents to get out and enjoy the upcoming nice weather but to maintain social distancing and avoid gathering in large groups. Alberta has announced interim funding for in emergency isolation. Information and application may be found here. With the increased use of disinfectant wipes and other "flushable" products, PLEASE DO NOT FLUSH them down toilets. These do not break down and will clog our sewer system. Please place these with your regular garbage. For up to date listings of community services and information on accessing government assistance please check Cremona FCSS Facebook page. Effective immediately the following closures are in effect: Town administrative front desk (Services remain available by phone and online. Please contact the office during regular office hours for assistance.) Cremona Library Arena Community Hall Village staff remain on duty and are focused on maintaining critical services for residents and are available by phone and email as always. All emergency services remain at full capacity and currently no changes to the services you receive from the Village are anticipated. RCMP have closed front desk services as well. If this is an emergency, please call 911. If you are reporting a criminal offence, please pick up the phone by the door to be connected with a dispatcher or call 403-335-3381. If you require a criminal record check or fingerprints for employment, immigration or adoption purposes, please contact 403-335-3382 Monday to Friday 8 am - 4 pm. If you are reporting a collision, please contact 403-335-3382 Monday to Friday 8 am to 4 pm. Bill payment and permit services are available online and through most major banks. For assistance please call the office at 403-637-3762. As this situation is changing rapidly, we encourage all residents and businesses to check the site below for updates. For more up to date information please visit www.alberta.ca/covid19. Aaron Gertzen, Chief Administrative Officer, Village of Cremona