B.C. businesses closed because of COVID-19 orders can now get up to $20,000 in relief
A relief grant meant to ease the financial burden of B.C. businesses closed by public health order has doubled.
On Tuesday, B.C.'s top health officials announced most public health orders are renewed until at least Feb. 16, when they'll be reviewed again.
Bars, nightclubs and lounges not serving full meals must stay closed under the restrictions. Gyms, however, are permitted to reopen starting Thursday with new precautions.
Initially, the relief grant offered businesses impacted by the health orders – including venues that had to close because of event cancellations – up to $10,000. Now, they can get up to $20,000.
"It’s fair to say that the Omicron variant has created new challenges for all of us, but our government's commitment to support people and businesses through this latest COVID-19 wave is unwavering," said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.'s jobs minister, in a news release.
Only businesses with extended closures can get a larger grant. In other words, gyms are only eligible for the original grant of up to $10,000. Businesses that already applied for a grant don't need to reapply.
The grants can be used to pay for rent, employee wages, insurance, maintenance and utilities.
Any business that refused to follow public health orders and stayed open aren't eligible.
"While we are encouraged to see that many fitness activities will now be able to take place in a safe, controlled environment, we know there are still sectors directly impacted by these public health measures," Kahlon said.
"Our government will continue to support these businesses, as we have in the past. Together, we can move closer to putting this pandemic behind us."
Initially, the program was expected to cost $10 million, but with the extension, it'll cost an additional $4 million.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Widow looking for answers after Quebec man dies in Texas Ironman competition
The widow of a Quebec man who died competing in an Ironman competition is looking for answers.
Tom Mulcair: Park littered with trash after 'pilot project' is perfect symbol of Trudeau governance
Former NDP leader Tom Mulcair says that what's happening now in a trash-littered federal park in Quebec is a perfect metaphor for how the Trudeau government runs things.
World seeing near breakdown of international law amid wars in Gaza and Ukraine, Amnesty says
The world is seeing a near breakdown of international law amid flagrant rule-breaking in Gaza and Ukraine, multiplying armed conflicts, the rise of authoritarianism and huge rights violations in Sudan, Ethiopia and Myanmar, Amnesty International warned Wednesday as it published its annual report.
Photographer alleges he was forced to watch Megan Thee Stallion have sex and was unfairly fired
A photographer who worked for Megan Thee Stallion said in a lawsuit filed Tuesday that he was forced to watch her have sex, was unfairly fired soon after and was abused as her employee.
Amid concerns over 'collateral damage' Trudeau, Freeland defend capital gains tax change
Facing pushback from physicians and businesspeople over the coming increase to the capital gains inclusion rate, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his deputy Chrystia Freeland are standing by their plan to target Canada's highest earners.
U.S. Senate passes bill forcing TikTok's parent company to sell or face ban, sends to Biden for signature
The Senate passed legislation Tuesday that would force TikTok's China-based parent company to sell the social media platform under the threat of a ban, a contentious move by U.S. lawmakers that's expected to face legal challenges.
Wildfire southwest of Peace River spurs evacuation order
People living near a wildfire burning about 15 kilometres southwest of Peace River are being told to evacuate their homes.
U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passes aid for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan with big bipartisan vote
The U.S. Senate has passed US$95 billion in war aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan, sending the legislation to President Joe Biden after months of delays and contentious debate over how involved the United States should be in foreign wars.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.