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
Doctors say capital gains tax changes will jeopardize their retirement. Is that true?
The Canadian Medical Association asserts the Liberals' proposed changes to capital gains taxation will put doctors' retirement savings in jeopardy, but some financial experts insist incorporated professionals are not as doomed as they say they are.
Something in the water? Canadian family latest to spot elusive 'Loch Ness Monster'
For centuries, people have wondered what, if anything, might be lurking beneath the surface of Loch Ness in Scotland. When Canadian couple Parry Malm and Shannon Wiseman visited the Scottish highlands earlier this month with their two children, they didn’t expect to become part of the mystery.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.
What do weight loss drugs mean for a diet industry built on eating less and exercising more?
Recent injected drugs like Wegovy and its predecessor, the diabetes medication Ozempic, are reshaping the health and fitness industries.
He replaced Mickey Mantle. Now baseball's oldest living major leaguer is turning 100
The oldest living former major leaguer, Art Schallock turns 100 on Thursday and is being celebrated in the Bay Area and beyond as the milestone approaches.
What a urologist wants you to know about male infertility
When opposite sex couples are trying and failing to get pregnant, the attention often focuses on the woman. That’s not always the case.
'It was instant karma': Viral video captures failed theft attempt in Nanaimo, B.C.
Mounties in Nanaimo, B.C., say two late-night revellers are lucky their allegedly drunken antics weren't reported to police after security cameras captured the men trying to steal a heavy sign from a downtown business.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Made-in-Newfoundland vodka claims top prize at worldwide competition
A Newfoundland-made vodka has been named one of the world’s best by judges at this year’s World Vodka Awards.