Can building supply stores reopen?
The Ontario government just updated the businesses that can open as of Saturday this week. Hardware stores are included but the question is, does that include building supply stores? Having looked at the release and past notifications, my interpretation would be that any business selling hardware (and 99.9% of building supply businesses do sell hardware) would be able to open their doors for customers to attend the store. Key elements to this would be that the store practices safe contact: Limit the number of customers in the store. Although no set guidelines are in place, set a limit and...
Read MoreOntario Government Survey: Economic Impacts of COVID-19
The Ontario government is looking forward to a recovery from the economic impact on citizens and businesses. I encourage you to visit the survey website to take the survey on how you and your business have been impacted and provide input on stimulus to help recover: Take the survey Federally, the LBMAO is working with its sister associations across Canada through the Building Material Council of Canada (BMCC). We will be providing a detailed portfolio to the Minister of Finance and the Standing Committee on Finance suggesting stimulus incentives such as the previous Home Renovation Tax...
Read MoreImportant Message from Castle Building Centres Group
President Ken Jenkins sent out the following message: “This past weekend the lives of so many families in Nova Scotia and across this country were impacted by an unspeakable series of senseless crimes. We were heartbroken to learn that Castle members Kurt & Tina Gratto of Masstown Hardware Castle Building Supplies lost their daughter and son-in-law Jamie & Greg Blair. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Gratto and Blair families through these difficult days. Jamie & Greg leave behind two sons, Jack 10 and Alexander 12, with their family dog Zoey. On behalf of the...
Read MoreCanada Emergency Wage Subsidy Application Process
The information below was provided by Segal LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants and we are sharing it as a service to our valued members Beginning on Monday, April 27, applications will be open for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). In order to get ready, so that you can file as soon as possible, please take note of the following: How to Apply Most businesses may apply using My Business Account If you represent a business, you may apply using Represent a Client Alternatively, you may apply with a separate online application form (avail. April 27) The CEWS will be processed at the...
Read MoreThe Employer Wage Subsidy Program
The following information from the Ministry of Finance website details the updated Employer Wage Subsidy Program now in place: What It Means for Canadian Businesses To help businesses keep and return workers to their payroll through the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, proposed the new Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. This would provide a 75 per cent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020. This wage subsidy aims to prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as...
Read MoreUpdated List of Essential Businesses
The following directive is from the Ontario Government website: As a temporary measure the Ontario government revised the list of essential businesses. The updated list will direct additional businesses to close, and directs specified businesses to provide services by alternate methods such as curb side pick up and delivery, except in exceptional circumstances. This includes stores that sell hardware products, vehicle parts and supplies, pet and animal supplies, office supplies and computer products and repairs and safety supplies. Only critical construction projects will continue, including...
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