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COVID-19 Resources for the Sign Industry
OSA reached out to government contacts to request clarity about whether or not sign companies are considered essential businesses. While the sign industry is not specifically listed under businesses permitted to open, we want to direct you the Ontario Government document Enhancing Public Health and Workplace Safety Measures in the Provincewide Shutdown. Under the category Supply Chain, the definition provided is "Businesses that supply businesses or places that are permitted to open within Ontario, or that supply businesses or services that have been declared essential in a jurisdiction outside of Ontario, with the support, products, supplies, systems, or services, including processing, packaging, warehousing, distribution, delivery, and maintenance necessary to operate." OSA members may want to have customers which are essential businesses complete the Affidavit of Sign & Graphics Work Required for an Essential Business which was provided by email as proof that the sign company is working to support an essential service. Members who need a copy of this affidavit can request it from OSA by email.
OSA knows that at this time of great uncertainty you need as much up-to-date information as possible as it pertains to your business. Your association is here for you and will be updating this page as new information becomes available as we continue to advocate on your behalf.
UPDATE April 19, 2021: COVID-19: enhanced public health and workplace safety measures
Please scroll through the definitions of Supply Chain, Manufacturing, and Essential Construction as these are most relevant to sign companies.
Ontario Strengthens Enforcement of Stay-at-Home Order - Implementing Stronger Enforcement, Travel Restrictions, Public Health Measures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 and Save Lives (April 16, 2021)
Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order (April 8, 2021)
COVID-19 response framework: keeping Ontario safe and open (March 17, 2021)
Ontario’s COVID-19 vaccination plan (March 15, 2021)
Toronto Public Health Instructions for Workplaces (January 4, 2021)
Business Resources:
Sign Association Canada - COVID-19 Resources
International Sign Association - Business Continuity Resource Center
The Ontario Government has established a Workplace PPE Supplier Directory
Frontline & Business: help us support you during COVID-19: Learn how to request a temporary rule or regulation change to help your business respond to COVID-19 (coronavirus). (Ontario Government)
Global Public Affairs: Canadian Relief/Stimulus Measures - COVID-19
Canadian Chamber of Commerce - COVID-19: Business ResilienceOntario Chamber of Commerce - COVID-19 Tools and Resources for Business
Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID‑19
Financial Support for Businesses:
Ontario's Skills Development Fund - The ministry is seeking projects that will enable market-driven solutions and unlock the economic potential of skilled trades and broader workforce development initiatives to facilitate the province’s economic recovery. (February 5, 2021)
Businesses: Get help with COVID-19 costs (December 22, 2020)
For small businesses not in operation in April 2019 or April 2020, eligibility criteria will be announced in January 2021. Further details about the grant, including how to apply, will be available in January 2021.
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) (November 23, 2020)
Calculate your subsidy amount
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) now open to businesses using personal banking accounts (Oct. 26, 2020)
The Canada United Small Business Relief Fund (CUSBRF) was established to help small businesses offset the cost of expenses to reopen safely or adopt digital technologies to move more of their business online.(Oct. 26, 2020)
Government announces new, targeted support to help businesses through pandemic (October 9, 2020)
Government introduces legislation to support Canadian workers, businesses and persons with disabilities (July 21, 2020)
COVID–19: CECRA for small businesses - Apply for CECRA for small businesses and help commercial tenants with rent relief
Ontario Provides Urgent Relief for Small Businesses and Landlords
Minister Ng announces hotline to provide small businesses in need with financial planning advice amid COVID-19
Small business owners with pressing financial needs can call 1-866-989-1080 (toll-free) seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (ET).
Government of Canada - Support for your business
Prime Minister announces opening of program to protect jobs and help businesses
Prime Minister announces expansion of support for workers and small businesses
Prime Minister announces additional support for businesses to help save Canadian jobs
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID‑19
Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
Canadian Business Resilience Network In partnership with the Government of Canada, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce established the Canadian Business Resilience Network to help Canadian businesses navigate the COVID-19 reality and prepare for recovery.
Financial Support for Individuals:
Support for Learners A one-time funding for parents to help offset costs during the 2020-2021 school year. The deadline to apply is February 8, 2021.
UPDATED October 7, 2020:
In place of the Canadian Emergency Relief Benefit (CERB), Canada has introduced:
COVID-19: Changes to Canadian taxes and benefits
Ontario Protecting the Most Vulnerable During COVID-19 Crisis
Government of Canada - Changes to Employment Insurance
Prime Minister announces support for vulnerable Canadians affected by COVID‑19
Canada Child Benefits - Increased by $300 per child
Staying Healthy:
EFFECTIVE September 25, 2020: Ontario Expands COVID-19 Testing to Pharmacies - by appointment; free
Ontario's COVID-19 Testing - Premier Ford announced that test results will be available online
Public Health Ontario - COVID-19 Public Resources
Government of Canada - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Outbreak update
Mental Health and the COVID-19 Pandemic
World Health Organization - Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public