The Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) will provide interest-free repayable contributions to help support businesses that have suffered a financial hardship resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. The support will assist small- and medium-sized enterprises that are unable to access other federal COVID-19 relief measures. Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) is delivering RRRF in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
WC Conversations (Dec 2, 2020) presentation download from Calgary Rural Primary Care Network.
Additional resource links download
Resource list is for information purposes only and is subject to change. CRPCN does not specifically endorse any of the options.
The Mental Health Help Line: 1-877-303-2642 | available 24/7 to provide advice and referrals to community supports near you.
Help in Tough Times |AHS
Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty | American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
For PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) requirements, employers can access the following website to order PPE through the POC (Provincial Operation Centre): www.xnet.gov.ab.ca/ppe
If the PPE is not received in a timely manner, employers can follow up with an email to: ma.ppesupport@gov.ab.ca. To connect with POC: 1-866-618-2362
What type of businesses can access the PPE available on the website (in the drop down menu on the website businesses are listed but some are not – want to make sure that those businesses that require PPE are not missed)?
There are a number of business types identified in the drop down menu – I would recommend that if businesses do not see their type listed, choose “Other” and then in the box below, identify what type of business they are operating.
The businesses that are currently identified on the list are the ones that are able to operate in Alberta at this time. As more businesses are allowed to open, my contact indicated that more business types will be added.
PPE requests should be coming in from businesses that are currently allowed to operate or will be allowed to operate in the next phase, beginning May 14. Businesses not yet allowed to open should wait to order PPE.
Businesses should source locally, where possible.
What costs are associated?
Costs are not identified on this website. Businesses should fill out the form, identifying what they require and then the list with costs will be sent to them in an email.
PPE is available on a cost recovery basis, POC is not looking to profit on these products.
Timelines?
For businesses that are re-opening on May 14, they should be looking at placing an order today. (May 8)
Additional Resources for PPE (from Alberta Biz Connects website)
Launching June 3-4, 2020 Alberta Innovates is launching Inventures Unbound to stay connected until Inventures 2021. Access live-stream experiences, expert content, pitch events, and engage in a vital, growing community of innovators, investors, and service providers.
Travel Alberta Workshops and Webinars – past webinars can be found here too
Destination Canada – Past Tourism webinars can be found here.
Missed the BDC webinar? The recording is now available
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Follow this page for updates on business connectivity initiatives during this pandemic phase for our region. If you have additional support links please forward them to us.
We will be hosting webinars/conference calls, posting new support information as it develops and with our WC brand, we want to hear your stories and ideas to share with others to get through this time.
Contact anytime by emailing the WC at or calling our team through the Wheatland County office during regular hours.
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Canada Summer Jobs Program to help businesses and young Canadians affected by COVID-19
Release: Alberta launching a $1 billion program to create 5,300 jobs
Canada’s Digital Technology Supercluster
Using Innovation to Protect Canadians and Secure our Economy, since launching its COVID-19 Program, the Supercluster has advanced four projects – each making a meaningful contribution to the health and safety of Canadians.
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COVID-19: Pandemic Preparedness for Business | Canadian Chamber of Commerce
BDC supports for business – COVID-19: 7 steps to sustain your business through the disruption
Western Economic Diversification – Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: COVID-19 – The Fund will help to:
mitigate the financial pressure experienced by businesses and organizations to allow them to continue their operations, including paying their employees;
support projects by businesses, organizations and communities to prepare now for a successful recovery.
Trade Commissioner – Resources for Canadian Businesses | Contains relevant and important information for businesses navigating challenges and uncertainty in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Coronavirus and Small Business: Keeping You and Your Employees Safe | Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB)
COVID-19: Tips for Small Businesses | Helpful tips as you navigate these changes and work to continue to manage your business and serve your customers. | Business Link
Emergency Preparedness | Calgary Chamber of Commerce
Reference Sheet for Businesses | World Health Organization
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(Grow with Google and other marketing/training programs and information)
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COVID-19 Emergency Funding (rural and remote Alberta Communities)
Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has approved nearly $800,000 to support rural and remote Alberta communities during the COVID-19 Pandemic (sign up to be notified when applications become available)
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses | GoC
Employment Insurance (EI) and Sickness Benefits | The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim.
COVID-19 and Business Insurance: How Coverage is Triggered | Insurance Bureau of Canada
Alberta Employment Standards Rules | Laws for minimum wage, overtime, holidays, job-protected leaves, vacations, hours of work, earnings, youth workers and termination.
Free Credit Counselling, Budgeting Help & Debt Consolidation Options | Credit Counselling Society
Coronavirus (COVID 19) Government Funding for Small Businesses in Canada | Canada Startups
Facebook Small Business Grants Program | Facebook
Applying for emergency benefits | CBC.ca
COVID-19 support for employers and employees | Government of Alberta
Coronavirus: Canada’s big banks to allow mortgage payment deferrals | Global Edmonton
Tourism webinars can be found here.
Check COVID-19 page regularly for up-to-date tourism information.
Stay connected by subscribing to Destination Canada News, following the corporate social channels Twitter / LinkedIn and regularly visiting DestinationCanada.com.
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Canada outlines measures to support the economy and the financial sector | Government of Canada
EDC stands ready to support Canadian exporters impacted by COVID-19 | Export Development Canada
Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the coronavirus COVID-19 | BDC
