London Business COVID-19 Portal
London Business COVID-19 Portal
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London Business COVID-19 Portal

London Business COVID-19 Portal London Business COVID-19 Portal London Business COVID-19 Portal

Updated April 2021

London Business COVID-19 Portal

London Business COVID-19 Portal London Business COVID-19 Portal London Business COVID-19 Portal

Updated April 2021

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Welcome to the London Business COVID-19 Portal

The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC), London Chamber of Commerce, and London Small Business Centre have partnered to develop this resource hub for London businesses during COVID-19.

Things are changing on a minute-by-minute basis and we continue to hear about the need to better navigate the resources that are currently available. 


You asked, we listened. To achieve this we're streamlining the information and resources available during COVID-19 and are capturing them on this portal. We are committed to work together and provide valuable resources for our business community.


It's our hope that through streamlining communication, we can be your one-stop shop for finding valuable, reliable, and up-to-date resources and information that are being shared at the local, provincial, and federal government levels.  


Use the quick links on the right to navigate to important sections of this website. 


We are all in this together.  Stay healthy, stay safe, and stay resilient. 

Quick Links

1.  Open for Business

2. New Funding Programs

3. Economic Relief

4. Local Business Supports

5. Support Local Businesses

6. Can Your Business Help?

7. Health & Safety Resources

8. Webinars & Courses

9. Helpful Articles & Resources

10. About Us

11. Contact Us


We are here to support employers during these challenging economic conditions. Consider us your one-stop-shop for everything COVID-19 - we're here to connect you to the information you need and the answers you're looking for.


Have an innovative idea to support local businesses during COVID-19? Facing a challenge and exploring your options? 


Let's generate solutions together. 


Contact LEDC, the London Chamber of Commerce, and SBC London using the contact form at the bottom of this website or by visiting our websites.

Open for Business

October 27, 2020 - New guidance on using masks in the workplace

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has provided some new material in the Guide to developing your COVID-19 workplace safety plan, 


The recent revisions include new or updated information about several evolving topics of particular importance for many employers:

  • Active screening of workers
  • Air flow/ventilation
  • What to do if there is a case of COVID-19 in the workplace
  • The use of masks as source control


In addition to this, new standalone guidance on using masks in the workplace has been released. 


The existing guidance note for the Restaurant and Food Services sector has also been updated to integrate key content from the Safety Plan and to provide information about the different uses of masks in the workplace as well as clarity on the use of masks with eye protection as personal protective equipment. 

 

Ontario

* Ontario Regulation 765/20 has now amended Regulation 228/20, which is the Regulation that provided for Infectious Disease Emergency Leave (IDEL). The relevance of this amendment is that for the COVID-19 Period, temporary layoffs that exceeded the statutory time limits under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA), no longer constituted deemed terminations -  i.e. temporary layoffs that continued beyond 13 weeks in any period of 20 consecutive weeks, or temporary layoffs that continued beyond 35 weeks in any 52 consecutive week period and where benefits or other payments were continued.

* Furthermore and for the COVID-19 Period, it offered temporary protection to employers who did not have permissive layoff language in their contracts of employment (but were forced to temporarily layoff staff as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic), from claims for constructive dismissal brought under the ESA.

* As a result of these protections, the COVID-19 Period has become a focal point for employers and following a previous extension, was set to expire on January 2, 2021. Regulation 765/20 which was recently announced, has since extended the COVID-19 Period to July 3, 2021, meaning that these employer protections will continue to apply for purposes of the ESA.


***

The Ontario government has released its plan to reopen businesses, services, and public spaces. 


Here are the latest updates:


April 8, 2021 - Ontario Enacts Provincial Emergency and Stay-at-Home Order


Here’s what it means for the London region:


  • It requires everyone to remain at home except for trips to the grocery store or pharmacy, medical appointments including vaccinations, exercise close to home or work that cannot be done remotely.
  • Non-essential retailers can only offer curbside pickup and delivery.
  • Big box stores will only be allowed to sell essential goods like groceries, household cleaning supplies, pharmacy items, health and personal care items and pet supplies.
  • Malls such as Masonville Mall and White Oaks Mall will once again be restricted to curbside pickup by appointment at designated locations.
  • In-person retail is allowed at 25 per cent capacity at locations like safety supply stores, medical device service/suppliers, vehicle and equipment rental services, optical stores, car and watercraft dealerships, vehicle/equipment repair shops and telecommunication service stores.
  • Outdoor garden centres and plant nurseries and indoor greenhouses can operate at 25 per cent capacity and with limited hours.


*Full details can be found on the Ontario website.


As COVID-19 cases continue to rise at an alarming rate, a provincewide emergency brake is in effect as of Saturday, April 3, 2021 at 12:01 a.m. 


Provincewide Shutdown Requirements:

  • Indoor social gatherings prohibited, outdoor gatherings limited to five people or less, except for gatherings with members of the same household (the people you live with) or gatherings of members of one household and one other person from another household who lives alone.
  • Supermarkets and pharmacies limited to 50 per cent capacity, big box and other retail stores limited to 25 per cent capacity.
  • personal care services closed.
  • No indoor and outdoor dining at restaurants and bars. They’re limited to take-out, drive-through and delivery only.
  • indoor and outdoor sports facilities, gyms and day camps closed.
  • religious services, including weddings and funerals, limited to 15 per cent occupancy in indoor settings, and to the number of people who can maintain two metres of physical distance outdoors. Receptions are not permitted indoors and are limited to five people outdoors.


* A full more comprehensive list of the shutdown restrictions can be found here. 


 Accessing City of London Services  during Provincial Shutdown.


Announced November 3 - Ontario’s COVID-19 Response Framework:  Keeping Ontario Safe and Open.


As of November 7, 2020, the province will transition public health unit regions to the new framework.

The five levels of public health measures 

1. Prevent - Green

2. Protect - Yellow

3. Restrict - Orange

4. Control - Red

5. Lockdown - Grey


Where there are regional restrictions or requirements, all provincial restrictions also apply. Read more about Ontario’s COVID-19 response framework here.


Business Re-opening Services

* The Canadian Business Resiliency Network is offering a Business Reopening Toolkit. View printable templates and signage 

* Deloitte is offering a COVID-19: Economic recovery dashboard monitors the health, social, financial and economic activity that will signal when a recovery is coming.

* FirstOnSite is offering COVID-19 Re-occupancy Services for Commercial Office Space.

* StevensE3 is offering a variety of social distancing solutions for businesses on their online store and are also happy to work with clients to develop custom solutions. 


Government Resources  

* Guidance for workplaces and businesses (Federal)

* Sector-specific guidance and posters: Find resources, best practices and other information to help you understand your rights and responsibilities during the COVID-19 outbreak. You can also download posters about physical distancing best practices for your sector. There is also guidance for transit agencies and passengers to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

* Rules for federally-regulated workplaces (Federal)

* The province continues to develop sector-specific safety guidance documents, with over 150 guides available.

New Funding Programs

The following are the latest funding and support program announcements at the local, provincial, and federal levels. You can find more funding programs in the Economic Relief section of this website.


Federal

  • Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy,  Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
  • A top-up Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy of 25 per cent for organizations temporarily shut down by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority, in addition to the 65 per cent subsidy.
  • Government of Canada to Make EI Changes, and Introduce New Benefit Programs. Details Here.


Provincial

  •  Main Street Relief Grant -  This one-time grant reimburses main street businesses for up to $1,000 in PPE costs incurred since March 17, 2020. Eligible businesses now include those with 2 to 19 employees in the following sectors: retail trade, accommodation and food services, repair and maintenance, personal and laundry services, gyms and yoga studios, and arts, entertainment, and recreation.
  • Ontario Small Business Support Grant  helps small businesses that are required to close or significantly restrict services under the Provincewide Shutdown effective December 26, 2020.  On March 24, the government announced a second round of support. Small businesses who have been determined as eligible recipients for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant will automatically be entitled to a second payment in an amount equal to the first payment they receive. They will not need to apply again to receive this additional funding. 
    • Application Guide: https://www.app.grants.gov.on.ca/msrf/assets/guide.pdf
    • Application Link: COVID-19 Business Support Grants (gov.on.ca) 
  • Recovery Activation Program (RAP) is a no cost, immersive, highly practical online workshop that helps businesses identify areas for digital overhaul. Ontario businesses can apply to access $40,000 in training, mentorship, and support.
  • Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) is being offered by FedDev Ontario and provides financial contributions (interest-free loans) to help support fixed operating costs of SMEs, where business revenues have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. In southern Ontario, $252.4 million is available as follows:

                - $213 million for SMEs facing financial pressure; and

                - $39.4 million to provide rural businesses with access to capital and business support, delivered by southern Ontario’s Community Futures  

                  Development Corporations.

Local

  • London companies can receive support from Digital Main Street through their following programs:

                 - DMS Ontario Grants to help businesses with their digital transformation

                 - DMS Shop Here program to help small businesses and artists with selling online

                 - DMS Futureproof program to help businesses with identifying new markets and pivoting business models


Economic Relief

Federal

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to support Canadians and businesses facing hardship as a result of the global outbreak, outlined in their COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. Details are below.


Which program is right for you?

· Navigate all of the Ontario and Federal Government's financial support for businesses in this overview

· Answer a few questions to get a personalized list of support from the Government of Canada

· If your business is located in Ontario, use this self-assessment developed by rtraction and Benjamin Glauss to help determine which financial help measures apply to your business. Fill out the assessment here


SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

Overview of all economic relief for sectors can be found here.


Avoiding layoffs & rehiring employees

  • *EXTENDED* Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS): Covers 75% of an employee's wages for employers of all sizes and across all sectors who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May. Extended to June 2021.
  • Temporary 10% Wage Subsidy:  A three-month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deduction required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
  • Work-Sharing Program: Up to 76 weeks of income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers
  • Have questions regarding EI Top-Up Benefits? Contact the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Program at 1-800-561-7923 or email Sub-psc@servicecanada.gc.ca indicating the company name, business number (if applicable), and your question


Access to credit

  • Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP Guarantee): Export Development Canada is working with financial institutions (FIs) to provide companies with business financing solutions. This gives qualified businesses access to credit to help bridge the gap and build resilience as they move into 2021.
  • Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) Guarantee - These loans are for small and medium-sized businesses that have seen their revenues decrease by 50% or more as a result of COVID-19. Businesses heavily impacted by COVID-19 can access guaranteed, low-interest loans of $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow needs. The HASCAP Guarantee is available until June 30, 2021.
  • *EXPANDED* Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA): Interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. LEDC, London Chamber of Commerce and SBC London have made a helpful resource with local financial institution contacts so you can easily apply via your bank. Additional $20,000 now available - All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.
  • Large employer emergency financing: Bridge financing for Canada's largest employers
  • $20.1 million in support for Futurpreneur Canada to continue supporting young entrepreneurs across Canada who are facing challenges
  • $675 million through Canada's Regional Development Agencies to give financing support to small and medium-sized businesses
  • The Trade Commissioner Service has experts worldwide who can provide access to funding and help mitigating COVID-19 impacts for businesses in global markets.


Creating new jobs & opportunities for youth

  • Student Work Placement Program: $80 million to support up to 20,000 post-secondary students across Canada to obtain paid work experience related to their field of study
  • Mitacs & The Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER): $40 million to support Mitacs in order to create 5,000 new job placements. BHER will create a further 5,000 to 10,000 new student placements
  • Canada Summer Jobs Program:  Applications are due by February 3, 2021 at 12:00 P.M.


Deferred payments

  • Defer the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after March 18 and before September 2020. This applies to SME's and self-employed individuals
  • The Canada Revenue Agency will defer tax payments until August 31 to help businesses with cash flow.


Indigenous businesses

  • $306.8 million in funding to help small and medium-sized Indigenous businesses, and to support Aboriginal Financial Institutions that offer financing to these businesses. Financial support for Indigenous businesses will be provided through Aboriginal Financial Institutions, and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association and the Métis capital corporations in partnership with Indigenous Services Canada. 


Supporting financial stability

  • Immediate, temporary relief to sponsors of federally regulated, defined benefit pension plans in the form of a moratorium, through the remainder of 2020, on solvency payment requirements for defined benefit plans
  • Insured Mortgage Purchase Program: Government of Canada will purchase up to $150 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
  • The Bank of Canada is lowering interest rates to 0.25%, intervening to support key financial markets and providing liquidity support for financial institutions
  • The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions announced it is lowering the Domestic Stability Buffer by 1.25% of risk-weighted assets. 

 

SUPPORT FOR SECTORS

Overview of all economic relief for sectors can be found here


Agriculture, agri-food, aquaculture, fisheries

  • Mandatory Isolation Support for Temporary Foreign Workers Program: This is a one-time $84.4-million program to help with the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on food supply in Canada by assisting the farming, fish harvesting, and food production and processing sectors. Applications for the 2021 program year will be accepted until 6:00 p.m. EST March 31, 2021 or until funding has been fully committed. 
  • Through Farm Credit Canada (FCC), farmers, producers, agribusinesses, and food processors can access $5 billion in lending and will receive extensions to previous loans. Contact FCC to see if you're eligible to access this program
  • Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund: Short term financing, added storage capacity for unsold products, support of new manufacturing technologies to improve productivity, and more to support Canada's fish and seafood processing industries


Cultural, heritage and sports

  • COVID-19 Emergency Support Fund: $500 million for cultural, heritage and sport organizations that will help address the financial needs of affected organizations so they can continue to support artists and athletes
  • The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) will not issue letters requesting payment for Part I licence fees by broadcasters for the 2020–21 fiscal year


Air transportation

  • Waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government


Tourism

  •  Deferring payments on commercial leases and licences of occupation without interest until September 1, 2020 for tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas
  • For tourism operators and small businesses, regional development agencies (RDAs) could assist with access to federal funding and services.


Energy

  • Emissions Reduction Fund: $750 million to support workers and reduce emissions in Canada's oil and gas sector, with a focus on methane


Non-profit and charitable

  • Emergency Community Support Fund: $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need


SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS & FAMILIES

Overview of all economic relief for individuals and families can be found here

  • The one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits has been waived
  • The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has allowed for ongoing Mortgage Payment Deferrals


Provincial

The Ontario Government has recently announced a number of updates to support employers and employees:

  

  • COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program - Residential (CEAP)
    Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers began accepting applications for CEAP on July 13, 2020.
  • COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program – Small Business (CEAP-SB)
    Electricity and natural gas utilities and unit sub-meter providers will begin accepting applications for CEAP-SB on August 31, 2020.
  • The Workplace PPE Supplier Directory provides businesses with information on personal protective equipment (PPE) suppliers
  • Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario has created a financial relief package that allows businesses to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020.
  • $1.5 million for a new Tourism Economic Development Recovery Fund 
  • $83 million through the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) to provide grants to help eligible non-profit organizations
  • Increasing the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption for 2020 from $490,000 to $1 million. As an employer,      this means relief of up to $9,945
  • Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit: If you are building, renovating or acquiring commercial or industrial      buildings in designated regions in Ontario, you could be eligible to save up to $50,000 this year. You can apply for this tax credit when you file your tax return. Learn more about the tax credit and if your project qualifies.

Local

The City of London is providing immediate economic relief through the following - stay informed here on their website:


  • All interest and penalties for unpaid Interim 2020 Property Tax Installments that come due on March 31, 2020 will be waived for a period of 60 days
  • All interest and penalties for unpaid water and wastewater billings will be waived for a minimum period of 60 days
  • All Community Improvement Plan (CIP) loan repayments will be deferred on an interest-free basis for a minimum period of 60 days
  • In addition, due dates for final final 2020 property tax installments have been deferred by 60 days as of April 21, 2020
  • Flexibility in loading, unloading, and delivery times


Additionally, the Mayor's Economic Impact and Recovery Task Force have developed a brief and easy to navigate summary of the Provincial and Federal resources available to London's businesses. You can read the list here.


Local Funding Programs

  • London Community Grants Program.  A total of $496,000 is available in 2021 for Innovation and Capital projects. An additional focus this year, the Innovation and Capital funding stream will direct a minimum of 25% of grant funds to anti-racism, anti-oppression and equity and inclusion projects. Applications are being accepted until March 29, 2021, at 4:30 p.m. 

Local Business Supports

Business + Workforce Services 

· Need to get your business online? The LEDC has developed a guide to many London businesses offering eCommerce, website development, and marketing services

· TechAlliance has launched a Rebuild Roster, a new tool to bolster Southwestern Ontario technology companies by placing tech talent in view of hiring managers

· SBC's COVID-19 Business Support Squad provides free consultations to answer questions and provide strategic guidance to your small business

· The Business Support Initiative provides businesses with actionable work to open doors to new revenue streams and new opportunities

· Info-Tech Research Group has developed a COVID-19 Resource center, with a complimentary CIO Strategy for COVID-19 and upcoming webinars


Promotional Offers + Opportunities

· AdHOME is offering free advertising and marketing counsel for businesses of any size

· Alarmtech Systems for Life is offering a free, live remote consultation to design a security system that can be installed at your home / business

· The London Free Press launches a free business directory - if your business is open during COVID, add it to their directory

· Minuteman Press is offering to print free COVID-19 awareness posters and free advertising on their Bounce Back London website 

· OntarioSEO is offering Local Google My Business Support, by providing a Free Google My Business Audit

· RBC is offering financial and informational resources.

· Attache Group Inc. provides cyber security awareness training for end users

· FirstOnSite is offering Tips and Emergency Response for Hibernating Commercial Buildings


Staying Connected

· The Council of Canadian Innovators has launched a dedicated COVID-19 Tech Group on Slack for Canadian technology workers

· RH Accelerator has launched RHA Online - a free service for the founder community to support companies with responding to the COVID-19 crisis


Virtual Learning

· Check out KPMG's COVID-19 Podcast about the trends and challenges of business continuity 

· The Achievement Centre is offering free access to online learning around sales and leadership 


Working Remotely

· Consys Group Inc. has prepared a quick assessment tool to assist with determining how remote-work ready your business is

· Western IT Group is offering no-charge consultations to review your organizations business continuity planning (BCP) 

· tbk is offering free work-from-home consulting to companies as they transition into a remote model. Email tbk at workfromhome@tbkCreative.com

· Techdoz has launched London Tech Tools to help businesses in the community settle into their new technology lifestyles

· ManagePoint is offering free IT consulting via email or teleconference

· Dagi is offering one-month free connection to work from home with free set-up

 

Support Local Businesses

Take a look at local businesses that have went digital. You can support these businesses via online orders, take-out, delivery, or purchasing gift cards to use at a later date:

· Support London Businesses, started by rTraction, allows you to explore a number of stores in London that you can continue supporting digitally  

· Explore businesses that are currently operating & offering take-out, delivery, porch-drop, virtual tours, virtual experiences or online events on Tourism London's website and in Downtown London's list. You can also view a list and map of takeout options here.

· SlyFox Digital Marketing's list of sanity savers highlights local business pick up and delivery

· I Love Local is a new initiative to support brick and motar stores by purchasing digital vouchers

· GIFTforward is an initiative supported by Ivey Business School students to help local businesses by offering gift cards that customers can buy through their platform and use once these businesses are allowed to re-open


#ShopLdnOnt

Follow the local hashtag shopldnont to learn about local businesses, make some online purchases, and show your appreciation by liking/sharing/rating! Get in touch with Shop LdnOnt directly to have your business added: Instagram / Facebook

Always rate, like, share, and buy from local businesses online when possible!

Can Your Business Help?

Locally

Attention manufacturers! Please contact Jason Bates at jbates@emccanada.org if you can provide any of the following:

  • Clean rooms for the production of COVID-19 supplies
  • Additional warehouse space for pandemic supplies for Healthcare Material Management Services (HMMS)


Provincially

  • Please visit the Ontario Together website if you can offer emergency products and innovative solutions or volunteer to support our response to COVID-19
  • Several temporary rules and regulations have been put in place. Learn how to request a temporary rule or regulation change to help your business respond to COVID-19
  • Ontario Centres of Excellence has launched a COVID-19 Collaboration Platform for Ontario innovators to come together and respond to support this collective effort. If you have a solution or need collaborators to make your solution possible, visit the hub here. 


Nationally

  • Calling all suppliers - help Canada combat COVID-19 by supplying N95 masks, gloves, gowns, IT support services, and more
  • The Plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19 directly supports businesses to rapidly scale up production or re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help in the fight against COVID-19
  • Next Generation Manufacturing Canada is investing $50 million for companies that can help manufacture critical COVID-19 supplies
  • NRC is seeking a low-cost sensor system for COVID-19 patient monitoring, made in Canada filtration material for the manufacture of N95 respirators and surgical masks, and point of care / home diagnostic kit for COVID-19
  • Tender Opportunity Cloth Face Masks for RCMP – deadline May 28, 2020.

Health & Safety Resources

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) has helped us gather a number of health and safety resources to support your business through COVID-19., around the following topics:

  • What steps you can take right now to keep your employees / workplace safe
  • What to do if an employee is diagnosed with COVID-19
  • What the 'new normal' of health and safety at a workplace may look like and how you can implement preventative measures upon returning to work

 

Section 1: COVID-19 Resource Information

WSPS’ main Covid-19 Portal: This link will direct you to WSPS’ main Covid-19 portal. Listed below are examples of specific resources:

  1. Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659
  2. Take the COVID-19 Self-Assessment
  3. Business Preparedness Pandemic Checklist. - Links to official sources (Public Health, Ministry of Health and Long Term Care, etc.)
  4. Link to a page of business resources (government, planning and sector-specific information) 
  5. Links to COVID-19 and infection control information – including some great awareness resources from the Government of Canada
  6. Link to a new “Working Remotely” page that features information on ergonomics, mental health and online learning 
  7. 9 Suggestions To Help Avoid Work Refusals.
  8. WSIB Covid-19 Injury Related Claims
  9. Risk-informed decision-making guidelins for workplaces & businesses during COVID-19
  10. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
  11. Track your COVID-19 Compliance in Real-Time
  12. Post-Pandemic Business Playbook


Section 2: Mental Health in Times of COVID-19

  1. Mental health and wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic 
  2. Psychological Safety Blog
  3. COVID-19: Psychological Health & Safety: Tips and insights to help manufacturers address mental health in the workplace throughout the COVID-19 outbreak.
  4. WSPS “Working Remotely” page that features information on ergonomics, mental health and online learning.
  5. Mental Health Poster
  6. Government of Canada Wellness Together Canada portal 
  7. The Conference Board of Canada has a series of videos you can access for support
  8. WSPS eLearning Sessions (free of charge) 

  • Mental Health: Health and Wellness Strategies
  • Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms and Solutions
  • Mental Health: Psychologically Healthy Workplaces
  • Mental Health: Communication Strategies
  • Mental Health: Awareness 

 

Section 3: Information & 'How-To' Posters

  1. About coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Infographic
  2. Help reduce the spread of Covid 19
  3. Physical Distancing – Actions for reducing the spread of Covid-19 
  4. Surgical Mask vs. N95 Respirator
  5. How to Self-Isolate
  6. How to Self-Monitor
  7. Cleaning and Disinfection for Public Settings
  8. Public Health Ontario’s How to Handwash Poster
  9. Public Health Ontario Multilingual “How To” Posters
  10. Mental Health Poster

 

Section 4: Occupational Specific Health & Safety Guidelines

Here you will find guidelines for a variety of industries and roles, including Agricultural, Truck Driving, Equipment Operators, Food Retail Sector, Office Sector, Restaurant Services, Grocery, Warehousing and more. Scroll to bottom of page – located under ‘downloads’


The Ontario Government also recently released health and safety guidelines for employers.  


Section 5: Health & Safety Duty Consultant
Sources: WSPS, Federal & Provincial Government, National Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (NIOHS), Public Health Ontario

Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) has, and will continue to be, a leader in providing impactful hazard risk management solutions. We have extended our core business hours and have a Duty Consultant on call from 7am – 7pm to Monday to Friday.  You can reach the Duty Consultant via email  at dutyconsultant@wsps.ca or telephone 1-877-494-9777.  There is no charge for this service.


Section 6: Free COVID-19 related eCourses

WSPS Covid-19 related eCourses (no charge):

  • Pandemic Planning
  • Pandemic Awareness
  • Coronavirus Preparedness for Employers and Employees (English) (30 min) 


Other Free WSPS eCourses indirectly related to Covid-19 (no charge):

  • Supervisor Responsibilities and Due Diligence Refresher (English) (10 min) 
  • Workplace Violence and Harassment Awareness (English) (20 minutes) 
  • Mental Health: Health and Wellness Strategies
  • Mental Health: Signs, Symptoms and Solutions  
  • Mental Health: Psychologically Healthy Workplaces
  • Mental Health: Communication Strategies
  • Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention 
  • Office Ergonomics  
  • Mental Health: Awareness 


Section 7: Emergency Specific Information

Emergency information related to Covid-19 providing information on:

  • Staying Protected
  • How to self-isolate
  • Safely providing care
  • Return from travel
  • Symptoms and treatment


Section 8: Local London Resources

·Take a look at several London businesses that are providing personal protective equipment (PPE) and disinfecting services to keep employees and workplaces safe in LEDC's list. 

· Driven to understand what these impacts may be and how the government can support those in need, Pulse InfoFrame in London is running an online study – called the healthie™ Global Pandemic Mental Health Assessment - to learn how COVID-19 is affecting communities mentally and emotionally

· Have non-emergency concerns about safety during COVID-19? Call London Police Services at 519-661-5670 - officers are available on this number 24/7

Helpful Articles & Resources

The following websites are providing updates about COVID-19 as they happen. Monitor these in addition to other local media outlets for more information.


Daily Updates:

  • City of London
  • Center for Disease Control and Prevention
  • Government of Ontario
  • Middlesex-London Health Unit
  • Public Health Agency of Canada 
  • Ontario Ministry of Health
  • The Conference Board of Canada
  • World Health Organization


Helpful Articles + Resource Hubs

  • A number of existing R&D funding programs and initiatives will be repurposed to support the COVID-19 effort, including the Strategic Innovation Fund; Canada’s National Research Council; and Innovation SuperClusters.      
  • Automotive Parts Manufacturing Association
  • Canada business app, a simplified all-access point for businesses to find essential information
  • Canadian Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 Business Resilience & Pandemic Preparedness Guide for Business
  • Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses: COVID-19 Small Business Help Centre
  • Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters
  • CCC Pandemic Preparedness Resources
  • BBB: BBB Scam Alert! Afraid of Getting Sick? Don't Fall for a Coronavirus Con 
  • BBB: Alert on Coronavirus Price Gouging
  • BBB: Tips for Supporting Small Business During Coronavirus Outbreak
  • Deloitte Canada's COVID-19 Economy Recovery Dashboard - a live look at Canada's economy to prepare businesses for recovery 
  • Food and Beverage Ontario
  • Gallagher COVID-19 Pandemic Information Hub
  • Government of Ontario: COVID-19 Multilingual Information Sheets
  • Harrison Pensa: COVID-19 and Bill 186 - What you Need to Know
  • Harrison Pensa: Digital Hygiene and COVID-19
  • Industry and international trade: Border information for business; Support for sectors; Guidance for sectors; International trade
  • LeClair & Associates Professionals - COVID-19 Playbook for Employers. Check out their latest update.
  • Lerners COVID-19 Resource Guide - Legal + Business Considerations
  • Miller Thompson – COVID-19 Special Leave Provisions
  • Miller Thompson – Guide to Statutory Leaves of Absence
  • OCC Pandemic Preparedness Kit
  • Ontario Chamber of Commerce: Pandemic Preparedness Toolkit for COVID-19
  • Redesign and extension of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - EY Canada
  • Retail Council of Canada: Road to Retail Recovery Playbook
  • SlyFox Digital Marketing's list of sanity savers featuring activities and mental health resources
  • Small businesses and self-employed: Free webinars from the Business Development Bank of Canada; Small Business Help Centre
  • Taxes: Income tax filing and payment deadlines; Audits
  • TechAlliance: Resources for Your Business in the Midst of COVID-19

About Us

About LEDC

 The London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) is the lead economic development agency for London, Canada. LEDC works with business, government and community partners to attract business investment, develop a connected and supportive business climate and grow London's talented workforce.  


Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19. 


About London Chamber of Commerce

The London Chamber of Commerce is a politically independent, membership based, volunteer driven, not-for-profit organization whose mission is to lead and serve the London business community. We work hard on behalf of members, offering insightful and meaningful policy contributions, leading initiatives that positively influence London's social and economic landscape.  


Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19. 


About London Small Business Centre

The London Small Business Centre is a not-for-profit organization that provides training and support to starting and growing businesses.  From concept, through start-up and early growth stages, the Centre is a one-stop source for information, guidance and professional advice on starting and running a successful business. 


Please contact us on our website or using the contact form below to learn more about how we can provide support during COVID-19. 

Contact Us

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