News

The City of London is providing immediate assistance to individuals and businesses through a two month deferral on property taxes. Interest and penalties for unpaid property tax installments and water and wastewater bills will also be deferred for 60 days. See details here: https://bit.ly/2WRfDPz

Provincial changes have been made to assist Ontarians with expenses as many employers have staff working from home. Hyrdo rates have been temporarily slashed for families and businesses in response to COVID-19. These rates are expected to remain lowered for at least six weeks in an effort to offset increased daytime peak consumption periods. "No Action is required from electricity consumers. This change will happen automatically." stated Energy Minisiter Greg Richford. The lowest possible rates will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Federal Government introduces Canada Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses

In a statement made March 25^th: The government is working to get money into the pockets of Canadians as quickly as possible. To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The portal for accessing the CERB would be available on April 6th. EI eligible Canadians who have lost their job can continue to apply for EI here, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits. Canadians would begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of application. The CERB would be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020. Full press release.

• Defer tax filing: Businesses can defer the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. The government will not initiate any GST/HST or Income Tax audits for the next four weeks.
• Emergency care benefit: Up to $900 bi-weekly, for up to 15 weeks for workers who need to stay home due to illness, parents who need to take care of children, or those taking care of a sick family member.
• Small Business Loan: Low-interest loans up to $100,000 if your business has been generating revenues for at least 24 months.
• Purchase order financing: Cover up to 90% of the purchase order amount to ease cash flow to your suppliers.

UNISON Benevolent Fund announced a $500,000 relief program co-funded by Slaigh Foundation to assist musicians and music industry employees with basic necessities including groceries, housing and medical expenses. 

Spotify is "supporting the global music community in an unprecedented crisis" through a $10 million music relief fund. More details are being announced as the program looks to bring on new partners. Read the press release here.

Facebook has launched a $100 million relief fund for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. They plan to support 30,000 eligible businesses. More details to come. 

We encourage you to follow london.ca/COVID-19 for up to date information.

Regular Music Industry specific updates are offered by Music Ontario and the Canadian live Music Association.