In response to the COVID-19 virus, Canada's federal
government has restricted non-essential travel and closed the US
border. Canada's provincial governments have enacted highly
restrictive measures including mandating the closure of facilities
providing recreational programs (i.e. gyms), libraries, public and
private schools, licensed childcare centres, bars and restaurants,
theaters, cinemas and concert venues, and the list goes on. Some
provinces have also banned gatherings of more than 5 people and
prohibited all non-essential businesses. The status quo is likely
to continue for weeks, if not months. While both federal and
provincial governments have implemented measures to support
businesses during this time, including tax deferrals, increased
credit availability, and wage subsidies to help prevent layoffs,
these programs, regrettably, may not be enough to keep some
businesses afloat.
