BCTFA members,
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 concerns, DFO Regional Headquarter staff were given a directive to work from home. This means all future meetings will be conducted via teleconference until further notice.
BCTFA remains in contact with DFO and other staff and will continue our work on BCTFA's interests. I am currently working from home as usual.
I was scheduled to attend a meeting in Ottawa for the Seafood Value Chain Roundtable meetings in April but these have been cancelled as well as all meetings in Ottawa at this time. I will be in contact with other industry representatives to work to manage the effects of this virus on the seafood industry market and relay our concerns to Ottawa.
The BC government has issued an order prohibiting all public gatherings of more than 50 people and is encouraging people to practice social distancing as well as asking those who travel outside of Canada to practice a a self-isolation period of 14 days. For more information call or text 1 888 COVID19.
EI Measures: Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) has updated its website to include the relaxation of some waiting periods for EI benefits and other measures to help employers and employees. The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for employees affected COVID-19 or under quarantine. There are also special temporary measures under the Work-Sharing Program. See the ESDC website for more information. https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
All the best,
Tiare Boyes
Executive Director
More resources:
Key Information Tools on COVID-19 Supports
COVID-19 subscription for Public Health Updates:
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Resources for Canadian businesses / Maladie à coronavirus (COVID-19) : Ressources pour les entreprises canadiennes
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) – Employment and Social Development Canada
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/notices/coronavirus.html
Work-Sharing Program - Temporary special measures / Programme de travail partagé - Mesures spéciales temporaires:
Export Development Canada COVID-19:
https://www.edc.ca/en/campaign/coronavirus-covid-19.html
Business Development Bank of Canada – Support for Entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus:
https://www.bdc.ca/en/pages/special-support.aspx?special-initiative=covid19