WorkSafe BC offers a resource database to support employers in completing the required daily health checks, including checklists, posters, and a self-assessment tool.
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The BC Government has made regulatory improvements under the Employment Standards Act to bring in job-protected leave for workers needing time off to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Full- and part-time workers can take time off to receive the vaccine, or take a dependent family member. The government is also exploring options to provide workers with paid leave while getting their vaccine.
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Bars, pubs and Restaurants with Liquor License in BC will now have permanent access to buy beer, wine and spirits at wholesale price set by the BC Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB). This decision can help hospitality businesses with liquor license to save 5% more on their wine, beer and spirit sales.
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October 9, 2020 - Ongoing
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March 18, 2020 - Ongoing
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To further support businesses, the B.C. employer health tax (EHT) 2020 quarterly instalment dates have been extended as follows:
Dec. 31, 2020 (original instalment date was June 15, 2020)
Jan. 31, 2021 (original instalment date was Sept. 15, 2020)
Feb. 28, 2021 (original instalment date was Dec. 15, 2020)
The Province is delaying implementation dates for several changes to help businesses and families through the COVID-19 pandemic and recovery, including:
Provincial sales tax (PST)
B.C.’s carbon tax
Elimination of the PST exemption for carbonated beverages that contain sugar, natural sweeteners or artificial sweeteners
Addition of new PST registration and collection requirements for e-commerce businesses located outside B.C.
Provincial enforcement officers have been given the ability to issue $2,000 violation tickets for owners or organizers contravening the provincial health officer’s (PHO) order on gatherings and events.
They can also issue $200 violation tickets to individuals not following the direction of police or enforcement staff at events or who refuse to comply with requests to follow PHO orders or safe operating procedures, or respond with abusive behaviour.
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To help improve spaces for artists and cultural activities, organizations can get support through the new $2-million Arts Infrastructure Program. Arts and cultural organizations, including Indigenous groups, will be eligible for up to $75,000 to improve arts and culture spaces or $40,000 to buy special equipment to support art programming.
Applications are open until October 19, 2020.
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B.C.has taken steps to protect people from legal proceedings for civil damages that result from transmission or exposure to COVID-19. This coverage can give comfort to people that they have protection from civil proceedings as B.C. The protection only exists if the person has followed all emergency and public health guidance, or reasonably believes that they have done so.
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Canada and the United States agreed to extend the temporary restriction of all non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. border until further notice.
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Please review the PHO order to understand the conditions that must be met when hosting events, gatherings, or guests in vacation rentals.
Businesses who are eligible for CECRA but whose landlord does not apply for the program are protected from eviction or seizure of property for the duration of the federal rent assistance program. The order will protect small businesses in British Columbia and encourage landlords to apply for the joint federal-provincial relief program.
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