Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

On this page:

• Supply Hub
• Regional Relief and Recovery Fund
• Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund
• Contacting ACOA
• Links to Q&As and other resources
• Deferral on payments due to the Government
• Information for tourism operators and small and medium-sized enterprises
• We are taking action 
• Canada's regional development agencies

Supply Hub for PPE

The Government of Canada has launched a federal Supply Hub to help Canadian businesses and organizations get information on buying and selling personal protective equipment (PPE) during COVID-19. You can find information you need on buying and selling PPE here.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund

The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure everyone gets the support they need. It recognizes that some business owners and support organizations have not been able to access other federal emergency support measures. That is why it created the $962 million Regional Relief and Recovery Fund: to address gaps left by other support measures.

Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund (CSSF)

The COVID-19 pandemic is challenging for many sectors in Canada. Fish and seafood processors are key to our economy and national food security. The CSSF provides $62.5 million to support fish and seafood processors.

Contacting ACOA

During these challenging times, ACOA remains committed to serving our clients. As the COVID-19 situation evolves, ACOA program officers are reaching out to clients to ensure that they have up-to-date information on the status of projects and applications, and to answer any questions they may have.

Due to a high volume of requests, clients may experience challenges in communicating with their program officer. If you are unable to connect with your program officer in a timely manner, please send an email to the following address: ACOA.information.APECA@canada.ca. Rest assured that an ACOA official will contact you within 48 hours to address your inquiry.

Other resources for businesses

• Information: How to manage your business during the COVID-19 outbreak
  
• Information: Resources for Atlantic Canadian businesses
• Q&As: ACOA assistance for businesses impacted by COVID-19
• Infographic: How ACOA is helping the Atlantic economy

Deferral on payments due to the Government

The Government of Canada has announced that all regional development agencies, including ACOA, will apply a deferral on all payments due to the Government, as of April 1, 2020. This moratorium will defer payments and related interest charges to relieve some of the pressure your business may be facing. Your ACOA account managers will work with you to formalize these deferrals into an amended repayment schedule in the coming months to give you more certainty with respect to your payment obligations.

We are with you as we navigate together through this exceptional situation.

If you are a tourism operator or a small or medium-sized business or organization and have received RDA funding and COVID-19 is affecting your operations, you are encouraged to contact your local RDA office. Your local RDA office can review your situation and provide guidance.

• You may be eligible to receive additional funding and/or flexible arrangements.
• Further support will be determined on a case-by-case basis as the situation evolves.

If you are a tourism operator or a small or medium-sized business or organization impacted by the sudden shifts in the economy and need pressing assistance, the RDAs could assist you with:

• Access to federal funding to help you stay in business.
• Advice and pathfinding services to other federal programs and services available.

We are taking action.

The Government of Canada is taking action to support tourism and other businesses and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. You can take advantage of new investments and initiatives such as:

• Enhancements to the Work-Sharing program to help support employers and their workers who are experiencing a downturn in business due to COVID-19.
• Waiving the mandatory one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance sickness benefits.
• You may be eligible for the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), designed to help people who cannot work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

For more information on additional government support available to your business and workers, please contact Service Canada at 1-800-OCanada (1-800-622-6232).

Visit Canada.ca/coronavirus for the latest information.

Canada’s Regional Development Agencies

Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs) are the front line for economic development in Canada and help to address key economic challenges by providing regionally tailored programs, services, knowledge and expertise.

RDAs are closely monitoring the COVID-19 global challenge and the potential impact it could have on your business and your workers, as well as the broader economy.

Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

1-800-561-7862

Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD)
1-888-338-WEST (9378)

FedNor
1-877-333-6673

Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency (CanNor)
1-855-897-2667

FedDevOntario
1-866-593-5505

Canadian Economic Development for Quebec Regions (CED)
1-800-561-0633