Stream 1: Essential service sectors—Essential Services Contingency Reserve

Explore eligibility for stream 1 of the Essential Services Contingency Reserve (ESCR) and learn about the process to request PPE, non-medical masks and disinfection products.

On this page

• Who can apply
• How to apply
• After you apply

Who can apply

Businesses or organizations eligible for this stream must provide essential services in 1 of the following areas:

• energy and utilities
• information and communication technologies
• finance
• health
• food
• water
• transportation
• safety
• government
• manufacturing
• other

For more information about what types of specific organizations are included in each of these areas, consult:

Guidance on essential services and functions in Canada during the COVID-19 pandemic

Recognized business or organization

In addition to being an essential services provider, your business or organization must be a legally registered Canadian business or organization (for example, have a Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) business number).

Application requirements

During the application process, you will be asked to provide the following information:

• specific types of PPE and other critical supplies required and where they are needed
• number of people requiring PPE and the rate at which the PPE is consumed
• how soon the requested supplies are needed

How to apply

Step 1: Register your organization

You must provide information on your business or organization as part of your account registration.

Section 1: Basic information about your organization

You must provide your business's or organization's:

• registered name
• Canada Revenue Agency business number
• registered address

Section 2: Primary contact information

You must provide a primary contact and their contact information. As part of the review process, we may contact this individual for further information.

Complete the registration form

If your business or organization is eligible to apply as outlined in the Who can apply section, complete the online form:

Register your business

After you complete this form

Once the form is submitted, we will:

• validate and assess your business or organizational information
• notify your business or organization by email of the status of your registration

You can track the status of your request throughout the approval process.

Step 2: Request critical supplies

Once you are notified that your registration has been approved, you will receive login credentials to access the online catalogue to request the critical supplies your business or organization requires. Requests are done using the online catalogue, where you may select the type and quantity of items that you require.

After you apply

We will review your request and information provided, and contact you for further information as needed.

Step 3: Status of request and confirmation of purchase

You will receive the status of your request by email. You will be asked to confirm that you are purchasing the approved supplies. After providing this confirmation, you will not be able to cancel or return items purchased.

Approved applications

If your business's or organization's application is successful, your request may be approved in full or in part based on the availability of requested supplies. Please note that the Government of Canada reserves the right to limit quantities if necessary.