We have compiled the following summary of the resources and financial assistance that are presently available to Alberta businesses and individuals, which you may wish to consider as you prepare to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on your organization.

This list is intended to supplement the list of federal programs, which can be found here.

Response by Alberta Provincial Government

On March 18, 2020, the Alberta government outlined its plan to provide financial support to Albertans affected by COVID-19. The specific supports being provided are outlined below, and the full news release.

On March 23, 2020, the Alberta government rolled out additional supports for Albertans and businesses. The specific supports are outlined below, and the full news release can be found here.

List of resources available to businesses in Alberta

  • Education Property Tax Deferral: effective immediately, the government will defer education property tax for businesses for six months. The government expects municipalities to set education property tax rates as they normally would, but defer collection. Deferred amounts will be repaid in future tax years. The government encourages commercial landlords to pass on these savings to their tenants through reduced or deferred payments. This will help employers continue to manage their debts, pay their employees and stay in business.
  • WCB Premium Deferral: Private sector employers will have immediate financial relief by deferring WCB premiums until early 2021, effectively for one year. Employers who have already paid their WCB premium payment for 2020 are eligible for a rebate or credit. For small and medium businesses, the government will cover 50 per cent of the premium when it is due. Large employers will also receive a break by having their 2020 WCB premium payments deferred until 2021, at which time their premiums will be due.
  • Tax Deferral: The collection of corporate income tax balances and instalment payments is deferred until August 31, 2020.
  • Tourism Levy Deferral: Hotels and other lodging providers can delay paying the tourism levy until August 31, 2020 for any amounts that are due on or after March 27, 2020. Any payments deferred until August 31, 2020 will not be subject to penalties or interest.
  • Deferral of Timber Dues: Forest companies can defer timber dues owed to the Alberta Government until October 4, 2020.
  • Homeless Shelters and Service Providers: The government of Alberta has committed $30 million to adult homeless shelters and women's emergency shelters.
  • Charities and Not-for-Profit Organizations: The government of Alberta has committed $30 million to charities, non-profits and civil society organizations. Further details and links on how to and apply for additional funding can be found here.
  • Business Link: Small business are encouraged to speak to small business advisers at Business Link for free advice, coaching and information on COVID-19 resources and supports.
  • A comprehensive list of government loan programs applicable to small businesses is available.
  • Albertans interested in financial support for businesses and organizations can visit the Government of Alberta's website for further information.

The following companies in Alberta are offering financial relief from payments:

  • Epcor: Customers who expect to have difficulty paying their bills are encouraged to contact Epcor at 310-4300. Epcor team members can discuss accounts and situations, and work with customers on payment options and arrangements. Learn more about Epcor's offerings.
  • Enmax: the program includes offering customers affected by COVID-19 access to increased payment flexibility including installment plans, extending payment dates and/or suspension of collection-related activities on their ENMAX and City of Calgary municipal services. In addition, Enmax has suspended any disconnection of electricity service for non-payment until further notice. Learn more.
  • ATB financial: Personal banking customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of credit and mortgages for up to six months. Continue reading for details on ATB's financial relief plan.
  • Alberta Credit Unions: Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow. Contact your credit union to work out a plan for your personal situation.
  • Agriculture Financial Services Corporation: AFSC is offering loan payment relief through interest-only payments or payment deferrals for clients who qualify. Clients are encouraged to call 1-877-899-2372 to speak to an adviser to discuss payment alternatives, or visit AFSC's website for further information.

The following resources are available to individuals in Alberta:

  • Emergency Isolation Support:The Emergency Isolation Support program is now closed. It distributed funds to about 79,596 eligible Albertans, for a total of approximately $91.7 million. Individuals seeking relief are encouraged to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, available as of April 5, 2020.a temporary program for working adult Albertans who must self-isolate because they meet the Government of Alberta's published criteria for self-isolation. This will be a one-time payment, intended to bridge the gap until the federal emergency payments begin in April. The online application for this payment was first available the week of March 23, 2020.
  • The Emergency Isolation Support program is now closed. It distributed funds to about 79,596 eligible Albertans, for a total of approximately $91.7 million. Individuals seeking relief are encouraged to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, available as of April 5, 2020.
  • Utility Payment Holiday: Residential, farm, and small commercial customers will be able to defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider.

Student Loan Repayment Holiday: Alberta Student Loans will be subject to a six-month, interest-free, moratorium for all Albertans in the process of repaying these loans. There is no need to apply for this benefit; all Alberta Student Loan repayments will be paused for six months, beginning March 30, 2020. Borrowers can choose to continue making payments during this period, and this will not affect their eligibility to receive the benefit.

  • Education Property Tax Freeze: Property taxes will be frozen at last year's level.
  • Changes to Eviction Process: If a residential tenant fails to pay rent, landlords are now required to work with tenants to work out a rental payment plan before bringing an application for eviction with the Residential Tenancy Dispute Resolution Services. In addition, the government has suspended civil enforcement of evictions for non-payment of residential rent until April 30, 2020. Rent will not increase while Alberta's state of public health emergency remains in effect. Until June 30, 2020, late fees cannot be applied to late rent payments.
  • Individuals can find further information on residential tenancies at the government of Alberta's website.
  • Please visit the government of Alberta website to learn more about financial supports available to individuals.

The following resources are available in municipalities across Alberta:

  • City of Edmonton
    • The Edmonton EXPO Centre has been activated as an isolation and care centre.
    • Hope Mission and The Mustard Seed will activate additional capacity to meet social distancing guidelines.
    • Edmonton City Council has voted to approve deferrals on Business Improvement Area Tax.
    • Grant Applications are available for local non-profits and charitable organizations who serve vulnerable Edmontonians impacted by COVID-19. Applications can be found here.
  • City of Calgary
    • Isolation and care will operate out of hotel rooms.
    • Alpha House, the Calgary Drop-In Centre, The Mustard Seed and Inn from the Cold will activate additional spaces to meet social distancing guidelines.
  • City of Red Deer
    • Safe Harbor Society has relocated to accommodate an additional 100 spaces.

The Alberta government is also providing the following funding and assistance for Alberta's energy sector:

  • Funding the Alberta Energy Regulator's industry levy for six months ($113 million);
  • Extending the term of mineral agreements expiring in 2020 by one year to provide additional time to raise capital and plan future activities; and
  • Extending a $100 million loan to the Orphan Well Association to bolster immediate reclamation efforts.

Albertans can also seek out additional financial supports from the following resources:

  • Kind Wealth
    • Offers pro-bono personal finance consultations to anyone struggling with financial stress and anxiety at this time.
    • Visit Kind Wealth's website for further information on how Kind Wealth can assist.
  • Money Mentors
    • Offers personal money management programs, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, its credit counsellors are available for appointment by phone, toll-free at 1-888-294-0076, or by Skype.
    • Money Mentors is offering free online financial education programs here. Participants who successfully complete an online course are entered to win a monthly draw for $500.
    • Money Mentors has prepared a summary of financial resources related to COVID-19, available here.

211 Alberta has made available an up-to-date list of information and resources available to Albertans, which can be accessed here.

We foresee many difficult and challenging circumstances arising from the spread of COVID-19 on our clients, and we are here to help you navigate these circumstances. In the above article, we have attempted to outline some of the more recent developments which have been implemented to assist businesses and individuals, but this list is not exhaustive, and there may be further options available to you. If you have questions relating to your organization's specific circumstances, please reach out to MLT Aikins for assistance.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.