News

Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave Program
The province has created a sick leave program that is set to be in effect from May 7 to Sept 25.  The program will provide employers with up to $600 per employee for up to five full days of sick leave related to COVID-19.  The sick days do not have to be consecutive.  Eligibility includes testing, vaccinations and side-effects, self-isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms or caring for a loved one with the any of the required circumstances.  Private sector, non-profit and charitable employers can qualify for assistance.  Employers currently providing paid sick leave do not qualify.
Eligible employees include residents in Manitoba who work and receive wages and salaries in Manitoba on a full or part-time basis.  Self-employed persons and employees who work from home would not be eligible for this program.  As well, employees who have exhausted paid sick leave benefits will not be covered.
Funds received by businesses will be taxable under federal government tax rules. The program will be administered by Economic Development and Jobs through an online application tool. The application form will be available at noon on Friday May 14, 2021.
 
Manitoba Bridge Grant Program
The Manitoba government is extending the Manitoba Bridge Grant by making a fourth round of up to $5,000 payments for eligible businesses and organizations related to required closures to the public as a result of public health orders related to the third wave of the COVID-19.  The government stated eligible businesses that received prior bridge grant payments will automatically receive a fourth payment of up to $5,000 as early as Friday, May 14 and will be notified of the deposit via email.
The province also announced an additional $2,000 top-up for restaurants to help cover food waste, employee wages, maintenance or insurance. Additionally, $2million will be provided to the Dine-In Restaurant Relief program to support the shift of the business model to a delivery model.
The bridge grant covers businesses, non-for-profits, charities, hotels, resorts, lodges and outfitters, travel agencies, janitorial services and owner/operators of licensed passenger transportation.
 
If you have any questions or need any support related to these or other provincial or federal subsidy programs contact us and we will be happy to assist. Stay healthy,
Greg Libbrecht and the team at Platinum Business Services