Support Programs and Business Information

 ** We recommend that the public follow the provincial website at https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/ for the most up to date information about the current status of the pandemic in Nova Scotia. 

 

November 25, 2020:  Protection for Renters and a New Affordable Housing Commission
Government introduced today, November 25, 2020, a two per cent cap on rental increases and a ban on renovictions. The province also announced it is creating the Affordable Housing Commission.  Click here for details.

November 20, 2020: As of November 20, all full-service restaurants and licensed establishments in Nova Scotia must collect names, contact information, and date and time of visit for at least on person each party that dines in/is seated at the establishment. This is for contract tracing purposes. Starting November 23, this requirement applies to full-service restaurants and licensed establishments where patrons sit at tables to be served. It does not apply to staff at take out or fast food establishments. Click here for more details.

 

2020-2021 BILLING AND DUE DATE CHANGES

March 31, 2020: Due to recent local impacts resulting from COVID-19, Council will be discussing billing schedule changes for the next five months from April to August 2020, during its next meeting scheduled for April 14th. In the interim, those billing items noted as normally billed on April 1st will be delayed or have revised due dates noted on them. Click here for the chart of billing and due date changes, updated May 27, 2020.

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SUPPORT PROGRAMS FOR INDIVIDUALS, BUSINESSES, & NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATIONS

May 4: Please find below, links to download summary documents of the support programs announced by the Government of Canada, the Province of Nova Scotia, and the Region of Queens Municipality. We will keep these documents up to date as the situation changes.

Support for Individuals and Families

In this document you will find information relating to: Low Income Tax Exemption, Income Assistance and Employment Insurance, Feed Nova Scotia, Student Loan Program, Heating Assistance Rebate Program, Seniors’ Safety Program, Child Benefit, Goods and Services Tax Credit, Income Tax extension, Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Indigenous Community Support Fund, Registered Retirement Income Funds, and more.

Support for Businesses and Non-Profit Organisations

In this document you will find information relating to: Community Investment Fund, Business Facade Program, Small Business Loan Guarantee Program, Work-Sharing Program, Business Credit Availability, Temporary Wage Subsidy, Insured Mortgage Program, and more.

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Reopening Nova Scotia Website and Email to Submit Reopening plans for Sectors

On June 4, 2020, the Reopening Guide RANS was released, advising of guidelines for dining establishments to re-open for eat-in service.

May 26, 2020:  The Province of Nova Scotia launched a website to provide businesses with information on reopening the Nova Scotian economy and their individual businesses.  The website is https://novascotia.ca/reopening-nova-scotia/ . To reopen, industry associations representing businesses and organizations that were required to close under the Health Protection Act Order must develop a plan for their sector. Plans should show how the sector will comply with the Health Protection Act Order and public health directives (including social distancing) and ensure the safety of employees and customers. Industry associations need to submit their plans to government for approval (send plans to nseconomy@novascotia.ca).  Industry associations need to share their plans with the businesses and organizations in their sector. Businesses and organizations should contact their association to learn what they need to do to reopen safely.

Click to read the list of frequently asked questions for businesses, as provided by the Province.

 

Employer Assessment Tool – Detemine If You are in Compliance With COVID-19 Protocols

March 31, 2020: There is an online tool https://covid19-employer-assessment.novascotia.ca/en available to assist businesses to make decisions on how to remain compliant with the COVID-19 protocols.

A reminder that all businesses must follow Public Health directives – no gatherings of more than five, clean twice a day, social distancing of 2 metres or 6 feet and isolation if required.

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Support Our Local Businesses

From a local perspective, this is going to be a very difficult time for our business community. Please keep that in mind as you do your shopping.

Support each other, support local.

It has been amazing to see how local businesses have responded to this global pandemic by quickly changing their approach and adapting to current needs. There are many local businesses now offering delivery services and take-away options. Please consider supporting these businesses in their efforts to stay open and sustainable through this difficult time:

  • Order online
  • Purchase gift cards for later use
  • Promote these businesses where, and when you can

To find out what business are offering what, follow them on social media then share their posts to get the word out, comment on posts, commend them for their adaptability and order from them if you’re able and while they still remain open.

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March 31, 2020: Many local businesses have responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic by quickly and innovatively changing their approach to help serve you better while in self-isolation, quarantine or physical distancing. Following is a link to a list of local business offering delivery or takeout to help you should you need food or other services delivered during this challenging time. This list is maintained by Queen’s Senior Safety Association on their Facebook page.  Thank you to them for keeping the list up to date in a time where so much change is taking place.  If your business is not on the list, and would like to be, please contact the Queen’s Senior Safety Association at 902-354-5721 or through their Facebook page.  
* The information on the list was accurate at the time it was posted, but is subject to change. In most instances, orders must be called in, and at that time, customers should verify what services are offered, hours, and any costs associated.

Click this link for the list.