BBOT News

Support for Students and New Grads affected by COVID-19


The federal government has announced a series of proposed measures to support students and recent grads negatively impacted by COVID-19. Among the measures (read the full release here) is a new monthly benefit for students, a new volunteerism-based benefit, and an increase to Canada Student Grants. Canada Emergency Student Benefit Eligibility – Post-secondary (college and […]

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BC’s Emerging Economy Task Force Releases Final Report


The BC government’s Emerging Economy Task Force has issues its final report on how to chart a long-term vision for the province. The 14-member task force, which included BBOT members Strandberg Consulting, BCIT, and SFU, has made 25 recommendations to help B.C. navigate global trends and technological advancements over the next 10 to 25 years. […]

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COVID-19 Supports for Seniors


  The federal government has announced a series of measures to help Canadian seniors and provide them with greater financial security during the COVID-19 crisis. These measures include: Providing a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension Providing a one-time, tax-free payment of $200 for seniors eligible […]

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Government Tender Opportunity: Cloth Face Masks


Public Services and Procurement Canada has posted a requirement for the manufacture of cloth face coverings for workers, to cover the nose and mouth area. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, workers may be required to take additional precautions in support of their duties and/or operations to protect them, and members of the public, from […]

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Federal government announces Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility


The federal government has announced that it is establishing the Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) to provide bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers, whose needs during the pandemic are not being met through conventional financing, in order to keep their operations going. The LEEFF program will be open to large for-profit businesses – with […]

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Translink Survey – Shape Transit Service Going Forward


Our regional transit system has faced challenges due to COVID-19 and has had to endure service reductions as a result. As transit is vitally important for the movement of people and for efficient use of our roads, the Burnaby Board of Trade and Translink wants your feedback on the future of transit service during COVID-19. […]

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Provincial Government Outlines Framework for Re-Opening Businesses


Today, BC Premier John Horgan announced guidelines for how businesses and organizations can safely operate given COVID-19, and released a framework for how those sectors ordered closed will be re-opened. Read below for details of this announcement, guidelines and best practices for various businesses and sectors, our exclusive list of local PPE suppliers, your access […]

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New Changes to Employment Standards in BC


The provincial government has extended the temporary layoff period to 16 weeks for COVID-19 related reasons. Previously under the Employment Standards Act, a temporary layoff longer than 13 weeks was considered a permanent layoff. With a permanent layoff, employers are required to provide employees with written working notice of termination and/or pay severance to qualifying […]

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Does Your Business Supply COVID Masks, Plexi-Shields, Gloves, and Other Equipment?


As the provincial government prepares to layout the framework for how business can and should re-open safely during COVID-19, businesses should prepare to source plexiglass shields, masks, gloves, sanitizer, and other materials that will be needed to operate safely. If your business produces or sells these items, or you know of a local producers, let […]

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Help the Business Recovery Task Force Understand the Impacts of COVID-19 On Our Business Community


Help the Business Recovery Task Force understand the impacts of COVID-19 on our business community by completing this important survey! The Business Recovery Task Force is interested in learning how local businesses and organizations have been impacted by COVID-19 so far, how the government programs are working for you, and your thoughts on re-opening the […]

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