Waye Mason
Resources for Business

Resources for Business

(Archived and no longer updated, updated Sept 12 2020)

Contents of this Page

Because everything is evolving so quickly, I am not posting any specifics here, rather sharing a list of resources that link to sites that other organizations are keeping up to date.  Specifically, there is a link to a tool of whether your business should be open, several resources to let the world know if you are open, and links to the Halifax Partnership and Chamber and MSVU’s resources for business pages.

Safety concerns

Workplaces are required to take precautions to ensure the health and safety of their employees and clients. If you’re worried about safety in the workplace, you should talk to your immediate supervisor. If the situation isn’t resolved, contact your Occupational Health and Safety Committee if you have one, or call the Safety Branch at 1-800-952-2687.

If you’re a business owner or manager and you want workplace safety advice, call the Safety Branch at 1-800-952-2687.

Leaves, layoffs and other labour questions

If you have questions about the Labour Code, like taking leave or being laid off, contact the Labour Standards Division at 1-888-315-0110.

Advice for employers and community groups

The province also advises employers to support your employees if they need to stay home, talk with your employees about flexible hours or alternative work arrangements, consider limiting events. Businesses need to have a business continuity plan in place.

When May an Employee Lawfully Refuse to Work?

Pink Larkin created this excellent information page for workers looking for advice about when and how to refuse to work. They wrote “The COVID-19 pandemic raises significant workplace issues. One of them is whether an employee may lawfully refuse to work because they believe that doing so would endanger their health or safety.” https://pinklarkin.com/covid-19-workplace-fact-sheet-1-when-may-an-employee-lawfully-refuse-to-work/

Financial Support and Other Resources for Business & NFPs

Halifax Partnership Resources for Business

Halifax Partnership is the economic development partner for Halifax Regional Municipality. This resource has great information on continuing operations, and a section on support for business.  The Partnership wants you to know that they are here for HRM and working rigorously to provide support in any way that they can. Halifax Partnership is monitoring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and are committed to offering up-to-date information. This list of resources is meant to support you in making informed decisions for your business.
https://halifaxpartnership.com/covid-19-resources/

Halifax Chamber of Commerce COVID-19 Resource Page

Halifax Chamber is a member organization. This resources has a break down of what programs are available in an easy to acess format.  The Chamber knows the Halifax business community is doing their due diligence and carefully monitoring developments related to the impacts of the Coronavirus. They have gathered a few resource links where you can find more information or speak with a qualified individual on the Covid-19 Information Hotline.
https://halifaxchamber.com/resources/covid-19-information-and-resources/

Help from Community Links

Community Links will help to ensure the most vulnerable in our communities are able meet their basic living needs during the COVID-19 pandemic by supporting trusted community partners.To find out more information on our Emergency Funds program visit https://nscommunitylinks.ca/emergency-funds/

Equity-informed responses to COVID-19

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve at a rapid pace across the world, equity and solidarity need to be beacons in a values-driven global response. Our societal responses must be infused with the knowledge that COVID-19 will swiftly follow and amplify lines of existing inequities. For this reason, our decisions and actions must consistently place equity at the core. http://www.nccdh.ca/our-work/covid-19

Canadian Economic Dashboard

Statistics Canada recently released the Canadian Economic Dashboard and COVID-19. In response to an urgent need to provide information on the economic impacts of COVID-19, the new dashboard provides 16 indicators to help monitor the impact of the pandemic on economic activity in Canada. These indicators are taken from a range of monthly data programs—real gross domestic product, consumer prices, employment, merchandise exports and imports, retail sales, hours worked, manufacturing sales, air and railway transportation, and travel. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/71-607-x/71-607-x2020009-eng.htm


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