Update from OSC – COVID-19 Measures

Tuesday, April 14, 2020

As our collective focus remains on keeping each other safe and adhering to those guidelines set to help flatten the curve, we have seen incredible stories of leadership, generosity and kindness. Across the country, companies are stepping up to contribute in whatever way they can to help in the response to COVID-19. Some are providing very direct support in the response through activities including working on trial vaccines, shifting operations to produce PPE, and donating supplies that hospitals and front line workers need most. Recent examples include NGen support of Sona Nanotech’s commercialization of a COVID-19 rapid response antigen test, and the donation of N95 masks to hospitals and the frontline by Halifax Shipyard. For others, giving back has meant providing donations to local food banks, sharing resources with organizations who need help through programs like NATI’s Resource Allocation and Expertise Sharing program, and offering the tools and resources to support the well-being of employees and those around us. To our members, partners, and friends, thank you for coming together during this challenging time.

While we do not know with any certainty when we will return to a new normal post-COVID-19, every indication we are seeing tells us the weeks and months ahead will continue to be focused on the action required to overcome the pandemic. During this time we will see many companies continue to step up, and we will step up for members. As we look to the future and the path to economic recovery, realizing our full potential in sustainable ocean growth will continue to be incredibly important. Canada’s Ocean Supercluster will continue to support members, and advance projects and ecosystem building activity so, together, we are ready to help drive this effort.

Federal programming available to provide relief to business of all sizes and other organizations includes both the 75% Emergency Wage Subsidy Program which is intended to prevent further job losses, encourage employers to re-hire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19, and help position Canadian employers to more easily resume normal operations following the health crisis, and the 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy Program which is a three month measure that will allow eligible employers to reduce the amount of payroll deductions required to be remitted to CRA.

For businesses looking for assistance now and as they plan for the future, the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Government of Canada has launched the Canada Business Resilience Network providing tools and resources focused for Canadian businesses, with four key areas of focus: containment measures, business continuity, support for business, and recovery. This will be updated regularly with new information as we move through the pandemic.

Canada’s Ocean Supercluster is here to support members and partners in whatever way we can now through this challenging time, and also as we plan for the future. We looking forward to sharing further updates on these measures in the coming weeks.

Stay healthy and safe.

Kendra MacDonald

CEO, Canada’s Ocean Supercluster