Allowable Business Services
A list of critical public services and allowable business services has been created to inform the business community of which businesses can continue to operate in accordance with social distancing practices. If you have questions on the status of your business on the list of allowable business services, please contact the Business Response Team at 1-844-800-8688.
Re-Open Saskatchewan Plan and Guidelines for Businesses
Re-Open Saskatchewan is a plan built on a methodical and phased-in approach to slowly and responsibly lift restrictions on businesses and services. For more information on the plan, phases, restrictions and guidelines for specific industries, visit Re-Open Saskatchewan.
Managing Staffing and Leave
Information to help you manage staffing, work-sharing, layoffs and leave.
Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy
The Re-Open Saskatchewan Training Subsidy allows approved employers to access up to $10,000 to provide existing employees with training that supports economic recovery by addressing increased health and safety requirements and/or adoption of innovative practices that align with social distancing protocols. Applicants must demonstrate that the requested training supports the safe re-opening of the service or business. Employers are reimbursed for 100% of approved training costs up to $10,000. The application deadline is December 31, 2020.
Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program (STSSP)
The Saskatchewan Tourism Sector Support Program (STSSP) provides financial assistance for tourism businesses that have seen a significant drop in sales revenue as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funding is available under the Accommodations and Major Event Facilities stream, or the Event, Attractions and Tour Sector stream. The program will begin accepting applications starting at 2 p.m. on August 24, 2020.
For additional information on the program, call 1-800-667-6102 or 306-787-6645 in Regina.
Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP)
The Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment (SSBEP) provided a payment to small and medium-sized enterprises directly affected by government public heath orders related to COVID-19. Payments were paid based on 15 per cent of a business's monthly sales revenue, to a maximum of $5,000. Applications were required on or before July 31, 2020.
For additional information on the program, email ssbep@gov.sk.ca or call 1-800-667-6102 or 306-787-6645 in Regina.
Provincial Sales Tax
Saskatchewan businesses which are unable to remit their PST due to cashflow concerns will have three-month relief from penalty and interest charges.
Audit program and compliance activities have been suspended to allow businesses time to focus on the health and safety of their customers and staff, reduce impacts to their business operations, and help prevent the spread of the virus through reduced audit travel.
For further details, download the Information Notice, call the Saskatchewan tax inquiry line at 1-800-667-6102 or email us at SaskTaxInfo@gov.sk.ca
Provincial Utilities
All Crown utilities will implement bill-deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deferral for up to six months for Saskatchewan customers whose ability to make bill payments may be impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions.
Workers' Compensation Board
Saskatchewan Workers Compensation Board (WCB) is waiving premium penalties for employers effective April 1 until June 30, 2020. The program was extended until July 31, 2020.
Self-Isolation Support Program
The Self-Isolation Support Program is targeted at Saskatchewan workers forced to self- isolate in order to curb the spread of COVID-19, and who are not covered by recent federally announced employment insurance programs and other supports. Administered by the Ministry of Finance, the program will provide $450 per week, for a maximum of two weeks or $900.
To be eligible, residents of Saskatchewan must meet these criteria:
- They have contracted COVID-19 or are showing symptoms;or
- They have been in contact with an individual infected with COVID-19; or
- They have recently returned from international travel and have been required to self-isolate;
AND
- They are not eligible for compensation including sick leave, vacation leave from their employer;
- They do not have private insurance covering such disruptions;
- They are not covered by other programs such as federal employment insurance that has been updated
Please note that applications to the Self-Isolation Support Program close October 2, 2020.
COVID-19 Products and Supplies
COVID-19 is an unprecedented challenge that calls for extraordinary measures including the procurement of products, supplies and solutions to help fight the spread of the pandemic.
We have been contacted by many businesses, individuals and groups who have offered ideas and solutions. As such, the SaskBuilds Single Procurement Service will serve as a central point of contact and co-ordination. If you are a Saskatchewan business, innovator, or supplier and you think you have a solution that can help us fight COVID-19, you may direct your submission to procurement@gov.sk.ca.
Support for Oil and Gas Sector
A number of relief measures are being implemented for the oil and gas sector. These include extending a series of filing and other deadlines, extending mineral rights scheduled to expire in 2020 and reducing the Oil and Gas Administration Levy by 50 per cent this fiscal year and delaying the invoicing of the remaining balance until October 1, 2020.
The new Accelerated Site Closure Program will utilize $400 million in federal funding for the abandonment and reclamation of inactive oil and gas wells and facilities, and support over 2,100 full-time equivalent jobs in the industry over the next two years.
Commercial Eviction Protection for Tenants
Temporary commercial eviction protection for small business tenants is available during the COVID-19 emergency. The moratorium on evictions applies to landlords that are eligible to apply for the Canada Emergency Commerical Rent Assistance (CECRA) program but choose not to. More details about the Commercial Eviction Protection.