We're working hard to help the region on its path to fiscal recovery.

The COVID-19 pandemic has produced economic uncertainty both globally and right here at home. During these challenging times, we want to reassure the business community: we're in this together, and we're working hard to get local businesses back on their feet again.

Browse this section to find news and resources of benefit to businesses in the Lac Ste. Anne region.

COVID-19 news related to Local Businesses

Explore regional COVID-19 business news in this section.
Important Regional Business News

Initiatives for Local Business Resiliency

Scroll down to find critical information, support updates, and links to different resources.

Resiliency Recommendations for Local Businesses

The following tips are designed to prepare your business to weather the storm and be better positioned for fiscal recovery following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Business continuity planning
  • The health and safety of yourself, your staff, customers and partners are number one priority; review the section below: Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
  • Familiarize yourself with Human Resources policies and processes, including absenteeism, communications, sick leave, employee travel, social distancing, and workplace disinfecting; be clear and consistent with your employees; review Alberta Employment Standards
  • Provide resources for those who have or will be laid off, explore the following sections: COVID-19: Financial Relief for Albertans (under Important News); COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Businesses, and; Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19
  • Adhere to Cleaning and disinfection recommendations for COVID-19 (under Important News)
  • Abide by physical distancing, gathering restrictions, and all provincial public health orders
  • Abide by Alberta Biz Connect guidance for businesses and sectors (see below)
  • Implement flexible working arrangements if possible; utilize virtual office environments like GoTo Meetings, Skype for Businesses, Google Hangouts, or Zoom
  • Review your supply chain;  have a Plan B in case of disruptions of service in your primary vendor(s)
  • Work with customers and vendors to defer business instead of cancelling
  • Explore options for online sales of products and gift cards
  • Should your business need close for any reason, implement measures to reduce the risk of any criminal activity
 
The RCMP encourages the following safe practices should your business be required to close:
 
  • Keep storefront and sales area lights on
  • Keep exterior lights on
  • Turn off/unplug all equipment
  • Store flammables and combustibles in secure location
  • Keep cash register open and empty; do not leave cash on premises
  • Secure other valuables if unable to take them off premises (equipment and stock)
  • Secure and lock all doors and windows
  • Activate security system and security surveillance equipment

Business owners and employees: you are not alone.

The Mental Health Help Line is available 24/7 to provide advice and referrals to community supports nearest you. Call 1-877-303-2642. Other resources include:

Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19

In the face of an uncertain economic situation and tightening credit conditions, the government is taking action to help affected businesses.
Alberta Biz Connect (guidance for businesses and sectors)

As businesses prepare to reopen as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, resources are available to help keep you, your staff, and your customers safe. By working together, we can ensure our sacrifices to slow the spread of COVID-19 are not wasted. To be successful during the economic relaunch, businesses should continue acting responsibly by following public health and physical distancing measures and using good hygiene and disinfecting practices.

Learn about Alberta Biz Connect

General guidance
This guidance supports all workplaces in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Guidance for businesses and sectors for Stage 1 of relaunch
This guidance supports sectors that were allowed to operate during the COVID-19 pandemic or could reopen under Stage 1 of relaunch.

Guidance for businesses and sectors for Stage 2 of relaunch
This guidance supports businesses and sectors for their reopening under Stage 2 of relaunch, starting June 12.

Personal protective equipment
As businesses prepare to reopen, it's important to take measures to protect employees and customers:

Business owners can purchase PPE
Connect to PPE suppliers using the websites below. The government is not responsible for products or prices offered on these sites.

Alberta-based businesses that manufacture PPE

COVID-19 Financial Relief Programs for Businesses

The provincial and federal governments are providing immediate funding and supportive measures to help protect local businesses, employers and employees.
Avoiding layoffs and rehiring employees

COVID-19 Financial Support Measures for Various Sectors

The government is taking a tailored approach to better protecting individual sectors from the economic distribution of COVID-19.
Agriculture and agri-food

Canadian manufacturers needed to help combat COVID-19

My business wants to help