COVID-19 Guidance and Resources for Whistler Businesses
Last updated: May 22
Stay up to date on the rapidly evolving situation, and on the nature of the virus itself, by frequently checking provincial, national and international websites:
- Government of Canada: COVID-19 Outbreak update
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention: COVID-19 Resources
- World Health Organization: COVID-19 Updates
- Office of the British Columbia Provincial Health Officer – for provincial statements & resources
Locally, you can stay up-to-date with news from organizations such as Tourism Whistler, and the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
A list of businesses closures and changes from Tourism Whistler can be found on this page.
BC’s Restart Plan
As of May 19, Whistler will move forward with safely restarting – in-line with the rest of British Columbia – according to a plan announced by Premier John Horgan, which includes:
- small social gatherings;
- a resumption of elective surgeries and regulated health services like physiotherapy, dentistry, chiropractors and in-person counselling;
- provincial parks open for day use;
- opening more non-essential businesses in keeping with safe operations plans;
- recalling the provincial legislature for regular sittings.
We will continue to provide the Whistler Business community with the necessary resources and updates as we move towards our ‘new normal’.
Key steps to safely operating your business or organization and reducing covid-19 transmission – from BC Small Business Roundtable
BC’S RESTART PLAN | Next steps to move BC through the pandemic
Safely Restarting with WorkSafeBC
Like essential services during the pandemic, all employers must demonstrate that they can operate safely. In fact, all employers are required under the Workers Compensation Act to ensure the safety of their employees at work.
As local businesses, non-profits and organizations plan for the restart, WorkSafeBC will be there to help, and will work with employers and workers through educational materials, consultation, and workplace inspections to help you restart safely.
Employers will be required to:
- Review the new Health and Safety Guidelines, best practices and other resources from WorkSafeBC
- Adapt these materials into appropriate COVID-19 Safe Plans for your workplace
Sectors that have operated during the pandemic may need to update their COVID-19 Safe Plans to fit with updated Health and Safety Guidelines, best practices and resources.
For resources, visit the WorkSafeBC website or call WorkSafeBC’s Prevention Information Line at 1-888-621-7233.
Stay tuned – Your Chamber will be working in partnership with WorkSafeBC to deliver you sector-specific support for business planning in the coming days and weeks. More details coming very soon.
Industry Specific Resources
Restaurants
Employer resources from the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association (BCRFA)
Retail
Recovery Playbook from the Retail Council of Canada
VIDEO: Advocacy In Action – COVID-19 Recovery Strategies for Retailers
More Resources
General
- How to Support Local Businesses #TeamWhistler
- *NEW* BC Business COVID-19 Support Service (Small Business BC)
- Resources for Businesses Affected by COVID-19 (BC Chamber of Commerce)
- Interim Guidance for Businesses and Employees (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)
- Canadian Business Resilience Network (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
Financials
- COVID-19 Economic Response Plan (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
- *NEW* Contact Details for Programs and Resources (Service Canada)
- Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (Government of Canada)
- Infographic: How is the CEWS Calulated? (Government of Canada)
- Infographic: Are you Eligible for the CEWS? (Government of Canada)
- The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (Government of Canada)
- Infographic: Applying for CERB (Service Canada)
- Infographic: CERB Contact Information (Service Canada)
- Support for Entrepreneurs impacted by coronavirus (Business Development Canada)
- Pandemic preparedness resources for business (Canadian Chamber of Commerce)
- Continuity plan toolkit (Business Development Canada)
HR & Employment Standards
- Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19 (Government of Canada)
- *NEW* Quarantine Conflict Resolution Service (MediateBC)
- Changes to Employment Insurance (Employment and Social Development Canada)
- Keeping your employees safe (Canadian Federation of Independent Business)
- Work Sharing Brochure for Employers (Service Canada)
- HR advice: Responding to COVID-19 in the Workplace (go2HR)
- What Employers Need to Know About Temporary Layoffs (Small Business BC)
For Employees:
- Changes to Employment Insurance (Employment and Social Development Canada)
- Applying for Employment Insurance (EI) (Service Canada)
- EI – Applying for Sickness (Service Canada)
- Service Canada: Community Outreach and Liaison Services information
- Working Holiday Visa – MSP Eligibility
- Apply for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) with CRA
Self Employed:
Posters & Infographics to Share
Business Travel & Events
As of March 13, 2020, the Government of Canada advised Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.
- COVID-19 travel advice (Government of Canada)
- Travel advisories (Government of Canada)
- Risk-informed decision-making for mass gatherings (Government of Canada)
Webinars
COVID-19 Business Support Series
Ep #1 - HR Resources and Employment Law
Ep #2 - Federal and Provincial Government Funding Measures
Ep #3 - Working From Home 101
Ep #4 - Self Care for You and Your Business
Ep #5 - Financial Support for Small Business
Advocacy in Action
Food & Beverage
Canada's COVID-19 Economic Response Plan
A Conversation with Mayor Jack Crompton
COVID-19 Recovery Strategies for Retailers
CEO’s Weekly Updates for Whistler Biz
April 24
May 1
May 8
May 15
May 22
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