Health and Safety Guidelines for Workplaces – posted May 1, 2020
The Ontario government works closely with four provincial health and safety associations (HSAs) to help set, communicate and enforce the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
In partnership with the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the HSAs have released a series of more than 60 technical sector guidance documents to further support employers and employees in remaining safe in the workplace during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19
This links below are specific parts of the province’s action plan that may relate to artists and arts organizations facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Child Benefit
The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment of $200 per child 0 to 12 years of age, and $250 for those 0 to 21 years of age with special needs. Families can complete a simple online application at Ontario’s Support for Families web page to access this financial support. Parents already receiving Support for Parents payments through direct deposit will be automatically eligible for this financial support and do not need to submit a new application.
Ontario Works – Expanding Emergency Assistance Program
The Province is expanding access to the emergency assistance program administered by Ontario Works to provide financial support to people facing economic hardship and help more people meet basic needs such as food and rent during this public health emergency.
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP)
The Province is providing $9 million in direct support to families for their energy bills by expanding eligibility for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and ensuring that their electricity and natural gas services are not disconnected for nonpayment during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS)
The Province is proposing to double the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for low-income seniors for six months.
Interest and Penalty Relief for Businesses
Providing a five-month interest and penalty-free period to make payments for the majority of provincially administered taxes, providing $6 billion in relief to help support Ontario businesses when they need it the most.