EC3 in the News: The Peterborough Examiner
April 19th, 2020
“Town Ward: B!KE’s shop is closed for now, but it’s still pedalling online,” The Peterborough Examiner.
Posted in Media Coverage
April 19th, 2020
“Town Ward: B!KE’s shop is closed for now, but it’s still pedalling online,” The Peterborough Examiner.
Posted in Media Coverage
April 17th, 2020
A Message from EC3Hello All,
This continues to be a strange and stressful time for people across the country, and in particular for artists and ACH (arts, culture, and heritage) workers and organizations. There continues to be a flurry of announcements about new COVID-19 support and recovery programs and changes to existing assistance programs.
EC3 is working with colleagues across the country, in every discipline and with both governmental and non-governmental organizations to lobby on behalf of our sector and our local ACH community. This includes working with the Canadian Arts Coalition, Business/Arts, Canadian Heritage, the City of Peterborough, and the Community Foundation of Greater Peterborough, to name just a few. We are starting to see some positive results.
Please stay well and let us know how we can help.
This week EC3 launched the Peterborough Arts Alive Micro Grants Program to assist professional artists in Peterborough and Peterborough County, and we will be making announcements about several other initiatives next week.
On April 17, during his daily press conference, Prime Minister Trudeau announced $500 million will be going to the arts, culture, and sport sectors through Heritage Canada.
Minister of Canadian Heritage Stephen Guilbeault has said that they are still working to “fine tune” the specifics, but that money will be given out to groups including industry non-profits, national sports organizations, television production houses, music associations and media organizations. Guilbeault also acknowledged that other already-announced programs aren’t tailored for the specific mode of work of ACH and sport workers, and this program will aim to correct that. Read more here. Follow our social media channels for updates as we find out more.
Please be sure to check the EC3 Facebook page, @ECThreePtbo on Twitter, and EC3’s COVID-19 Updates page, where we are providing daily updates on programs and services available for ACH workers and organizations.
This Bulletin provides a roundup of recent announcements from the Canadian government and other organizations that could benefit ACH workers and organizations.
The Government of Canada has announced several extensions of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), the taxable benefit that provides $2,000 every four weeks for up to four months for eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19. See here to find out more and apply for the benefit.
A number of these extensions could help assist artists and ACH workers affected by the crisis:
Watch this video from Stephen Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage, about how the changes to the CERB will affect artists:
I know that many artists and creators are still unsure about how the #CERB can help them.
I hope this video helps! #cdnpoli pic.twitter.com/yHXS7dWXFT
— Steven Guilbeault @ 🏡 (@s_guilbeault) April 16, 2020
The Government of Canada has announced two programs that will help businesses, not-for-profits, and charities affected by the COVID-19 crisis to pay their workers and avoid layoffs.
The 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) provides a subsidy of up to 75% of wages for workers at eligible entities – individuals, taxable corporations, partnerships consisting of eligible entities, non‑profit organizations and registered charities. (Public-sector institutions do not qualify.) The entity must have suffered a drop of at least 30% in gross revenue in April 2020, or 15% in March 2020. See here for more details.
This is in addition to the previously announced 10% Temporary Wage Subsidy for Employers, which is available for all employers, regardless of lost wages. See here for more details.
Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development has also put out a very helpful guide on assistance programs for businesses – see here.
The Government of Canada has also announced extensions of the Canada Summer Jobs program, to help employers provide employment to young Canadians. See here for more information on these changes.
The changes include:
There are a number of new funds and grants being announced by arts organizations and private funders across Canada to help artists and ACH workers. We listed a number of these in our Financial Updates Bulletin, but here are some new ones that have come across our desk.
A reminder to track the impact that COVID-19 is having on your artistic practice and/or your organization. If you can, take a moment to send an email to electriccitycc@gmail.com describing these effects. This information will prove invaluable in demonstrating how COVID-19 has hit the ACH sector, and in advocating for more supports.
Be safe, stay healthy, and please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
(705) 749-9101
See EC3’s COVID-19 Updates page for links to resources and the latest updates from EC3.
April 13th, 2020
“Peterborough cultural industries are being battered by COVID-19,” CHEX/Global.
Posted in Media Coverage
April 2nd, 2020
“Electric City Culture Council urges support for Peterborough’s hard-hit arts community,” KawarthaNOW.
Posted in Media Coverage
April 1st, 2020
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
EC3 wants to send a shout out to all local artists, cultural workers and arts and heritage organizations. These are very tough times and we want to say thank you for everything you are doing now and all that you do always, to make our cultural lives in Peterborough so rich.
We are constantly monitoring the situation in Peterborough, responding to questions from the ACH community and lobbying government at every level for sector specific Emergency Response and Recovery Assistance.
This issue of the EC3 COVID-19 Bulletin primarily covers various sources of financial aid that may support arts, culture and heritage workers. It is a bit of a moving target, so please check in on the latest information through the LINKS provided throughout.
Please LIKE and monitor the EC3 Facebook page and follow us on Twitter at @ECThreePtbo.
As many of you will know by now, the Federal Government has revised its Emergency Response Program and it is simpler and more clearly available to ACH sector workers. The new CERB program information is available here.
There is also a new program to help small businesses and NFPs. More information here.
On the federal income tax front, look here for information on postponements of deadlines for filing and payment.
See information here.
In a conference call meeting last week with the Minister of Canadian Heritage, organized by Business/Arts, he reported that there were no sector specific response programs yet, but that the CERB program did keep specifically keep ACH workers in mind. The Book and Periodical Fund payments are being expedited though, and should arrive sooner rather than later.
Organizations that have applied to, or are awaiting, DCH grants in any programs should check with their Program Officers for details on how any “end dates”, reporting, approvals, programming changes or cancelations will be handled. Better to do this sooner rather than later. DCH information here.
While no announcement has yet been made regarding COVID-19 financial support for artists, Canada Council for the Arts has asked people and organizations to document the effects on their operations and published a range of special arrangements for applying and granting. See here for information on Canada Council programs.
We understand from City staff and Councillor Riel (ACH portfolio and ACHAC Chair), that Council met on Monday, March 30, 2020 and the grants received final approval.
This meeting was particularly crucial for the Community Investment and Project Grants final approval and the disbursement of those funds. EC3 worked with ACHAC members, Councillors Riel and Akapo, and City staff on COVID-19 relief/response conditions attached to those grants. The same letter will go out to Service Grant recipients. We are confident City staff will move as fast as they can to get those monies out to you. EC3 has also proposed some other relief initiatives to the City and we are waiting to hear back on those. We will keep you updated.
Information on property tax relief.
Information on the Municipal Emergency Financial Support Fund.
Information on provincial COVID-19 relief/response programs is in this rather dense document.
It looks as though there is student loan relief, some tax deferrals and there will be funding flowing to the municipality.
This link connects you to the OAC COVID FAQ page. We highly recommend that you contact your Program Officer (s) directly to discuss applications assessment plans, funding and reporting dates and program changes and challenges. Many Program Officers have issued special notices to applicants.
Many banks will provide various kinds of mortgage payment relief, don’t be shy, call your bank. Also speak to your landlord.
As more details become available, we will send out new bulletins. Please share any other information you may have.
Thinking of everyone in the ACH sector, friends and family.
Stay well and take care. Please don’t hesitate to call.
All the best,
Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101
See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.
March 31st, 2020
PRHC needs N95 masks to help hospital staff working during the COVID-19 epidemic.
If you have any unused and unopened masks you would be willing to donate, please follow the instructions below OR drop off in the covered plastic crate on the veranda at 591 Gilmour St. and EC3 will get them to the hospital. Many thanks for your support of front-line workers.
Peterborough Regional Health Centre
1 Hospital Dr, Peterborough, ON K9J 7C6
Drop Off Hours: Monday – Friday 7am – 3pm (loading dock at south side of building)
The Peterborough Regional Health Centre will receive donations of unopened PPE Monday – Friday, 7am – 3pm for the coming weeks (beginning March 26th). You may bring your donations to the loading dock, located at the south side of the building. It can be accessed via Alexander Avenue. You will see a ramp from the dock which leads to a door. Please knock. You will be screened for any symptoms – please stay home if you are displaying any! And your items will be received.
If you are able to donate supplies but unable to deliver them yourself, please be in touch with Sarah McGuire at peterboroughppedrive@gmail.com who may be able to arrange a pick up.
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101
See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.
Posted in COVID-19, Bulletin, EC3 Announcement
March 26th, 2020
“You can stay home and still access many library resources,” The Peterborough Examiner.
Posted in Media Coverage
March 24th, 2020
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
EC3 is fortunate to be in touch with a number of National and Provincial disciplinary-based arts service organizations.
Most have specific information and resources for artists working in those disciplines including relief programs, advice on contracts etc. Please check it out HERE.
We hope they can provide useful support to artists living in Peterborough.
Please take a moment and let us know what the top five issues are for you right now and any ideas that you have for relief or recovery programs.
As you have no doubt heard, the City has just declared a State of Emergency. Check out the City website here: HERE.
More information to come from EC3 tomorrow on relief initiatives.
Thinking of everyone in the ACH sector, friends and family.
All the best,
Su Ditta and the Board and staff of EC3
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101
See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.
March 23rd, 2020
EC3 continues to monitor the situation regarding COVID-19 and particularly the impact on the local, arts, culture and heritage community. We are posting information about closures, alternative activities, plans and ideas constantly. Please check our Twitter account and Facebook page for the most up to date information.
EC3 has been in communication with City Hall staff about the Community Investment and Projects Grants and you should have heard from them by now that the Province has adapted the Municipal Act to allow City Council to do this kind of business now, even if it can’t meet face to face for votes, and that they expect these grants to be out shortly.
The impact of the Covid virus is hitting the ACH sector particularly hard, so we are providing two documents that we hope will help you to navigate the new federal government financial aid packages. One comes from the Canada Council for the Arts and the other from the Centre for Small Business. We will also make these available as aFacebook post that you can share.
We are retweeting (@ECThreePtbo) updates from multiple cultural service organizations.
If you have ideas on how the City of Peterborough or EC3 can help meet the current challenges, please get in touch.
Let us know how you or your organization is being affected, especially financially.
What action could the City take that would make a difference? What relief/recovery initiatives would help?
Contact EC3 at: electriccitycc@gmail.com.
Please keep monitoring our Twitter account and Facebook page. Website updates coming ASAP. Also, please let us know if you have alternative plans for your programs, just in case we aren’t getting your Facebook posts etc.
Any fun ideas for arts or heritage activities that respect “social distancing” guidelines? Let us know and we will promote. Call us if you just need to talk.
EC3 is mindful that the health and well-being of all ACH workers, artists, staff and audiences is everyone’s foremost concern. Please take care of yourselves, friends, colleagues and loved ones, and don’t hesitate to get in touch.
COVID-19 : Info update Federal government package in response to COVID-19
March 18, 2020
On March 18, 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an $82B aid package aimed at helping Canadians financially through the COVID-19 crisis.
It is well understood that the health and livelihood of many Canadian artists and arts organizations are being directly affected by the global spread of the Coronavirus (COVID-19). Those in our community who are considered self-employed, may not have access to employment insurance (EI) or paid sick leave. Among those employed by an organization, many will face similar financial challenges, as their employers are being similarly impacted financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. A number of measures announced today will alleviate the mounting economic difficulties being experienced by artists, culture workers and arts organizations. In the meantime, artists and arts organizations may look to the following for support:
Temporary income support for workers and parents without paid sick leave (or similar workplace accommodation) who are sick quarantined, or forced to stay home to care for children. As announced on March 11, the mandatory one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits has been waived, as has the requirement for a medical certificate.
Those who are ineligible for EI and don’t have access to paid sick leave will be able to receive up to $900 every two weeks, for 15 weeks. This applies to those who fall ill, are quarantined, self-isolated, or who have to care for a family member with COVID-19, or who must stay home with their children due to school closures.
These funds will be available in early April through an online application, and funds will be dispersed through direct deposit. No medical documentation will be required.
For longer-term income support to workers who lose their jobs or face reduced hours as a result of COVID’s impact, an Emergency Support Benefit delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency will provide up to $5B in support to workers who are not eligible for EI. Included are:
GST Credit: a one-time special payment by early May 2020 through the Goods and Services Tax credit. The average boost to income for those benefitting from this measure will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.
the maximum annual Canada Child Benefit (CCB) payment amount will increase for the 2019-20 benefit year by $300 per child as part of the May payment. Wage subsidy: the Government announced a 10% wage subsidy that will be available for small businesses for three months, up to a maximum of $2K per employer. This applies to not-for-profit organizations and charities.
The deadline to file taxes for 2019 has been extended to June 1. Canadians who have filed their taxes already, and owe money, will not have to pay until September 1, 2020. Targeted assistance is expected for more vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19.
The six largest financial institutions will work with individuals and small businesses to provide flexible solutions on an individual basis.
The Canada Council for the Arts and Canadian Heritage are working in collaboration to provide options to the government for additional support for artists and arts organizations We will continue to keep you informed and updated as we learn more.
Click for updates on how the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is affecting our programs and services.
Via The Small Business Centre:
All the best,
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101
See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.
March 19th, 2020
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
We are closely monitoring the evolving situation regarding COVID-19 and particularly its impact on the local arts, culture and heritage community. EC3 is posting information about closures, cancellations, alternative plans and ideas, as well as information resources on our Twitter account and Facebook page constantly.
We have been in touch with the Arts, Culture and Heritage Division at Peterborough City Hall and they assure us they are working hard on plans for grant approvals, the release of funds and other ACH business matters and will make announcements ASAP. EC3 has also asked that we be included in any planning exercises with regard to municipal relief programs, interim measures, recovery initiatives etc. Our sector is particularly vulnerable to job loss and income loss and may require special assistance. Many venues are closed and feeling a profound financial impact.
EC3 is also working with the Canadian Arts Coalition on information, advocacy initiatives and resources.
We suggest you monitor the City of Peterborough website, Facebook page, and Twitter account for updates, as well as Peterborough Public Health for general COVID-19 updates and information.
Please follow the links below government updates on COVID-19 from the Federal and Ontario governments.
Please see the following website for ACH updates: Canadian Heritage, Ontario Arts Council, Toronto Public Health.
We are retweeting updates from multiple cultural service organizations at @ECThreePtbo on Twitter and Electric City Culture Council on Facebook.
If you have ideas on how the City of Peterborough or EC3 can help meet the current challenges, please get in touch. Let us know how you or your organization is being affected, especially financially. What action could the City take that would make a difference? What recovery initiatives would help? Contact EC3 at electriccitycc@gmail.com.
Please keep monitoring our Facebook page and Twitter accounts. Website updates coming ASAP.
Also, please let us know if you have alternative plans for your programs, just in case we aren’t getting your Facebook posts etc. Any fun ideas for arts or heritage activities that respect “social distancing” guidelines? Let us know and we will promote.
EC3 is mindful that the health and well being of all ACH workers, artists, staff and audiences is everyone’s foremost concern.
Please take care of yourselves and don’t hesitate to get in touch.
All the best,
Su Ditta and the EC3 Board and staff
Su Ditta
Executive Director
Electric City Culture Council (EC3)
electriccitycc@gmail.com
www.ecthree.org
705 749 9101
See our News & Information page for all the latest COVID-19 updates.