The CGA is actively communicating with governments at the provincial and federal levels to advocate for our industry and ensure that support for employees and business is available.

We continue to cooperate with our industry partners and are building alliances with other national and provincial associations in the hospitality industry to ensure that the gaming industry is part of the support and recovery assistance for the broader hospitality sector.

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)
Details on the recently announced $962 million in new capital to Regional Development Agencies (RDAs) and the Community Futures Network were revealed by the federal government this week.

RDAs are federal agencies under Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada (ISED). The six RDAs across Canada span Atlantic Canada, Ontario, Western Canada, and the northern regions. Community Futures Network is a group of federal agencies placed across Canada that provide small business services in rural communities.

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The almost $1 billion in new capital is meant to support regional and rural businesses that may not have existing relationships with financial institutions, or don’t qualify for other federal relief programs.

The RRRF is meant to help these businesses and organizations continue operations as well as pay their employees. It is also available for projects by businesses, organizations, and communities to help prepare for a successful recovery. The fund is open to businesses in sectors that include manufacturing, technology, tourism, and “others that are key to the regions and local economies.”

More information on the RRRF and how to apply is located here.

Government of Canada information on credit facilities and support for businesses is available here.

Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
The federal government announced the large employer emergency financing facility (LEEFF), which will provide support to employers with annual revenues of more than $300 million whose credit needs aren’t being met through conventional financing.

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The program is open to large commercial businesses in all sectors (except those in the financial sector) and certain not-for-profit businesses, like airports. To qualify, businesses must be looking for financing of $60 million or more and have significant operations or large numbers of employees in Canada, and must not be involved in any ongoing insolvency proceedings.

Among the conditions are making sure that there are no share buybacks or dividends or excessive executive pay, but also that companies have financial disclosures on their climate situation.

Program details are still being worked out and information on the application process is expected shortly.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy Extended to End of August 2020
The federal government is extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) beyond its original June 6 expiry date to the end of August 2020.

CEWS gives employers funds to cover 75% of wage costs up to a maximum benefit of $847 a week per employee.

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It is currently available for up to 12 weeks, covering the period between March 15 to June 6. Further details will be available in the next few days.

The CGA is communicating with the federal government to ask it to make the CEWS available to organizations for at least 120 days from their re-opening date to provide support as they bring back employees and work to restore their businesses.

CGA Assists Operators Prepare for Reopening

As gaming operators look to reopen, the CGA is aware that you are exploring tools and products that can assist in providing clean and safe environments for employees and customers. The CGA recently hosted a series of webinars to provide access to suppliers and we have a few links to share.

More webinars on a range of topics will be available in the coming weeks.

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Zoono – A New Era in Antimicrobial Solutions
Zoono offers an innovative active disinfecting technology that addresses a broad range of pathogens. Zoono eliminates pathogens when applied via an initial kill, but then through the drying process, sets up an invisible barrier to protect against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and algae on an ongoing basis.

Prescientx – The Future of Disinfection
Prescientx is one of Canada’s top companies focusing on patient safety innovation. It has co-developed and markets technologies focused on engineered infection prevention, which include a variety of automated UVC disinfection systems using smart sensor technology. Prescientx technology can help casinos and hotels tackle these new pandemic challenges, from room sterilization to rapid casino chip and equipment cleaning.

For more information: RBY Gaming – Ron Baryoseph

In addition, Go2HR has compiled a comprehensive list of resources for all types of industries related to COVID-19.

For operators in the hospitality industry looking for information on how to prepare to safely re-open their retail stores and food service/restaurants in the coming months, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a series of bilingual fact sheets available to download.

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The CGA is here to assist our members and industry colleagues during these difficult times. Pease contact us at [email protected] if we can be of help. We hope everyone is healthy and safe. Wash your hands, don’t touch your face, and practice physical distancing.