COVID-19 Financial
Resources for
Canadians

The global COVID-19 outbreak has created hardship for many Canadians. The Government of Canada has been actively working to provide individuals and businesses with support. In this issue of balance we wanted to highlight some of these programs.

Extra time to file income tax returns
The filing due date for 2019 income tax returns for individuals has been deferred until June 1, 2020. Any new income tax balances due, or instalments, are also being deferred until after August 31, 2020 without incurring interest or penalties.

People facing loss of income - Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The Canadian Government will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 every 4 weeks for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.

To learn more and start the application process online, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/
benefits/ei/cerb-application.html.
You can also apply over the phone:
1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041

For Seniors - Reduced minimum withdrawals for Registered Retirement Income Funds
The minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) have been reduced by 25 per cent for 2020.

To learn more online, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax
individuals/topics/registered-retirement-income-fund-rrif.html

Help for businesses - Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) supports employers that are hardest hit by the pandemic, and protects the jobs Canadians depend on.

The subsidy generally covers 75% of an employee's wages – up to $847 per week – for employers of all sizes and across all sectors who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May.

To learn more or apply online, visit:
https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/wage-rent-subsidies.html
emergency-wage-subsidy.html

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted many Canadians. The Canadian Government’s economic response plan offers much needed support. We sincerely hope that you and your family are healthy and staying safe.

Note: this information has been curated from the Government of Canada website, and their Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan published online - https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/

COVID-19 Best Practices

Things are starting to return to normal across Canada. Many preventative measures implemented at the start of the pandemic have been lightened or are being lifted. Here are some common-sense tips and basic best practice measures we still need to be mindful of.

Wash hands
Wash your hands with soap and water. Wash them frequently. Remember, don’t touch your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Practice basic manners
Cover your mouth and nose if you cough or sneeze. Use your bent elbow or tissue. Wash your hands. Dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Social Distancing
We’ve probably all become accustomed to this practice, and it’s likely one of the preventative measures that will stay in place for the foreseeable future. Probably one of the most important measures you, as a citizen, a neighbour, and a fellow human being can take is to stay home as much as possible.

If going out, practice the 2-metre distancing rule, avoid crowds, and wear a mask if you have one. Help keep those most at risk healthy, such as our elderly loved ones and friends, and offer help with grocery shopping or other daily activities that they are restricted from doing.

We all have to do our part to help bring an end to this crisis. If we all practice these basic and common-sense steps, we can stay safe, keep our families and communities healthy, and return to our normal routines sooner than later.

Health & Wellness

Staying healthy is critical during these times — more than ever! Along with regular exercise it’s key to ensure you’re getting a well-balanced diet too. Sometimes it can be challenging, but one way to help get the nutrients and vitamins you need is with a healthy smoothie.

Power Punch! Smoothie

Almond milk: A good source of vitamin E & calcium, many varieties are often fortified with vitamins A, D, & B12, riboflavin, & zinc.
Banana: A great source of vitamin B6, and moderate amounts of potassium, vitamin C, and manganese.
Mango: High in vitamin C & A and contains moderate amounts of vitamins E, K, B6 & B9 in addition to potassium and copper.
Spinach: Loaded with vitamin K (1 cup provides over 180% of your recommended daily intake) as well as vitamins A & C.
Pumpkin seeds: A good source of protein, iron, zinc, manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, copper, and potassium.
Hemp hearts: Full of high quality protein and a great source of essential fatty acids.

Blend the following ingredients in your blender until smooth.

1 cup (250 ml) unsweetened almond milk

1 ripe banana, frozen

1/2 cup (125 ml) chopped mango, frozen

1-2 large handfuls of baby spinach

1/4 cup (60 ml) pumpkin seeds

2 tbsp (30 ml) hemp hearts (hulled hemp seeds)

optional: 1/2 scoop (approx. 30ml) vanilla
protein powder + 1/4 cup (60ml) water

The whole family is sure to love
this smoothie recipe!