This week’s bulletin includes information on new financial relief for Alberta businesses affected by the pandemic, paid leave for working Albertans who get the COVID-19 vaccine and a vaccine eligibility update.

Financial relief for Alberta small businesses now available

Applications are now open for the spring 2021 payment from Alberta’s Small and Medium Enterprise Relaunch Grant.

This grant offers financial assistance to Alberta organizations that were ordered to close or curtail operations, and that experienced a revenue reduction of at least 30 per cent, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses, co-operatives and non-profits can use these funds as they see fit to help offset a portion of the impact of new public health measures or their relaunch costs, such as implementing measures to minimize the risk of virus transmission. This could include:

• Installing physical barriers.
• Purchasing personal protective equipment and disinfecting supplies.
• Paying rent and employee wages.
• Replacing inventory.

Click here for more information, eligibility requirements or to apply.

Did you know?

All working Albertans are eligible for paid, job-protected leave to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

The Employment Standards Code was amended on April 21 with the following changes taking effect immediately:

• All working Albertans can access up to three hours of paid leave to get each dose of the COVID-19 vaccine without fear of penalty, loss of pay or reprisal.
• The leave applies to all full- and part-time employees regardless of how long they have been employed.

For more information, please click here.

Vaccine Eligibility

Starting April 27, Albertans who were born between 2006 and 2009 and have eligible underlying health conditions can now get a COVID-19 vaccine.

Everyone in the following age groups can get vaccinated now:

• Age 65+
• Age 40+ for the AstraZeneca vaccine
• Age 50+ for First Nations, Metis and Inuit people
• Age 12+ with eligible chronic health conditions
• Front-line health care workers
• Shelter and correction facility staff

Click here for more information on booking a vaccination appointment.

CREB^® is closely monitoring news regarding COVID-19 and is committed to providing our members with the most up-to-date and relevant information. 

To access additional information and resources for REALTORS^®, please visit the COVID-19 hub on CREB^®Link.