Due to the pandemic, the province is allowing email as a service method between landlords and tenants, effective March 01, 2021. This allows landlords and tenants to serve documents to each other via email if they provide their email address for this purpose.

For more information, click here.

The Employment Standards Act now allows workers to take unpaid, job protected leave if they are unable to work due to COVID. Workers are now able to take 3 days of unpaid, job protected leave each year, retroactive to January 27, 2020.

For more information, click here.

The following travel rules have been implemented to reduce the risk of COVID-19:

• All returning international travelers are required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 molecular test to the airline that was conducted within 72 hours of their scheduled boarding.
• Travelers are required to now take a PCR test at the airport upon their arrival at their own cost. While waiting for the results, they are required to quarantine at a government approved hotel for three nights. If the results from the PCR test are negative, they will be allowed to continue their 14 days quarantine at their home or another safe place. If the results are positive, they will be required to continue to quarantine at the hotel. The PCR test and quarantine are expected to cost between $2,000 to $3,000.
• Travelers are also required to complete their declaration form using the ArriveCAN mobile application or on the ArriveCAN website.
• Travelers who are found non-compliant under the Quarantine Act may face fines of up to $750,000 and or imprisonment for 6 months; or up to $1 million and/or imprisonment for up to 3 years.

For more information, click here.

ICBC has implemented the following changes to help customers during the pandemic:

• Customers who had an active policy from April 01, 2020 to September 30, 2020, may receive a rebate of around $190 via mail. Customers will not need to apply for this rebate as it should automatically be distributed by ICBC in mid-March 2021.
• ICBC has launched an online estimator tool to allow customers to estimate how much they may pay on insurance policies and how much refund they may expect with changes in policies. To access this tool, click here.
• ICBC is encouraging their customers to reduce in-person contact as many insurance transactions such as getting new policies, renewing policies, transfers and more, can be done over the phone or via email. Customers may contact their local Autoplan broker for assistance with these services.
• ICBC is encouraging everyone to book appointments online for most of their driver licensing services such as knowledge tests, road tests, ID renewal or replacements, disputing violation tickets and more. To book the appointments, click here
• Appointments for knowledge tests can also be booked by calling their contact center at 1-800-663-3051 (Toll Free) or 604-661-2800 (Lower Mainland). Once a customer calls, they will be contacted by an ICBC representative within 3 business days, who will inform them of the locations available for testing.
• Customers can defer their payments for up to 90 days with no penalty. Driver’s licence renewals can be done online. All drivers tests are suspended indefinitely unless there is a legal requirement to obtain their license. They are encouraging clients to use their ICBC’s online resource tool to apply for deferrals or call the customer support team at 1-800-665-6442.

For more changes to ICBC’s policies, payments and more, click here.

The provincial contact centre for Service BC will now also support Health Insurance BC benefits and pharmaceutical programs and services. This will enable callers inquiring about Medical Services Plan (MSP), Pharmacare and Fair Pharmacare to get information faster and easier. The services will be provided in more than 140 languages and through a texting service.

For more information, click here.

The application for the new BC Recovery Benefit will be available from December 18, 2020 to June 30, 2021. This benefit will provide:

• $1,000 for families with income less than $125,000. Families with income up to $175,000 will qualify for a reduced amount.
• $500 for single people with income less than $62,500. Those with earning up to $87,500 will qualify for a reduced amount.

This benefit will also be available to those on Income Assistance and Disability Assistance. Additionally, those on Income and Disability Assistance along with seniors who are currently receiving the Senior’s supplement, will receive an additional benefit of $150 per month from January 2021 to March 2021.

There are 3 ways to apply for the BC Recovery Benefit:

• Online by clicking here.
• Over the phone starting on December 21, 2020 at 1-833-882-0020.
• In person by visiting a Service BC office to use a computer terminal.

For more information, click here.

The new Community and Employer Partnerships (CEP) project will allow up to 30 British Columbians with multiple barriers to employment train and search for jobs. The jobs are in warehouses and the manufacturing sector in the Lower Mainland. The course is will be over 18 weeks and intakes begins on December 07, 2020 through April 09, 2021. Those who are interested should contact their local WorkBC or Triangle Community Resources.

For more information, click here.

To support people through this pandemic, the following transportation services have announced changes to their fare increase:

• BC Ferries will not increase their fare for the rest of this fiscal year ending March 31, 2021.
• BC Transit will cap its fare increases at affordable levels until March 31, 2024.
• Translink will also cap its fare increases at affordable levels until December 31, 2024.

For more information, click here.

Various measures have been implemented to support students and teachers in schools during the pandemic. For more information on these measures, click here.

A ban on Rent Increases will remain in effect until July 10, 2021. For more information, click here.

The following policies are now in effect:

• Landlords and tenants must work together to create a Repayment Plan for rent or utilities that was not paid from March 18, 2020 to August 17, 2020. The repayment plan will go in effect minimum 30 days after it is issued to a tenant. The repayment plan must include the following:
  • The date the first installment is due. This must be at least 30 days after the date the repayment plan is given by the landlord to the tenant. For example, if the landlord issues the repayment plan on August 19, 2020, it may go in effect by earliest September 19, 2020.
  • The repayment period starts on the date the repayment plan is given by the landlord to the tenant and ends on July 10, 2021.
  • The payment of the overdue rent must be in equal installments. For example, if the amount that is overdue is $1,000, the monthly installment can be set out to be $100/month for a total of 10 months.
  • Each installment must be paid on the same date that rent is due under the tenancy agreement. For example, if a tenant’s rent is due on the 1st of the month, then the installments are also due on the 1st of the month.
• A landlord can issue a 10 day eviction notice if the tenant is short their rent or their repayment. For example, if a tenant’s repayment plan starts on October 1st, 2020 and they have to pay $100 on top of their current rent, but they are short $50, a landlord can issue the tenant a 10 day eviction notice.
• Note: If the landlord and the tenant entered into a prior agreement for unpaid rent or utilities it can be replaced with this provincial repayment plan, by either the landlord or tenant.
• Ban on evictions for non-payment of rent is now over. That is, a landlord can issue a 10 day notice if the tenant fails to pay rent that was due before March 18, 2020 or rent that is due after August 17, 2020. An eviction notice cannot be issued for unpaid rent from March 18, 2020 to August 17, 2020.

For more information, click here.

The following are changes are still in effect:

• The Residential Tenancy Act allows tenants who are experiencing violence inside or outside their home to end their tenancy early. For example, if a tenant is suffering from violence from a roommate, they may be eligible to end their tenancy early. The change was implemented to help renters who experience violence move to a safer home. For more information, click here
• There are restrictions for issuing a One Month Notice.
• Landlords can now go to court to enforce a writ of possession.
• Landlords can enter a rental suite with 24 hours notice.
• BC Housing Changes:
  • BC Housing has temporarily suspended evictions of tenants in subsidized and affordable housing due to non-payment of rent.
  • If you have reduced employment income after March 1, 2020 you may request a short-term adjustment to your monthly benefit.
  • New Rental Assistance Program applicants with reduced income may have their eligibility and benefits temporarily calculated based on their current situation. In addition, the Emergency Care Benefit from the federal government will be considered an employment replacement income.
  • The 12-month BC residency requirement will be waived for any applicants that meet all other eligibility criteria.

  To request an adjustment, please contact BC Housing at 604-433-2218.

• Residential Tenancy Branch Changes:
  • Documents can now temporarily be served through email.
  • Landlords can restrict use of common areas by tenants/guests.
  • Hearings may now be adjourned or rescheduled to allow people more time, if needed.
  • Timelines for filing for dispute resolutions may be extended.

For more information on Tenancy changes, click here.

Update: The one-time $600 payment for Persons with Disabilities will be exempt for those receiving provincial assistance. For more information, click here.

The following changes were implemented by the Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction:

• The Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction will exempt the CERB payments for Income Assistance and Persons with Disabilities recipients. Please note though that the exemption is only applicable to those who have been on Ministry assistance prior to April 02nd, 2020. For more information, click here.

For more information, click here.

Update: Effective immediately, BC Ferries requires all passengers over 2 years old to have face masks.

The following regulations have been put in place to ensure the safety of inland ferries’ staff and passengers:

• All passengers travelling by vehicle must remain in their vehicle at all times.
• All amenities on the ferries are closed.
• All walk-on passengers, cyclists and motorcyclists must remain in designated zones.
• Any passenger showing symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to board the ferries.

For more information, click here.

The minimum wage in British Columbia has now been increased to $14.60 per hour. Additionally, the following wage increases are in effect:

• Liquor server minimum wage increase – $13.95/hour
• Resident caretaker minimum wage increase – $876.35/month for those who manage 9-60 units
• Resident caretaker minimum wage increase – $2,985.04/month for those who manage 61 or more units
• Live-in camp leader minimum wage increase – $116.86

For more information, click here.

GrocerCheck is a website that was created to allow users to check how busy a grocery store is. The website uses location data to show the store traffic using colour-coded bubbles.

For more information, click here.

A new urgent and primary care centre will open in Newton, Surrey in July to provide care to patients who do not have a family doctor. This care centre will be located at 6830 King George Blvd. and operated by Fraser Health. The centre will be open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week and will provide long-term planned primary care services and urgent primary care services.

For more information, click here.

B.C. Farm, Fish and Food Job Connector is a new online resource that is now available to help British Columbians learn more about jobs and careers in agriculture. The website also provides information about opportunities in different regions of BC and the jobs available.

For more information, click here.

All provincial parks are now re-opened and provincial campgrounds will be opening on June 1st, 2020. Campers can now reserve a site 2 months in advance of their arrival date however new reservations can only be made by B.C. residents. As well as, due to the pandemic, fewer sites will be available and some facilities such as cooking facilities, may remain closed.

For more information, click here.

The Sources Trauma Counselling Program has launched a confidential telephone line for victims of violence to support them during the pandemic. Victims can call 604-541-4826 to speak to a counselor and they will respond within 24 hours.

For more information, click here.

Temporary shelters are now open to provide a safe place for those who are currently facing homelessness during the pandemic. For a list of the temporary shelters, click here.

The city of Vancouver has created a map to show where people can find free or low cost food in their city. Click here for a copy of the map. For additional free and low cost resources in the city of Vancouver, click here.

To protect Uber drivers and riders, starting on Monday, May 18, 2020, Uber drivers who do not wear a mask or face cover will not be allowed to accept passengers or deliveries. To prove this, the drivers will be required to take a selfie to verify that their face is covered. If a driver doesn’t wear a mask, the rider will be allowed to cancel their trip without penalty.

For more information, click here.

Over 70 affordable homes are available to low to moderate income families, individuals, seniors and adults with disabilities to ensure their safety during the pandemic. Residents will begin to move into the homes on May 15, 2020 and the homes will be monitored by the Capital Region Housing Corporation (CRHC).

For more information, click here.

Local developer Wesgroup Properties is offering 99 free parking stalls to staff at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster starting this week. These stalls can be found within the developer’s new Brewery District neighbourhood adjacent to the hospital.

For more information, click here.

For information on changes in New Westminster due to COVID-19, click here.

BC’s Gay-Straight or Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) meet-ups will now be held virtually for LGBTQ2S+ students to help them stay connected with each other.

For more information, click here.

VictimLinkBC remains available to provide support to those experiencing violence. They can be contacted at 1-800-563-0808 or VictimLinkBC@bc211.ca. In addition, women experiencing gender based domestic violence can contact the Battered Women’s Support Services (BWSS) at 604-652-1867 or intake@bwss.org for support and safety plans.

For more information, click here.

The BC government is funding the installation of portable toilets for truck driver throughout the province as they face challenges finding facilities that are still open during the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information, click here.

Additionally, food trucks are being set up throughout the province to support truckers and their current locations are:

• Nordel CVSE Inspection Station in Delta
• Zopkios Brake Check on Highway 5, approximately 57 kilometres north of Hope
• Britton Creek Rest Area on Highway 5, approximately 62 kilometres south of Merritt
• Kamloops Weigh Scale in City of Kamloops – food served free of cost once per week by the Salvation Army

Through the CommunityLINK program, BC school districts staff have partnered with local non-profits and businesses to provide weekly grocery hampers and bagged lunches. They will be delivering them and setting up designated hubs for pick-up to families of students who would normally receive meals at schools. In addition, the staff are providing grocery gift cards, vouchers, and more.

For more information, click here.

For information about the Continued School Meal Program, contact your local school district.

If you are a health care worker and suffering from a cold, influenza or COVID-like symptoms, you can now be assessed and receive a COVID-19 test at a community collection centre without a referral. To find a local collection centre, click here. Additionally, the BC Thrive Health website provides a self-assessment app and details about where, when and how to be tested.

For more information, click here.

BC Non-Profit Housing Association has launched a new website to connect British Columbians to non-profit housing and shelter providers to seek employment. The website will provide a matchmaker-type service for temporary or short-term jobs. For more information, click here.

The government of BC will provide 49 temporary homes for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness by mid-May 2020. The homes will be repurposed modular unit and will include self-contained bedrooms and shared washrooms. Residents will also be provided 2 meals a day and there will be 2 staff on site at all times for support. For more information, click here.

Under the Emergency Program Act (EPA), the police and other enforcement officers are now able to issue $2,000 violation tickets for reselling and price gouging medical supplies and other essential goods. They may also ticket those who:

• Exceed the quantity limits on the sale of certain items
• Do no comply with the requirement for hotel and other lodging operators to provide accommodation.

For more information, click here.

Students who do not have access to technology at all have been loaned computers and devices to access the internet and continue their education from home. These technologies are being provided by schools and families are being contacted by school district staff. Additionally, the Ministry of Education has created a free Keep Learning website to provide daily activities to kids. For more information, click here.

The BC government has launched Here2Talk which is a new mental health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students. Students can also speak to a counsellor by phone at 1-877-857-3397 or 604-642-5212.

Many registered psychologists have volunteered to support British Columbia’s residents with free psychological support. To access the program, call 604-827-0847 or click here. For additional mental health support, visit BounceBack and Anxiety Canada.

A new and free virtual education program, WE WEll-being, was recently launched to support students in grades K-12. The program is aimed at supporting youth who are experiencing anxiety and social isolation.

The Surrey-North Delta Division of Family Practice is offering information, answers to questions and resources related to COVID-19 to residents in the Surrey and North Delta regions through their recently set-up phone lines. Support is provided in English, French, Spanish, Arabic, Punjabi, Urdu, Mandarin and Hindi. For more information, click here.

All temporary foreign workers arriving in British Columbia for seasonal farm work will now be required to self-isolate in government managed accommodations for 14 days. After 14 days, they will be examined and if they don’t have symptoms of COVID-19, they will be transported to their farm. For more information, click here.

The province of British Columbia released its COVID-19 testing guidelines. For more information, click here.

Libraries may soon be able to give access to learning and reading resources online through a one-time funding of $3 million from the BC government. For more information, click here.

Starting at 12 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, 2020, most open burning activities (campfires, fireworks, burn barrels, etc.) will be prohibited. This will reduce demands on firefighting resources, protect the health and safety of the public, and reduce impact of smoke on air quality and public health during the pandemic.

For more information, click here.

The province is partnering with local governments, non-profits and hotels to provide space to those who need to self-isolate. These spaces will be available to those who are vulnerable such as individuals experiencing homelessness or living in communal locations, or individuals recently discharged from hospitals but still needing ongoing health care. For more information, click here.

The following assistance are available to post secondary students to help with their education:

• Canada Student Service Grant
• The government of Canada announced that it will:
  • Double Canada Student Grants for full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21.
  • The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents will also be doubled.
  • Students will not be required to make their fixed student contribution; no spousal contribution would be required either.
  • The Canada Student Loan weekly loan limit will increase from $210 to $350.

For more information on how to apply for the benefit, contact your local Student Aid office.

The Customer Crisis Fund is available if you have overdue payments or are facing disconnection. Grants of up to $600 are available for customers who heat their homes with electricity, and up to $500 for customers with non-electrically heated homes.

For more information, click here.

Starting April 1st, 2020, parking at all the hospitals and other health authority-operated sites in British Columbia will be free. For more information, click here

A new Launch Online Grant program is now available to help new businesses access tools and supports to help them launch their store online. This grants will be available on a first come first served basis and will run until March 31, 2021.

For more information, click here.

The following provincial taxes have been deferred, delayed or reduced:

• Increased Employment Incentive
• Delayed PST Budget 2020 Tax Changes
• Provincial payment deferrals
• Delayed Carbon Tax Increase

For more information, click here

A new online support website has been created to provide information and resources available to businesses during the pandemic. This support service is operated by Small Business BC (SBBC), a non-profit organization, and they can be reached by:

• Phone – Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (PST) at 1-833-254-4357.
• Email – covid@smallbusinessbc.ca
• Live chat – on https://covid.smallbusinessbc.ca

For more information, click here

For additional federal and provincial support for business, click here.