By Troy Gillard

IMMEDIATE CASH FOR THOSE WHO SELF-ISOLATE

Alberta announces $50M COVID-19 fund

Mar 18, 2020 | 5:10 PM

Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has announced a series of measures aimed at protecting Alberta’s families and economy during the COVID-19 crisis.

Kenney says the measures will provide immediate financial relief to Alberta’s families, vulnerable populations, local businesses and employers.

“To be blunt, the challenge that we face as Albertans’ elected representatives is that much of our economy is moving into hibernation right now and so there’s very limited policy levers to stimulate an immediate increase in demand, when in fact there is enormous momentum in the opposite direction,” Kenney said in the legislature on Wednesday. “And so Alberta’s government in the immediate term will focus on the immediate imperative of doing everything we can to keep cash in people’s bank accounts, to maintain the ability of households to pay their bills, to defer their bills wherever possible, and the ability of businesses to maintain at least basic operations.”

The biggest measure announced Wednesday is the $50 million Emergency Isolation Support, a temporary program for working adult Albertans who self-isolate during the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Those who meet the government’s published criteria for self-isolation will be able to fill out an online application next week at alberta.ca. Eligible recipients will receive a payment of $573 beginning at that time.

mayor hopes to meet housing minister this month

Alberta demands Ottawa back off on housing funding stripped from Red Deer

14h ago

Last seen Jan. 15

Missing: Courtney Cattleman, 17, of Maskwacis

20h ago

eyes up

Air Spray training around Red Deer Regional Airport

20h ago

Residential, farm, and small commercial customers can defer bill payments for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off from these services during this time of crisis. This will cover electricity and natural gas, regardless of the service provider.

The government will implement a six-month, interest-free moratorium on Alberta student loan payments for all individuals who are in the process of repaying these loans.

Personal banking customers with ATB Financial can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of credit, and mortgages for up to six months. Small business customers, in addition to payment deferrals on loans and lines of credit, will be provided access to additional working capital. For other business and agriculture customers, ATB will work with customers on a one-on-one basis and further solutions are being considered at this time.

Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow. Both individual and business members are encouraged to proactively contact their credit union directly to work out a plan for their personal situation.

To give them increased access to cash in order to pay employees, address debts and continue operations, the government will allow Alberta employers to defer the collection of corporate income tax balances and instalment payments, due after today, until Aug. 31, 2020. This gives Alberta businesses access to about $1.5 billion in funds to help them cope with the COVID-19 crisis.

Kenney said further measures will be announced in the coming days.