COVID-19

As the impact of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, is felt across the country and the world, we will continue to do our best to provide you with our best services and help our clients as much as possible during this difficult time. If you are one of our tenants and having a hard time paying your rent, please contact us directly so we can discuss a payment plan. Our office remains open but we have limited office hours. Our industry members (Real Estate Brokers, Realtors, mortgage brokers, etc.) have been given the essential services designation and as such we are available to serve you. Having said this, we are required to adhere to a strict code of conduct in terms of making absolutely certain that we do not pose a threat to our clients.

The Consumer Contact Centre can provide information on many topics related to landlords and tenants if you require. Call 780-427-4088 or toll free 1-877-427-4088. You can also refer to the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) Handbook.

With all the changes across the country, we have summarized some key information in the hopes of making it easier for everyone to access as much information as possible from both the Provincial and Federal Governments that can help your situation.

Provincial Government Support

Please click on the link for all Provincial related information about COVID-19: https://www.alberta.ca/covid-19-supports-for-albertans.aspx

Summary:

• Albertans who require financial assistance and are not eligible for EI can apply for this one-time provincial payment of $1,146.00 to bridge the gap. Albertans need to go to the online Service Alberta portal and create a MyAlberta online ID if they haven’t already.
• Alberta Job protected leave – Individuals have access to 14 days of job-protected leave for the purpose of self-isolation without requiring a medical note.
• Self-Employed Individuals – Small and medium businesses can defer WCB premiums until 2021, those who have already paid WCB premiums in 2020 are eligible for a rebate or credit.
• Student Loan Repayment Moratorium – Saskatchewan and Alberta have implemented a six month, interest free, moratorium on provincial student loan payments to mirror the Canada Student Loans Program. No application is required.
• Utility Payment Deferral – The Alberta provincial government has mandated a 90-day utility charge deferral which is applicable to all utility providers in the province. If you wish to take advantage of these programs, please reach out to your utility provider for more information.
• Customers of Most Major Banks and institutions such as ATB and credit unions can apply for deferrals on mortgages, loans and lines of credit.

Federal Government Support

Please click on the link for Federal related information about COVID-19: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html

Summary:

• Temporary Income Support for Workers and Parents: If you are sick, quarantined or staying home to care for children and find yourself without paid sick leave, the Government is providing increased access to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits
• Longer-Term Income Support: If you lose your job or are facing reduced hours as a result of COVID-19 impact, the Government is introducing an Emergency Support Benefit and the implementation of an EI Work Sharing Program.
• Canada Child Benefit: The Government is proposing to increase the maximum annual payment amounts by $300.00 per child.
• GST Benefit: The government it proposing to provide a one-time special payment by early May to double the Goods and Services Tax Credit. This means that if you qualify for this credit, the benefit will be close to $400.00 for individuals and close to $600.00 for couples.

There are many additional funding for groups such as First Nations, Students, Seniors and those requiring the need of shelters. We encourage everyone to check the link we provided above to determine if there are financial benefits available to you.