COVID - 19 RESOURCES PAGE
Last Updated - October 24, 2020
Over the last few weeks we’ve seen an increase in questions related to Covid-19 and how it impacts tenants and landlords. After reviewing some of our “Stay at Home Survey” responses we realised some of our community members may not be aware of all the resources available to them, so we’ve compiled a list of resources by province and hope this will help you with some of your concerns. Please keep in mind that some of these hyperlinks may change over time, so if you get an error when you click on it, please do a Google search for the title and it should take you to the updated page. Also this is not an exhaustive list and we will keep updating it as we get more information and resources.
Table Of Contents
Covid -19 General Resources and Information
Support and Resources for Students and Recent Graduates
Rent, Tenancy and Mortgage Resources and Protection
Income Support and Employment Resources
Health and Wellness
Covid -19 General Resources and Information
Alberta - Government of Alberta
Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus.
British Columbia - BC Centre for Disease Control or call 1-888-COVID19 (1-888-268-4319)
Find information about COVID-19, how to protect yourself, your family and your community and what to do if you suspect you have the virus.
Learn about coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Ontario and how the province is keeping people safe.
Manitoba - Government of Manitoba or call 1-888-315-9257
Learn about Manitoba’s response to the pandemic and its economic roadmap to recovery.
Newfoundland and Labrador - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Learn about coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the province and how the province is keeping people safe.
New Brunswick - Government of New Brunswick
Learn about coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in the province and how the province is keeping people safe.
Nova Scotia - Government of Nova Scotia
For more information about the Government of Nova Scotia’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Prince Edward Island - Government of PEI or call 1-833-533-9333
For general questions, inquiries and help for Islanders
Québec - Gouvernement du Québec or call 1-877-644-4545
Learn about coronavirus (COVID-19) cases in Québec and how the province is keeping people safe.
Saskatchewan - Government of Saskatchewan
Get the most up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Saskatchewan – this includes advisories for potential exposure to COVID-19, news releases and video updates from Saskatchewan's Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab.
Support and Resources for Students and Recent Graduates
Designated Learning Institutes List (DLI’s)
Starting October 20, international students are now able to enter Canada if they:
have a study permit or have been approved for a study permit; or,
are attending a Designated Learning Institution with an approved COVID-19 readiness plan.
This page contains a list of Designated Learning Institutes (DLI’s) approved by the government of Canada
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19): Domestic & International students
This page is dedicated to giving you the most up to date travel and border restrictions and how they may impact domestic and international students in Canada.
The new Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) provides qualified post-secondary students and recent graduates with volunteer opportunities while supporting not-for-profit organizations with flexible solutions to address COVID-19 response during summer 2020. Apply for a grant from $1,000 up to $5,000 once you complete your qualifying volunteer hours
Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides emergency financial relief to students and recent graduates who are unable to work, or unable to find work, due to reasons related to COVID-19.
Federal Student Financial Support (Grants, Loans and Aid)
The Government of Canada is proposing changes to the Canada Student Loans Program (CSLP) to allow more students to qualify for support and be eligible for greater amounts.
Support for Students and Recent Graduates
Changes to Canada Student Grants and Loans have been introduced so students facing financial challenges from COVID-19 can access and afford post-secondary education. The same applies to student and apprentice loan borrowers.
Supporting international students working in an essential service
The Government of Canada will remove the restriction that allows international students to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods. This temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020.
Canada Student Grants and Loans – Apply with your province or territory
Go to the student grants and loans service of your province to:
Find out if you're eligible for student grants and loans
Know how much you could get
Apply for student grants and loans in one application
Rent, Tenancy and Mortgage Resources and Protection
The COVID-19, or coronavirus crisis has left many homeowners in Canada without a job or with reduced hours and wondering how to pay their mortgage. Homeowners facing financial stress may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral up to 6 months to help ease the financial burden.
Alberta - Rent Payment Plans and Residential Tenancies During COVID-19
Many Albertans are experiencing financial hardship in the wake of COVID-19, and some residential and mobile home site tenants may have trouble paying their rent on time over the next few months. Some measurements have been put in place to help with this.
British Columbia - COVID-19 and Residential Tenancies
The Residential Tenancy Act has been amended to support renters and landlords during the provincial state of emergency and to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The amendments are in effect for the duration of the state of emergency. Talk to your landlord and make sure they are aware of the changes that have been made.
Ontario - Renting: changes during COVID-19 (coronavirus)
Learn about the temporary changes to residential rental processes, and where landlords and tenants can get more help.
Further information is provided for landlords and tenants in Manitoba relating to the Province’s decision to temporarily postpone non-urgent eviction hearings until May 31, 2020, and to temporarily freeze rent increases effective April1, 2020 to May 31, 2020.This period will be monitored and revisited as the pandemic progresses. News Release: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=47219
Newfoundland and Labrador - Rent and Tenancies During Covid-19
Tenants of rental properties cannot be evicted if they have lost income resulting from COVID-19 and not able to pay rent.
New Brunswick - Covid -19 Residential Tenancy Protection
The right of landlords under section 19 of the Residential Tenancies Act to require tenants to vacate for non-payment of rent, and the authority of residential tenancies officers under section 22 of that act to evict tenants for the same reason, are suspended, until May 31, 2020.
Nova Scotia - Covid -19 Residential Tenancy Protection
Tenants are expected to pay their rent if they’re able to. If your income has been affected by COVID-19 and you’re unable to pay your rent, you can’t be evicted until 30 June 2020. If rent payments are affected by COVID-19, tenants and landlords need to discuss the situation together and work towards a solution.
Prince Edward Island - COVID-19 Supports for Renters and Landlords
The Temporary Rental Assistance Benefit will provide $1,000 per household to help cover the cost of rent for a three month period. Eligible Islanders will receive $500 in the first month and $250 the following two months.
Saskatchewan - Office of Residential Tenancies (ORT) Covid-19 Response
Please visit this page for information on how the ORT has responded to Covid-19 for landlords and tenants
Income Support and Employment Resources
The new Canada Student Service Grant (CSSG) provides qualified post-secondary students and recent graduates with volunteer opportunities while supporting not-for-profit organizations with flexible solutions to address COVID-19 response during summer 2020. Apply for a grant from $1,000 up to $5,000 once you complete your qualifying volunteer hours.
Canada Emergency Response Benefit
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.
Health and Wellness
Support is available from Alberta Health Service Addiction and Mental Health, although how the services are provided may have changed. Alberta Health Services has resources and services, such as Text4Hope, available to help you or someone you know. Remember, if you are struggling you are not alone. There are supports in place to help you.
British Columbia - HealthLink BC
The COVID-19 pandemic may make us feel confused, sad and anxious. Self-isolation may make us feel separate from some of the activities we used to do to help manage our feelings. It's important to learn about resources and support to help you take care of yourself and your family.
Ontario - Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) has released strategies to maintain your mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide information and suggestions about how best to cope in this difficult time
Manitoba - Government of Manitoba: Care for your mental health
The COVID-19 pandemic brings a high level of stress and anxiety as it rapidly changes the way we work, socialize and live. Caring for your mental health is important in these times.
Newfoundland and Labrador - Government of Newfoundland and Labrador: Mental health and wellness
The outbreak of COVID-19 may be stressful for people. If you are finding it difficult to cope or feel anxious, there are many services to support you and your wellbeing.
New Brunswick - Government of New Brunswick: Mental health and coping during COVID-19
The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may be stressful for people and communities. Fear and anxiety about a disease can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Coping with these feelings and getting help when you need it will help you, your family, and your community recover from a disease outbreak.
Nova Scotia - Mental health and well being
You’re not alone. Support for mental health, addictions and wellbeing is available for children, youth and adults.
Prince Edward Island - Government of Prince Edward Island: Mental health and addictions services
Mental Health and Addictions Services are available in communities across the province.
Québec - Gouvernement du Québec: Protecting your well-being in the COVID-19 pandemic
This web page offers various ways to improve your emotional and psychosocial well-being.
Saskatchewan - Mental Health and Covid-19
You’re not alone. Support for mental health, addictions and well being is available for children, youth and adults.
Saskatchewan - Coping in Self Isolation
Learn more about when and how to self-isolate and how to cope with self isolation