Coronavirus BC: Summary of BC’s COVID-19 Action Plan
Following is a summary of select measures recently announced as part of BC’s COVID-19 Action Plan.
Employment & finances
- BC Emergency Benefit for Workers – a tax-free $1,000 payment to British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by the outbreak (more details to follow)
- One-time enhancement to climate action tax credit which will be paid in July 2020 to moderate to low-income families
- Eligible individuals will receive up to $218 (up from $174)
- Eligible families of four will receive up to $564 (up from $451)
Child care
- Temporary emergency funding is available for child care centres, whether they are closed due to COVID-19 or remain open
- Click here for more information on the child care response to COVID-19
Education
- BC Student loan payments are frozen until September 30, 2020
- Government of Canada has also paused repayment of Canada Student Loans until September 30, 2020 with no accrual of interest
Deferred tax filings and payments for businesses
Effective immediately, BC is extending the filing and payment deadlines for the following taxes until September 30, 2020:
- Employer Health Tax (EHT)
- Provincial Sales Tax (PST)
- Carbon tax
- Motor fuel tax
- Tobacco tax
Other item of note
- School tax rates for certain commercial properties, which are charged as part of annual property taxes, will be reduced by 50% for the 2020 tax year.
Click here for more information on BC’s COVID-19 Action Plan.
Click here for other BC government resources and updates.
