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COVID-19 / Coronavirus Resources for Housing Providers

We have compiled a number of resources from reliable sources that may be useful for you in your planning and communications. If you see other resources that you would recommend sharing, please send them to us and we will distribute them among MNPHA Members.

Joignez-vous à notre lutte contre la COVID-19 / Join our fight against COVID-19

La campagne MesRaisons FR MyWhy Social Campaign EN

(Go to English version)

Bonjour,

Au nom du Secrétariat fédéral de lutte contre le racisme, nous aimerions solliciter votre appui pour nous aider dans la lutte contre la COVID-19 afin de rejoindre toutes les communautés racisées. Le gouvernement du Canada a collaboré avec les dirigeants communautaires pour développer une campagne de vaccination pour les médias sociaux et des ressources pour aider les communautés à promouvoir la confiance envers les vaccins et l’adhésion aux mesures de santé publique.

 

Alors que nous affrontons cette pandémie, nous ne devons pas oublier que le seul moyen de nous en sortir est de travailler ensemble. En tant que leaders de confiance au sein de vos communautés, nous avons besoin de votre aide pour accroître la confiance envers les vaccins et faire connaître d’importantes ressources de santé publique à tous les Canadiens.

 

Campagne « Mes raisons » sur les médias sociaux

 

L’Agence de la santé publique du Canada vous invite à partager en ligne les raisons pour lesquelles vous envisagez de vous faire vacciner (ou l’avez déjà fait) dans le cadre de la campagne « Mes raisons » sur les médias sociaux, soit :

 

  1. En publiant et partageant votre message sur les médias sociaux : mentionnez Patrimoine canadien dans votre message sur Twitter, Facebook ou Instagram et utilisez le mot-clé #MesRaisons. Pour de plus amples renseignements, veuillez consulter le PDF ci-joint.
  2. En ajoutant un cadre à votre photo de profil dans Facebook (si ce n’est déjà fait) : pour aider à promouvoir l’importance de se faire vacciner afin de se protéger et de contribuer à la lutte contre la COVID-19. Vous trouverez les cadres ici : « Lorsque ce sera mon tour, je me ferai vacciner contre la COVID-19! » et « J’ai reçu le vaccin contre la COVID-19! » (disponible dans 14 langues).  Nouveauté – « J’ai reçu ma seconde dose du vaccin contre la COVID‑19! » (disponible en français et en anglais et bientôt disponible dans 12 autres langues).

 

Nous vous serions également reconnaissants, si en plus de participer à la campagne « Mes raisons », vous nous aidiez à amplifier les messages suivants :

 

  • la façon dont vous et votre communauté vous protégez des répercussions de la COVID-19 (p. ex. porter le masque, pratiquer la distanciation sociale, rester à la maison, se laver les mains et utiliser l’appli Alerte COVID, plaider pour des lieux de travail plus sûrs, promouvoir l’équité en matière de vaccins, etc.);
  • la lutte contre la désinformation par rapport à la COVID-19 (vérifier les sources, ne pas se limiter aux titres des articles, réfléchir avant de partager, etc.).

 

Voici des ressources préparées par Santé Canada et l’Agence de la santé publique du Canada. Ils ont préparé une liste de ressources (vidéos, fiches d’information et contenu à partager sur les médias sociaux) pour assister les communautés à promouvoir la confiance envers les vaccins et recevoir des renseignements essentiels en plusieurs langues vis-à-vis les mesures de santé publiques.

 

Ressources sur les vaccins contre la COVID-19

 

Finalement, nous vous demandons de bien vouloir être un ambassadeur de la campagne de vaccination en partageant les ressources/documents et liens suivants avec les membres de vos communautés :

 

 

Ressources sur les mesures de santé publique

 

Si vous ou un membre de votre communauté êtes à la recherche de ressources supplémentaires sur un sujet précis, nous vous invitons à consulter la Trousse à outils de sensibilisation à la COVID-19 qui vous offre une liste plus exhaustive des ressources sur la COVID-19 qui sont actuellement accessibles en ligne.

 

Veuillez noter que les ressources sur la COVID-19 peuvent également être consultées dans d’autres langues que l’anglais et le français. Vous trouverez des ressources multilingues sur la page Maladie à coronavirus (COVID-19) : Ressources de sensibilisation.

 

Nous demeurons disponibles pour répondre à vos questions.

 

Merci à l’avance de votre appui à nous aider à s’assurer que les communautés reçoivent les informations et ressources appropriées et combien nécessaires pour vaincre cette pandémie. Soyez prudent!

 

Bien cordialement,

 

Peter Flegel

Directeur exécutif

Secrétariat fédéral de lutte contre le racisme

 

 

English

 

Hello,

On behalf of the Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat, we would like to seek your support in our fight against COVID-19 to reach out to all racialized communities. The Government of Canada has collaborated with community leaders to develop a social media vaccination campaign and several tools to help communities promote vaccine confidence and adherence to public health measures.

 

As we navigate through this pandemic, we are reminded that the only way through this is together.  As a trusted leader within your communities, we need your help in increasing vaccine confidence, and sharing important public health resources with all Canadians.

 

“My Why” social media campaign:

 

The Public Health Agency of Canada is inviting you to please share online why you plan to get vaccinated (or already have) through the “My Why” social media campaign, by:

 

  1. Sharing your story on social media: tag Canadian Heritage on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram and use the #MyWhy hashtag. Please see the attached PDF for more information.
  2. Adding a frame to your Facebook profile picture (if not already done): to help promote the importance of getting vaccinated to protect yourself and help fight COVID-19: “When it’s my turn, I’ll get the COVID-19 vaccine!” and “I got the COVID-19 vaccine!” (available in 14 languages). New – “I got my second dose of the COVID-19 vaccine!” (available in English and French and soon to be available in 12 other languages).

 

We would also be grateful if, in addition to participating in the “My Why” campaign, you would help us amplify the following messages:

  • How you/your community are protecting yourselves from the impacts of COVID-19 (e.g. wearing a mask, social distancing, staying at home, washing hands, using the COVID Alert app, advocating for safer workplaces, promoting vaccine equity, etc.)
  • Fighting COVID-19 misinformation and disinformation (e.g. check sources, read beyond headlines, think before sharing, etc.)

 

Here are some resources prepared by Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada. They have prepared a list of resources (videos, factsheets, and social media shareables) to assist communities in promoting vaccine confidence and obtaining critical information in a variety of languages regarding public health measures.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Resources:

 

Finally, we are asking you to act as an ambassador of the vaccine campaign by sharing the following documents/links with members of your communities:

 

 

Public Health Measures Resources:

 

If you or community members are looking for more resources regarding a specific topic, please use the COVID-19 Awareness Toolkit for a larger list of COVID-19 resources currently available online.

 

Please note that COVID-19 resource products are also available in languages beyond English and French. Check out the COVID-19 Awareness resource page for multilingual resources.

 

We remain available should you have any questions.

 

Thank you in advance for your support in helping communities get the appropriate and much needed information and resources to fight this pandemic. Stay safe!

 

Sincerely yours,

 

Peter Flegel

Executive Director

Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat

 

Event in a box : outil promotionnel pour la vaccination / Event in a box : Vaccination information tool kit

The English follows below,

Bonjour,

Le Secrétariat fédéral de la lutte contre le racisme aimerait partager avec vous un outil promotionnel que le gouvernement du Canada a créé sur l’immunisation. Comme vous le savez, l’année dernière a été très difficile, car les familles, les entreprises et les communautés ont dû lutter pour faire face aux effets de la pandémie. Alors que la distribution des vaccins au Canada s’accélère, nous entrons dans une phase très importante de la lutte contre la COVID-19. Les vaccins sûrs et efficaces disponibles au Canada contribueront à prévenir les maladies graves, les hospitalisations et les décès causés par la COVID-19. Les Canadiens doivent pouvoir prendre des décisions éclairées concernant la vaccination contre la COVID-19.

Communiquer ces messages à la population est un effort d’équipe. C’est pourquoi le gouvernement du Canada compte sur les réseaux, les canaux et les relations de nos partenaires clés pour aider en cours de route. À cet égard, nous aimerions vous inviter à vous impliquer en organisant un évènement virtuel sur la vaccination contre la COVID-19 pour vos réseaux.

Pour vous aider, le gouvernement du Canada a créé une ressource virtuelle « Event in a Box », axée sur son plan d’immunisation contre la COVID-19. Que vous souhaitiez organiser un webinaire ou un évènement pour votre clientèle, vos collègues, vos membres ou votre personnel, vous trouverez ce dont vous avez besoin dans la série de ressources contenues dans l’évènement virtuel. L’Event in a Box comprend une présentation PowerPoint, des points de discussion, des vidéos et de nombreuses autres ressources utiles sur la planification des évènements, qui conviennent à une grande variété de formats d’évènements virtuels.

Se faire vacciner et encourager ses amis, sa famille, son personnel et ses collègues à le faire peut faire avancer les choses. Si vous vous sentez à l’aise de le faire, songez à organiser un évènement virtuel.

Merci pour tout ce que vous faite pour assurer la sécurité de vos communautés et de vos entreprises!

 

Veuillez agréer mes salutations distinguées,

Peter Flegel

Directeur exécutif

Secrétariat fédéral de lutte contre le racisme

Patrimoine canadien

 

 

Hello,

The Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat would like to inform you that the Government of Canada has put together a tool kit for vaccination.  As you know, the past year has been very difficult as families, businesses and communities struggle to cope with the effects of a global pandemic. As Canada’s vaccine roll out ramps up, we are entering a very important phase in the fight against COVID-19. The safe and effective vaccines available in Canada will help prevent severe illness, hospitalizations and death from COVID-19. Canadians need to be able to make informed decisions about COVID-19 vaccination.

Reaching Canadians with these messages is a team effort, and the Government of Canada relies on the networks, channels and connections of our key partners to help us along the way. On that note, we would like to invite you to get involved by organizing a virtual event on the COVID-19 vaccination for your networks.

To assist you in this endeavor, the Government of Canada has created a virtual Event in a Box resource, focused on Canada’s COVID-19 immunization plan.  Whether you want to organize a webinar or event for your clients, colleagues, members or employees, you’ll find what you need in the suite of resources contained in the virtual Event in a Box. The Event in a Box includes a PowerPoint presentation, speaking points, videos and many other helpful resources on the event planning process, which can be easily adapted to suit a wide variety of virtual event formats.

Getting vaccinated and encouraging your friends, family, employees and coworkers to do so can go a long way. If you feel comfortable doing so, please consider hosting a virtual event.

Thank you for what you are doing to keep your communities and businesses safe!

Warm regards,

 

Peter Flegel

Executive Director

Federal Anti-Racism Secretariat

Canadian Heritage

Q&A, Resources, and Videos from MNPHA Webinars

MNPHA has hosted online discussions of COVID-19 response for non-profit housing providers in Manitoba. Hear from leaders and colleagues in the sector for their experiences, challenges and successes.
Ask Each Other Anything: March 26, 10-11:30am                                            watch video     summary
Ask Each Other Anything: April 30, 9:00-10:30am                                           watch video     summary
Q & A on Personal Protective Equipment: May 6, 9:00am-10:00am                  watch video     summary
Q & A with Residential Tenancies Branch: May 13, 9:00am-10:00am                 This information is now out of date so the summary has been removed
Ask Each Other Anything: June 10, 8:30-10:00am                                            watch video    summary
Vaccination Strategy: March 29, 2021                                                                   presentation   summary

Public Health Resources: Who to Call and Where to Find Up-to-Date Information

Manitoba Health, Seniors, and Active Living has strategies for all Manitobans, for educational institutions, for employers, and for travelers. It has up-to-date information from the Government of Manitoba. Manitoba Shared Health also has updates on COVID-19.
Manitoba is currently at Level Red Restrictions. As of May 10th, 2021, people are prohibited from assembling at a private residence, including outdoors on private property. Up to 5 people from different households are permitted to gather in an outdoor public space. There are some exceptions to these restrictions for those who live alone. For up to date information regarding business and school closures you can read the public health orders here.

Vaccination Information

The Province of Manitoba has a website with the most up-to-date information on vaccine eligibility and immunization clinics here. Vaccination eligibility changes regularly, and for the general public is based on age, community of residence, Indigenous status, and other risks (like employment locations).

The Manitoba government has partnered with five community organizations to establish new Indigenous-led COVID-19 immunization clinics. This initiative will help support better access and uptake of immunization among Indigenous people, who have been most seriously and disproportionately affected by the virus. For more information click here.

People booking a COVID-19 vaccine over the phone can now access service in over 100 languages, and can request a professional interpreter for appointments at super sites. For the full news release and more information please click here. 

For information including FAQ, myths and facts, and other vaccination resources, go to https://protectmb.ca/vax-facts/

Shared Health held a COVID-19 Vaccine information presentation geared towards housing providers on March 29, 2021, please see the powerpoint here and summary of the info session here

Business Reopening

Restoring Safe Services: Manitoba’s Pandemic Economic Recovery Roadmap provides details on economic recovery, including requirements for businesses. Engage.mb.ca has a Q & A for businesses, employers, and employees. There are specific guidance for industries, including health, shelters, and community service agencies and outreach work available here

Cleaning and Disinfectants, and Suppliers

The Health Canada website has information on hard surface disinfectants and hand sanitizers

Government of Canada guidance on cleaning and disinfecting public spaces

We have researched suppliers of various high-demand products related to COVID-19. Not all suppliers have products in stock at all times, so you may need to call.

       •  Disinfectant and cleaning supplies: HD Supply; Complete Purchasing; Wood Wyant; Swish; ZEP; Jani-King; Share Canada; HD Supply; Eco-Plus Sanitation; Whitebird; Miracle Sanitation Supply; Busy Bee Sanitary Supplies; Progressive Sanitation (Brandon)

•  Masks and Hand Sanitizer: Seven Oaks Janitorial Services; Scientific Supplies Centre

•  Gloves: Seven Oaks Janitorial Services; Scientific Supplies Centre; Whitebird

•  Face shields and Protective Goggles: Scientific Supplies Centre; Whitebird

•  Wipes: Staples Business Advantage(eway, under Janitorial Supplies)

(note: Scientific Supplies Centre website is not easy to navigate. Contact Sales Manager Haider Hussain for up-to-date supply information: T: 204 990 1241)

Meal Programs

Shared Health has asked that all grant-funded organizations and programming take all necessary steps to ensure compliance with the recommendations of social distancing, appropriate screening and restrictions on social gatherings of more than 10 people.
Support Services to Seniors Programs focused on providing congregate meals should be discontinued. Alternative ways to deliver meals to vulnerable seniors must be put into place. Each program is encouraged to work with their local Regional Health Authority on potential alternatives. Read the Shared Health Support Services to Seniors information here

Testing and Who to Call

Anyone concerned about exposure to or risk of having COVID-19 should call Health Links–Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257. An online screening tool is available, or screening can be completed over the phone at 1-877-308-9038.
As of May 1, testing for COVID-19 is available for:
•  all symptomatic Manitobans. Symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose and sore throat
Those who have symptoms should call Health Links, and not go directly to a testing location.  For updates on testing criteria, locations, and what to do if you have symptoms, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html
Manitoba’s Frequently Asked Questions about Testing is available here

Posters and Fact Sheets

Government of Canada fact sheets

Signage for Staff and Tenants

Other Resources

The Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness has also compiled resources for those working in the homelessness sector.

Annual General Meetings for Non-Profit Corporations and Cooperatives

On September 9, the Province of Manitoba updated its Order regarding the temporary suspension of corporate meeting provisions under the Emergency Measures Act. This Order allows corporations and cooperatives in Manitoba hold phone/virtual/electronic meetings even if prohibited by by-laws. It also permits electronic notice of meetings, even if prohibited by by-laws. The Order has guidance for attendance and voting.
Other Resources:

Response Planning

BC Housing has resources specific for Housing Providers to plan, including templates for:

ONPHA has published similar resources on Pandemic Planning.

Resources for Employers

People Corporation Wellness has developed resources for employers:

Residential Tenancies Branch Information

Manitoba will not renew order to Postpone Eviction Hearings and Freeze Rent Increases:

  • Media Release announcing that the amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act will not be renewed, therefore business is as-usual at the Residential Tenancies Branch, with hearings held electronically
  • The 2021 rent increase guideline is 1.6 percent, effective January 1, 2021.

For organizations with an agreement with Manitoba Housing, Manitoba Housing was delaying anticipated changes in program income limits and utility rates for the social and affordable housing programs and continued using the rates from 2019. Contact your Portfolio Manager if you have any questions.

CMHC Information for Housing Providers

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation has sent communications stating that: “we expect any housing provider who has received financing or support from CMHC, directly or via provinces and territories, to act compassionately and refrain from eviction.”

If you are a housing provider or co-op who is receiving financing or support from CMHC:

  • CMHC will work with each of you individually to be able to find the best solution. They have a series of tools and relief measures for housing providers including deferral of loan payment, capitalization, special payment arrangements, advancing flexibilities, and any combination of tools.
  • CMHC will ensure that eligible housing providers who have opted-in the Phase 2 of the Federal Community Housing Initiative, and who have federally administered operating agreements expiring in the coming months, continue to receive their current level of financial assistance so that there is no disruption in assistance to households. Additional information will be shared in the coming weeks. Any questions in the interim can be directed to: [email protected].
  • On a case-by-case basis, CMHC will consider flexibility for subsidy suspensions for new accounts as a result of a breach in their agreements.

Read CMHC Questions and Answers on their programs and services

Federal Government Resources

The government of Canada’s Economic Response Plan is available here. There is a range of programs available. We have provided details about those more relevant for non-profit housing providers and their staff.

The government has:

  • Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS). Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021. This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
  • The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) supports employers that are hardest hit by the pandemic, and protect the jobs Canadians depend on. The subsidy covers 75% of an employee’s wages – up to $847 per week – for employers of all sizes and across all sectors who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May.
  • Transition from CERB to Employment Insurance (EI):As of September 27, 2020, temporary changes have been made to the EI program to make it easier for individuals who continue to be impacted by COVID-19 to qualify for financial support after the end of CERB. Changes include:
    •  – Only 120 insured hours are needed to qualify because of a one-time insurable hours credit
    •  – Minimum benefit rate of $500 per week before taxes
    •  – If you received CERB, the 52-week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended.
    •  – A medical certificate is not required.
    • If you were receiving CERB though Service Canada you do not need to apply for EI benefits, it is an automatic transition.
  • The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will provide a taxable benefit of $1,000 every 2 weeks for up to 26 weeks to workers who are not eligible for Employment Insurance and have lost their income due to COVID-19. It is available to workers who meet all of the following conditions:
    •       –  lost employment or self-employment for reasons related to COVID-19 or you had a 50% reduction in average weekly income compared to the previous year due to COVID-19
    •       – did not receive any other benefits or paid leave from your employer for the same period
    •      –  earned at least $5,000 of employment, net self-employment, or maternity/parental benefits in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 previous month
    •       – have not voluntarily quit their job
    •       – had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application.
    •      – are seeking work and have not turned down reasonable work during the two-week period
  •  The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB): Provides income support up to $500 per household for each one-week period for a maximum of 26 weeks to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their children under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care because of COVID-19. Eligibility criteria includes:
      • – unable to work at least 50% of your scheduled work week because you are caring for a family member and they are at home for one of the following reasons:
        • – Their school, daycare, or care facility is closed due to COVID-19
        • – The person under your care is sick or has symptoms, is self-isolating or has an underlying health conditions that puts them at greater risk
      •       – did not receive any other benefits or paid leave from your employer for the same period
      •      –  earned at least $5,000 of employment, net self-employment, or maternity/parental benefits in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 previous month
      •      –  you are the only person in the household applying for CRCB for the week
  •  The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB): Provides income support up to $500 per for each one-week period for a maximum of 2 weeks to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19 or have underlying health conditions that put them at greater risk.. Eligibility criteria includes:
        • – unable to work at least 50% of your scheduled work week because you are self-isolating for one the following reasons:
          • – You are sick with or may have COVID-19
          • – You have been advised to self-isolate
          • – You have an underlying health conditions that puts you at greater risk. caring for a family member and they are at home for one of the following reasons:
            • – Their school, daycare, or care facility is closed due to COVID-19
            • – The person under your care is sick or has symptoms, is self-isolating or has an underlying health conditions that puts them at greater risk
        •       – did not receive any other benefits or paid leave from your employer for the same period
        •      –  earned at least $5,000 of employment, net self-employment, or maternity/parental benefits in 2019, 2020, or in the 12 previous month

Provincial Government Resources

  • The Manitoba Economic Support Centre can provide information on Federal and Provincial programs available to businesses, including non-profits and charities:  call 1-888-805-7554
  • The Manitoba Government has launched a new Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program that will provide employers with up to $800 per employee for up to 5 days of Covid-19 related sick leave. These days do not have to be taken consecutively, and eligible sick leave includes testing, vaccinations and side effects, self-isolation, or caring for a loved one. For more information head here.

Resources for Tenants