Blend Creative Studio
126 King Street West L8G 0A9 Stoney Creek, ON, Canada

We wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season, and peace and joy throughout the new year. -- The Blend Family

#LestWeForget To the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice so that future generations could live free, and to those who presently serve so we can enjoy our hard won peace, it is with utmost respect and gratitude we say THANK YOU. You will not be forgotten.

Don't forget to turn your clocks back before you go to bed. Your phone and computer will probably do it themselves, but we always forget the microwave!

Where has the time gone? It's our 10th Anniversary! Yes, Halloween is our favourite holiday of the year for more than just sweets. It's the day we opened. A sweet treat indeed! We hope you raise a glass (or a tasty chocolate treat) in celebration with us today! Happy Anniversary Blend family!

Happy Halloween! We hope your day is full of sweets and treats. No tricks allowed on this most wonderful day!

From our family to yours - hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving, full of joy, laughter, delicious pie, and much to be thankful for. ~ The Blend Family P.S. See you on Tuesday, as we're closed for the holiday today.

Happy Birthday to the one who keeps us all in line (and on our toes)! :) Join us in raising your glass in cheers and celebration to Tracy! Happy Birthday and many more! From your family at Blend

Although traditional still images have the ability to move people, moving pictures can’t help but move people to buy whatever it is that you’re selling. Blend’s virtuoso videographers work in harmony with the rest of our talented team in order to create symphonic statements that hit all the right notes. Whether your primary motive is to educate or entertain, with Blend, your video is sure to both endear and enthrall. Check out some of our work here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/ and our latest issues of Blend Insider here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life - Confucius Happy Labour Day! We’re closed on Monday, September 7, but back up and running full steam ahead Tuesday 8. Cheers!

RBC Race for the Kids is a family-friendly fundraising event that supports youth mental health. Proceeds benefit Sunnybrook’s Family Navigation Project in support of important and critical work to help youth and their families find the mental health care they need when it matters most. Blend works hand-in-hand with the team at Sunnybrook Foundation to create a series of communication pieces for the RBC Race for the Kids event. From initial sponsorship packages to end-user ...print and digital advertising to day-of signage, flyers and handouts, we also develop the wrap-up report and additional items at the close of each year. This year they are going virtual. Registration opens September 14 and the race weekend will be October 17 and 18. Stay tuned for more details! Learn more about the RBC Race for the Kids in our first issue of Blend Insider here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/ and see more of our work for Sunnybrook Foundation here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-/sunnybrook-foundation/.

For over two years, Rotherglen School worked on the plan for their new, state-of-the-art facilities which would enable them to deliver a differentiated and enriched curriculum to their students. An additional 18,000 square feet of new and innovative spaces were created: a bright and vibrant art room, an acoustically-sound music studio, a large Learning Success Centre, a STEM laboratory, a new gymnasium, common spaces, and an enhanced playground. Capturing the excitement of bo...th students and staff, Blend also documented the grand opening event with photos that would serve as an inspiration to staff, students, and parents alike. Seeing our pictures, you may just wish you were a kid again. Check out some of our photos here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-w/rotherglen-oe-campus/ and our latest issues of Blend Insider here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Update from sister company Fiscal Performance: The CRA My Business Account is now up and running, so you can apply for period 5 of the CEWS. Give them a call with any questions as changes have been applied to the program.

Done well, this medium has the potential to provide and display a creative and compelling message that can set you apart from your competition. With a team as deep, diverse, and as experienced as ours, we do it all. And we do it very, very well indeed! Advertising / Editorial Architectural / Real Estate Branding / Product... Events Food Lifestyle / Fashion / Portraiture Travel Check out some of our photography work here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/ and our latest issues of Blend Insider here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

An important notice from our sister company, Fiscal Performance.

Founded in 2007, Hold’em For Life Charity Challenge brings together industry leaders for a special evening of entertainment and fundraising. Hosted at Toronto’s ritzy Ritz Carlton Hotel, everyone wins because the proceeds go to charity. Of course, players do compete for incredible, non-cash prizes, but the real prize is bragging rightsan award that goes only to the Hold’em For Life Champion. Dealing a ‘full house’ of services, over the past three years, Blend has been thril...led to support the efforts of Hold’em For Life. Our work includes graphic design of their marketing and communication materials, including a sponsorship brochure which entices high-roller sponsors. Finally, on ‘game day,’ The Ritz-Carlton Hotel is transformed into the home of Hold’em For Life with materials Blend designs, including posters, table mats, table cards, chip tickets, programs, and prize sheets. Check out some of our designs for Hold’em For Life here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/holdem-for-life/ and in Issue 2 of Blend Insider, available on our website here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Every year, all nine YMCA Health Centres within the GTA region take part in a week-long Megathon fundraising event. In advance of Megathon, YMCA members create a challenge to complete and then train for it. Some challenges have included running on a treadmill for 12 hours, swimming laps for a day, martial arts, etc All funds are used to support children, teens and adults in the GTA region. Participants in the Megathon are referred to as Champions. As challenging as this w...as from a fitness perspective, the challenge for the Blend team was how to document the breadth and scope of the event without making it a mega ordeal. Over the 5-day shoot, we were welcomed with open arms into the Centres by the YMCA’s champions. Their energy and enthusiasm could have powered all of Toronto and we were humbled and inspired by their efforts. And how could we not be amazed by their determination: imagine running 12 hours on a treadmill!! Check out some of our photos for the YMCA of Greater Toronto here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/ymca-megathon/ and here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/ymca-of-greater-toronto-me/.

The pen is mightier than the sword. It may seem cliche now, but it demonstrates the power of words strung together just right. A phrase from over 100 years ago that still stands tall. Every bit as powerful as the graphics that accompany them, our words give meaning and strength to your message. Writing with a flair every bit as good as our design, our copywriting is worth copyrighting. Read on! Check out some of our work here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/ and our latest issues of Blend Insider here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Our work was as stylish as the shoes themselves and it never left a blister. While our relationship with Nine West started with a small introductory project for their Calgary location during the Calgary Stampede, our relationship quickly blossomed from that single project into ongoing, Canada-wide campaigns. Always fans of shoe shopping, we were extremely excited to see our work in every city we visited. From store windows, to counter POP, to shoe tags on the items we purchas...ed, our work was everywhere. Blend Creative Studio is proud and had a great time designing and creating in-store banners, front entrance signage + window decals, POP signage, decals and posters for the Canadian retail locations both Nine West and Nine West Shoe Studio. Check out some of our designs for Nine West here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/nine-west-sherson/ and in Issue 2 of Blend Insider, available on our website here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Ali Khamis you would soo do this!

Cedar Springs Community Club is a small cottage community, nestled in over 500 acres of protected Niagara escarpment lands, only minutes from Toronto, Hamilton and Burlington. Here, for over 90 years, generations of families have chosen to experience the best of cottage life without really leaving the city. We were welcomed into the family one very hot day in July, and spent the day at Cedar Springs adding sunscreen and Fitbit steps in equal measure, as we documented their celebrated community. Leave it to Blend to capture an idyllic lifestyle with a library of photos that speak volumes. Check out some of our photos for Cedar Springs here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/cedar-springs/ and in Issue 1 of Blend Insider, available on our website here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

In an increasingly sophisticated technological environment, establishing and maintaining an effective web presence for your organization is paramount. The Blend team facilitates careful planning, competitor research and thorough client discussions to ensure your website is truly tailored to the message you want to convey, the data you want to collect, and the image you want to portray to your audience. Check out some of our work here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/ and our latest issues of Blend Insider here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Make the most of your long weekend! We’re closed today, but back up and running Tuesday. Cheers!

Blend had the enviable task (we couldn’t call it work) of trailing the MasterChef Canada production team, documenting all the behind-the-scenes action, when they came to Rotherglen’s Oakville Elementary Campus. The one-hour episode took an entire day to film. Our only disappointment was that we weren’t able to taste the craft food; you can imagine how hungry we were when shooting finally wrapped! Check out some photos from the day here: https://blendcreativestudio.com//rotherglen-masterchef-fi/ and in our latest issue of Blend Insider, available on our website here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Are you not eligible for any of the federal COVID-19 relief programs? Have you heard of the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF)? The six Regional Develop...ment Agencies across Canada have come together to create a relief fund for those small businesses that require help to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been unable to access the existing federal government support programs. Each province will be separately administered, for full details you can visit your local Regional Development Agency here: http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07682.html The program guidelines (for Southern Ontario) are available here: https://www.feddevontario.gc.ca//site/72/eng/h_02581.html FAQs are available here: http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca//si/723.nsf/eng/02585.html and here from the CFIB: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca//covid-19-frequently-asked-questi

We are passionate about design, after all it’s part of everything we do. From websites, to print pieces, digital campaigns, to photography, social media graphics, to videography, and so much more! We are here to portray and convey your message. Our designs are delectable mouth watering tantalizing well, you get the idea. And there’s more where these came from. Lots more! Check out some of our work here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-work/ and our latest issues of Blend Insider here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Yellow Dog’s highly skilled team of groomers and bathers love your dog like it’s their own. And over the years, Blend has created a series of design and digital pieces to show off that care. From doggone beautiful window designs that clients see as they enter, to handouts and flyers for their various services, to posters and postcards for discounts from their partner companies (such as McCann Dogs), to online social media graphics for Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Blend cr...eates materials that are always fetching. Begging to do more, we wagged our tails when offered the opportunity to design the Yellow Dog Mobile, their bow-WOW branded car Check out some of our work for Yellow Dog here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our/yellow-dog-grooming/and in Issue 1 of Blend Insider, available on our website here: https://blendcreativestudio.com/our-resources/.

Bill C-20, introduced by the Liberal government to change the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program was passed by the House of Commons by unanimous consent. Th...e revised program will be extended until November 21, with the intent to further extend support until December 19, 2020, and will be accessible to a broader range of employers, including those with a revenue decline of less than 30 percent. Applications are still being accepted for the original CEWS claim periods you can apply through your CRA My Business account. Contact Fiscal Performance today to learn if you qualify, and to get the information and reports you'll need to apply. More information on the program is available here: https://www.canada.ca//services/subsidy/emergency-wage-sub https://www.canada.ca//adapting-the-canada-emergency-wage- https://www.canada.ca//supporting-canadian-workers-and-bus

The provincial government has announced that most regions of Ontario can begin opening in Stage 3 on Friday, July 17. Unfortunately at this time this does not i...nclude our very own area Hamilton. But this means that nearly all businesses and public spaces can gradually reopen as regions enter Stage 3, with strict public health and workplace safety restrictions in place, while some high-risk venues and activities will remain closed until they can safely resume operations. Gathering limits will still apply to higher risk settings and activities. It’s important we continue to physically distance with all people who are not from the same household or established social circle so we continue to move forward, and not backwards, as the fight against COVID-19 is far from over. Check out the reopening plan here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario-stages The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will continue to closely monitor, and to advise when public health restrictions can be gradually loosened or if they need to be tightened.

The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) has been extended through the end of July 2020. But it is important to note that: Only those tenants a...pproved in the April, May and June application are eligible for the July extension. If a business had an average revenue decline of 70% or more in April, May and June, they are deemed eligible for the additional month of rent relief. However, not all tenants in the original application need to be included for the July extension. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) will administer the program on behalf of the Government of Canada (and provincial and territorial partners). Learn more about the application process and further program details here: https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca///covid19-cecra-small-business Do not hesitate to reach out to Fiscal Performance with any questions you may have regarding the COVID-19 relief programs, or for any reports and information you may need in order to apply for them.

The extended GST/HST payment and remittance deadline of June 30, 2020 has now passed. If you missed the deadline it’s important that you contact your bookkeeper... as many others may be in the same situation, and a backlog can be forming. As well, you’ll want to ensure you get it submitted quickly as interest will begin to apply to outstanding remittances and payments, and penalties will begin to apply to outstanding returns, effective July 1, 2020. The businesses that should have made their net GST/HST remittances by June 30, 2020 are based on the following collection periods: Monthly filers: Net GST/HST collections for February, March, April Quarterly filers: Net GST/HST collections for January 1 March 31, 2020 Annual filers: Net GST/HST collections for all prior year sales, due June 30, 2020 Give us a call if you have any questions at all. For more information, you can also visit the CRA’s website for an FAQ on the GST/HST Tax Remittances deferral: https://www.canada.ca//frequently-asked-questions-gst-hst.

From the Blend family to yours, we wish you all a very Happy Canada Day. Please note, we will be closed on Friday, July 3 so we can enjoy a wonderful long weekend!

The CEBA program has been expanded to include more small businesses, and the application process opened on Friday, June 26. Some handy websites to visit regard...ing the CEBA program are: Details of the program and the financial institutions participating: https://ceba-cuec.ca/ The CEBA Document Upload Instruction Guide which walks you through the 5 Mandatory Steps required to apply: https://ceba-cuec.ca/guide CEBA program FAQ: https://ceba-cuec.ca/faq/ Give us a call at Fiscal Performance to see if you qualify and for any reports or information you will require for your application.

The federal government previously announced the expansion of the CEBA program, and that it would officially launch on Friday, June 19. Unfortunately, there is a... delay in the roll out of the application process as they work on the program’s IT infrastructure to ensure it’s safe and secure across the 233 financial institutions involved. Details on the new launch date should be provided shortly, and we will be sure to update you once we learn more. Please do reach out to us at Fiscal Performance should you have any questions, or to see if you are an eligible business, and for any reports or information you will require for your application. Details of the program and the financial institutions participating can be found here: https://ceba-cuec.ca/

From all of us in the Blend family, we wish a very Happy Father’s Day to all who have had such an important impact on our lives! Thank you for being in all of our favorite memories. May your day be full of lush grass to mow, a cool drink in your hand, and a BBQ that never burns dinner.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is being extended by 8 more weeks. If you have applied for the previous 4 periods, you will be able to apply for 2 ...more. But as of July 5 (the start of the next period) CERB applicants / recipients will be required to sign an attestation acknowledging the government is encouraging them to look for work and to consult with the government's job bank. For further information, please visit: https://www.canada.ca//s/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

The provincial government has announced that further regions of Ontario can begin opening in Stage 2 on Friday, June 19, including our very own area Hamilton.... This means further businesses can open to customers, under strict workplace safety guidelines and public health advice. Some of these places include: personal care services, restaurants & bars, shopping malls & centres, outdoor recreational facilities, libraries, community centres and drive-in & drive-thru venues. For a full list, please visit: https://www.ontario.ca//reopening-ontario-whats-each-stage The Chief Medical Officer of Health and health experts will continue to closely monitor, and to advise when public health restrictions can be gradually loosened or if they need to be tightened.

The filing date for the self-employed and their spouse or common law partner is coming up soon Monday, June 15, 2020. You will not be charged penalties or int...erest as long as you file and make your payment before September 1, 2020. However, those that receive benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit will be affected by filing later. Benefits are calculated based on the most recent income reported. If you have not filed by the June 15 deadline your benefits (which start in July) will be based on your 2018 filing. So it is recommended you file sooner rather than later so you don’t get stuck in the rush with everyone else. Most importantly, if the government is not able to assess your return soon enough you may be required to repay the estimated benefit amounts you got starting in July, or worse, your benefits may stop in October. Check out the CRA’s website for further details: shorturl.at/enoB4

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program has been opened up to further groups and has been extended by an additional 12 weeks to August 29, 2020. Appli...cations are being accepted for the CEWS you can apply through your CRA My Business account. Contact Fiscal Performance today to learn if you qualify, and to get the information and reports you'll need to apply. More information on the program is available here: shorturl.at/lGS07

The filing date for individual tax returns has passed (Monday, June 1, 2020), but you will not be charged penalties or interest as long as you file and make you...r payment before September 1, 2020. However, those that receive benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit, GST/HST Credit, or OAS and GIS may be affected by filing later. Those benefits are calculated based on the most recent income reported. As such, if you have not filed this month, your benefits will be based on your 2018 filing. Once your 2019 return is filed, it is possible that the CRA will make adjustments (in your favour or not) based on your updated income information. It’s best you file sooner rather than later so you don’t get stuck in the crunch. Should the government not be able to assess your return by early September, you maybe be required to repay the estimated benefit amounts you got starting in July, or worse, your benefits may stop in October. Check out the CRA’s website for further details: shorturl.at/vyBCT

On May 29, the Ontario government enacted changes to the Employment Standards Act (ESA) which temporarily amends the treatment of layoffs under the ESA in respo...nse to the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on Ontario workplaces. Employees whose hours of work or wages have been temporarily reduced due to COVID-19 will be deemed to be on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave. The amended Regulation provides those employees with all of the protections applicable to job-protected leaves, including the right to reinstatement. Employees will not be deemed to be on Infectious Disease Emergency Leave if they were dismissed or permanently laid off after March 1, or have already been given notice of termination. For more information you can read the Government’s release here: shorturl.at/EJNRV Or further details, from Mathews Dinsdale (Global HR Lawyers) here: shorturl.at/druHN

This story hits close the the Blend home as we have many clients in the health care, and in addition have had personal dealings with MRTs and DMSs health-wise. We've seen firsthand the important medical services and patient care they provide. Our client, the Ontario Association of Medical Radiation Sciences (OAMRS) is fighting to have their members recognized as front-line workers.

At Fiscal Performance our team of highly trained professionals will provide you with superior bookkeeping servicesagain and again. We start with posting the nu...mbers and go on to supply the full bookkeeping cycle, including remittances, reconciling, and payroll. We then take it one step further and offer our experience to review the numbers with you. We can then provide recommendations to help your business grow and succeed. Businesses experiences enough drama in the regular course of events. We can take care of your bookkeeping and provide consistent and timely quality. Let us take this important task off your plate so that you can get down to business.

Applied for the CEBA program, but was not approved? The six Regional Development Agencies across Canada have come together to create a relief fund for those sma...ll businesses that require help to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, but have been unable to access the existing federal government support programs. Each province will be separately administered, for full details you can visit your local Regional Development Agency here: https://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/icgc.nsf/eng/h_07662.html The program guidelines (for Ontario) are available here: http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca//si/723.nsf/eng/02583.html FAQs are available here: http://www.feddevontario.gc.ca//si/723.nsf/eng/02585.html and here from the CFIB: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca//covid-19-frequently-asked-questi

I’m a professional #bookkeeper and @ipbc.ca member helping other small businesses get through these uncertain times and prepare for what’s ahead. #EssentialService #BookkeepersRock #COVID19 #SmallBusiness #FiscalPerformance #TracyKhamis

A quick reminder: The extended filing deadline for an individual’s 2019 income tax return is coming soon next Monday, June 1, 2020. Check out the CRA’s website for further details: https://www.canada.ca///covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html

The CEBA program has been expanded to include more small businesses. The program will now be available to businesses with sole proprietors, those that rely on c...ontractors, and family-owned businesses that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. The program will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits. Repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of 25 percent (up to $10,000). Details of the program and the financial institutions participating can be found here: https://ceba-cuec.ca/ Give us a call to see if you qualify and for any reports or information you will require for your application.

Have a wonderful long weekend! We'll be closed Monday to celebrate Victoria Day, and then back up and running full steam ahead on Tuesday.

There are several important dates throughout the year that affect businesses: T4 deadlines, HST/GST filing & installment payments, and regular payrolls. But one... of the most important is your Fiscal Year End, a date you selected when you first started your business. July 31st, a popular choice, is right around the corner. Now is a good time to make sure you have all your ducks in a row. Give Fiscal Performance a call let’s get your books up to date and ensure you’re prepared. Read more: https://fiscalperformance.com/fast-away-the-old-year-passes/

During COVID-19 this blog post seems more applicable as we find ourselves with extra time on our hands. How are you spending it? Trying out new recipes, re-organizing your house, learning a new skill or just taking time to breathe? https://fiscalperformance.com/now-wait-just-a-minute/

On Friday, May 8th the federal government announced that the Emergency Wage Subsidy program would be extended beyond the present June 6 ending. More details wil...l be released this week, at which time we will update you. Applications are now being accepted for the CEWS. You can apply through your CRA My Business account. Contact Fiscal Performance today to learn if you qualify, and to get the information and reports you'll need to apply. More information on the program is available here: https://www.canada.ca//services/subsidy/emergency-wage-sub

From all of us in the Blend family, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day! Thank you for putting up with us! We love you like crazy. We hope your weekend is full of sunshine, joy, and celebration with loved ones in a safe manner. May your online family call have strong bandwidth and much giggling. P.S. We promise we’re eating all our vegetables and will clean up our rooms today. For real!

Monday, May 11th will start the third application period for CERB. When you apply next week it will be for the period covering May 10 to June 6, 2020. Instead o...f one lump sum, you will receive $500 each week. Have questions? Visit shorturl.at/frOZ5 to learn more. You can apply online or by phone: Online with CRA My Account - https://www.canada.ca//e-services/account-individuals.html By automated toll-free phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 (bilingual) Do not hesitate to reach out to Fiscal Performance with any questions you may have regarding the COVID-19 relief programs, or for any reports and information you may need in order to apply for them.

Many Canadians who have filed their 2019 individual tax returns have received a Notice of Assessment that says the deadline for their payment is April 30. Do n...ot worry, this is an error. The CRA is aware of the mistake and has indicated that the extended deadline of September 1, 2020 for payments is still applicable. Don’t forget, individual tax returns for 2019 must be filed by June 1, 2020. All deadlines are listed here: https://www.canada.ca///covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html

The CECRA will offer forgivable loans to eligible commercial property owners who will in turn reduce the rent owed by their small business tenants by at least 7...5% for the months of April, May and June, 2020. The CMHC will administer the program on behalf of the Government of Canada (and provincial / territorial partners). They have outlined further details regarding to whom the program will apply, and the eligibility requirements for application here: shorturl.at/fLQR4 Do not hesitate to reach out to Fiscal Performance with any questions you may have regarding the COVID-19 relief programs, or for any reports and information you may need in order to apply for them.

Many business owners and/or managers struggle to keep their financials in order and up-to-date. You may be doing your own, or attempting to, and not necessarily... living up to your own expectations. The team at Fiscal Performance will create a custom training package that deals with your reality and goes beyond the generic accounting courses offered by private and community colleges. Our staff will show you, or your staff, how to do it right and avoid the pitfalls that can undermine your business Talk to us today to see how we can help get you on the right track.

Applications are now being accepted for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). You can apply through your CRA My Business account. Reach out to Fiscal Perf...ormance today to learn if you qualify and get the information and reports you'll need to apply. More information is available here: https://www.canada.ca//services/subsidy/emergency-wage-sub

Is your business location currently unoccupied? Have you spoken with your insurance company recently? It’s important to be aware of the limitations and exclusio...ns within your policy regarding vacant or unoccupied locations, as you presently might not have the coverage you assume you do. During this unprecedented time, it’s important we support each other. Have questions? Reach out to Fiscal Performance, we’ll help answer them. We’re here to support and make sure you’re on the right path for your business.

The government announced it’s intention, on April 16, to create a commercial rent relief program, which will work in partnership with the provinces and territor...ies. Presently, the program will provide loans to commercial property owners who then lower or forgo rent for their small business tenants. We will update you as more details are released. Do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you may have regarding the government relief programs and any reports or information you may need in order to apply for them.

Through their financial institution, small businesses and not-for-profits can apply for the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) interest free loan (for the... first year). Eligible businesses will need to demonstrate that they paid between $20,000 to $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. This new range introduced on April 16 replaces the previous one. Details of the program can be found here: https://www.canada.ca//depart/economic-response-plan.html Give us a call to see if you qualify and for any reports or information you will require for your application.

When applying for CERB it’s important that you only apply once, through either Service Canada or Canada Revenue Agency. The CRA is reporting that some people ha...ve received two separate payments of $2,000. They are contacting those persons and will rectify the mistake. You can apply for CERB online or via phone at: Online at https://www.canada.ca//s/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html By automated toll-free phone at 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 (bilingual)

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) will cover 75% of an employee’s wages up to $847 per week - for businesses of all sizes who qualify. The program will... be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020. Contact us at Fiscal Performance to learn if you qualify and to get the information and reports you'll need to apply. More information is available here: https://www.canada.ca//economic-response/wage-subsidy.html

Some good advice as some people are taking advantage of fear and uncertainty in these times: Beware of unsolicited requests or offers. Don’t click on links or open attachments. Always check the address of the sender. Don’t provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited request. Give our sister company, Fiscal Performance a call at (905) 662-9437 if you have any questions about relief programs from the government.

The Canadian Revenue Agency is allowing Self Employed persons and their spouse or common law partner, extra time to pay the balance of their tax return for 2019.... The filing date of June 15 remains unchanged. Check out the CRA’s website for further details: https://www.canada.ca///covid-19-filing-payment-dates.html

Missed your date to apply earlier in the week? Not to worry, anyone can apply for CERB on Saturday or Sunday. You can apply online here: https://www.canada.ca//s/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

From the Blend family to yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday long weekend, no matter what and how you celebrate. We know it feels odd in this day and time, but we hope your weekend is full of sunshine, joy, and celebration with loved ones in a safe manner. May your Zoom, Skype, Uber or Google Hangouts online call have strong bandwidth and much laughter. And most importantly, may your chocolate treats be plentiful!... Have a fantastic long weekend! See you on Monday!

If you were born in October, November or December, your day to apply for the CERB is Thursday. You’ll need to re-apply every 4 weeks, make a note in your calend...ar! You can apply online here: https://www.canada.ca//s/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html Or you can call: 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041

Wednesday is the day to apply for CERB if you were born in July, August or September. And don't forget to mark that in your calendar as you'll need to apply every 4 weeks. You can apply online here: https://www.canada.ca//s/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

To ensure we are able to provide service during the current COVID-19 crisis, and in response to guidelines and recommendations from Health Canada and the Province of Ontario, our staff has been working remotely for the last week, and will continue to do so under the new Ontario closures announced today. This means the Blend office is officially closed, but work will proceed as normal, simply in a remote fashion. You can reach out to Ali or Lynn via the following contacts: Ali... Khamis - [email protected] Lynn Brenner - [email protected] Phone: 905-930-9311 We can also set up online meetings via Skype, Uber Conference or Zoom. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, or if you'd just like to hear a friendly voice at the end of the line. Thank you for your support and understanding during this time. Keep well, The Blend Team