The Saskatchewan provincial government has made the following available to employers requiring additional supports as they deal with the impacts of the COVID-19 crisis.
Provincial Sales Tax
Saskatchewan businesses who are unable to remit their PST due to cashflow concerns will have 3-month relief from penalty and interest charges.
Businesses that are unable to file their provincial tax return(s) by the due date may submit a request for relief from penalty and interest charges on the return(s) affected.
Provincial Utilities
All Crown utilities will implement bill-deferral programs allowing a zero-interest bill deferral for up to 6 months for Saskatchewan customers whose ability to make bill payments may be impacted by the COVID-19 restrictions.
Self-Isolation Support Program
The Self-Isolation Support Program, currently under development, is targeted at Saskatchewan residents forced to self- isolate in order to curb the spread of COVID-19, and who are not covered by recent federally announced employment insurance programs and other supports. The program will provide $450 per week, for a maximum of two weeks or $900.
To be eligible, residents of Saskatchewan must meet these criteria:
- They have contracted COVID-19 or are showing symptoms;or
- They have been in contact with an individual infected with COVID-19; or
- They have recently returned from international travel and have been required to self-isolate;
AND
- They are not eligible for compensation including sick leave, vacation leave from their employer;
- They do not have private insurance covering such disruptions;
- They are not covered by other programs such as federal employment insurance that has been updated
Related links:
- COVID-19 Information for Business and Workers, gov.sask.ca (March 23, 2020)