Business Support During COVID-19
Closure of All Non-essential Retail Businesses
Effective March 27, 2020, the Government of Alberta has issued an Order about essential and non-essential businesses. To see how this affects your business, View the Order ›
View the City of St. Albert letter which was distributed to St. Albert Businesses on April 1, 2020.
Updated: April 1, 2020, at 4:02 pm
essential businesses
If you have questions about whether your business is considered essential, please see the Government of Alberta’s list, or email the Government of Alberta directly at to: biz.connect@gov.ab.ca.
Updated: March 28, 2020, at 11:35 pm
From the St. Albert RCMP
While businesses are closed, owners should practice the following:
- Keep storefront & sales area lights on
- Keep exterior lights on
- Turn off equipment (computers/photocopiers/kitchen appliances etc.)
- Store flammables and combustibles in secure location
- Keep cash register open & empty
- Do not leave any cash on premises
- Secure other valuables, if unable to take them out of the business
- Secure all equipment and stock
- Secure and lock all doors and windows
- Turn on security system & security surveillance equipment
St. Albert RCMP members are increasing their proactive patrols through out business areas and in city neighbourhoods, while business owners & the community follow Alberta Health Services direction to work remotely at home, self isolate and/or physical distance.
The City encourages business owners to contact their Insurance Agents, if they have further questions about their business being closed during this pandemic.
Updated April 1, 2020 at 1:02 pm
Staying Informed
To stay informed on the evolving COVID-19 situation, monitor these government and health pages for Alberta, Canadian and international information.
- Government of Canada: COVID-19 Resources for Canadian Businesses
- Government of Alberta: COVID-19 information for Albertans (includes information for employers and employees)
- St. Albert Chamber of Commerce: COVID-19 - Information and Resources
- Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): COVID-19 Resources (United States)
- World Health Organization: COVID-19 Updates
Fraud Awareness
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, scams are starting to circulate and the public needs to be aware.
For more information about scams affecting businesses and the top 10 frauds affecting Canadians visit the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at www.antifraudcenter.ca
Financial Support
From the Government of Canada
On March 13, the Government of Canada (GOC) announced a coordinated package of measures to support the functioning of markets, the resilience of our financial sector, and continued access to financing for Canadian businesses. On March 18, the GOC announced further measures to support businesses. A complete list of details is available at Supporting Businesses.
On March 27, the Government of Canada announced wage subsidy hike for small business. Read the announcment.
From the Government of Alberta
On March 18, the Government of Alberta announced measures to protect employers and employees from the economic disruption of COVID-19 and position Alberta for recovery.
Other Financial Resources
- Government of Canada: Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and Businesses
- Government of Alberta: Emergency Financial Assistance
- BDC: Support for entrepreneurs impacted by the Coronavirus COVID-19
- Government of Canada: Employment Insurance sickness benefits
- Government of Canada: Work Sharing Program
- Facebook has announced that it will be offering a Small Business Grants Program to support small businesses.
Public Health Measures
The Government of Alberta has implemented new public health measures to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, including new restrictions on mass gatherings that affect businesses.
Maintaining Business Operations
Prevent the spread of COVID-19
- Posters: Help Prevent the Spread
- Health Canada Guidelines: Risk-information decision-making for mass gatherings
- CDC: Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection Recommendations and Keeping your workplace, school and home safe (United States)
Business continuity planning
- CCOHS: Business Continuity Plan
- WCB: COVID-19 worker fact sheet
- WCB: COVID-19 employer fact sheet
- Canadian Federation of Independent Business: Coronavirus and small business FAQ
- McInnes Cooper Canadian Business Law Firm: Coping with COVID-19
- Canadian Chamber of Commerce: Pandemic Preparedness for Business
For more information
Questions? Visit stalbert.ca/covid19 or call the City at 780-459-1500 to speak with someone about your business.
Follow the City of St. Albert on Facebook and Twitter.
Important information will be sent directly to businesses using the email address provided for your business license and through the Focus on Business e-newsletter.
Related Pages
Last edited: April 1, 2020
