For your business
Tax remittance
If your business has been affected by the fires, you can apply for tax remittance relief from the CRA and PST Branch while you navigate these difficult times. Please follow the link provided for steps on how file for relief with the CRA. For PST, CFIB has been in touch with the Branch. Taxpayers have been instructed to call the General Enquires number at 1-877-388-4440, to communicate to the Ministry that they have been impacted by the wildfires.
Emergency Preparedness
If your business has not been affected by the fires, however, you are located in an area where it may be at risk, now is the perfect time to formulate an Emergency Preparedness plan, should the unthinkable happen. If you do not currently have a plan in place, or don’t know where to begin, please follow this link to access a template.
Business Insurance
This is also a good time to review your business insurance to confirm whether or not you have wildfire coverage. Many insurance plans claim to cover fire damage, however in some cases this is only applicable to fire that was caused by the actions of the business or arson. Often, “acts of nature” are not included in business insurance plans unless specifically requested. Contact your business insurance provider today to ensure that your business is covered. If not, you may still be able to add this coverage.
Farming/ Agriculture
Your livelihood is your livestock. The BC Cattlemen’s Association is connecting ranchers who need to move their livestock with people who can help get horses and smaller animals out of evacuation areas with trailers. Additionally, there is a Facebook group, BC’s Emergency Livestock /Animal Evacuation Group has been created to connect those in need to those who can help. A wildfire animal rescue map has been set up to help plot out exact locations where people can offer trailers or pasture to people in need as well as plot out if they need trailers or trucks to haul livestock. Farmers who have been unable to have their livestock transported, have, in some cases, opened their gates to allow the animals to flee, with plans to round them up after the fires are extinguished.
Employees
If your business is affected by the wildfire, your employees will need the ability to collect Employment Insurance (EI). If you currently pay into EI, you will need this ability as well. To be prepared for this potential necessity, or to file an application, please visit this link.