Daily COVID-19 Update - June 1, 2020
BlogImage
The following is the latest COVID-19 update available for June 1, 2020.
Tax Deadline
June 1 is the deadline for Canadians to file their 2019 tax returns, except for self-employed individuals and their spouses, who have until June 15 to file. However, those who do not file on time won’t be hit with a penalty as long as they file before September 1.
The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) extended the normal April 30 filing deadline back in March as part of the initial COVID-19 relief measures.
Updated CMTO Guidance
The College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO) has added several points to their frequently asked questions on their COVID-19 page to further clarify their guidelines for a gradual return to practice.
In particular, the CMTO has clarified what they meant when indicating RMTs should prioritize essential patients. The CMTO stated “Prioritize means treating clients with more serious needs first. All clients can be treated at this time, however, RMTs must always use their professional judgement to ensure the anticipated benefit of treatment outweighs the risk (including the risk of COVID-19).”
The CMTO has also specified which Infection Prevention and Control Modules RMTs are required to complete before their gradual return to practice.
Hydro Relief Measures
The government of Ontario introduced the new “COVID-19 recovery rate” of 12.8 cents per kilowatt hour at all times of the day. The fixed price will be in place from June 1 to Oct. 31.
The COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Business (CEAP-SB) was introduced to provide support to businesses struggling with hydro bill payments as a result of the outbreak. Applications will be made available through local utilities in the coming months.
The government also announced an extension of the Ontario Energy Board's winter disconnection ban until July 31, 2020 to ensure no one is disconnected from their natural gas or electricity service during these uncertain times.