The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant, and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

On March 18, 2020, the Prime Minister announced a new set of economic measures to help stabilize the economy during this challenging period. These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses.

Orders of the Provincial Health Officer:

These are mandatory orders issued by the Provincial Health Officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry.  These are mandatory and must be adhered to and are subject to change as the COVID-19 situation evolves.  

• Order: Travellers – March 17, 2020 (PDF, 122KB)

• Order: Gatherings and Events

Federal Government:

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan provides support for Canadians including income support, mortgage default management tools and flexibility for taxpayers.

If you have lost income because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide you with temporary income support. The CERB will provide you with $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

The Government of Canada is also making changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program to help businesses and young Canadians affedted by COVID-19.

Provincial Government:

See the Provincial Government's plan to restart British Columbia safely.

For all available supports for individuals from the Provincial Government, visit the COVID-19 Provincial Support and Information page.

To support people and prevent the spread of COVID-19, the Province announced that they will be introducing a new temporary rental supplement, halting evictions and freezing rents.

BC Housing:

The BC Temporary Rental Supplement Program gives tenants and landlords temporary support towards rent payments for renters impacted by COVID-19. Payments are made directly to the landlords of eligible households.This new program will provide a temporary rental supplement for April, May and June 2020. It will cover part of the rent for low- and moderate-income renters who have lost income as a result of COVID-19. Applicants will only have to apply once. If they apply in April, they will get payments for all three month. If they apply in May, they will get payments for the two remaining months. It is expected that the first payments will be provided before the end of April.

The program gives $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents, and $500 per month for eligible households with dependents.

BC Hydro: 

• If you or your spouse/partner have lost employment or have become unable to work due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for three months of bill credit based on your average consumption through BC Hydro's COVID-19 Relief Fund.
• BC Hydro has a COVID-19 Customer Assistance Program which provides residential and commercial customers the option to defer bill payments or arrange for flexible payment plans with no penalty. Customers are encouraged to call our customer service team at 1 800 BCHYDRO (1 800 224 9376) to discuss bill payment options.
• Residential customers facing temporary financial hardship and possible disconnection of their service due to job loss, illness, or loss of a family member may also be eligible for our Customer Crisis Fund, which provides access to grants of up to $600 to pay their bills.

Shaw: 

• Shaw has opened up access to Shaw Go WiFi whether or not you’re a customer.

Telus:

• Until the end of April, Telus is waiving home internet coverage charges for customers who are not on unlimited data plans and waiving all Easy Roam and pay-per-use roaming charges for postpaid customers that are stranded outside North America and are unable to return to Canada.

Rogers: 

• Rogers is waiting all long distance and roaming charges for customers.

Fortis BC: 

• Fortis is waiving late payment fees and will not disconnect any customers from the energy they need due to financial hardship. Fortis will help you with any billing questions you have and can help find flexible payment options that work for you. You can contact them at 1-866-436-7847 for electricity or 1-888-224-2710 for natural gas, Monday to Friday, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Or you can email them and access your Account Online.

ICBC:

• Renewals - If your insurance is due to expire, please call your Autoplan broker. Many insurance transactions can now be done through phone and email. This is temporary to help meet British Columbians' insurance needs without in-person contact.
• Autoplan Payment plan - Customers on a monthly Autoplan payment plan, who are facing financial challenges due to COVID-19, can defer their payment for up to 90 days with no penalty.
• Customers can use our online resource tool to apply for deferrals or call our customer support team at 604-661-2723 or 1-800-665-6442 to discuss your payment options.

Oak Bay Volunteer Services:

• In response to the growing needs of Oak Bay residents during the current COVID-19 health crisis, Oak Bay Volunteer Services is offering non-medical services to help seniors and individuals with pre-existing health conditions remain healthy and safe in their homes.
• Residents who are interested in receiving services can contact Oak Bay Volunteer Services at 250-595-1034 or info@oakbayvolunteers.org. 

Mental Health Supports:

Here2Talk
The Government of British Columbia has launched Here2Talk, a new mental-health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students. The service offers confidential, free single-session services by app, phone or online chat, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
here2talk.ca
1-877-857-3397

HealthLink BC
Provides 24/7, confidential health information and advice.
Call 8-1-1
www.healthlinkbc.ca

Crisis Intervention and Suicide Prevention Centre
Provides confidential, non-judgmental, free emotional support for people experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide.
Call 604 872-3311 (Greater Vancouver)
Toll-free 1 800 SUICIDE (784-2433)
www.crisiscentre.bc.ca

The KUU-US Crisis Response Service
Provides 24/7 culturally-aware crisis support to Indigenous people in B.C.
Call 1-800-588-8717
www.kuu-uscrisisline.ca

Mental Health Digital Hub
A provincial website that provides information, services and education and awareness about mental health and substance use for adults, youth and children.
www.gov.bc.ca/mentalhealth

Bounce Back
A free evidence-based program designed to help youth and adults experiencing symptoms of mild to moderate depression, low mood or stress, with or without anxiety. Bounce Back® teaches effective skills to help people improve their mental health.
Call toll-free: 1 866 639-0522
www.bouncebackbc.ca

MindHealthBC
Vancouver Coastal Health Authority, Providence Health Care and community partners have created an online mental health counselling program. If you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health or substance use challenges, please visit the website for information and recommendations for further support in Vancouver, Richmond and other coastal communities.
www.mindhealthbc.ca

HeretoHelp
Provides information about managing mental illness and maintaining good mental health, including self-management resources and screening self-tests for wellness, mood, anxiety and risky drinking.
www.heretohelp.bc.ca