Toronto, Ontario — The Canadian Association of Recycling Industries has issued a statement to its members and the general industry amid the coronavirus pandemic, including a guide detailing who can operate in Ontario and Quebec.
Most Ontario recycling operations are captured under one or more of these essential services categories:
- SUPPLY CHAINS: Businesses that supply other essential businesses or essential services with the support, supplies, systems or services, including processing, packaging, distribution, delivery and maintenance necessary to operate
- MANUFACTURING AND PRODUCTION: Businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials, including businesses that manufacture inputs to other manufacturers; Businesses, facilities and services that support and facilitate the two-way movement of essential goods within integrated North America and Global supply chains
- AGRICULTURE AND FOOD PRODUCTION: Businesses (including any-for-profit, non-profit or other entity) that help to ensure safe and effective waste management including deadstock, rendering, nutrient management, bio hazardous materials, green waste, packaging recycling
- UTILITIES AND COMMUNITY SERVICES: Utilities and businesses that support the provision of utilities and community services, including by providing products, materials and services needed for the delivery of utilities and community services including waste collection
In Quebec, the essential service definition is set as “all businesses that produce inputs or raw materials necessary for priority services and activities must maintain their activities accordingly, bearing in mind the directives from public health authorities. Businesses that provide non-essential services, excluding stores, can maintain minimal operations to ensure the resumption of their activities, bearing in mind the directives issued by public health authorities.”
Recycling operations that fall under these categories may maintain basic operations onsite:
- GOVERNMENT SERVICES AND OTHER PRIORITY ACTIVITIES / SERVICES GOUVERNEMENTAUX ET AUTRES ACTIVITES PRIORITAIRES: Garbage collection and residual materials management / Collecte des déchets et gestion des matières résiduelles
- PRIORITY MANUFACTURING ACTIVITIES / ACTIVITES MANUFACTURIERES PRIORITAIRES: The production of inputs necessary for priority sectors / Production des intrants nécessaires aux secteurs prioritaires
Your business could qualify for wage subsidy, says CARI.
The wage subsidy is limited to Canadian-controlled private corporations with less than $15 million in taxable capital employed in Canada, i.e., businesses that qualify for the small business deduction. The subsidy will be available immediately to eligible businesses, allowing the employer to reduce how much they remit in payroll deductions to the CRA.
For more information, visit the CRA’s FAQ page.
“In light of the COVID-19 outbreak, CARI strongly recommends that our members ensure they have taken all possible safety precautions,” said the organization. “Despite this extraordinary situation, CARI is continuing its advocacy work with governments at all levels, communicating important information to members, and offering assistance to members as needed.
Click here for CARI’s guidance in performing recycling operations.
Should you have any questions or concerns in this challenging time, reach out to CARI president Tracy Shaw at tracy@cari-acir.org.
