We're sorry to report that we are currently having some technical problems with our website. Thank you to those members who have already contacted us about this problem.

We are working hard to resolve the issue as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have provided the GoToWebinar links for our webinar series below, and our COVID-19 Resources page is among those that remain active.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

MCA Canada, as part of its commitment to providing members with useful and pertinent information, continues to run a series of webinars on relevant topics.

At the same time, all webinars have been recorded, and are available to be viewed at mcac.ca/education/webinars.

The following is a list of upcoming webinars from MCA Canada (all times are listed in Eastern):

• In Construction Contracts During COVID-19 – Part 2, Dan Leduc will provide updates on construction contracts affected by COVID-19. Join us on April 27, from noon to 1 p.m.
• In Technology Selection 101: Secrets from a Consultant, you'll learn secrets of how to select software that your company will actually use. Join us for this informative session from technology expert Jeff Sample on April 30, from noon to 1 p.m.
• In The Business Value of BIM, you'll learn about the value of this exciting new technology from a mechanical contractor's perspective. Topics discussed will include quantifying BIM's benefits for mechanical contractors, how to benchmark yourselves for success with BIM, how to establish realistic goals for BIM success, no matter your expertise—and more. Join us for this session on May 6, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
• In Supercharge Revenue Generation Through Your Field Service Technicians, you'll learn about the specific actions your organization can take to improve technician revenue generation effectiveness. This session is scheduled for May 13, from noon to 1 p.m.

For more information on these webinars, and to view recordings of previous broadcasts, please visit our website.

In addition to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy receiving royal assent last week, the Government of Canada has announced additional measures and eligibility criteria to its existing programs.

Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
For eligible firms who have seen a drop of at least 15 percent of their revenue in March 2020 and 30 percent for the following months (April 12 to May 9, and May 10 to June 6), this program provides a 75-percent wage subsidy for up to 12 weeks. Applications will be done through the CRA website "My Business Account" portal, and is expected to be running within 10 days.

Canada Emergency Business Account
The government has announced an expansion of eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account. Small businesses who spent between $20,000 and $1.5 million in payroll in 2019 can now take advantage of the program. Applications for the CEBA are done through your banking institution. More information on the program is available here.

Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance
The government has announced its intent to work with provincial and territorial governments to provide rent support for rent in April, May and June. More details are expected to follow.

In an effort to help you manage your business through this complex and challenging time, we at MCA Canada have created a dedicated page on our website that is filled with important resources and information on the COVID-19 pandemic.

There, you'll find recordings of our latest webinars, as well as a list of frequently asked questions for employers, including:

• The latest updates on the COVID-19 economic response plan
• How do I fill out records of employment stemming from COVID-19?
• How has the work-sharing program been modified to address COVID-19?
• What is the temporary wage subsidy?

Look for this information and much more, and check back often for updates.

As part of its efforts to support member firms grappling with the unique circumstances the industry is currently facing, the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada has introduced new guidelines to help answer questions related to health and safety and the safe operation of job sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This Guidance Document outlines the recommended best practices for mechanical contractors to maintain the health and safety of their workers, and other individuals who may be impacted by their work, while performing their necessary duties during the current SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 pandemic.

Updates include:

• Information on non-medical masks
• Eyewear protection updates
• Additional best practices on work site safety

Source: HistoryNet.com

1500: Pedro Alvarez Cabral discovers Brazil.
1509: Henry VIII ascends to the throne of England upon the death of his father, Henry VII.
1529: Spain and Portugal divide the eastern hemisphere in the Treaty of Saragossa.
1792: President George Washington proclaims American neutrality in the war in Europe.
1861: Robert E. Lee is named commander of Virginia forces.
1889: The Oklahoma land rush officially starts at noon as thousands of Americans race for new, unclaimed land.
1898: In the first action of the Spanish-American War, the USS Nashville, takes on a Spanish ship.
1915: At the Second Battle of Ypres, the Germans use poison gas for the first time.
1918: British naval forces attempt to sink block-ships in the German U-boat bases at the Battle of Zeebrugge.
1931: Egypt signs treaty of friendship with Iraq.
1944: Allies launch major attack against the Japanese in Hollandia, New Guinea.
1954: The Senate Army-McCarthy hearings begin. They are broadcast on television.
1955: Congress orders all U.S. coins to bear the motto "In God We Trust."
1976: Barbara Walters becomes the first female nightly news anchor on network television.
1995: In Africa, Rwandan troops kill thousands of Hutu refugees in Kibeho.