CLOSED – COVID-19 Quebec Support Programs

QC Support for Businesses

Credit for Employer Contributions to Health Services Fund (closed)

Eligibility

• An employer that, during the year, maintains an establishment in Quebec and is a qualifying entity for a qualifying period, as determined by the federal CEWS program

Benefit

• Credit equal to total amount of contribution to Health Services Fund paid by specified employer with respect to wages paid to certain employees on paid leave

Action Needed

• Specified employer may reduce periodic payments of employer contribution of Health Services Fund
• Additional information available:
  • Finances Québec Information Bulletin

Assistance for Businesses in Regions on Maximum Alert (ABRUMA) / Aide aux entreprises en régions en alerte maximale (AERAM) (closed)

Eligibility

• Must first have obtained a loan through PAUPME program
• Be subject to a closure order for public health due to COVID 19

Benefit

• 100% of fixed expenses up to $15,000 per month, up to 80% of total PAUPME loan, granted as loan forgiveness
• Additional support for resumption of operations, additional $50,000 loan under PAUPME and maximum of $15,000 additional forgiveness (if closure less than 90 days) or $30,000 (if closure longer than 90 days)
• Eligible expenses are reduced by other support received (e.g. CERS)
• Starting from May 15, 2021, businesses may be eligible for loan forgiveness to cover fixed expenses incurred in 3-month period preceding application, and subsequent months; amount of loan granted will not cover needs extending beyond June 30, 2021
• Restaurants that received Assistance for Businesses in Regions on Maximum Alert (AERAM) that reopened since December 20, 2021 may be eligible for additional loan forgiveness to cover the cost of unused perishable items

Action Needed

• Application period closed March 31, 2022

Concerted Temporary Action Program for Businesses (PACTE) (closed)

Eligibility

• Businesses operating in Québec, including cooperatives and other social economy enterprises with commercial activities
• Eligible businesses are those that find themselves in a precarious situation and temporary difficulty as a result of COVID-19; businesses must show that their cash flow issues are temporary and due to:
  • A problem involving the supply of raw materials or products, or
  • An inability, or a substantially decreased ability, to deliver goods, products or services
• Eligible businesses may also include those located in red zones (subject to mandatory partial or full closure of operations)
• Special conditions also offered for tourism industry businesses registered on Bonjour Québec website
• Businesses cannot be under the protection of the Companies’ Creditors Arrangement Act or the Bankruptcy and Insolvency Act

Benefit

• A loan guarantee is the preferred form of financing; financing may also be a loan from Investissement Québec
• A line of credit guarantee is only applicable under the following conditions:
  • New lines of credit
  • Increases to existing lines of credit (guarantee for portion of increase only)
• Minimum funding is $50,000
• Refinancing is prohibited
• Certain businesses eligible for additional assistance – Assistance for Businesses in Regions on Maximum Alert (AERAM)

Action Needed

• Application is through financial institutions