The Saskatchewan Government is announcing more funding for businesses and lower-income workers helping vulnerable citizens through the COVID-19 pandemic.
These workers will have their salary topped up by $400 dollars a month through a  temporary wage supplement, cost-shared with the federal government at an estimated total cost of about $56 million. The Government estimates this could help up to 35,000 workers.
This benefit will be provided for sixteen weeks, retroactive to March 15th. The application process will be outlined within the coming days. It is open to workers making less than $2,500 a month and who meet requirements:
- Employed at senior-care facilities, including private care homes and home care
- licenced childcare facilities
- group homes run by community-based organizations
- emergency and transition shelters
- caregivers, cooks and cleaners, both full-time and part-time, at these facilities
In addition to this announcement, the province will be providing more funding to combat COVID-19 in the Far North.
Immediate funding of $370,000 is coming, which will help establish, staff and maintain community checkpoints as part of a recent public health order.
$20,000 of that money will be provided to La Loche directly, for supports to local public safety, food security and COVID-19 educational initiatives.
This economic assistance comes as restrictions are made on travel to the far north, and orders not to travel town to town within it. The municipalities of La Ronge and Stony Rapids have been granted exemptions.
This means that travel to and from La Ronge and Stony Rapids from outside the Northern Saskatchewan Administrative District is allowed, but individuals are not permitted to stop in any other community.
Amendments have also been made to the Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment program. Now northern outfitters and businesses operating out of provincial parks are eligible for grants up to $5,000.
The Ministry of Environment is also waiving lease fees for outfitters for the 2020 season and providing flexible licensing arrangements for those suspending outfitting activities.
Modified applications and information will be updated on the Government of Saskatchewan’s website.Â