The British Columbia government says it will be deferring employer health tax payments until September 30.
The measure, introduced on Monday, is for employers with a payroll over $500,000 since businesses with a payroll under this threshold are already exempt from the tax.
The provincial government is also providing a tax-free $1,000 payment to people whose jobs have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak.
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The B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers will be a one-time payment for those who receive federal employment insurance benefits or the new federal emergency care benefit or emergency support benefit.
It will go to workers who have been laid off, who are sick or quarantined, parents with sick children, parents who stay at home while childcare centres and schools are closed and those who are caring for other sick family members.
“The COVID-19 pandemic challenges our health, our economy and our way of life. People and businesses urgently need support,” said Premier John Horgan, in a press release. “Our action plan focuses on services to protect people’s health and safety, gives immediate relief to people and businesses and plans for B.C.’s economic recovery over the long term.”
Read: Employer-paid benefits to be subject to new B.C. health tax