In case you missed it: April 9, 2020

News happens fast these days. Hour-by-hour, day-by-day, the coronavirus epidemic alters how governments and the sector act. In today’s In Case You Missed It, we’ll go over the top 3 key updates over the past few weeks to keep you in the know.

1. New business closures across Ontario

On Friday, April 3, the Province announced additional business closures to help combat coronavirus and keep Ontarians safe. The updated essential businesses list can be found here. New guidelines say critical management, safety, security and essential operations staff at residential properties may continue work.

The new guidelines also reference; “Maintenance, repair and property management services … to manage and maintain the safety, security, sanitation and essential operation of … residential properties and buildings ” (#20) and “not-for profit organizations that support … food, shelter, safety or protection, and/or social services and other necessities …” (#44) as essential.

Read the full update here.

Still have questions about what you can do as a provider? Contact 1-888-444-3659 today to get clarity from the Ontario government’s Stop the Spread Business Information Line.

2. New AGM Regulations for Non-Profits

On Tuesday, March 31, the Province announced new regulations for Annual General Meetings, allowing businesses and not-for-profit corporations incorporated under the Ontario Corporations Act (CA) the ability to hold virtual meetings. It also extends the statutory timeframe for these organizations to hold Annual General Meetings.

It allows not-for-profit organizations to:

• Hold meetings for directors, shareholders and members electronically or over the phone. The electronic or phone system must allow simultaneous and instantaneous communication.
• Extend deadlines for not-for-profits to hold AGMs to 90 days after the state of emergency is ended.

You can review our update here about what you can do next. Still have questions? Our member support hotline is always available. 

3. Form Filing Regulations for Non-Profits

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) extended deadlines for incorporated non-profit organizations to file annual forms. Annual forms include the T2 and, for many non-profits, the T1044. These are generally due six months after an organization’s fiscal year ends.

This announcement applies only to forms otherwise due after March 18th and before June 1, 2020. It extends filing dates to June 1, 2020.

More information on CRA due dates is available on their website. You can also contact member.support@onpha.org to help you navigate the changes.

Staying informed is critical as the COVID-19 pandemic develops. ONPHA has the resources you need to stay informed and run your business smoothly during the crisis.

Visit onpha.on.ca/covid19 today to get up-to-the-minute community housing stories, practical webinars to help navigate the crisis and tools to help you keep your tenants happy, healthy and safe.

ONPHA is here to help. If you have any questions or want to know more about what we’re doing to keep the sector strong, contact us today at member.support@onpha.org.