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Click here to read our CEO’s most recent statement on COVID-19.

To support the Canadian marketing community during this unprecedented time, we are compiling thought leadership articles for marketers, along with resources and information on government supports for employees and businesses. Some content relates to the impact of the pandemic on the practice of marketing, the evolving nature of work, and the well-being of individuals working in isolation.

Resources for Marketers by Marketers


	New: Where do we go from here? The CEO Growth imperative Who you are and how you operate should permeate everything you do as a company. From corporate social responsibility, hiring and compensation to product design, development, manufacturing and marketing – all are impacted and shaped by a company’s purpose. Read more here.

	New: Top tips for remote media interviews With the shift towards more remote work during COVID-19, members of the media are increasingly relying on virtual interviews through platforms such as Skype and Zoom, as well as live or pre-recorded phone interviews to replace the in-person experience. Learn more here.

	How is media impacted by COVID-19? Insights from the CMA Media Council The CMA Media Council shares perspective from their virtual meeting this week on how the COVID-19 crisis is affecting various industries, particularly from a media consumption and advertising lends. What do consumers want? How should brands and agencies adapt? Learn more here.

	New: Responsible marketing in unpredictable times Read KPI Digital's 5 ways to practice smart and responsible marketing during this time.

	New: How Snapchatters are adapting to the current environment People are using Snapchat to stay close to their friends, family, coworkers, and community. Delve into the emerging trends.

	New: Campaign Adaptations During COVID-19 With new data out seemingly every hour, it's undoubtedly difficult for marketers and executives to devise campaign strategies that are adaptive, brand-safe and contextual to today's realities, yet also perform. Here are the key findings to date, some insights and (digital) campaign recommendations from Triangles.

	New: How ‘Social Contagion’ Impacts Brands During A Crisis Denstu Aegis Network intel reveals that now is the time to use 'social contagion’ to spread helpful messages. Read what your brand can do.

	COVID-19: Canadians, Media and Culture Insights from Mindshare Canada into how Canadians are feeling, what they are doing and what consumers expect from brands. Watch the recorded webinar here.

	Marketing during a crisis thinkTV has compiled a collection of articles with expert advice, read more here.

	Brand Suitability during COVID-19 DoubleVerify published a four-part series on the issue of brand suitability to help advertisers, technology partners and publishers better understand suitability technology and best practices during the coronavirus crisis. Read it here.

	Radio – Keeping Canadians Connected Radio Connects put together this deck with information to aid advertisers and agencies.

	Walking our walk – communications in crisis situations Read about how Kaiser Lachance is keeping their employees connected and their communications advice here.

	Working smarter anywhere – working remotely Read these tips, trips and best practices for remote work from Cisco.

	Maintaining Business Continuity using Video Conferencing Register here for the April 8, 2020 webinar.

	Being Productive and Collaborative in the Face of COVID-19 Adobe offers a selection of blogs to help with productivity and collaboration during this time. Read more.

Community Resources

International Resources


	WHO guidance for employers and workers during Covid-19 The World Health Organization (WHO) has put together guidance and resources for employers and workers during COVID 19, including tips on risk communication and community engagement. See the guidance here.

Financial

	Relief measures from Canada’s financial institutions Canada’s six biggest banks are taking action to help customers impacted by COVID-19 as described here. Support is offered on a case-by-case basis, and may include payment deferrals for mortgages and the opportunity for relief on other credit products. If your financial institution is not on this list, be sure to find out if your institution has any measures in place to support you during this time. Please note the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) has also implemented measures in the wake of COVID-19, as outlined here.

Online Privacy and Security Be aware of your privacy rights and obligations during this time, and stay up to date with current cyber threats, scams and how to stay secure when working remotely.

	New: Privacy law obligations during COVID-19 The Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada (OPC) has issued guidance to help organizations understand their privacy-related obligations during the COVID-19 outbreak. During a public health crisis, privacy laws still apply, but they are not a barrier to appropriate information sharing. Read how to help your organization remain resilient and prepared and access the OPC guidance here.

	Cyber Hygiene for COVID-19 The Canadian Centre for Cybersecurity has seen an increase in reports of malicious actors using COVID-19 in phishing campaigns and malware scams. They have a series of tips and recommendations for organizations to stay protected. Read more here.

	National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) The NSCA has launched the COVID-19 Security Resource Library to provide organizations and individuals with relevant and helpful information to address security and privacy concerns during the global COVID-19 outbreak. Learn how to stay safe online

	Securing small and medium-sized business during Covid-19 The National Cyber Security Alliance (NCSA) has several free webinars on topics ranging from cybersecurity best practices for working from home, e-commerce and mobile payment security, phishing, vishing and smishing attacks, and more. Register here.

Fraud Prevention and Anti-Competitive Conduct

	Competition Bureau vigilant during COVID-19 Competition Bureau announced it will act against potentially harmful anti-competitive conduct by those who may seek to take advantage of consumers and businesses. This includes deceptive marketing practices (such as false claims about a product’s ability to cure the virus) and collusion by competing businesses. Read the statement here

	Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre As COVID-19 continues to spread globally, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has issued a fraud bulletin as fraudsters want to profit from consumers' fears, uncertainties and misinformation. Fraudsters are exploiting the crisis to facilitate fraud and cyber crime. Inform yourself and your consumers by sharing these types of alerts across your communication channels. See the COVID-19 Fraud Bulletin.

Health and Well-being of Marketing Professionals If you are experiencing increased stress or anxiety during this time, or simply need someoe to talk to, check out these resources.

	nabs Canada nabs Canada provides free confidential and professional assistance to marketing and communications professionals. Watch this video summarizing the range of available supports.

	CAMH CAMH has compiled evidence-based tips, tools and information to help individuals manage their mental health during the pandemic.

Government Resources

Federal Government The federal government has implemented a comprehensive response to COVID-19. This includes a $82 billion support package (the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan) for individual workers and businesses. Click the individual links below for more. Support for individuals: Increasing the Canada Child Benefit this year Extra time to file income taxes Mortgage support Improved access to Employment Insurance The new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) Improved access to Employment Insurance Sickness Benefit Increased goods and services tax credit this year Eased rules for Registered Retirement Income Funds A moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans Support for businesses: Extending the Work-Sharing Program Providing small business with wage subsidies Establishing a Business Credit Availability Program Cutting the interest rate Launching an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program More time to pay income taxes, GST/HST, and custom duties New Canada emergency Business Account New Small and MEdium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee Program

	COVID-19 Resources for Business The federal government’s COVID-19 resources for businesses can be found here. It includes support for businesses, employees, business travel and events, and doing business internationally. You can also download the Canada Business App which includes a new dedicated COVID-19 tile, providing links to government announcements and information for businesses all in one place. Check out the App

	Global Travel Advisory Canadians should avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice, with some exemptions to support the economy. Read more about your obligations around business travel here. For help on the definition of essential services across borders and to understand what documentation will be required at the Canada – US border, call Canada Border Services 24/7 toll-free number (1-800-461-9999 from within Canada, and 1-204-983-3500 or 1-506-636-5064 from outside Canada). If you’re looking for market-specific insights and guidance to help you mitigate the impacts of COVID-19, as well as access to funding to help you in global markets, reach out to the Trade Commissioner Service, which has experts in 160 cities worldwide

Provincial Governments Provincial governments across Canada, to varying degrees, are implementing measures for impacted businesses and workers, including financial support, halts on eviction orders, provincial tax deferrals and more. Check out your provincial government’s official website to learn more. Alberta British Columbia Manitoba Ontario Quebec New Brunswick Northwest Territories Nova Scotia Newfoundland and Labrador Nunavut Prince Edward Island Saskatchewan Yukon For a helpful overview of provincial government support measures, see the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) website.
Municipal Governments Municipal governments across Canada, to varying degrees, are setting up task forces to implement measures for impacted businesses and workers. Measures may include small contingency funds, the lifting or relaxing of certain bylaws (such as parking or noise bylaws) and grace periods for tax and other municipal payments (such as property tax and utility payments). Check out your municipality’s official website to learn more. Here are some major sites to get you started. Toronto Ottawa Montreal Calgary Vancouver Halifax

If you are a CMA member with content to share, please contact us.

Most of all, please take all possible steps to remain healthy and follow the advice of public health officials. You can keep up-to-date on COVID-19 by checking the federal government’s website or by signing up for the Public Health Updates email list.

Last updated April 2, 2020.

Tags: COVID19, Marketing, Thought Leadership, Resources, member support