Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses in Canada

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Release date: July 17, 2020
COVID-19: A data perspective More information PDF version
Infographic: Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses in Canada
Description: Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses in Canada

Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses in Canada

From May 29th to July 3rd, Statistics Canada conducted the Canadian Survey on Business Conditions to examine how COVID-19 is affecting businesses in Canada. These are some of the results.

Working remotely before, during and after the pandemic

Proportion of businesses that reported that 10% or more of their workforce was working remotely

Prior to February 1, 2020, 16.6%.

On May 29, 2020, 32.6%.

22.5% of businesses expect that 10% or more of their workforce will continue to work remotely once the pandemic is over.

The majority of businesses plan to implement measures to protect employees and customers once on-site work resumes

79.0% said they were likely or very likely to provide employees with face masks, gloves, and other personal protective equipment.

91.2% said they were likely or very likely to insist that employees who show any signs of illness stay home.

87.0% said they were likely or very likely to increase sanitization in the workplace.

80.5% of businesses need or expect to need personal protective equipment as physical distancing measures are relaxed


Top sectors in need
Table summary
This table displays the results of Top sectors in need Percent (appearing as column headers).
Percent
Health care and social assistance 93.0
Accommodation and food services 92.9
Retail trade 91.9
Transportation and warehousing 90.3

Top needs
Table summary
This table displays the results of Top needs Percent (appearing as column headers).
Percent
Masks and eye protection 68.1
Cleaning products 64.4
Gloves 56.6

How are businesses in Canada getting through the COVID-19 pandemic?

Percentage of businesses

63.7% were approved for funding from government programs or credit from external providers

23.6% of businesses that make rent or mortgage payments had their payments deferred

39.9% reduced staff hours or shifts

28.4% laid off staff

Business Survival Mode

19.3% of businesses reported that they can continue to operate at their current level of revenue and expenditures for less than six months before considering further staffing actions, closure or bankruptcy.

Source: Statistics Canada. May 2020. Canadian Survey on Business Conditions: Impact of COVID-19 on businesses in Canada.

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Copyright

Published by authority of the Minister responsible for Statistics Canada.

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada as represented by the Minister of Industry, 2020

Use of this publication is governed by the Statistics Canada Open Licence Agreement.

Catalogue no. 11-627-M

Frequency: Occasional

Ottawa

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