With many businesses experiencing a dramatic decrease in revenues due to COVID-19, the Alberta Government wants to help make sure businesses re-opening during this time can do so with less stress. Tenants and landlords can fill out a survey on alberta.ca to help gauge any challenges they may be experiencing while working together to develop a payment schedule, paying their rent, or meeting other financial obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Survey results will give the government further insight into the types of issues businesses and landlords are experiencing and whether they have been able to access available supports. These insights will aid in determining whether additional measures are needed to support businesses struggling to pay rent during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Tanya Fir said, “We expect businesses and landlords to work together in a respectful and fair manner during this challenging time. We strongly encourage landlords to participate in the CECRA program and to be flexible and understanding of their tenants’ financial circumstances. We are asking businesses to pay their rent as fully and consistently as possible if they can. This isn’t an easy time for anyone – but by working together, we will get through these tough times.”

Alberta has joined other provinces, the territories and the federal government in the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program that will help give certainty to small businesses and relieve some of the financial stress businesses are facing.

The online survey, including alternative methods of submitting feedback by email or phone, can be found HERE.