The page has been created with the intention that all COVID-19 articles on the ASHA Home page will be moved here for better access to our membership after their initial (1 week) viewing. While we recognize the crisis is far from over, there are some very important notices that may be missed due to all the critical COVID-19 information.
WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER
Harness Racing COVID-19 Updates
UPDATE TO THE CERBThe ASHA Board of Director's Secretary, John Hind has been working very diligently on clarification of these updates. Here is the latest, and will hopefully clarify some of the changes:
"The rules for the CERB eligibility have been amended again to define that the $ 1,000 per period in earnings is net earnings after expenses not gross earnings as previously stated. The requirement that you must stop working is still in place but there appears to be an or earning less than $ 1,000 net that has been referenced in the press releases that has not been included in the legislation yet. Hopefully that will occur soon and clear up the confusion" 
Navigating the Emergency Response Benefit ProgramIf you work in the Standardbred industry and have stopped working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for Canada’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Benefit which is available now....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Mental Health & Wellness ResourcesStandardbred Canada has met with Canada Life, providers of group insurance for SC members, to inquire about services and resources available for our membership to assist in managing through COVID-19....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
SC Provides Reprieve on FeesStandardbred Canada would like to notify membership of the following modifications applicable to SC transactions during COVID-19....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Important COVID-19 ResourcesStandardbred Canada has compiled a valuable set of online resources for its members amid the global coronavirus pandemic....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
UPDATE: Memo on the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit)Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
As at April 16, 2020 Note: the rules have changed. You now must stop or will stop working due to COVID-19 and not expect to receive more than $ 1,000 from employment or self employment during the 4-week period. For a subsequent period, you must expect that your situation will not change, and you must not expect to receive more than $ 1,000 from employment or self employment. The new rules are still confusing as you must stop working but you can receive up to $1,000 from employment of self employment during the period. You should consult with your professional advisor to ensure you are eligible before you apply for this benefit CERB provides a taxable benefit for up to four months. To be eligible for the benefit you must be an “eligible worker” meaning that you must: Be at least 15 years old Have not quit your job voluntarily Be a resident of Canada You do not expect to receive more than $ 1,000 of employment or self employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the first four-week period. For subsequent four-week periods, you do not expect the situation to change and you do not expect to receive more than $ 1,000 from employment or self employment income Have stopped working because of COVID -19 or be eligible for EI benefits And for 2019 or the 12-month period preceding the day on which you make the application, have had a total income of at least $ 5,000 from employment or self employment The eligible worker needs to meet all the conditions and have income of at least $ 5,000 in the past year. The condition of being at least 15 years old is not a problem. If the person is not a resident of Canada (i.e. a US resident who comes to race in the summer) this condition would not be met, and the person would not be an eligible worker. The eligible worker can meet the condition of income less than $1,000 if they do not expect to receive more than $ 1,000 for the four-week period. Farmers who are on the cash basis are deemed to earn income when it is received. If they do not receive any payments from their owners during the period, then for tax purposes farmers who are on the cash basis would not have any income for the period. To meet the condition that the eligible worker has stopped or will stop working the eligible worker will have to demonstrate that they have stopped working or they do not expect to receive more than $ 1,000 during the period from employment or self employment. The requirement that they stopped or will stop working could be a problem as they may be caring for their horses even though they are not being paid as they are not able to earn purse income from entering their horses in races. If we go to the dictionary to find the definition of working, the definition is “having paid employment”. Based on the definition of working the eligible worker who is caring for his own horses may meet the requirement as there is no expectation of being paid either as an employee or as a self employed individual. More information can be obtained at the CRA website www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html or google CRA. The DERB information in on the top of the first page. If you are unsure if you are eligible you can contact the CRA at the automated help line for answers to common questions 1-833-966-2099. To speak to an Agent at CRA about CREB, or your CRA my Account call 1-800-959-8281. There are two ways to apply for the CERB. The first is to sign into your CRA My Account. If you do not have a CRA My Account, you can register for one, or you can call the automated CREB registration toll-free line. You will need your social insurance number and postal code to verify your identity if you are using the automated toll-free line. You should also have a copy of your 2018 tax return as you may be asked for some amounts from the return as further confirmation of your identity. If your professional advisor is an authorized representative for you with CRA that can call on your behalf. The numbers are 1-800-959-2019 or 1-800-959-2041 The information in this memo is general in nature and, accordingly no assurance is expressed thereon. Readers are cautioned that this information may not be appropriate for their purposes. The rules for CERB are complicated and the definitions of who is eligible are not clearly defined in some areas. The eligible worker should consult with their professional advisors before applying for the benefit. UPDATE on Alberta Racing
“In a situation like this a lot of normal businesses can lay people off and lock the doors and all they have are lights and utilities to pay for. This industry is completely different in the sense that horses need to be fed, they need to be cared for, they need to be exercised, there’s so much that needs to go on that it’s so much more of a complicated situation.”...read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
MEDIA UPDATEInterview by Storm Dafoe with Fred Gillis and Don McDougall with their thoughts on the current COVID -19 situation and how the industry is dealing with it.
THANK YOU FROM ASHA & THE HORSEMEN
Updated: Federal Wage Subsidy And The Standardbred Industry
Today (Thursday, April 9, 2020), the Federal Government announced some important updates to the CEWS Program, including the amount of decreases in revenue, how employers can calculate change in revenue, and refunds for certain payroll contributions....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
CERB Assistance For Those Impacted By COVID-19
If you work in the Standardbred industry and have stopped working due to the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for Canada’s COVID-19 Emergency Response Benefit....read on
Courtesy Standardbred Canada
Update from the Track On 2
A LETTER FROM THE ASHA PRESIDENT TO THE MEMBERSHIPAs posted on Standardbred Canada:
"Alberta Standardbred Horse Association President Bill Andrew has written an open letter to members of the province’s Standardbred racing industry. In the letter he explains what the readjusted, tentative plans are for Alberta harness racing and related activities in light of the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Andrew explained that ASHA has discussed the situation with officials from Century Casinos officials and that there is a “high probability” that the 2020 racing schedule will change in terms of when and where live Standardbred racing will be conducted in the province. As Andrews explained, as it stands right now, Century will extend the 2020 Thoroughbred meet at Century Mile until October 25, 2020. Standardbred racing’s switch from Century Downs to Century Mile is now planned to occur shortly after October 25. Andrews said that the Thoroughbred meet will most likely be delayed by a month or two due to COVID-19 fallout (with a likely start date in mid-June or early July). He continued that, if government go-ahead is received, live Standardbred racing could begin earlier than that. ASHA held a board meeting this past week and voted unanimously to distribute purse money from the two cancelled cards in March and any extra funds in our purse account to the owners of horses who have raced at Century Mile/Century Downs since January 1, 2020 both in overnights and successful qualifiers. The money will divided equally on a per-horse basis and given to the current trainer of record for distribution. We expect that each horse will be allocated approximately $400. In terms of breeders, Andrews explained that Century Downs has committed to work with ASHA so it can host the organization’s annual yearling sale at the track where we Standardbreds are currently racing at the time. In all likelihood, according to Andrew, the ASHA Yearling Sale will be conducted at Century Downs in late September. Complete information, including that relating to stakes payment, assistance to horse people in need, and more, is covered in Andrew’s open letter, the contents of which appear below." Dear friends,
As you follow the news both at home and away from home you will be very aware of the Covid-19 viral pandemic that is affecting the health of the world and the economy of many countries. Alberta was not given a pass on the pandemic and we find ourselves with over 540 identified cases of Covid-19 with the numbers growing daily. The Government of Alberta has reacted by closing most businesses including racinos and by limiting gatherings to 15 people as well as mandating a safe distance between people (2 metres) all in an effort to slow down the spread of the disease. The government has enacted emergency powers requiring a lock down of seniors’ homes and care facilities as well as mandatory 14 day quarantine for all arrivals to Alberta. From the steps that have taken place over the last few days it is clear that the medical community believes we are in for a battle against the spread of Covid-19. There is currently no clear message on when to expect the pandemic to start to die off but clearly it hinges on: 1) our ability to stop casual transmission of the virus through physical contact or transferring the virus in droplets through sneezing or coughing. 2) the ability of the virus to survive in warm weather. Until the spread of the virus slows down do not expect to see Century Casino and Century Downs reopen. My guess, for what it is worth, is that we are looking at another month to 2 months of shut down. Other shut down racing jurisdictions are talking reopening anywhere from mid May to mid June. The re launch of racing is in the hands of the government and medical experts who will want it to be safe before resuming normal activities involving fans. We had a discussion with Century this week and the high probability that the 2020 racing schedule could change in terms of when we race and where we race. On behalf of ASHA I gave Century our commitment to play the hand we are dealt in 2020 recognizing that they have worked to keep our backstretch open during this pandemic, that they have worked in cooperation with us to increase all forms of Standardbred handle over their first three years of operation that they currently, like many of you, are operating with minimal amounts of revenue coming in. As some of you already know, Century will extend the 2020 Thoroughbred meet at Century Mile until October 25, 2020. Our switch from Century Downs to Century Mile will occur shortly after October 25. It is expected that the Thoroughbred meet will start at least one and probably two months late with a likely start date in mid-June or early July as they have horses currently stuck in the US and a Century Mile in training horse population that is much lower than normal. If given the go ahead by government we can begin our meet earlier than that. The change in venue in September and October will impact our stakes locations and we will work to get a revised stakes schedule out as soon as we believe we can finalize one. Currently we do believe the timing of two year old stakes will be impacted although the location for some stakes will change. It makes sense that the schedule for our three year old Alberta Sires Stakes and other major stakes will change. To the extent we can, we will keep the major stakes finals including the Super Finals in their current locations. For our breeders, Century Downs has committed to work with us to host our ASHA Yearling Sale at the track where we are racing. This means that we will, in all likelihood, have the ASHA Sale at Century Downs in Calgary in late September. Century Downs has been very cooperative with us by continuing to operate the backstretch and track as a training centre. This will continue as long as we follow the guidelines on social distancing, hygiene and limiting gatherings. We have seen at other tracks where a positive Covid-19 test can shut down a racetrack so please if you feel ill stay home. On Tuesday ASHA held a Board meeting and voted unanimously to distribute purse money from the two cancelled cards in March and any extra funds in our purse account to the owners of horses who have raced at Century Mile/Century Downs since January 1, 2020 both in overnights and successful qualifiers. The money will divided equally on a per horse basis and given to the current trainer of record for distribution. We expect that each horse will be allocated approximately $400. We are working to secure additional relief funding from the Government of Alberta and we will advise you of any progress. Also, we encourage all breeders, owners, trainers, grooms and other ASHA members to read about the Federal and Provincial assistance programs that involve wage subsidies and business loans. Most need applications and Colleen and Fred have volunteered to help those in need of assistance with the applications. The Board of ASHA also voted unanimously to defer stakes payments to later in the year. This information will be on the ASHA website. At ASHA we have a small rainy day fund to assist horse people in difficult circumstances. If you find yourself up against it financially and/or emotionally please let Fred or Colleen know and we will see what can do to help. Our Standardbred community has always come together to work through tough times as God knows we've been through many. We will continue to work together and battle through this one as well. Please stay safe, please practice the procedures to avoid contracting and spreading the virus and please go home and quarantine if you feel ill. We all look forward to the day in the near future when we can bring our sport back to our many fans and supporters. Take care, Bill Andrew ASHA/Standardbred Canada
COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) - Financial Relief and Support InitiativesHorse Racing Alberta has a page explaining financial relief measures for Albertans. Some may apply to you. As the situation evolves, so too may some of the criteria. Keep checking the link below to see if you qualify.
Horse Racing Alberta Financial Relief and Support Initiatives Courtesy Horse Racing Alberta
ASHA Staff and COVID-19As everyone is growing weary of hearing about the virus, we must remain mindful of why we are going through the extreme measures as we are, and that's to protect those who may not survive should they be infected and therefore distance ourselves to prevent infection, and possible death to those we love.
With that, the ASHA office staff, Fred, Michelle, and Colleen will continue to work but at a reduced capacity by doing everything we can from home for at least the next two weeks. Your phone calls to the Airdrie Office will be forwarded, and office operations will continue as necessary. Please feel free to contact us should the need arise, via a call to the office or by our emails (Our direct emails are on the back of your membership cards). We all wish everyone to stay healthy, and isolate yourselves should you feel in the slightest unwell. If you are in need of speaking with us at the ASHA office, please feel free to call the ASHA office at 403-263-7765 or Toll Free (Alberta ONLY) 1-800-852-5985. You will receive an automated message that will direct you to press #1 for Michelle, #2 for Fred, #3 for Colleen Upon pressing the appropriate number, your call will be forwarded to the person you are looking for. We thank you for your patience and understanding as we navigate through these challenging times. We SHALL overcome this, as inconvenient as it is to all. Stay healthy, distance yourselves and WASH YOUR HANDS! Letter to the ASHA MembershipMarch 19, 2020
As you all know the Covid 19 pandemic has gripped most of the world. Relative to our population in Canada, Alberta and Calgary in particular have seen a growing emergence of the Virus. Due to fears of overwhelming our Medical system (as has occurred in Italy) the Alberta government has taken aggressive action to slow down the spread of the Corona virus. This necessary action is impacting everyday life of Albertans and our economy. Recently Century Downs announced that they are suspending racing for at least a two week period at Century Downs. This is being done at the request of the Government of Alberta. The goal is to limit interpersonal group contact at Century Downs racing entertainment centre and help prevent the spread of Covid 19. In taking this action, Century Downs is in step with most of the other Racetracks in North America and Europe. Using a protocol developed by the Woodbine Entertainment Group, Century Downs will continue to operate as a training centre with strict rules on admission to the backstretch, hygiene and number of people congregating in any given area. We are sure that Century Downs will have the full cooperation of our trainers, drivers, owners and caretakers in following the rules of Century Downs during this critical period. The ASHA will be in continuous contact with Century Downs and Horse Racing Alberta as we await advice from the Government of Alberta on the resumption of live Standardbred racing in Alberta. While we hope this happens as soon as possible we are aware that the speed that the virus is spreading or slowing down is the most important factor in determining when racing will resume. We will keep you updated as we receive any news. In the meantime look after your health, practice good hygiene both at home and in the barn and follow the advice of Alberta Health Services especially if you feel ill. ASHA Board of Directors William Andrew President ATTENTION HORSEMENEarlier today (March 17, 2020) Premier Jason Kenny announced the immediate closure of all casinos and declared a state of emergency in AB due to COVID-19.
Due to this announcement, Century will no longer be able to staff racing. Racing is suspended as of today until such time that the closures of the casinos are lifted as our funding is primarily derived from our purse grant share of the racinos in the province. Without them being active there simply is no funding. We will do our best to keep the industry updated as we receive the information. Century will keep the barn area open for training for the foreseeable future as they realize the horses must remain in race condition for when the racinos reopen. We thank you for your understanding. - The ASHA Board of Directors and ASHA Staff Link to CTV News: Alberta Declares State of Emergency
"Albertans are now prohibited from visiting a number of venues including: public recreation centres, casinos, bingo halls, bars, nightclubs, fitness centres, arenas, museums, and indoor children's play centres. " |
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