(Montreal) The government of Quebec is announcing the reopening of the Assistance for businesses in regions on maximum alert (AERAM) component to provide financial assistance to certain establishments, in particular bars, cinemas, performance halls, training halls and centers fun and recreational.
The closure order announced with just a few hours’ notice on Monday aims to slow the surge in COVID-19 cases in the province.
These establishments will be able to resubmit their requests for financial assistance in order to obtain a loan forgiveness, granted under the AERAM component of the Emergency Assistance to Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (PAUPME) program or the Temporary Concerted Action Program. for businesses (PACTE).
The assistance offered may be up to $ 15,000 per month to cover eligible fixed costs. The companies concerned that have already obtained financial assistance under one of these programs will be able to take advantage of a simplified procedure in order to reactivate their file.
In addition, the government will extend until March 31, 2022 the moratorium for the repayment of capital and interest related to financial assistance granted under the PAUPME.
The reopening of AERAM will be complementary to the various emergency programs put in place, in particular those of the federal government.
As of Monday, the National Institute of Public Health of Quebec had 4,571 new cases of COVID-19, the highest number since the start of the pandemic.