Ottawa, ON, Sept. 30, 2020 – Equestrian Canada (EC) would like to notify the community of a resumption of normal business hours after a partial recovery from the initial financial impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

On June 16, 2020, EC announced proactive measures enacted in light of an anticipated loss of gross revenue of approximately 50% for 2020. Actions included a reduction of the work week to four days and freezes on expenses such as travel, salary increases and new hires.

With assistance from government relief programs such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and Sport Support Program, along with the resumption of some EC sanctioned competitions on July 1, 2020, EC has partially reduced of the anticipated loss of gross revenue, allowing for the gradual rebuilding of staff capacity for the remainder of 2020.

Effective immediately, the full five-day (37.5 hour) work week will resume for all staff. EC hours will resume on Fridays, with staff continuing to work remotely. While the financial losses due to the pandemic have not been fully recouped, employee health and welfare is a top priority and EC is pleased to support its staff returning to a full work week at this time.

Additionally, the hiring freeze has been lifted for critical vacant positions. Job openings will be posted at www.equestrian.ca/about/about as they become available.

The senior management team will continue to monitor EC’s financial position and seek further options for financial support with the aim of returning to full operational capacity as soon as financially viable.

Questions regarding EC’s operations during the COVID-19 pandemic can be directed to EC Communications Coordinator, Caroline Soble, at csoble@equestrian.ca.

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