December 2020

Canada's Wage Subsidy Programs | What You Need To Know

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January 20, 2025

Canada's wage subsidy program -there is a lot to know.
First of all, many are wondering: what's the difference between the 10% wage subsidy and the 75% subsidy?

It's a confusing time for everyone as we try and figure out the difference between the different subsidy programs. Here, we created a helpful guide to clear some things up. And the difference is:

What is the difference between the 10% wage subsidy and the 75% wage subsidy?

The eligibility for the 10% and the 75% subsidy differ. Small businesses can claim the 10% subsidy even if they do not report a drop in revenue.

For the time being, you can partake in the 10% subsidy, and when the application opens for the 75% subsidy, the benefit amount from the 10 percent wage subsidy for remuneration paid in a specific period will reduce the amount available to be claimed under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy in that same period.

Small businesses can apply for both the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (75%) and the 10% wage subsidy, however, if you are eligible and apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy benefit, the amount will be adjusted downward to account for any payments made through the 10% subsidy program.

Push will be enacting the 10% on eligible businesses that have filled out our 10% Wage Subsidy form here: Push | COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Confirmation Form

wage subsidy

Canada’s COVID-19 economic response plan -10% wage subsidiary.

In response to the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses, the Government of Canada is proposing to provide eligible small employers a temporary wage subsidy for a period of three months. The subsidy will be equal to 10% of the remuneration paid during that period, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.

Who is Eligible:

Here are the 4 types of qualifying Canadians: 

1. Employers benefiting from this measure will include corporations eligible for the small business deductions, as well as non-profit organizations and charities.

  • you are a non-profit organization, registered charity, or a Canadian-controlled private corporation (CCPC);
  • you have an existing business number and payroll program account with the CRA on March 18, 2020; and
  • you pay salary, wages, bonuses, or other remuneration to an employee.

2. Eligible businesses that pay remuneration to an employee, such as salary, wages, or taxable benefits, on or after March 18th and before June 20th, are permitted to reduce their remittances of federal, provincial, or territorial income tax by 10% of the remuneration paid. This measure is only applicable to remittances made to the CRA.

3. The wage subsidy is applicable per business number and it will only apply to businesses that are not closed or have paid salary, wages, bonuses or other remuneration to an employee between March 18 and June 20, 2020.

4. With that being said, you can still get the subsidy if you are paying payroll at the business you've closed. CRA doesn't look at whether or not you are open, they will base it on if you paid anyone during this time.

What to Expect:

  • Our team is currently working in-acting this in the most effective way.
  • In the meantime, if Push remits your taxes and your business is eligible and would like to take part in the wage subsidy program, please fill out this form: Push Operations | COVID-19 Temporary Wage Subsidy Confirmation Form
  • This feature has not been released yet. Once it is live, if you have approved payrun(s) on March 18th payday and onwards and we have already collected the 10%, we will retroactively reduce your remittance amount. You can expect a refund equal to the wage subsidy provided by the government shortly after we have released the update.
  • Push will continue to calculate taxes normally and employees will pay taxes normally however when Push remits to the government on your behalf, the amount we remit will be [remittance amount] - [10% of gross employees wages]. Employers can keep 10% of wages per employee, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.
  • Our team will be in contact with the individual who has filled out the form.

Canada's emergency wage subsidy (CEWS) - 75% wage subsidy.

In an effort to keep our clients as informed as possible, we have gathered a few preparation tips for you as we anticipate further details from the government before the application portal opens. Please note: Push Operations will not be handling this subsidy.To help you take action quickly when the portal is live, here are some tips that can help you streamline the requirement process:

What is Canada's emergency wage subsidy (CEWRB)?

In response to the effects of COVID-19 on small businesses, the Government of Canada is proposing The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy for businesses with a decrease of at least 30% revenue. This will provide a 75 percent wage subsidy to eligible employers for up to 12 weeks, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

Who is eligible for CEWRB?

  • This subsidy will be available to eligible employers that see a drop of at least 30 percent of their revenue (see Eligible Periods).
  • Employers will be required to attest to the decline in revenue.
  • An employer's revenue for this purpose will be its revenue from its business carried on in Canada earned from arm’s-length sources.
  • Revenue will be calculated using the employer’s normal accounting method and will exclude revenues from extraordinary items and amounts on account of capital.

What are the eligibility periods for CEWRB?

  • Period 1: March 15 – April 11; March 2020 over March 2019
  • Period 2: April 12 – May 9; April 2020 over April 2019
  • Period 3: May 10 – June 6; May 2020 over May 2019


How can I prepare?

  • Collect your sales percentages (from POS or our integration) from last year to ensure it’s down by the appropriate percentage (at least 30%), in case the government requires supporting documents and info through the portal.
  • You may be asked for records that demonstrate your reduction in arm’s-length revenues and remuneration paid to employees. More details about the application process will be made available shortly.

How to apply:

  • Eligible employers will be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy through the Canada Revenue Agency’s My Business Account portal.
  • To speed up your application and payment process, make sure your direct deposit is set up on your CRA account.
  • For details on how to sign up for direct deposit on CRA as a business, click here.
Please Note: Push will not be handling the 75% Emergency Wage Subsidy, but we will be able to calculate the 10% Temporary Wage subsidy. To confirm that you want to proceed with the 10% subsidy in your existing Push account, please email contact@pushoperations.com. Push will not be handling any eligibility requirements and will not provide reconciliation services between the 10% and 75% subsidies.

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The food and hospitality industry is entering a transformative era in 2024 — driven by consumer demand for transparency, health, environmental responsibility, and a touch of culinary innovation. Diners are more informed, adventurous, and values-driven than ever before. Whether it’s a craving for Korean-BBQ tacos, gut-friendly mocktails, or carbon-labeled menus, today’s customers are embracing trends that combine personal wellness with global consciousness.

For restaurant owners and foodservice managers, keeping pace with the latest food trends is more than a matter of creativity — it’s a necessity for profitability and long-term success. This guide explores the top food trends for 2024, from plant-based innovations to tech-forward sustainability practices, and how operators can successfully integrate them into their businesses.

Let’s dig into what’s trending, what your customers want, and how your restaurant can stay ahead.

What Are the Top Food Trends for 2024?

Here’s a snapshot of the most impactful food trends shaping menus and operations in 2024:

  • Plant-based innovations – Beyond tofu: think cultivated meats, mushroom mycelium, and chickpea-based seafood substitutes.
  • Climate-conscious menus – Locally sourced, low-waste, and forward-thinking menus aligned with environmental responsibility.
  • Functional wellness foods – Ingredients that support mood, energy, and immunity are being infused into dishes and drinks.
  • Tech-driven dining experiences – AI tools, robotics, and smart systems are elevating back-of-house efficiency and customer-facing dining.
  • Global flavor fusions – Mashups of regional cuisines (like Indian-Mexican or Korean-South American) offer novelty and richness.

Why Do Restaurant Owners Need to Pay Attention to Food Trends?

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  • Consumer demand is shifting: According to the National Restaurant Association’s 2024 Culinary Forecast, over 70% of diners say they actively seek healthier, more sustainable options when dining out.
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  • Increased brand loyalty: Restaurants that align with customer values — health, ethics, innovation — earn trust, repeat visits, and social shares.
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  • Operational agility: Trend-oriented kitchens are quicker to pivot when supply chains shift, diets evolve, or digital preferences change.
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Which Foods Are Trending This Year Across the U.S.?

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Rise of Plant-Based Food Trends

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  • Cultivated meats: Also known as lab-grown meats, these are becoming mainstream. Brands like UPSIDE Foods and GOOD Meat are breaking into U.S. markets with chicken grown from animal cells in controlled environments.
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  • Mycoproteins & legumes: Derived from fungi or pulses, protein-rich alternatives like tempeh, jackfruit, and lupin are being used creatively in tacos, BBQ ribs, and seafood analogs.
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  • Mainstream adoption: Major chains like Burger King and Chipotle continue expanding plant-forward menus, while independents offer bold meatless dishes with flavor-forward sauces, global spices, and satisfying textures.
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Healthy Food Trends for 2024

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  • Gut health focus: Probiotic-rich dishes (kimchi grilled cheese or sourdough naan wraps) and fermented sides are on the rise.
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  • Lower-sugar desserts: Sweet treats are being reimagined with monk fruit, dates, and other low-glycemic ingredients.
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  • Immunity boosters: Menus highlight ingredients like turmeric, ginger, vitamin C, and zinc through smoothies, teas, and power bowls.
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  • Clean-label commitment: Consumers are studying ingredient lists, preferring dishes with wholesome, recognizable components.
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Functional Foods and Beverages

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  • Nootropic-infused drinks: Beverages powered by L-theanine or functional mushrooms cater to focus and calm.
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  • Adaptogenic add-ons: Herbs like ashwagandha, maca, and rhodiola are finding their way into smoothies, lattes, and sauces.
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  • Wellness cocktails: Mixed drinks sans alcohol — but heavy on health — promote detox and energy, flavored with botanicals and natural extracts like spirulina, matcha, and activated charcoal.
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How Are Sustainable Food Trends Shaping the Industry?

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From Menu to Sourcing: The Push Toward Sustainability

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  • Local and seasonal sourcing: Supporting nearby farms reduces emissions, ensures freshness, and appeals to community-minded consumers.
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  • Zero-waste operations: Chefs are using root-to-stem cooking, fermentation for food preservation, and creative uses for scraps in sauces or stocks.
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  • Eco-conscious packaging: Compostable containers, reusable to-go kits, and edible cutlery are disrupting traditional takeout models.
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Tech and Innovation in Sustainable Dining

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  • Carbon labeling: Climate impact scores on menus help customers make informed dining decisions, much like calorie counts.
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  • AI-driven inventory management: Tools optimize ordering patterns, reducing spoilage and overstock-related waste.
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  • Vertical farming & hydroponic setups: Onsite or bordered supply chains shorten the farm-to-table journey.
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What Is the Most Popular Food Trend Right Now?

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While many trends are gaining traction, one standout in 2024 is the rise of global comfort fusion — particularly dishes that marry traditional comfort food with spicy, umami-rich flavors.

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  • Korean-Mexican cuisine: Think birria bulgogi tacos or kimchi queso.
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  • Indian-South American mashups: Curried empanadas or tandoori arepas are headline grabbers.
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  • TikTok’s viral influence: Trends like \“chili crisp eggs\” or \“pickle sushi\” are being adapted on local menus, proving that social virality turns into real-world demand.
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How Social Media Is Driving Food Trend Adoption

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Role of Social Media in Accelerating Food Fads

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  • Influencer credibility: A single post from a viral chef or creator can spark national interest in a dish.
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  • Hashtag virality: Foods labeled #ButterBoard or #WaterTok evolve into week-long waitlists and menu must-haves.
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  • User-generated content: Diners love documenting quirky, beautiful, or “you’ve-never-seen-this-before” dishes to share online.
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Leveraging Food Trends for Restaurant Marketing

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  • Seasonal menus & pop-ups: Limited-time offerings based on trending foods motivate urgency and trial.
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  • Social callouts: Encourage diners to tag, post, or review your trend-forward menu items.
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  • Reels and behind-the-scenes content: Show viewers where your ingredients come from or how a niche global dish is made.
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Global and Fusion Food Trends to Watch

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  • Japanese-Peruvian (Nikkei) flavors: Featuring citrusy ceviches with umami-rich miso and soy glazes.
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  • West African influences: Dishes using jollof rice, egusi stew, or fonio grain paired with plant-based elements.
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  • Filipino-American blends: Adobo-braised brisket sandwiches or ube milkshakes have mainstream momentum.
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Tips for Implementing 2024 Food Trends in Your Restaurant

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  • Test with limited-time offers (LTOs): Introduce a trending ingredient as a weekly special or seasonal dish to measure interest.
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  • Survey your customers: Use email lists or POS systems to gather input on potential additions.
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  • Train your staff: Equip them with the knowledge and enthusiasm to explain functional or sustainable items.
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  • Work with specialized suppliers: Align with local farmers, health-focused vendors, or zero-waste packaging providers for smoother execution.
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Final Thoughts: Stay Ahead of the Curve with 2024’s Food Trends

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Adapting to food trends in 2024 isn’t about chasing every new idea — it’s about identifying the trends that align with your market, values, and culinary identity. Plant-based options, sustainability, global flavors, and wellness-centric dining aren’t just appealing — they’re economically vital.

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Restaurants that act early — leveraging data, culture, and digital ecosystems — will attract today’s health-conscious, eco-aware diner and become tomorrow’s industry leaders.

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Ready to Lead the Industry with Smarter Menu Strategies?

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2024 promises bold innovations in food — and your restaurant can thrive by embracing the right trends. Whether you’re scaling functional drinks, reducing kitchen waste, or jumping on the next viral fusion dish, the right tools can help you act faster and smarter.

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Subscribe to the Push blog for expert insights on restaurant operations, emerging food trends, and next-gen hospitality technology. Stay ahead — serve success.

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Internal Links

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External Sources

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  • National Restaurant Association 2024 Culinary Forecast
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  • Technomic’s 2024 Foodservice Trends Report
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  • Mintel Functional Food Trends Analysis 2024
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