Today the Government introduced Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit to help workers and businesses
Here’s the full press release and highlights below:
To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.
The CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
Additionally, workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19, would also qualify for the CERB. This would help businesses keep their employees as they navigate these difficult times, while ensuring they preserve the ability to quickly resume operations as soon as it becomes possible.
At this time, the government is anticipating a website portal for applications in early April and that cheques will be in hand ten days after applying.
Check back shortly as I’ll be blogging about provincial supports being announced and how to apply for them. As well as a blog on all the resources in one spot that you need to navigate your finances.
Please also join me for a free Facebook Live event this Friday at 3pm ET with FP Canada. https://www.facebook.com/events/566100227435536/