Canada: Federal Jurisdiction Update: Expanded Access To Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Earlier today the government of Canada announced expanded access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This includes eligibility for:

• Employees who continue to work but earn less than $1000 per month, including contract or gig workers;
• Individuals whose EI benefits ran out as of January 1, 2020; and
• Seasonal workers who will not be working because of COVID-19.

The government further indicated coming announcements for students and small business that are struggling to pay commercial rent.

The announcement raises important questions. For example, there was no clarification with respect to whether wages paid to an employee who earns less than $1000 per month and is in receipt of the CERB would be eligible for the previously announced wage subsidy. Employers are encouraged to receive individual advice with respect to the potential application of any of the benefits announced by governments of all levels in response to COVID-19.

The team at CCPartners will continue to monitor the situation and update our readers and listeners through our COVID-19 blog and podcast series.

JUST ANNOUNCED:  Join us on Tuesday, April 21^st at 1:00 p.m. as we team up with MNP to answer all your COVID-19 workplace issues in our interactive webinar. Register HERE.

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