Since our last update on April 21, 2020, a number of significant
changes have been announced to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
("CEWS"). As our regular readers are likely already
aware, the CEWS is intended to allow employers facing financial
challenges to keep employees on payroll and recall those employees
who have already been laid off as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic
– even if unable to actively perform work for the employer.
The CEWS was initially made available for a period of 12 weeks,
ending June 30, 2020, with the potential for further CEWS claim
periods to be added by regulation until September 20, 2020.
On May 15, 2020, it was announced that the CEWS would be
initially extended to August 29, 2020. The Federal government has
now proposed a further extension of the CEWS through December 19,
2020 and made certain changes to the program, in part easing
eligibility criteria for employers.
