COVID-19 Update: Government Of Canada Further Extends The CERB, Changes EI Program And Proposes Three New Worker Benefits

On August 20, 2020, the Government of Canada announced an extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) by an additional 4 weeks for eligible workers, together with changes to the Employment Insurance (EI) program. The Government of Canada also intends to introduce legislation to create 3 new recovery benefits for workers unable to work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects.

The information below is taken from the Government's August 20 News Release and accompanying Backgrounder, with the changes to the EI program made under Interim Order No. 7 Amending the Employment Insurance Act (Employment Insurance Emergency Response Benefit). It is expected that the legislation creating the new recovery benefits will be introduced shortly.