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.
