Prime Minister Trudeau has provided further information
regarding the federal government's response to the COVID-19
pandemic, including updates to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
("CEWS") program.
The CEWS program has seen a number of adjustments since its
original announcement, including a lower eligibility threshold for
the March eligibility period and an alternative eligibility
threshold to allow recently-formed businesses to qualify for
subsidies. On April 21, 2020, the government launched a CEWS
"calculator" on the CRA's website to
allow employers determine their eligibility and expected subsidy
payments. Prime Minister Trudeau also announced that CEWS
applications will open online on Monday, April 27, 2020. The CEWS
will be processed at the payroll program (RP) account level, and
employers will therefore be required to file a separate application
for each RP account.
