This afternoon the BC government announced its "BC COVID-19
Action Plan."
As part of its $5B package, the government is allotting $1.1B to
provide relief to workers. Specifically, as a boost to federal
funding, BC workers who are eligible for EI benefits (as a result
of lay-off; sickness; or eligibility through the new Emergency Care
Benefits and Emergency Support Benefits programs) will receive a
one-time $1,000 payment from the province. This includes BC workers
who are not normally eligible for EI benefits, such as those who
are self-employed (e.g independent contractors) and parents who are
unable to work due to school and daycare closures. The anticipated
payment date is May 2020.
