On April 8, 2020, the federal government disclosed updated
eligibility and coverage information on its proposed Canada
Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), the preliminary details of which
were introduced in announcements made on March 27, 2020,
March 30, 2020, and
April 1, 2020. The details of this program are continuing to
evolve as the minority Liberal government consults with opposition
parties on draft legislation that will need to be approved by
Parliament in order to give the CEWS legal effect. Below is a
summary of the details for the proposed CEWS as of April 8,
2020.
Employer Eligibility
The CEWS would be available to a broad swath of employers,
including individuals, taxable corporations, and partnerships
consisting of eligible employers as well as non‑profit
organizations and registered charities. However, the CEWS will not
be available to public bodies, including municipalities, Crown
corporations, public universities, colleges, schools and
hospitals.
