Last updated: Nov 30 4:20 pm PST
FINANCIAL SUPPORT QUESTIONS & INFORMATION
SUPPORT FOR INDIVIDUALS
Employment Insurance
Temporary changes have been made to the Employment Insurance (EI) program to better support Canadians looking for work.
As of September 27, you may be eligible for EI if you:
- were employed for at least 120 insurable hours in the past 52 weeks
- received the CERB, the 52 week period to accumulate insured hours will be extended
- stopped working through no fault of your own
- have not quit your job voluntarily
- are ready, willing and capable of working each day (EI regular benefits)
- are temporarily unable to work while you care for someone else or yourself (EI maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care, and family caregiver benefits)
If you are eligible for EI benefits, you will receive a minimum taxable benefit at a rate of $500 per week, or $300 per week for extended parental benefits.
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
The CRB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have stopped working or had their income reduced by at least 50% due to COVID-19, and who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE CRB: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit/crb-how-apply.html
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The CRSB provides $500 per week for up to a maximum of two weeks, for workers who:
- Are unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they contracted COVID-19
- Are self-isolated for reasons related to COVID-19
- have underlying conditions, are undergoing treatments or have contracted other sicknesses that, in the opinion of a medical practitioner, nurse practitioner, person in authority, government or public health authority, would make them more susceptible to COVID-19.
CLICK HERE FROM MORE INFORMATION ON THE CRSB: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-sickness-benefit/crsb-how-apply.html
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The CRCB provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for workers:
- unable to work for at least 50% of the week because they must care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools, day-cares or care facilities are closed due to COVID-19
- because the child or family member is sick and/or required to quarantine or is at high risk of serious health implications because of COVID-19.
CLICK HERE FROM MORE INFORMATION ON THE CRCB: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit/crcb-how-apply.html
To access information on supports available from the Province of BC, please click here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
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Find COVID-19 support and other programs and services. |
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
This program covers up to 65% of an employee’s wages for qualifying eligible employers, with this subsidy rate in effect until December 19, 2020.
The wage subsidy supports you to keep and re-hire your employees and avoid layoffs.
The CEWS is available until June 2021.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html
Extending Work-Sharing program
The Government of Canada is Implementing the EI Work Sharing Program, which provides EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers, by extending the eligibility of such agreements to 76 weeks, easing eligibility requirements, and streamlining the application process.
Click here to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/apply.html
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provides interest-free, partially forgivable, loans of up to $40,000, to small businesses and not-for-profits, that have experienced diminished revenues due to COVID-19 but face ongoing non-deferrable costs, such as rent, utilities, insurance, taxes and wages.
Business owners can apply for support until December 31, 2020 through their banks and credit unions.
The government has also recently proposed to expand the CEBA to include an additional interest-free $20,000 loan, 50% of which would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. Details for the expanded program will be announced soon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://ceba-cuec.ca/
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides a direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65% of eligible expenses to qualifying businesses, charities and non-profits. The subsidy rates are in effect until December 19, 2020. This support is available directly to tenants.
Lockdown Support
Qualifying organizations that have been significantly restricted by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority can receive an additional 25% of rent support through the Lockdown Support.
The combined effect of the rent subsidy and the Lockdown Support is that hard-hit businesses, non-profits and charities subject to a lockdown can receive rent support of up to 90%.
The rent subsidy and the Lockdown Support are available until June 2021.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy.html
The Government of Canada is Implementing the EI Work Sharing Program, which provides EI benefits to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hour as a result of developments beyond the control of their employers, by extending the eligibility of such agreements to 76 weeks, easing eligibility requirements, and streamlining the application process.
Click here to apply: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/apply.html
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
The Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) provides interest-free, partially forgivable, loans of up to $40,000, to small businesses and not-for-profits, that have experienced diminished revenues due to COVID-19 but face ongoing non-deferrable costs, such as rent, utilities, insurance, taxes and wages.
Business owners can apply for support until December 31, 2020 through their banks and credit unions.
The government has also recently proposed to expand the CEBA to include an additional interest-free $20,000 loan, 50% of which would be forgivable if repaid by December 31, 2022. Details for the expanded program will be announced soon.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://ceba-cuec.ca/
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides a direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65% of eligible expenses to qualifying businesses, charities and non-profits. The subsidy rates are in effect until December 19, 2020. This support is available directly to tenants.
Lockdown Support
Qualifying organizations that have been significantly restricted by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority can receive an additional 25% of rent support through the Lockdown Support.
The combined effect of the rent subsidy and the Lockdown Support is that hard-hit businesses, non-profits and charities subject to a lockdown can receive rent support of up to 90%.
The rent subsidy and the Lockdown Support are available until June 2021.
FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO APPLY: https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy.html
To access information on supports available from the Province of BC, please click here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support
TRAVEL QUESTIONS
Government of Canada introduces further restrictions on international travel
The Government of Canada announced new rules on international travel, in addition to the multi-layered approach on COVID-19 already in place.
The government and Canada’s airlines have agreed to suspend all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries until April 30, 2021. This will be in effect as of January 31, 2021.
Further, effective midnight (11:59 PM EST) February 3, 2021, in addition to proof of a negative pre-departure test, Transport Canada will expand the existing international flight restrictions which funnel scheduled international commercial passenger flights into four Canadian airports: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.
The new restrictions will include scheduled commercial passenger flights arriving from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America, which were exempted from the previous restriction.
Private/Business and charter flights from all countries will also be required to land at the four airports. Flights from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and cargo-only flights will remain exempt.
As soon as possible in the coming weeks, all air travellers arriving in Canada, with very limited exceptions, must reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for three nights at their own cost, and take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival at their own cost.
More details will be available in the coming days.
The Government of Canada will introduce a 72-hour pre-arrival testing requirement (molecular test) for travellers seeking entry in land mode, with limited exceptions such as commercial truckers. In addition, we continue to collaborate with partners in the United States to strengthen our border measures and keep our countries safe.
LINK: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2021/01/government-of-canada-introduces-further-restrictions-on-international-travel.html
The government and Canada’s airlines have agreed to suspend all flights to and from Mexico and Caribbean countries until April 30, 2021. This will be in effect as of January 31, 2021.
Further, effective midnight (11:59 PM EST) February 3, 2021, in addition to proof of a negative pre-departure test, Transport Canada will expand the existing international flight restrictions which funnel scheduled international commercial passenger flights into four Canadian airports: Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Calgary International Airport, and Vancouver International Airport.
The new restrictions will include scheduled commercial passenger flights arriving from the United States, Mexico, Central America, the Caribbean and South America, which were exempted from the previous restriction.
Private/Business and charter flights from all countries will also be required to land at the four airports. Flights from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon and cargo-only flights will remain exempt.
As soon as possible in the coming weeks, all air travellers arriving in Canada, with very limited exceptions, must reserve a room in a Government of Canada-approved hotel for three nights at their own cost, and take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival at their own cost.
More details will be available in the coming days.
The Government of Canada will introduce a 72-hour pre-arrival testing requirement (molecular test) for travellers seeking entry in land mode, with limited exceptions such as commercial truckers. In addition, we continue to collaborate with partners in the United States to strengthen our border measures and keep our countries safe.
LINK: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2021/01/government-of-canada-introduces-further-restrictions-on-international-travel.html
Canada-U.S. border restrictions
Temporary border restrictions on entry into Canada continue.
There are many factors that come into play when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is determining if you are permitted to enter Canada.
It is important to note that the final determination is made by a border services officer at the port of entry.
They base their decision on the information presented to them at the time of entry into Canada.
In addition to the temporary entry restriction in place due to COVID-19, you must meet the entry requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and provide appropriate travel and immigration documentation.
A Border Services Officer will deny you entry unless you are:
LINK TO BORDER SERVICES: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/bis-sif-eng.html
LINK TO COMPLETE TRAVEL INFORMATION: https://travel.gc.ca/covid-19-travel
Temporary border restrictions on entry into Canada continue.
There are many factors that come into play when Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is determining if you are permitted to enter Canada.
It is important to note that the final determination is made by a border services officer at the port of entry.
They base their decision on the information presented to them at the time of entry into Canada.
In addition to the temporary entry restriction in place due to COVID-19, you must meet the entry requirements under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and provide appropriate travel and immigration documentation.
A Border Services Officer will deny you entry unless you are:
- a Canadian citizen
- a permanent resident of Canada
- a temporary resident of Canada
- a protected person (refugee status)
- a person registered under the Indian Act or
- a foreign national with a non-discretionary (non-optional) reason to travel to Canada
LINK TO BORDER SERVICES: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/contact/bis-sif-eng.html
LINK TO COMPLETE TRAVEL INFORMATION: https://travel.gc.ca/covid-19-travel
GENERAL COVD-19 QUESTIONS
How do I prevent and prepare for COVID-19?
The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
To help reduce your risk of infection:
More information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/prevention
The most important thing you can do to prevent infection is to wash your hands regularly and avoid touching your face.
To help reduce your risk of infection:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Using soap and water is the single most effective way of reducing the spread of infection.
- If a sink is not available, alcohol based hand rubs (ABHR) can be used to clean your hands as long as they are not visibly soiled. If they are visibly soiled, use a wipe and then ABHR to effectively clean them.
- Do not touch your face, eyes, nose or mouth with unwashed hands.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a disposable tissue or the crease of your elbow when you sneeze or cough.
- Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
- Do not share food, drinks, utensils, etc.
More information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/prevention
What should I do if I think I have symptoms or think I may have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19?
BC COVID-19 SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL: https://bc.thrive.health/
This self-assessment tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, will help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
The BC Centre for Disease Control has outlined additional steps to take here:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/if-you-are-sick
BC COVID-19 SELF ASSESSMENT TOOL: https://bc.thrive.health/
This self-assessment tool, developed with the BC Ministry of Health, will help determine whether you may need further assessment or testing for COVID-19.
You can complete this assessment for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, if they are unable to.
The BC Centre for Disease Control has outlined additional steps to take here:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/about-covid-19/if-you-are-sick
Is it okay to attend public gatherings?
All event organizers are ordered to limit all public gatherings larger than 50 people. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings or other similar events.
This threshold has been selected, as it is much easier to maintain important social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
More Information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/event-planning
All event organizers are ordered to limit all public gatherings larger than 50 people. This includes indoor and outdoor sporting events, conferences, meetings, religious gatherings or other similar events.
This threshold has been selected, as it is much easier to maintain important social distancing to prevent transmission of COVID-19.
More Information:
http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/event-planning
Where can I get the most up to date information on the coronavirus (COVID-19) and actions being taken to protect the health of British Columbians?
For the most up to date information locally including current situation, risk, cases and testing, prevention, etc. please visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
Additional information can be found on the Government of Canada’s website here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
For the most up to date information locally including current situation, risk, cases and testing, prevention, etc. please visit: http://www.bccdc.ca/health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19
Additional information can be found on the Government of Canada’s website here: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html
Should you have questions or concerns not answered here, please contact my office at Dan.Albas@parl.gc.ca or at 1-800-665-8711.
My team and I will do our best to direct you to the correct resource.
My team and I will do our best to direct you to the correct resource.