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September 2020

New TEMPORARY EI PROGRAMS

For CERB claimants who don’t qualify for the new EI benefits, which the CCPA estimates could be as many as two million people, they may be eligible to apply for three new temporary benefits. The three new benefits are called the Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit.

CANADA RECOVERY BENEFIT (CRB)
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is designed for workers who are self-employed or who are not eligible for EI but still require support. Valued at $500 for 26 weeks, the benefit is only provided to workers who haven’t returned to work due to COVID-19 or who have seen their income drop by at least 50 per cent. Those who apply for the CRB must be looking for work, and accept work “where it is reasonable to do so,” according to government criteria.

CANADA RECOVERY SICKNESS BENEFIT (CRSB)
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) is a new initiative that provides $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are sick or who must self-isolate due to COVID-19. Details on the benefit, including who is and is not eligible, remain slim, but the government describes the measure as a way to “ensure all Canadian workers have access to paid sick leave.”

CANADA RECOVERY CAREGIVING BENEFIT (CRCB)
Those who are unable to work because they need to care for a child under the age of 12 or family member because schools and daycares are closed are entitled to the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), a benefit of up to $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household. The benefit is also available for those caring for a child or family member who is sick and/or required to quarantine.

CERB IS OVER, NOW WHAT?

New temporary benefits – CERB is now ending and is being replaced with new Employment Insurance (EI) program. Canadians with 120 insurable hours—which equates to 3.5 weeks of work in the last 52 weeks—across Canada can apply and receive a taxable benefit at a rate of at least $500 per week, or $300 per week for extended parental benefits, for up to 26 weeks. If you are collection CERB you will automatically be transferred over to the new program

Gov’t Rolls Back Numbers In Ottawa

September 17, 2020 – Premier Doug Ford announced today, in consultation with Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health and local medical officers of health, has amended the Stage 3 rules for Ottawa (Toronto and Peel as well).   The new limits now in place are: 10 people at an indoor event or gathering (previous limit of 50); or25 people at an outdoor event or gathering (previous limit of 100).   Indoor and outdoor events and gatherings cannot be merged together. These are not accumulative and gatherings of 35 (25 outdoors and 10 indoors) are not permitted.   The new limits will not apply to events or gatherings held in staffed businesses and facilities, such as bars, restaurants, cinemas, convention centres or banquet halls, gyms, and recreational sporting or performing art events. Existing rules, including public health and workplace safety measures, for these businesses and facilities continue to be in effect.    The government will also be aggressive in fining organizers and individuals should the new limits be compromised. for organizers the fine is a minimum $10,000.00for individuals the fine is $ 650.00 each   It remains critically important for everyone to continue following public health advice. This includes: staying home when ill, or keeping your child home from school when ill, even with mild symptoms; practising physical distancing with those outside your household or social circle, or at gatherings; protecting your circle; wearing a face covering when physical distancing is a challenge or where it is mandatory to do so; washing your hands frequently and thoroughly; and adhering to gathering limits and rules.