The Canadian government is committing money and other forms of support to help Canadians during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has announced up to $27 billion dollars in direct support for individuals, families, and businesses.
Some supports are already available. Others will become available soon. Parliament is expected to reconvene next week to pass these new measures.
My staff have compiled a chart to assist you in determining which financial support programs you may be eligible for. We will continue to update this reference as more information becomes available.
Specific measures announced to date include:
EMPLOYMENT INSURANCE
Faster, easier access to EI for those forced to stay at home as well as workers who agree to reduce their hours through the EI Work Sharing Program
FLAT PAYMENTS TO CANADIANS
One-time flat payments to low- and modest-income families in May through the GST credit.
Flat payments to Canadians who are forced to stay home due to illness or supervising family members but who are ineligible for EI ($900 biweekly, up to 15 weeks)
POSTPONED PAYMENT DUE DATES FOR TAXES, LOANS, AND MORTGAGES
Later income tax filing date (Jun 1) for individuals, and ability for individuals and businesses to defer paying taxes until Aug 2020
6-month payment deferrals on Canada Student Loans and up to 6 month payment deferrals on mortgages
OTHER BENEFITS, SUBSIDIES, AND FUNDING
Emergency benefit for workers who are not eligible for EI but face unemployment
Wage subsidy payments to small businesses to help employers avoid laying off workers
Lower minimum required withdrawals from RRIFs (retirement funds) to help seniors maintain RRIF assets
Additional funding for specific groups, including Indigenous communities, Canadians who are homeless, and women and children fleeing violence
ECONOMIC STIMULUS
Significant economic stimulus actions by government and central bank to support flexibility with bank customers, facilitate continued lending to Canadians, enable continued access to credit for businesses, and support companies through loans, guarantees, and insurance policies.
Comments