It has now been six months since the COVID-19 pandemic was declared. In response to the pandemic, the federal government created a number of emergency programs for individuals and businesses. I would like to take this opportunity to provide an update on these emergency programs.
The last eligibility period for Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is at the end of September. CERB will not be extended, but instead will transition those still receiving the benefit to Employment Insurance (EI). For those who do not qualify for EI, there will be a transitional, parallel benefit available that is similar to EI. There will be no increase to EI premiums during this time. More details will be shared in the coming weeks.
As of July 5th, eligible employers who had any drop in revenue can now apply to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. To see if you qualify for these new changes, and to access the CEWS calculator, visit the Canada Revenue Agency’s website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency.html
The final eligibility period for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) is for the month of August. All applications for the CESB must be submitted before September 30th.
The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA) program has been extended to include the month of August.
Canadians with disabilities who qualify for either the Canada Pension Plan Disability, disability supports provided by Veterans Affairs Canada, or are holders of the Disability Tax credit Certificate, will get a one-time, tax-free payment of $600. These payments are expected to be issued this fall.
For further details and general information on COVID-19 visit www.canada.ca/coronavirus or call the COVID-19 Information Line at (833) 784-4397.
My offices remain open and ready to assist constituents by email, over the phone, or on my Facebook and Twitter accounts. You can reach me at (866) 878-5556, or at michael.chong@parl.gc.ca.
If you believe you have COVID-19 symptoms, please contact your health care provider, public health or Telehealth Ontario at (866) 797-0000.
To contact the Wellington County local public health unit, call: (800) 265-7293 ext.7006 (for health related questions) or ext. 4020 (for non-health related COVID-19 questions). Visit www.wdgpublichealth.ca for more information.
To contact the Halton Region local public health unit, call: 311 or visit www.halton.ca/For-Residents/Public-Health