Since the start of the pandemic, the Canadian government rolled out a number of programs and initiatives to assist Canadians with navigating COVID-19.
As the world around us changes, some of the COVID-19 benefit programs are being revised or extended to ensure that those who need them continue to receive assistance.
The following are some of the changes:
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Amendments, deadlines, and extensions for individuals and businesses
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS), and Lockdown Support
programs all ended on October 23, 2021. The federal government is replacing these three programs with two new ones to continue assisting Canadians affected by COVID-19.
The two new recovery programs began on October 24, 2021, and will run through May 7, 2022. These are the new recovery programs:
The Hardest Hit Business Recovery Program and the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program
More details on these two new programs, including when and how to apply, will be available soon.
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Changes to the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The following changes have been made to both the CRSB and the CRCB:
- The CRSB and CRCB have been extended till the 7th of May, 2022.
- Recipients are now eligible for an additional two weeks of benefits:
- You can now claim up to 6 weeks for the CRSB (the previous limit was 4 weeks),
- and up to 44 weeks for the CRCB (the previous limit is 42 weeks).
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Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) replaces Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
The CWLB will take the place of the CRB, with the same benefits. As long as their job was disrupted by a government-imposed public health lockdown, eligible individuals will continue to receive the same $300 each week.
Keep in mind that if a worker is eligible for both the CWLB and EI, they cannot claim both benefits at the same time. Also, if a worker loses their job as a result of refusing to comply with vaccine regulations, they will not be eligible for this benefit.
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New Extension on the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
Until May 7, 2022, the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP) has been extended. Employers who have lost more than 10% of their revenue are eligible to apply.
This program is done on a period-by-period basis, with each period lasting around four weeks. Because the CRHP overlaps with the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), this program starts at period 17 rather than period 1.
Applicants can also apply for the CEWS claim periods by meeting the CRHP’s eligibility standards.
If you have questions regarding how COVID-19 relief measures may affect you, or if you want to plan and file your taxes but do not know where to begin, contact IDM Professional Corporation CPA.
