Liberals rejig benefits for workers affected
by COVID-19
OTTAWA — The Liberals are repackaging two previously promised benefits
for Canadians whose working lives are disrupted by COVID-19, a change
that will almost double direct financial aid in the government's economic
plan to $52 billion.
Combining the two benefits into one will mean a $2,000-a-month payment
for up to four months to workers whose income drops to zero because of
the pandemic, including if they have been furloughed by their employers but
technically still have jobs.
Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the measure allows companies to
temporarily let go of workers to cut payroll costs but puts money in the
affected employees' pockets.
"Companies don't need to separate their employee from their company.
They just need to say, 'We can't pay you during this time period.' And when that
happens, there is a direct wage subsidy to people, to employees so that they can
actually live their lives," he said
"When this is done, they can go back to work for their employers and that we
think is critically important."
Affected workers would have to fill out an online application and meet a few
conditions to qualify.
It would apply to any affected workers between March 15 and Oct. 3.
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