Prime Minister Trudeau and the federal government announced a slew of aid programs, totaling nearly $27 billion for workers and families. Here is a summary of the new supports announced today.

This article will be updated as more details emerge.

Emergency Care Benefit

This new benefit is designed to help workers who do not qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits. Workers, including the self-employed, who are sick, quarantined, have been ordered to self-isolate, or taking care of someone with COVID19 will be eligible to receive up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks. Working parents who must stay home without pay because of school closures are also eligible.

Emergency Support Benefit

This is another new benefit designed to support workers who are not eligible for EI and are facing unemployment. The benefit will deliver $5 billion to workers through the Canada Revenue Agency.

More specific details are not yet available.

Increase to GST Credit

Low and ‘modest’ income families will receive a larger Goods and Services Tax credit. The government says $5.5 billion will be injected into the economy through this initiative.



Boosting the Canada Child Benefit

The government is also boosting the Canada Child Benefit by $2 billion. The CCB is an existing benefit, which provides eligible families with a tax-free monthly payment to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. Parents receiving the benefit will notice a top-up on their usual CCB cheque.

Tax Deadline Extended

The tax filing deadline is being extended to June 1, with taxpayers being allowed to defer payment of any income tax until after August 31, 2020.

Wage Subsidy for Small Businesses

Eligible small businesses can receive a 10 percent wage subsidy, up to $25,000 per employer and $1,375 per employee. This subsidy is meant to help small businesses keep employees on their payroll. The temporary subsidy will be available for the next 90 days.

Moratorium on Canada Student Loans payments

The Prime Minister also announced a six-month moratorium on Canada Student Loan payments. Any individuals paying off these loans will now have an interest-free freeze on their payments.

Additional Funding for Homelessness

The federal government also announced an additional $157 million in funding for the Reaching Home program, Canada’s homelessness strategy.

Additional Funding for Women and Children Fleeing Abuse

There will also be $50 million in additional funding for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres. The assistance is meant to help these facilities that will be open for those who cannot self-isolate in abusive homes.

Cancel mortgage and rent payments during COVID19