NEWS RELEASE
CHARLIE ANGUS, MP TIMMINS-JAMES BAY
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Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, MP Charlie Angus’s constituency offices have been very busy helping people navigate government programs and getting them aid they need. Now, as the Canadian Government begins to wind down Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), Angus’s offices are stand ready to help with any issues the people Timmins-James Bay have with this transition.
“There is a lot of anxiety out there. Every day we hear from people who are worried about what will happen once CERB runs out. Now as we move away from CERB, we stand ready to ensure that this new system will work for people and that no one gets left behind.”
Last week, the Canadian Government announced that as of Sept. 27 the CERB will be coming to an end and will be replaced by a revamped Employment Insurance (EI) program as well as a number of new income support benefits.
In preparation for this transition the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended by an additional four weeks to a maximum of 28 weeks. This means that for the many Canadians expecting to exhaust their CERB benefits at the end of August, they will now be able to access an additional month of support.
EI will now be made available for more Canadians, including those who would not have qualified for EI in the past. Those receiving EI will be eligible for a taxable benefit rate of at least $400 per week, or $240 per week for extended parental benefits, and regular benefits will be accessible for a minimum duration of 26 weeks.
The government will also freeze the EI insurance premium rates for two years, so Canadian workers and businesses will not face immediate increases to costs and payroll deductions due to the additional expenses resulting from the pandemic.
Additionally, the Canadian Government is also proposing implement three new benefits:
- The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will provide $400 per week for up to 26 weeks, to workers who are self-employed or are not eligible for EI and who still require income support and who are available and looking for work. This benefit will support Canadians whose income has dropped or not returned due to COVID-19. The benefit will allow Canadians to earn more income while on claim as well as include links to Job Bank, Canada’s national employment service, with career planning tools for those seeking employment.
- The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500 per week for up to two weeks, for workers who are sick or must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19.
- The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household, for eligible Canadians unable to work because they must care for:
- a child under age 12 due to the closures of schools or daycares because of COVID-19.
- a family member with a disability or a dependent because their day program or care facility is closed due to COVID-19.
- a child, a family member with a disability, or a dependent who is not attending school, daycare, or other care facilities under the advice of a medical professional due to being at high-risk if they contract COVID-19.
“New Democrats fought hard to ensure that you and your family, small businesses, and students received the help they needed to ensure that we dealt with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we move into this next phase be assured that me and my team will be there for you. These programs are not yet set is stone and be sure that I will be working hard to make sure that these changes meet the needs of you and your family.”
The new program will begin in mid-September.
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