Guide

Published09 November 2020

COVID-19: Canadian federal economic support for individuals

Current as of November 9, 2020.

minute read

Kate Yurkovich

Associate

Heather Fisher

Associate

Tom Cumming

Partner

Geneviève Cloutier

Partner

Leader, Restructuring & Insolvency Group (Canada)

See all authors

Economic Support for Individuals

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On March 18, 2020 the Government of Canada announced the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan.

Following an emergency recall of the House of Commons, the government's Bill C-13, An Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19 received Royal Assent on March 25, 2020. The resulting COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, SC 2020, c 5, implements the COVID-19 Economic Response Plan and includes the measures noted below.

On April 11, 2020 the Finance Minister introduced in Parliament Bill C-14, A second Act respecting certain measures in response to COVID-19.The Bill received Royal Assent on the same day. The resulting Emergency Response Act, No. 2, SC 2020, c 6 includes additional flexibilities with regard to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, outlined below. See the Department of Finance's April 11, 2020 news release on Bill C-14 here.

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
Department of Finance
Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA)
Crown-indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada
Employment and Social Development Canada
Global Affairs Canada
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Women and Gender Equality Canada
Indigenous Services Canada

Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)

The "Find financial help during COVID-19" web-based benefits finder tool
DESCRIPTION	The "Find financial help during COVID-19" benefits finder is a tool that helps people living in Canada determine which government benefits programs best meet their needs. Through answering a few questions online, individuals will be provided with information on benefit programs available them federally, provincially, and territorially, as applicable. The tool was developed by the Canadian Digital Service with Employment and Social Development Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY
LINKS	See the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat news release dated May 22, 2020 here.

The "Find financial help during COVID-19" web-based benefits finder tool

DESCRIPTION

The "Find financial help during COVID-19" benefits finder is a tool that helps people living in Canada determine which government benefits programs best meet their needs.

Through answering a few questions online, individuals will be provided with information on benefit programs available them federally, provincially, and territorially, as applicable.

The tool was developed by the Canadian Digital Service with Employment and Social Development Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

LINKS

See the Treasury Board of Canada Secretariat news release dated May 22, 2020 here.

Filing and Payment Deferrals
DESCRIPTION	Individuals: Filing date for the 2019 tax year has been extended to Jun 1, 2020, with payments due on September 1, 2020. Self-Employed: While the filing date for the 2019 tax year remains June 15, 2020, the payment date has been extended to September 1, 2020.
LINKS	Also see the Department of Finance's Press Release dated March 18, 2020 here.

Filing and Payment Deferrals

DESCRIPTION

Individuals: Filing date for the 2019 tax year has been extended to Jun 1, 2020, with payments due on September 1, 2020.

Self-Employed: While the filing date for the 2019 tax year remains June 15, 2020, the payment date has been extended to September 1, 2020.

LINKS

Also see the Department of Finance's Press Release dated March 18, 2020 here.

Taxpayer Relief Requests
DESCRIPTION	Taxpayers who are unable to file a return or make a payment by the tax-filing and payment deadlines because of COVID-19 can request the cancellation of penalty and interest charged to their account. Penalties and interest will not be charged if the new deadlines that the government has announced to tax-filing and payments are met.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	To submit a request for relief, the CRA recommends that taxpayers use Form RC4288, Request for Taxpayer Relief –Cancel or Waive Penalties or Interest
LINKS	See the Department of Finance's Additional Support for Canadian Businesses webpage here See the CRA's Taxpayer Relief Provisions webpage here

Taxpayer Relief Requests

DESCRIPTION

Taxpayers who are unable to file a return or make a payment by the tax-filing and payment deadlines because of COVID-19 can request the cancellation of penalty and interest charged to their account. Penalties and interest will not be charged if the new deadlines that the government has announced to tax-filing and payments are met.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

To submit a request for relief, the CRA recommends that taxpayers use Form RC4288, Request for Taxpayer Relief –Cancel or Waive Penalties or Interest

LINKS

See the Department of Finance's Additional Support for Canadian Businesses webpage here

See the CRA's Taxpayer Relief Provisions webpage here

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
DESCRIPTION	The CERB will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to individuals facing unemployment as a direct result of COVID-19. The CERB is an alternative to Employment Insurance (EI), and cannot be sought in conjunction with EI. Receipt of the CERB will not reduce subsequent eligibility for regular EI if the employee exhausts the 4 months. Similarly, employees who are already receiving/have applied for EI and whose EI benefits end before October 3, 2020 could apply for the CERB once their EI benefits cease, if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	On June 16, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the extension of the CERB for eight weeks. Canadians out of work will continue to receive $2000 a month until the end of the summer. The Prime Minister said the reality is that many Canadians will still be looking for jobs as the economy begins to reopen. Prior to this, the Government of Canada expanded eligibility for CERB on April 15, 2020. The CERB is available to workers who meet all of the following conditions: live in Canada and are at least 15 years old stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits have not voluntarily quit their job had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application. The changes to eligibility now: Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB. Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19. These changes will be retroactive to March 15, 2020 The continued receipt of employer benefits does not disentitle an employee to the CERB. The CERB program launched on April 6, 2020. To help manage the volume of applications anticipated, applicants will be asked to apply over four days depending on their month of birth. Canadians using direct deposit can expect their payment in 3-5 business days following application. Canadians looking for more information about CERB, or those who are unable to apply online have been directed to call the toll-free line at: 1-833-966-2099 CERB will be extended by an additional four weeks, providing a new maximum of up to 28 weeks of benefits, effective September 27, 2020
LINKS	See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on CERB, updated April 15, 2020 here See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 6, 2020 here. See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 1, 2020 here. See the Government of Canada's backgrounder on the CERB program here. See the Government of Canada's CERB webpage here. See also Gowling WLGs Article COVID-19: Canadian Tax Relief here.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

DESCRIPTION

The CERB will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to 4 months to individuals facing unemployment as a direct result of COVID-19.

The CERB is an alternative to Employment Insurance (EI), and cannot be sought in conjunction with EI.

Receipt of the CERB will not reduce subsequent eligibility for regular EI if the employee exhausts the 4 months. Similarly, employees who are already receiving/have applied for EI and whose EI benefits end before October 3, 2020 could apply for the CERB once their EI benefits cease, if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

On June 16, 2020, the Government of Canada announced the extension of the CERB for eight weeks. Canadians out of work will continue to receive $2000 a month until the end of the summer. The Prime Minister said the reality is that many Canadians will still be looking for jobs as the economy begins to reopen.

Prior to this, the Government of Canada expanded eligibility for CERB on April 15, 2020.

The CERB is available to workers who meet all of the following conditions:

live in Canada and are at least 15 years old
stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits
have not voluntarily quit their job
had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application.

The changes to eligibility now:

Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.
Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19.

These changes will be retroactive to March 15, 2020

The continued receipt of employer benefits does not disentitle an employee to the CERB.

The CERB program launched on April 6, 2020. To help manage the volume of applications anticipated, applicants will be asked to apply over four days depending on their month of birth.

Canadians using direct deposit can expect their payment in 3-5 business days following application.

Canadians looking for more information about CERB, or those who are unable to apply online have been directed to call the toll-free line at:

1-833-966-2099

CERB will be extended by an additional four weeks, providing a new maximum of up to 28 weeks of benefits, effective September 27, 2020

LINKS

See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on CERB, updated April 15, 2020 here

See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 6, 2020 here.

See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 1, 2020 here.

See the Government of Canada's backgrounder on the CERB program here.

See the Government of Canada's CERB webpage here.

Changes to the Criteria for Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits
DESCRIPTION	EI sickness benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and is available to eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. Canadians quarantined can apply for EI sickness benefits. Certain changes have been made to this program in light of COVID-19: People claiming EI sickness benefits due to quarantine will not have to provide a medical certificate as would normally be the case People who cannot complete their claim for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine may apply later and have their EI claim backdated to cover the period of delay The usual 1 week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim. This transfer program is targeted at employees that have been deemed essential by their resident province or territory, and that earn less than $2,500 per month. Further details on eligibility will be announced by provincial governments. The Government of Canada has announced that it will be sharing the cost of wage support programs that have already been implemented in Quebec and British Columbia through the new transfer with those provinces.
LINKS	See Employment and Social Development Canada's COVID-19 webpage here.

Changes to the Criteria for Employment Insurance (EI) Sickness Benefits

DESCRIPTION

EI sickness benefits provide up to 15 weeks of income replacement and is available to eligible claimants who are unable to work because of illness, injury or quarantine, to allow them time to restore their health and return to work. Canadians quarantined can apply for EI sickness benefits.

Certain changes have been made to this program in light of COVID-19:

People claiming EI sickness benefits due to quarantine will not have to provide a medical certificate as would normally be the case
People who cannot complete their claim for EI sickness benefits due to quarantine may apply later and have their EI claim backdated to cover the period of delay
The usual 1 week waiting period for EI sickness benefits will be waived for new claimants who are quarantined so they can be paid for the first week of their claim.

This transfer program is targeted at employees that have been deemed essential by their resident province or territory, and that earn less than $2,500 per month.

Further details on eligibility will be announced by provincial governments. The Government of Canada has announced that it will be sharing the cost of wage support programs that have already been implemented in Quebec and British Columbia through the new transfer with those provinces.

LINKS

See Employment and Social Development Canada's COVID-19 webpage here.

The Employment Insurance System
DESCRIPTION	The Employment Insurance (EI) system will become the sole delivery mechanism for employment benefits. The Government is committed to reform EI to reflect the realities of the 21st century and to capture self-employed Canadians and those in the gig economy.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	The Canadian Recovery Benefit will cover workers who do not qualify for EI when the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) expires.
LINKS	The Canadian Recovery Benefit will cover workers who do not qualify for EI when the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) expires.

Wage Boost for Essential Workers
DESCRIPTION	The Government of Canada has announced that it will work with provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost-share a temporary top-up to the salaries of low-income essential workers that the provinces and territories have deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	This transfer program is targeted at employees that have been deemed essential by their resident province or territory, and that earn less than $2,500 per month. Further details on eligibility will be announced by provincial governments. The Government of Canada has announced that it will be sharing the cost of wage support programs that have already been implemented in Quebec and British Columbia through the new transfer with those provinces.
LINKS	See the Department of Finance's Backgrounder updated April 15, 2020 here

Wage Boost for Essential Workers

DESCRIPTION

The Government of Canada has announced that it will work with provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost-share a temporary top-up to the salaries of low-income essential workers that the provinces and territories have deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

This transfer program is targeted at employees that have been deemed essential by their resident province or territory, and that earn less than $2,500 per month.

LINKS

See the Department of Finance's Backgrounder updated April 15, 2020 here

Increases to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)
DESCRIPTION	Families receiving CCB will receive an extra $300 per child as part of their scheduled CBB payment on May 20, 2020. The government extended increases to CBB, to be in place for the 2020-21 benefit year. As a result, the maximum benefit is now $6,765 per child under 6, and $5,708 per child aged 6-17.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Those that already receive CCB do not need to re-apply
LINKS	Details on applying for CCB can be found on the CRAs website here.

Increases to the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

DESCRIPTION

Families receiving CCB will receive an extra $300 per child as part of their scheduled CBB payment on May 20, 2020.

The government extended increases to CBB, to be in place for the 2020-21 benefit year. As a result, the maximum benefit is now $6,765 per child under 6, and $5,708 per child aged 6-17.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Those that already receive CCB do not need to re-apply

LINKS

Details on applying for CCB can be found on the CRAs website here.

The Special Goods and Services Tax Credit Payment
DESCRIPTION	One-time special payment by early May through the GST credit for low- and modest-income families. The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	There is no need to apply for this payment. Eligible persons will receive the payment automatically.
LINKS

Mortgage Support
DESCRIPTION	Canadians who are in good standing impacted by COVID-19 and experiencing financial hardship as a result should contact their financial institution regarding flexibility for a mortgage deferral. The Canadian Bankers Association has stated that COVID-19 mortgage deferral is available for an indefinite period, and customers will not face a deadline for having to seek relief.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	The Canadian Bankers Association directs individuals to their financial institutions for more information.

Mortgage Support

DESCRIPTION

Canadians who are in good standing impacted by COVID-19 and experiencing financial hardship as a result should contact their financial institution regarding flexibility for a mortgage deferral.

The Canadian Bankers Association has stated that COVID-19 mortgage deferral is available for an indefinite period, and customers will not face a deadline for having to seek relief.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

The Canadian Bankers Association directs individuals to their financial institutions for more information.

Reduction in Required Minimum Withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs)
DESCRIPTION	The required minimum withdrawals from RRIFs has been reduced by 25% for 2020.
LINKS	See the CRA's RRIF website here.

Free Tax Clinics go Virtual
DESCRIPTION	The Minister of National Revenue, announced that virtual clinics will be held on an interim basis to help those that rely on this service while still following physical distancing guidelines. Clinics will have new flexibility to receive and authenticate documents in a variety of ways, including allowing the use of video communication. These free tax clinics, where eligible people can have community volunteers file their taxes, will be offered by local organizations, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the joint CRA and Revenu Québec Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY
LINKS	See the CRA's news release dated May 12, 2020 here.

Free Tax Clinics go Virtual

DESCRIPTION

The Minister of National Revenue, announced that virtual clinics will be held on an interim basis to help those that rely on this service while still following physical distancing guidelines. Clinics will have new flexibility to receive and authenticate documents in a variety of ways, including allowing the use of video communication.

These free tax clinics, where eligible people can have community volunteers file their taxes, will be offered by local organizations, in partnership with the Canada Revenue Agency's (CRA) Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) and the joint CRA and Revenu Québec Income Tax Assistance – Volunteer Program.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

LINKS

See the CRA's news release dated May 12, 2020 here.

Special One-Time Tax-Free Payment for Certified Holders of the Disability Tax Credit and Additional Supports for Canadians with Disabilities
DESCRIPTION	The Government of Canada is providing support to help people with disabilities deal with the extra expenses they are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic. This support includes: 1. A one-time payment to certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit. See Access and Eligibility for more details. 2. A new National Workplace Accessibility Stream through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. A new investment of $15 million in 2020-21 will provide community organizations with resources to improve workplace accessibility and access to jobs in response to COVID-19. Some of the activities supported by this fund will include: setting up accessible and effective work-from-home-measures; expanding online training opportunities; creating inclusive workplaces, whether virtual or physical; connecting people with disabilities and employers; training for in-demand jobs; and wage subsidies. 3. Invest $1.18 million in new projects through the Accessible Technology Program, a part of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan (which is a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for middle class Canadians). With this funding, organizations will develop dynamic and affordable technology, such as accessible payment terminals for retailers and tools to make communication easier for Canadians with disabilities in the digital economy.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	A special one-time payment of $600 will be automatically provided to individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit as of June 1, 2020. The payment will be provided to eligible Canadians without an application or attestation. It will be non-taxable. Seniors who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit and are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and/or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will have their payments adjusted accordingly. See here for more information.
LINKS	See the Prime Minister's news release here. For additional information on the new supports, see the Prime Minister's backgrounder here.

Special One-Time Tax-Free Payment for Certified Holders of the Disability Tax Credit and Additional Supports for Canadians with Disabilities

DESCRIPTION

The Government of Canada is providing support to help people with disabilities deal with the extra expenses they are facing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This support includes:

1. A one-time payment to certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit. See Access and Eligibility for more details.

2. A new National Workplace Accessibility Stream through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities. A new investment of $15 million in 2020-21 will provide community organizations with resources to improve workplace accessibility and access to jobs in response to COVID-19. Some of the activities supported by this fund will include: setting up accessible and effective work-from-home-measures; expanding online training opportunities; creating inclusive workplaces, whether virtual or physical; connecting people with disabilities and employers; training for in-demand jobs; and wage subsidies.

3. Invest $1.18 million in new projects through the Accessible Technology Program, a part of the Government of Canada's Innovation and Skills Plan (which is a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for middle class Canadians). With this funding, organizations will develop dynamic and affordable technology, such as accessible payment terminals for retailers and tools to make communication easier for Canadians with disabilities in the digital economy.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

A special one-time payment of $600 will be automatically provided to individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit as of June 1, 2020. The payment will be provided to eligible Canadians without an application or attestation. It will be non-taxable. Seniors who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit and are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and/or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will have their payments adjusted accordingly. See here for more information.

LINKS

See the Prime Minister's news release here.

For additional information on the new supports, see the Prime Minister's backgrounder here.

Department of Finance

Canada Student Loan Assistance
DESCRIPTION	The CBCA will facilitate entry for residents driving U.S plated vehicles by permitting the temporary import of U.S. vehicles without paying duties and taxes for up to 60 days from the date of importation in accordance with the Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada Regulation under the Customs Tariff act. Following the mandatory 14-day isolation period, Canadian residents may use a temporarily imported U.S. plated vehicle in Canada for essential purposes such as obtaining groceries or medical supplies.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	As of March 30, students and recent graduates repaying their Canada Student Loans will be granted with a 6 month interest-free moratorium The government also proposes to change the Canada Student Loan Program's eligibility requirements in 2020-2021 to allow more students to qualify for supports and be eligible for greater amounts. These measures include doubling the non-repayable Canada Student Grants for full and part time students, students with disabilities, and students with dependents.
LINKS	See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on Support for Students and Recent Graduates dated April 22, 2020 here. See the National Student Loan Service Centre website here.

Canada Student Loan Assistance

DESCRIPTION

The CBCA will facilitate entry for residents driving U.S plated vehicles by permitting the temporary import of U.S. vehicles without paying duties and taxes for up to 60 days from the date of importation in accordance with the Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada Regulation under the Customs Tariff act.

Following the mandatory 14-day isolation period, Canadian residents may use a temporarily imported U.S. plated vehicle in Canada for essential purposes such as obtaining groceries or medical supplies.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

As of March 30, students and recent graduates repaying their Canada Student Loans will be granted with a 6 month interest-free moratorium

The government also proposes to change the Canada Student Loan Program's eligibility requirements in 2020-2021 to allow more students to qualify for supports and be eligible for greater amounts. These measures include doubling the non-repayable Canada Student Grants for full and part time students, students with disabilities, and students with dependents.

LINKS

See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on Support for Students and Recent Graduates dated April 22, 2020 here.

See the National Student Loan Service Centre website here.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)
DESCRIPTION	The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides emergency financial relief to students and recent graduates who are unable to work, or unable to find work, due to reasons related to COVID-19. It is also available for those who are working but not making more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they are applying. Eligible students can receive $1,250 per month, plus an additional $750 per month if they have dependents or a disability for a maximum of $2,000 per month. Students are only eligible to receive one top-up of $750 per month. A student with a disability must attest to having an impairment, such as a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation—whether permanent or episodic in nature, or evident or not—that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person's full and equal participation in society. A student with a dependent must attest that they are supporting a dependent to receive the top-up amount. A student with a dependent is someone who has at least one child (including an adopted child, a stepchild, or a foster child) under the age of 12, or a person with disability who is wholly dependent on them or their spouse/common-law partner. Students will receive a T4A that includes the CESB they received to use for filing their 2020 income tax returns. Three categories of students are eligible for the CESB: (1) students enrolled in a post secondary education program; (2) students who have graduated from or left their post-secondary studies no earlier than December 2019; (3) Students who have completed, or will complete, high school in 2020 and have applied for a post-secondary educational program that begins before February 1, 2021.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Students, including those studying abroad, are eligible for the CESB if they are: a Canadian citizen, including dual citizens; a registered Indian under the Indian Act; a permanent resident; or a protected person. There are no age restrictions for who is eligible for the CESB. When applying, students must attest that for COVID-19 related reasons, they are: unable to work; or seeking work but are unable to find it; or working but unable to make more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they are applying. For those seeking work but are unable to find it, they must continue to actively be looking for a job to be eligible to receive the CESB. If the individual still cannot find work due to COVID-19, or cannot earn more than $1,000, they can re-apply for each CESB eligibility period that you are eligible for. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may ask you to provide information later to verify that you have been looking for work during the eligibility period(s) that you have applied for. In addition, students are not eligible for CESB if they are receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance benefits for the same four-week period as their current application. Students working full-time or part-time can earn up to $1,000 (before taxes) during the four-week period for which they are applying for CESB. The $1,000 includes: employment/self-employment income; taxable benefits and allowances provided by an employer; tips a student may earn while working; non-eligible dividends; honoraria (e.g., nominal amounts paid to emergency service volunteers); and royalties (e.g., paid to artists). The $1,000 limit does not include: pensions, student grants and loans, scholarships, bursaries, graduate stipends family, common-law, and spousal income graduate stipends and bursaries educational funding for indigenous students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)
LINKS	See Employment and Social Development Canada's news release dated April 29, 2020 here. See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on Support for Students and Recent Graduates dated April 22, 2020 here.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)

DESCRIPTION

The Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) provides emergency financial relief to students and recent graduates who are unable to work, or unable to find work, due to reasons related to COVID-19. It is also available for those who are working but not making more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they are applying.

Eligible students can receive $1,250 per month, plus an additional $750 per month if they have dependents or a disability for a maximum of $2,000 per month. Students are only eligible to receive one top-up of $750 per month.

A student with a disability must attest to having an impairment, such as a physical, mental, intellectual, cognitive, learning, communication or sensory impairment, or a functional limitation—whether permanent or episodic in nature, or evident or not—that, in interaction with a barrier, hinders a person's full and equal participation in society.

A student with a dependent must attest that they are supporting a dependent to receive the top-up amount. A student with a dependent is someone who has at least one child (including an adopted child, a stepchild, or a foster child) under the age of 12, or a person with disability who is wholly dependent on them or their spouse/common-law partner.

Students will receive a T4A that includes the CESB they received to use for filing their 2020 income tax returns.

Three categories of students are eligible for the CESB: (1) students enrolled in a post secondary education program; (2) students who have graduated from or left their post-secondary studies no earlier than December 2019; (3) Students who have completed, or will complete, high school in 2020 and have applied for a post-secondary educational program that begins before February 1, 2021.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Students, including those studying abroad, are eligible for the CESB if they are:

a Canadian citizen, including dual citizens;
a registered Indian under the Indian Act;
a permanent resident; or
a protected person.

There are no age restrictions for who is eligible for the CESB.

When applying, students must attest that for COVID-19 related reasons, they are:

unable to work; or
seeking work but are unable to find it; or
working but unable to make more than $1,000 (before taxes) over the four-week period for which they are applying.

For those seeking work but are unable to find it, they must continue to actively be looking for a job to be eligible to receive the CESB. If the individual still cannot find work due to COVID-19, or cannot earn more than $1,000, they can re-apply for each CESB eligibility period that you are eligible for. The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may ask you to provide information later to verify that you have been looking for work during the eligibility period(s) that you have applied for.

In addition, students are not eligible for CESB if they are receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) or Employment Insurance benefits for the same four-week period as their current application.

Students working full-time or part-time can earn up to $1,000 (before taxes) during the four-week period for which they are applying for CESB. The $1,000 includes:

employment/self-employment income;
taxable benefits and allowances provided by an employer;
tips a student may earn while working;
non-eligible dividends;
honoraria (e.g., nominal amounts paid to emergency service volunteers); and
royalties (e.g., paid to artists).

The $1,000 limit does not include:

pensions, student grants and loans, scholarships, bursaries, graduate stipends
family, common-law, and spousal income
graduate stipends and bursaries

educational funding for indigenous students through the Post-Secondary Student Support Program (PSSSP)

LINKS

See Employment and Social Development Canada's news release dated April 29, 2020 here.

See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on Support for Students and Recent Graduates dated April 22, 2020 here.

Canada Student Service Grant
DESCRIPTION	The government will launch a new national service initiative to recognize students' significant contributions to the COVID-19 efforts, and provide support through a new Canada Student Service Grant which will provide up to $5,000 to support student's post-secondary education costs in the fall.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	More details will be made available on the "I Want Help" platform noted above below the coming weeks, including more detailed information about eligibility, the levels of funding available under the grant, how to apply for a national service position, and how applications will be assessed.
LINKS	See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on Support for Students and Recent Graduates dated April 22, 2020 here.

Expanded Student and Youth Programming
DESCRIPTION	The government is taking various measures to create and connect students to meaningful employment and service opportunities including: The launch of the "I Want Help" platform which will provide information about available service opportunities and ways to get involved; Increased funding for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help youth develop skills and gain experience. Funding will support a range of measures in high-demand sectors including agriculture, technology, heath and essential services, and creating over 6,000 new job placements; Changes to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy including increased wage subsidies, expanded eligibility and new flexibilities for employers. Support to the Student Work Placement Program to support up to 20,000 post-secondary students with obtaining work in their field of study; Support for the Supports for Student Learning Program; Additional support for the Canada Service Crops, including increasing the number of micro grants from 1,800 to 15,000 and providing stipends to participants; Support to Innovation, Science and Economic Development to support Mitacs in order to create new job placements; Support for additional distinctions-based support to First Nations, Inuit and Metis Nation post-secondary students; Support for up to 40,000 student researchers and post-doctoral fellows through federal granting councils; Support to student and post-doctoral research placements with the National Research Council.
LINKS	See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on Support for Students and Recent Graduates dated April 22, 2020 here.

Expanded Student and Youth Programming

DESCRIPTION

The government is taking various measures to create and connect students to meaningful employment and service opportunities including:

The launch of the "I Want Help" platform which will provide information about available service opportunities and ways to get involved;
Increased funding for the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy to help youth develop skills and gain experience. Funding will support a range of measures in high-demand sectors including agriculture, technology, heath and essential services, and creating over 6,000 new job placements;
Changes to the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy including increased wage subsidies, expanded eligibility and new flexibilities for employers.
Support to the Student Work Placement Program to support up to 20,000 post-secondary students with obtaining work in their field of study;
Support for the Supports for Student Learning Program;
Additional support for the Canada Service Crops, including increasing the number of micro grants from 1,800 to 15,000 and providing stipends to participants;
Support to Innovation, Science and Economic Development to support Mitacs in order to create new job placements;
Support for additional distinctions-based support to First Nations, Inuit and Metis Nation post-secondary students;
Support for up to 40,000 student researchers and post-doctoral fellows through federal granting councils;

Support to student and post-doctoral research placements with the National Research Council.

LINKS

See the Department of Finance's backgrounder on Support for Students and Recent Graduates dated April 22, 2020 here.

Canada Border Services Agency (CBCA)

Helping Canadians Get Home
DESCRIPTION	The CBCA will facilitate entry for residents driving U.S plated vehicles by permitting the temporary import of U.S. vehicles without paying duties and taxes for up to 60 days from the date of importation in accordance with the Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada Regulation under the Customs Tariff act. Following the mandatory 14-day isolation period, Canadian residents may use a temporarily imported U.S. plated vehicle in Canada for essential purposes such as obtaining groceries or medical supplies.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Canadian residents coming home with a U.S. plated vehicle can expect, upon agreement to be granted a Temporary Admission Permit to be kept in the vehicle.
LINKS	See the Government of Canada's news release updated April 6, 2020 here. See the CBCA's memorandum here. See the Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada Regulation here.

Helping Canadians Get Home

DESCRIPTION

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Canadian residents coming home with a U.S. plated vehicle can expect, upon agreement to be granted a Temporary Admission Permit to be kept in the vehicle.

LINKS

See the Government of Canada's news release updated April 6, 2020 here.

See the CBCA's memorandum here.

See the Temporary Importation of Conveyances by Residents of Canada Regulation here.

Crown-indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada

Interest Relief for First Nations through the First Nations Finance Authority
DESCRIPTION	The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced on June 2, 2020 that First Nations with existing loans under the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) will receive interest payment relief as a result of a $17.1 million support from the Government of Canada. This funding will directly help First Nations to maintain financial stability and lessen the economic impacts of COVID-19, as well as allocate financial resources to other critical needs during this crisis. Furthermore these investments will support the stability of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime and the First Nations Finance Authority's credit rating which was recently increased. The First Nations Finance Authority is a non-profit, Indigenous-run institution that provides First Nation governments with access to long-term loans with preferable interest rates for essential infrastructure and economic development. It is anticipated that this investment will provide financial relief to 58 First Nations borrowers.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	For more information about the interest relief, First Nations can contact the First Nations Finance Authority directly.
LINKS	See Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's news release dated June 2, 2020 here.

Interest Relief for First Nations through the First Nations Finance Authority

DESCRIPTION

The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations, announced on June 2, 2020 that First Nations with existing loans under the First Nations Finance Authority (FNFA) will receive interest payment relief as a result of a $17.1 million support from the Government of Canada.

This funding will directly help First Nations to maintain financial stability and lessen the economic impacts of COVID-19, as well as allocate financial resources to other critical needs during this crisis. Furthermore these investments will support the stability of the First Nations Fiscal Management Act regime and the First Nations Finance Authority's credit rating which was recently increased.

The First Nations Finance Authority is a non-profit, Indigenous-run institution that provides First Nation governments with access to long-term loans with preferable interest rates for essential infrastructure and economic development. It is anticipated that this investment will provide financial relief to 58 First Nations borrowers.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

For more information about the interest relief, First Nations can contact the First Nations Finance Authority directly.

LINKS

See Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada's news release dated June 2, 2020 here.

Employment and Social Development Canada

Expansion of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)
DESCRIPTION	The NHSP is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being. NHSP funding supports community based projects and pan-Canadian projects. The projects are led or inspired by seniors. The Minister of Seniors announced flexibility for organizations under the NHSP program to use funding previously received through the community-based stream to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Regardless of the nature of the previously approved project, organizations with approved projects in 2019-2020 can use their funding to provide support for senior's needs due to COVID-19. Activities can start immediately and can include: supporting seniors in staying connected with their community and family by providing electronic devices, virtual activities and remote tutorials; supporting the delivery of food and medication to self-isolated seniors at home; assisting seniors to undertake essential activities, such as visits to the doctor; hiring staff to replace a loss of a senior volunteer due to the outbreak; providing information to seniors regarding how to care for themselves during the pandemic.
LINKS	See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 6, 2020 here. See Employment and Social Development Canada's backgrounder on NHSP here.

Expansion of the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP)

DESCRIPTION

The NHSP is a federal grants and contributions program that supports projects that empower seniors in their communities and contribute to improving their health and well-being. NHSP funding supports community based projects and pan-Canadian projects. The projects are led or inspired by seniors.

The Minister of Seniors announced flexibility for organizations under the NHSP program to use funding previously received through the community-based stream to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Regardless of the nature of the previously approved project, organizations with approved projects in 2019-2020 can use their funding to provide support for senior's needs due to COVID-19.

Activities can start immediately and can include:

supporting seniors in staying connected with their community and family by providing electronic devices, virtual activities and remote tutorials;
supporting the delivery of food and medication to self-isolated seniors at home;
assisting seniors to undertake essential activities, such as visits to the doctor;
hiring staff to replace a loss of a senior volunteer due to the outbreak;
providing information to seniors regarding how to care for themselves during the pandemic.

LINKS

See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 6, 2020 here.

See Employment and Social Development Canada's backgrounder on NHSP here.

Establishment of the COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group (CDAG)
DESCRIPTION	Employment and Social Development Canada is establishing a COVID-19 Disability Advisory Group. CDAG will advise the Minister with advice on the real-time lived experience of persons with disabilities during the crisis on disability-specific issues, challenges and systemic gaps and on strategies and measures and steps to be taken.
LINKS	See Employment and Social Development Canada's April 10, 2020 statement here See Employment and Social Development Canada's backgrounder on CDAG here

Increased Funding to the Reaching Home program for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless
DESCRIPTION	The Governments of Canada and Quebec have reached an agreement to make additional funding of over $21.4 million available through the Reaching Home program for 2020. The funds include: $19,514,375 allocated to the Designated Communities funding stream; $1,902,653 allocated to the Rural and Remote Homelessness funding stream.
LINKS	See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 29, 2020 here.

Increased Funding to the Reaching Home program for people experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless

DESCRIPTION

The Governments of Canada and Quebec have reached an agreement to make additional funding of over $21.4 million available through the Reaching Home program for 2020.

The funds include:

$19,514,375 allocated to the Designated Communities funding stream;

$1,902,653 allocated to the Rural and Remote Homelessness funding stream.

LINKS

See the Government of Canada's news release dated April 29, 2020 here.

Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component
DESCRIPTION	On June 4, 2020, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, launched a call for expressions of interest under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) youth innovation component, a Government of Canada grants and contributions program. This EAF component engages and challenges youth to volunteer and collaborate with local community-based organizations, and apply for funding of up to $10,000 for accessibility projects.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	This initiative supports youth between 15 and 30 years of age to promote awareness of accessibility needs in their communities, gain valuable experience, including how to apply for government funding, further develop their presentation skills and build their sense of social responsibility through a volunteer experience that positively impacts the lives of persons with disabilities in their communities. The application period to become a Youth Accessibility Leader is from June 4, 2020 to October 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm Eastern daylight time (EDT) Eligible applicants must be: between 15 and 30 years of age determined to make a difference in your community, and you want to develop valuable skills and gain key experience For more information on the Enabling Accessibility Fund visit Employment and Social Development Canada's website here.
LINKS	See Employment and Social Development Canada's news release dated June 4, 2020 here.

Enabling Accessibility Fund – Youth Innovation Component

DESCRIPTION

On June 4, 2020, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, launched a call for expressions of interest under the Enabling Accessibility Fund (EAF) youth innovation component, a Government of Canada grants and contributions program. This EAF component engages and challenges youth to volunteer and collaborate with local community-based organizations, and apply for funding of up to $10,000 for accessibility projects.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

This initiative supports youth between 15 and 30 years of age to promote awareness of accessibility needs in their communities, gain valuable experience, including how to apply for government funding, further develop their presentation skills and build their sense of social responsibility through a volunteer experience that positively impacts the lives of persons with disabilities in their communities.

The application period to become a Youth Accessibility Leader is from June 4, 2020 to October 30, 2020 at 2:00 pm Eastern daylight time (EDT)

Eligible applicants must be:

between 15 and 30 years of age
determined to make a difference in your community, and
you want to develop valuable skills and gain key experience

For more information on the Enabling Accessibility Fund visit Employment and Social Development Canada's website here.

LINKS

See Employment and Social Development Canada's news release dated June 4, 2020 here.

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID-19 Resilience Fund
DESCRIPTION	The Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna announced a new COVID-19 resilience funding stream worth up to $3.3 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The new stream is designed to deliver more infrastructure projects during the pandemic by increasing the types of eligible projects and accelerating project approvals. The expanded Program takes steps to address the current health crisis and support economic stability with existing funds and programs. The adjustment is being made to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program so that provinces and territories can use federal funding to act quickly on a wider range of more pandemic-resilient infrastructure projects. Eligible projects would include retrofitting schools to allow kids to go to school safely, upgrading hospitals and long-term care homes to deal with social distancing requirements, building new parks, cycling and walking paths to help Canadians get access to nature to stay healthy, active and safe, or disaster mitigation projects that protect against floods and fires. Provinces and territories have the option to transfer up to 10 per cent of their initial allocation under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program integrated bilateral agreements to the COVID-19 Resilience stream to benefit from up to an 80 per cent federal cost share or 100 per cent federal cost share for Indigenous projects and projects in the territories. All jurisdictions have at least 10 per cent of their total initial allocation remaining, positioning them to move forward with infrastructure projects in the near term under the new COVID-19 Resilience stream. It is important to note that the flexibility to transfer to the new stream is an opt-in approach, meaning that provinces and territories can voluntarily transfer up to 10 per cent to this new stream.
ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY	To be eligible for funding under the COVID-19 Resilience stream, the project's eligible costs must be under $10 million, construction must be started no later than September 30, 2021, and it must be completed by the end of 2021 (or by the end of 2022 in the territories and in remote communities).
LINKS	See Infrastructure Canada's Press release on the COVID-19 Resilience Fund here

Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – COVID-19 Resilience Fund

DESCRIPTION

The Minister of Infrastructure and Communities Catherine McKenna announced a new COVID-19 resilience funding stream worth up to $3.3 billion under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The new stream is designed to deliver more infrastructure projects during the pandemic by increasing the types of eligible projects and accelerating project approvals. The expanded Program takes steps to address the current health crisis and support economic stability with existing funds and programs.
The adjustment is being made to the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program so that provinces and territories can use federal funding to act quickly on a wider range of more pandemic-resilient infrastructure projects. Eligible projects would include retrofitting schools to allow kids to go to school safely, upgrading hospitals and long-term care homes to deal with social distancing requirements, building new parks, cycling and walking paths to help Canadians get access to nature to stay healthy, active and safe, or disaster mitigation projects that protect against floods and fires.

Provinces and territories have the option to transfer up to 10 per cent of their initial allocation under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program integrated bilateral agreements to the COVID-19 Resilience stream to benefit from up to an 80 per cent federal cost share or 100 per cent federal cost share for Indigenous projects and projects in the territories.

All jurisdictions have at least 10 per cent of their total initial allocation remaining, positioning them to move forward with infrastructure projects in the near term under the new COVID-19 Resilience stream. It is important to note that the flexibility to transfer to the new stream is an opt-in approach, meaning that provinces and territories can voluntarily transfer up to 10 per cent to this new stream.

ACCESS & ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible for funding under the COVID-19 Resilience stream, the project's eligible costs must be under $10 million, construction must be started no later than September 30, 2021, and it must be completed by the end of 2021 (or by the end of 2022 in the territories and in remote communities).

LINKS

See Infrastructure Canada's Press release on the COVID-19 Resilience Fund here

Canada's Infrastructure Bank's (CIB) Growth Plan
DESCRIPTION	The Prime Minister announced a three-year $10 billion infrastructure plan to help build healthier and strong communities with investments in clean energy, zero-emission buses, building retrofits, high speed internet and irrigation infrastructure for farmers. (Note: This is not new money. This $10 billion investment is part of the federal government's commitment of $35 billion to support infrastructure projects across the country.) CIB's $10 billion investment will include: $2.5 billion for clean power to support renewable generation and storage and to transmit clean electricity between provinces, territories, and regions, including to northern and Indigenous communities. $2 billion to connect approximately 750,000 homes and small businesses to broadband in underserved communities. $2 billion to invest in large-scale building retrofits to increase energy efficiency. $1.5 billion for agriculture irrigation projects. $1.5 billion to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure.

Canada's Infrastructure Bank's (CIB) Growth Plan

DESCRIPTION

The Prime Minister announced a three-year $10 billion infrastructure plan to help build healthier and strong communities with investments in clean energy, zero-emission buses, building retrofits, high speed internet and irrigation infrastructure for farmers. (Note: This is not new money. This $10 billion investment is part of the federal government's commitment of $35 billion to support infrastructure projects across the country.)

CIB's $10 billion investment will include:

$2.5 billion for clean power to support renewable generation and storage and to transmit clean electricity between provinces, territories, and regions, including to northern and Indigenous communities.
$2 billion to connect approximately 750,000 homes and small businesses to broadband in underserved communities.
$2 billion to invest in large-scale building retrofits to increase energy efficiency.
$1.5 billion for agriculture irrigation projects.

$1.5 billion to accelerate the adoption of zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure.

Global affairs Canada

COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program
DESCRIPTION	The emergency loan program is a temporary program for Canadians abroad that are directly impacted by COVID-19. The program offers Canadians an emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help them return to Canada and cover short-term needs while working towards returning.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Canadian citizens are eligible for this program. Canadian citizens can include eligible expenses for immediate family members that are permanent residents. Permanent residents may be granted eligibility on an exceptional basis if facing a threat to life or other grievous harm.
LINKS	See the Government of Canada's FAQs page here.

COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program

DESCRIPTION

The emergency loan program is a temporary program for Canadians abroad that are directly impacted by COVID-19. The program offers Canadians an emergency loan of up to $5,000 to help them return to Canada and cover short-term needs while working towards returning.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Canadian citizens are eligible for this program. Canadian citizens can include eligible expenses for immediate family members that are permanent residents.

Permanent residents may be granted eligibility on an exceptional basis if facing a threat to life or other grievous harm.

LINKS

See the Government of Canada's FAQs page here.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

Temporary Removal on Maximum Work Hours for International Students
DESCRIPTION	The Government of Canada has removed the restriction that allows international students to work a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as heath care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods. The temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	International students and their employers should consult Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada During the COVID-19 Outbreak to determine if the work the student is doing would allow them to work more than 20 hours per week during the academic session.
LINKS	See Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada's news release dated April 22, 2020 here

Allowing Temporary Workers to Get Back to Work Quickly
DESCRIPTION	The Government of Canada has enacted a new, temporary policy that will drastically reduce the time it takes for a temporary foreign worker to start a new job. While this policy is in place, a worker who is already in Canada and has secured a new job offer, typically backed by a labour market test, can get approval to start working in their new job, even while their work permit application is being fully processed. This will cut what can often take 10 weeks or more, down to 10 days or less.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	To be eligible, workers must be in Canada with valid status have an employer-specific work permit or have been working under a work permit exemption have submitted an application for a new work permit with a valid job offer under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program The work permit applicant must then submit a request to IRCC. The request will be reviewed within 10 days, and if approved, authorization for the worker to start working in their new job will be sent to them by email. There is no change to the role of the employer in the process for hiring foreign workers. An employer needs to have, or obtain, a valid positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, name the worker in a position on the LMIA, and notify Service Canada. For an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt situation, the employer needs to submit an offer of employment through the International Mobility Program Employer Portal.
LINKS	See Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's news release dated May 12, 2020 here.

Allowing Temporary Workers to Get Back to Work Quickly

DESCRIPTION

The Government of Canada has enacted a new, temporary policy that will drastically reduce the time it takes for a temporary foreign worker to start a new job.

While this policy is in place, a worker who is already in Canada and has secured a new job offer, typically backed by a labour market test, can get approval to start working in their new job, even while their work permit application is being fully processed. This will cut what can often take 10 weeks or more, down to 10 days or less.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

To be eligible, workers must

be in Canada with valid status
have an employer-specific work permit or have been working under a work permit exemption
have submitted an application for a new work permit with a valid job offer under either the Temporary Foreign Worker Program or the International Mobility Program

The work permit applicant must then submit a request to IRCC. The request will be reviewed within 10 days, and if approved, authorization for the worker to start working in their new job will be sent to them by email.

There is no change to the role of the employer in the process for hiring foreign workers. An employer needs to have, or obtain, a valid positive Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada, name the worker in a position on the LMIA, and notify Service Canada. For an employer-specific, LMIA-exempt situation, the employer needs to submit an offer of employment through the International Mobility Program Employer Portal.

LINKS

See Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's news release dated May 12, 2020 here.

Updates to Travel Restrictions and Family Reunification
DESCRIPTION	On October 2 2020, the Federal Government provided an update on border and travel restrictions that are in place due to COVID-19. Travel restrictions and border measures have been in place since March 2020. Enhanced measures are being introduced to support greater family reunification, entry for compassionate reasons, and the safe and gradual entry of some international students.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Starting October 8, 2020, a process will be put in place to allow foreign nationals to enter Canada for compassionate reasons in specific circumstances, such as life-threatening illness, critical injury or death, with potential limited release from quarantine. Information on eligibility and the process for travel and entry to Canada for compassionate reasons. Family reunifications will apply to certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents, including those in an exclusive dating relationship of at least 1 year and their dependent children, as well as adult children, grandchildren, siblings and grandparents. Detailed information on who may qualify as an extended family member and the process and requirements to be eligible to travel to and enter Canada will be available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website on October 8, 2020.
LINKS	See Public Health Agency of Canada's website.

Updates to Travel Restrictions and Family Reunification

DESCRIPTION

On October 2 2020, the Federal Government provided an update on border and travel restrictions that are in place due to COVID-19. Travel restrictions and border measures have been in place since March 2020.

Enhanced measures are being introduced to support greater family reunification, entry for compassionate reasons, and the safe and gradual entry of some international students.

ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY

Starting October 8, 2020, a process will be put in place to allow foreign nationals to enter Canada for compassionate reasons in specific circumstances, such as life-threatening illness, critical injury or death, with potential limited release from quarantine. Information on eligibility and the process for travel and entry to Canada for compassionate reasons.

Family reunifications will apply to certain extended family members of Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents, including those in an exclusive dating relationship of at least 1 year and their dependent children, as well as adult children, grandchildren, siblings and grandparents.

Detailed information on who may qualify as an extended family member and the process and requirements to be eligible to travel to and enter Canada will be available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada website on October 8, 2020.

LINKS

See Public Health Agency of Canada's website.

Women and Gender Equality Canada

Support for Women's Shelters and Centres for Victims of Domestic Violence in Quebec
DESCRIPTION	The Government of Canada has paid more than $6.4 million directly to the Government of Quebec to support women's shelters and support agencies for victims of sexual and domestic violence in Quebec, to help them improve safety, support emergency preparedness and increase their capacity. This funding is part of the $50 million the federal government is providing to support front-line shelters and sexual assault and domestic violence centres across Canada.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the toll-free resource line for victims of sexual assault at 1-888-933-9007. Victims of domestic violence, SOS violence conjugale is available to help you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, at 1-800-363-9010
LINKS	See Women and Gender Equality Canada's statement dated May 4, 2020 here

Support for Organizations assisting Women and Children Subject to Violence
DESCRIPTION	On Friday October 2, 2020, the Federal Government announced it was taking another step to address gender based violence by investing $50 million to organizations that provide assistance to women and children that have been subject to violence. The Prime Minister said the funding includes: Up to $10 million for women's shelters and sexual assault centres Up to $10 million to support organizations providing services related to gender-based violence to Indigenous people off-reserve; and Up to $30 million for other women's organizations to support the delivery of supports such as counselling and crisis intervention, to help combat the spread of COVID, and to address the increased demand for services.

Support for Organizations assisting Women and Children Subject to Violence

DESCRIPTION

On Friday October 2, 2020, the Federal Government announced it was taking another step to address gender based violence by investing $50 million to organizations that provide assistance to women and children that have been subject to violence.

The Prime Minister said the funding includes:

Up to $10 million for women's shelters and sexual assault centres
Up to $10 million to support organizations providing services related to gender-based violence to Indigenous people off-reserve; and
Up to $30 million for other women's organizations to support the delivery of supports such as counselling and crisis intervention, to help combat the spread of COVID, and to address the increased demand for services.

Indigenous Services Canada

Indigenous Mental Wellness Supports
DESCRIPTION	The Government of Canada announced $82.5 million in mental health and wellness supports to help Indigenous communities adapt and expand mental wellness services, improving access and addressing growing demand, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic.
ACCESS AND ELIGIBILITY	Funding will support the Government of Canada's work with First Nations, Inuit and Métis partners and communities in distinctions-based envelopes.
LINKS	See Indigenous Services Canada's statement dated August 25, 2020

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