Changes to the EI Program in effect until September 25, 2021:

• The medical certificate is not needed for those applying for sickness benefits.
• The one week waiting period for EI will be temporarily waived for those who apply between January 31, 2021 and September 25, 2021. This includes claimants of regular, fishing and special benefits. For more information, click here.
• The minimum unemployment rate has been established at 13.1% across Canada.
• Effective September 27, 2020, those receiving EI will be eligible for benefits of $400/week or $240/week for extended parental benefits. The regular EI benefits will be available for a minimum of 26 weeks.
• EI insurance premium rates will remain the same for 2 years.
• To qualify for EI:
  • Those applying for regular and/or work-sharing benefits who have at least 120 insurable hours, will be automatically given a one-time credit of 300 insurable hours instead.
  • Those applying for special benefits such as maternity, parental, sickness, compassionate care or family caregiver benefits, will be automatically given a one-time credit of 480 insurable hours instead.

General information about EI:
If you’ve lost your job, have had your work hours reduced, or are in quarantine because of COVID-19, you may be eligible for Employment Insurance (Sickness/Regular EI). The requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness benefits has been waived. Click here for an EI Fact Sheet on how to apply or call 1-833-381-2725 for more information.

Note: If you need a call back from Service Canada, you may request a call back by filling out their Service Request form.

The federal government has proposed 3 new income support benefits to support people now that CERB has ended. These programs will be available until September 25, 2021 and they are:

• The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) will provide $500/week to workers who are sick, must self-isolate for reasons related to COVID-19 or have a health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. Eligible individuals can apply for a total of 26 weeks for the CRSB program.
• The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) will provide $500/week to those who are employed or self-employed because they must stay at home to care for:
  • A family member and unable to work at least 50% of your scheduled work week
  • A child under the age of 12 or a family member who needs supervised care
• The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) will provide $1000 bi-weekly to those who are self-employed or those who are not eligible for EI, but still require income support, and are available and looking for work. Eligible individuals can apply for a total of 26 weeks for the CRB program.

All eligible individuals can apply for these benefits through the Canada Revenue Agency.

For more information, click here.

The government of Canada has approved a one-time payment of $600 to the following eligible people:

• Those who have the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) Certificate
• Those who have been on the following disability programs since July 01, 2020:
  • Canada Pension Plan Disability (CPPD)
  • Quebec Pension Plan Disability
  • One of the following Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) disability programs:
    • Disability Pension
    • Disability Award
    • Pain and Suffering Compensation
    • Critical Injury Benefit
    • Rehabilitation Services and Vocational Assistance Program
    • Income Replacement Benefit, and/or
    • Canadian Forces Income Support

This payment is automatic and non-taxable. Those who did not receive their payment in October or January but are confirmed eligible by the end of February 2021, may receive their payment in Spring 2021. However, applicants must ensure that their personal information such as their marital status, direct deposit information and mailing address are up to date, by February 25, 2021.

For more information, click here.

A new mobile app, COVID Alert, is now available to Canadians to help them notify users if they have been exposed to COVID-19. Using the app is voluntary but encouraged to help reduce the spread of COVID-19.

For more information, click here.

Since many Canadians are working from home due to COVID, they may be eligible for a tax deduction if they work from home for 50% or more.

For more information, click here.

Emergency orders were issued by the federal government that temporarily suspends in-person execution of wills and personal planning instruments. These orders are in effect as of May 19, 2020 and allows for a remote executions of the legal documents.

For more information, click here.

Effective noon, April 20, 2020, all passengers flying to Canada are required to cover their nose and mouth with a non-medical mask or covering on all flights. Those who are unable to do so will not be allowed to board the planes. For more information, click here.

Canadians who are financially unable to return home on their own means, may apply for the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. This program is a repayable loan to facilitate their return and cover basic needs while still abroad. To apply, contact:

• The nearest Government of Canada office,
• Call +1-613-996-8885
• Email CAN.finances.CV19@international.gc.ca

For more information, click here.

The federal government has launched a new portal for Canadians. The portal offers resources, tools, apps and connections to mental health professionals. For more information, click here.

The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) may be able to provide business, non-profit organizations or charities a subsidy to cover their commercial rent or property expenses until June 2021. Applicants must show that they had a drop in revenue during the pandemic and must meet one of the following criteria:

• Had a CRA business number on September 27, 2020.
• Had a payroll account on March 15, 2020.
• Purchased business assets of another person or partnership who had a payroll account on March 15, 2020.
• Meet other conditions that may be introduced in the future.

For more information, click here.

The Establishing a Business Credit Availability Program can help small and medium sized businesses cover payroll and operating costs caused by the pandemic.

For more information, click here

Qualifying businesses can request a subsidy of 75% of employee wages for up to 12 weeks, retroactive as of March 15, 2020. Businesses will have to show that there has been a decline of in revenue.

For more information, click here