The Government of Canada rolled out more than $80 billion in support programs for businesses during the COVID-19 crisis, and many of these programs are still available even as vaccines are administered across the country and strict lockdowns are eased. Financial support also continues for self-employed individuals. Though many programs have not been officially updated following their proposed closure in June or early July, the government continues to accept applications so far.
Employers can still apply for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy program to subsidize up to 75% of an employee’s wages. Self-employed Canadians who are currently resident in Canada can still apply for CERB (Canada Recovery Benefit) which provides $450 per week after taxes. CERB can be claimed for as many as 38 weeks, consecutive or otherwise.
For specific sectors such as oil and gas, agriculture, aquaculture, energy, and transportation, there are a variety of ongoing financial support programs. You’ll find these listed on the Government of Canada website. Provincial and territorial support options are outlined there as well. Canada’s indigenous citizens can access all these benefits and may also be eligible for indigenous business support programs.
If you are unemployed or missing work because you are sick with COVID-19, or if you had to take time off to care for someone with the virus, there are still support programs available for you, too. These include the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB). The CRSB provides $450 per week after taxes for up to four weeks; the CRCB provides the same weekly amount for up to 38 weeks per household.
With all Canadian adults expected to be fully vaccinated by September, it is expected that the range of COVID-19 programs provided by the federal, provincial and territorial governments will be quickly shut down afterwards.
Author: Mandy Gardner, Content Writer, Toronto, Canada. If you have any stories or comments to share kindly email: –smandylouise@gmail.com
