COVID-19 Update for April 22, 2020 – 12:40pm
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced additional measures for Canadian students and young people whose education and job prospects have been severely impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada Emergency Student Benefit
The federal government is launching a new benefit program to provide immediate supports for young Canadians by investing $9 billion to create new jobs and double student grants. Under the new benefit, post-secondary students will be eligible for $1,250 a month from May to August. Those with disabilities or who are taking care of someone else will be eligible to receive $1,750 monthly. The payment will be retroactive to May 1st and will be delivered through the Canada Revenue Agency.
Working students earning less than $1,000 per month, as well as college and university students who are currently in school, planning to start in September, or who graduated in December 2019 will also be eligible for the program.
“For today, for the summer and for next year, we will be there for you,” the Prime Minister emphasized.
Funding for Research, and Students fighting COVID-19
The Prime Minister also announced that his government will expand existing federal employment, skills development, and youth programming to create up to 116,000 jobs, placements, and other training opportunities for young people. The research sector will receive $291 million to extend scholarship fellowships and grants.
The government is also launching a Student Service Grant that will provide up to $5,000 in additional bursary support to students involved in actively fighting against COVID-19 this summer.
Funding for indigenous students
The Prime Minister also noted that the government will work directly with provinces and territories to provide students in Quebec, North West Territories and Nunavut increased funding to financial aid, including $75 million for first nations, Métis, and Inuit students.
If you have any questions about this update, please let us know.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team