COVID-19 Update for May 15, 2020 – 12:20pm
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an extension to the Federal government’s Emergency Wage Subsidy Program, as more and more businesses begin to gradually and cautiously re-open operations. He also unveiled additional supports for parents and non-COVID-19 medical researchers who have been negatively impacted by the pandemic.
Extension on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
Trudeau confirmed that his government will be extending the CEWS by another three months, to the end of August. The government will also work with labour groups and stakeholders to make additional adjustments to the program and will be reviewing the eligibility criteria, including the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold. “Business owners please take confidence from this announcement,” he said. “You now have actual runway to catch your breath. So please, bring back your employees.” Read the government’s media release here.
The Prime Minister also encouraged Canadians who are able to return back to work as soon as possible. “We need you back,” he said. “We need you in your jobs and in your teams to bring life back into the community.”
To date almost 1.7 million workers have had their wages subsidized.
Canada Summer Job Bank
He also announced that the first set of job postings for students and recent graduates are now up on the jobbank.gc.ca website and also on the Job Bank Canada app, and thousands more will be posted online in the coming weeks. Trudeau encouraged students to check it out as a placement not only means a paycheck, it is also experience for jobs that are key to our fight against COVID-19.
Canada Child Benefit and HST/GST Credit
While everyone should do their best to file taxes before June 1st deadline, the Prime Minister announced that those who are unable to apply in time will continue to receive their CCB and HST benefits until the end of September.
“People are going through a tough time right now but by working together and by being there for each other – we will come out of this,” Trudeau said.
$450M For Non COVID-19 Research Wage Subsidy
Trudeau also announced $450 million to help researchers and research institutions who have seen their labs close or that are facing having to lay off staff. This money is expected to flow through universities and affiliated research institutes that have been affected by the pandemic, and to provide temporary support on wages through federal granting agencies. “Canadian researchers are the best in the world,” said Trudeau. “Every day they make discoveries to keep us safe and healthy and we have to support them.”
An estimated 15,000 health researchers and lab technicians at hospitals and medical institutes across the country have seen their work halted as it’s not COVID-19 related, and are facing funding pressures as the nation prioritizes the pandemic.
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