The Canadian government continues to promote its emergency aid packages for laid-off workers due to COVID-19.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal wage subsidy program will be available soon to businesses big and small, that are not publically funded, including bars, restaurants, charities and non-profits.
Trudeau says businesses that have seen revenues decline by 30% or more will be eligible for wage subsidies of up to 75%.
He stresses this money is for workers, noting companies must do everything in their power to pay the remaining 25% of employees’ wages.
Another package is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Trudeau says applications will open on April 6th.
“By selecting direct deposit at http://www.canada.ca you should receive your payment within three to five days. By mail, you will get your cheque within ten days. After applying all you need to keep getting this benefit is check in every month to say that you are still out of work.”
Trudeau says it’s time to pull together as a country and trust each other as Canadians, stressing stiff penalties will be handed out to those who cheat the system.
He is now reaching out to other party leaders to recall Parliament to pass what he calls the biggest economic program in Canada’s history.
Trudeau states “This must be a Team Canada effort.”
