Weekly Digests

Resources to Help You During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Over the course of a few weeks, nearly everyone’s business and life has been turned upside down. With that disruption in mind, here are a few updates and resources that may be helpful.

1 million unemployment claims made

The government said Canadians made nearly one million claims for unemployment benefits last week, which is accounts for about 5% of Canada’s workforce.

New COVID-19 benefits program

The government recently announced an Economic Response Plan which is aimed at reducing the anticipated economic downturn from COVID-19. The package includes a number of economic stimulus measures including wage subsidies, flexibility for filing taxes, income support and more measures detailed here.

Canada Emergency Response Benefit

To support workers and help businesses keep their employees, the government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit would provide $2,000 a month for up to four months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The CERB would be a simpler and more accessible combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.

The CERB would cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19, as well as working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).

More details can be found here.

14 day isolation for travellers

In a bid curb the spread of the virus, a mandatory 14-day period of self-isolation is required for travellers returning home to Canada.

Coronavirus update

At the time of writing this, the government reports there have been 158,598 people tested for COVID-19, 3,555 confirmed cases, 24 probable cases and 35 deaths.

Text scam

PM Justin Trudeau has warned Canadians about a text message scam trying to exploit the government’s new financial package program. He has issued a reminder to seek information from official government websites.

Working from home when your kids are out of school

This podcast interview with a 26-year veteran of home-schooling and working has great ideas and resources for making it all work. The most surprising insight is that kids may only need two or three hours to complete the academic tasks that keep them out of the house for seven or more hours when school is in session.

Take care of yourself

We sincerely hope that you and your family are well and remain well. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are all in this together!