On April 15, the federal government announced that it will extend the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB”) to ensure that more workers benefit, retroactive to March 15, 2020. For details about the previously announced eligibility criteria, see our COVID-19 Resource Centre and FAQ Videos. As a result of the expansion, the following workers will be able to collect the CERB:

• those who are earning up to $1,000 per month;
• seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and cannot undertake their regular seasonal work because of COVID-19; and
• workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and cannot find work or return to work because of COVID-19.

Additionally, the government of Canada has announced that it will work with the provinces and territories to cost-share a temporary top-up to the salaries of low-income essential workers (those who earn less than $2,500/month), including front-line health care workers, long-term care workers, food service workers, grocery workers, and others. The government has stated that more details will be provided shortly. We will keep monitoring developments and keep you In the Know.

This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues. This information is not intended as legal advice.