"Help is on the way": Trudeau's emergency benefit now giving $2000 a month for 4 months

Mar 25 2020, 3:49 pm

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that help is on the way for Canadians in terms of temporary funds during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The prime minister said that the House of Commons passed the emergency bill for Canada’s $82 billion aid package for those affected by COVID-19.

He added that almost one million people applied for employment insurance last week.

“We will be there to help you,” said Trudeau. “Our government is doing everything we can to be there for you.”

The prime minister said that people who are covered include those who lost their jobs, those who are sick, quarantined, or looking after someone who has COVID-19, as well as parents who have to stay home with children, and contract workers or those self-employed.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) announced will allow applicants to receive $2000 a month for the next four months for those who have lost their income during the coronavirus pandemic.

Additionally, the Government of Canada said “workers who are still employed, but are not receiving income because of disruptions to their work situation due to COVID-19, would also qualify for the CERB. This would help businesses keep their employees as they navigate these difficult times, while ensuring they preserve the ability to quickly resume operations as soon as it becomes possible.”

Trudeau said the online portal will be available as soon as possible, and Canadians will get the funds “within 10 days of applying.”

The federal government is looking to get money out “quickly and reliably” and Trudeau said that the system will be up and running by April 6.

“Checks will be flowing after that,” he said.

The CERB would be paid every four weeks and be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020.

The Canadian prime minister also said there will be more direct support for businesses.

“Help is on the way,” said Trudeau, who said that since Monday, the federal government has already processed 143,000 claims.

For the second day in a row, Trudeau said that Canada is facing its “greatest healthcare crisis in its history.”

He also continued to ask Canadians to stay home, and not go outside unless “you absolutely have to.”

“It’s not hard to do what we’re asking you to do, just stay home,” said the prime minister.

“To come through this, we must all look after each other and do our share.”

Last week, Trudeau announced economic measures the government is taking to help Canadians during the coronavirus pandemic.

The $82 billion aid package represents 3% of the country’s GDP, Trudeau said.

This includes a $27 billion fund that will be directly supporting businesses and individuals, as well as $55 million put forward in tax deferrals.

Daily Hive StaffDaily Hive Staff

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