Trudeau to Extend the CERB

The federal government will extend the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) for a total of 24 weeks. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau made the announcement as part of today’s update on the COVID-19 situation.

“By extending the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, Canadians will be able to continue to buy groceries and pay their bills as we work together to safely and effectively restart the economy,” Trudeau said Applications must be made no later than December 2, 2020, and be retroactive for the period between March 15 to October 3, 2020.

The benefit is for workers who:

• live in Canada and are at least 15 years old
• have stopped working because of reasons related to COVID-19, or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits, or have exhausted their EI regular or fishing benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020
• had employment and/or self-employment income of at least $5,000 in 2019, or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application
• have not earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income per benefit period while collecting the CERB
• have not quit their job voluntarily

The news comes as parts of the country begin to reopen for business following three months of lockdown. Canada had 99,467 cases. The majority of those are in Ontario (32,554), and Quebec (54,146).

Canada-US Border Closure Renewed

The Canada-US Border will remain closed for another month to non-essential travel. The move was made to slow the spread of COVID-19. “This is an important decision that will keep people in both of countries safe,” Trudeau said. Canadians can still fly, and sail into the United States.

The closure has been in place since March. Recently the federal government loosened some restrictions in order to reunite immediate family members. There is a mandatory 14-day quarantine order for all travelers.