HUMA Appearance on Government’s Response to COVID-19 Pandemic – May 1st, 2020 – Minister of Labour

Official title: Minister of Labour HUMA Appearance on Government’s Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic May 1st, 2020

On this page

  1. Remarks

Hot Issues

  1. Work Refusals
  2. CCOHS Guidelines
  3. Support for Labour and Workers
  4. Occupational Health and safety
  5. Mental Health Supports for Workers
  6. Top-ups for Essential Workers
  7. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Support for Frontline Workers
  8. Delay in Regulations and Consultations for Legislation Implementation
  9. Group Terminations
  10. Changes to the Canada Labour Code related to COVID-19

Annex – Measure and programs under ESDC portfolio

  1. List of ESDC Measures
  2. Qs and As – COVID-19 Special Measures
  3. List of Economic Measures - GoC
  4. Student Financial Support
  5. Jobs and Skills Opportunities for Students and Youth
  6. Canada Summer Job 2020
  7. Chart - People with Disabilities and COVID-19

1. Opening Remarks

Official title: Opening Remarks for the Honourable Filomena Tassi,Minister of Labour, for Appearance before the Standing Committee on Human Resources, Skills and Social Development and the Status of Persons with Disabilities (HUMA) on COVID-19 related measures House of Commons May 1, 2020

Check Against Delivery (2020 PA 000463)

Mr. Chair and members of the committee, it is my pleasure today to be here to give you an update on measures taken to address the COVID-19 pandemic as they pertain to my portfolio.

Before I begin, I would like to highlight that today is International Workers Day. Today, we recognize the millions of Canadians who go to work every day, and we are reminded that their health and safety at work are of the utmost importance. This is true now more than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.

I would like to thank the Committee for its study of the Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Your work is essential to our democratic process.

Overall government support for workers

I will begin by summarizing the Government’s overall support for workers, especially essential workers.

We have taken a number of extraordinary but necessary steps to protect and support Canadian workers and businesses during this crisis.

Businesses across Canada have had to dramatically alter or shut down their operations to help flatten the curve, and this has had an enormous impact on employers and workers alike.

To help Canadian workers impacted by COVID-19 put food on the table and keep a roof over their head, the Government introduced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

I am aware of the fact that my colleague, the Honourable Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion has already appeared in front of the committee to discuss this benefit.

To ensure workers can take time off work to deal with situations related to COVID-19, such as school closures and self-quarantine, we have also created a new leave under the Canada Labour Code, and we are waiving medical certificate requirements to make it easier for federally regulated workers to access existing leave benefits.

While the new leave is unpaid, workers taking it may be eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

My colleague, the Honourable Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, has been leading on the work being done to provide extra income support to our essential workers during this critical time, if they are earning less than $2,500 per month.

These are the people on the front-line in hospitals and nursing homes, those ensuring the integrity of the food supply, or providing essential retail services to Canadians.

They play a vital role in providing essential services to Canadians. Their work is essential to our country’s well-being, and on behalf of all Canadians, I would like to thank them for the important work they do.

Working with stakeholders

Now I would like to say a few words about the work that we have done with leaders from in government, labour and industry regarding support for workers and employers during the COVID-19 crisis.

I have been in constant contact with individual organizations across sectors, both business and labour; and across partisan lines so that the latest concerns are heard and addressed by our government as quickly as possible.

I led a teleconference of the Federal, Provincial and Territorial Labour Ministers to coordinate efforts across government to make sure that workplaces for essential workers remain safe during the COVID-19 crisis.

We also recently met – via teleconference – with representatives from labour and employers to discuss the steps we have taken so far to ensure that workplaces are safe, workers are protected, and businesses and the Canadian economy are as strong as they can be. This meeting resulted in a joint statement underlining the need to collaborate on the part of labour, industry and government to make sure that workplaces remain safe for Canada’s essential workers.

We agreed that as the situation continues to evolve, we must remain flexible and adaptable in how we respond, and above all, we must continue to work together.

Working together will yield better results because we share common goals—to protect the health, safety, and well-being of Canadian workers.

We are also collaborating so that Canadian businesses are ready to come back and to ensure the economy can recover—by getting people back to work safely after the crisis ends.

We will continue to work together to achieve these goals, today and down the road.

Occupational health and safety

Mr. Chair, let me now turn to the measures the Government is taking to protect the health and safety of all Canadians.

Under the Canada Labour Code, employers have the duty to protect the health and safety of their employees at work.

Working with employees and Health and Safety Committees, employers are required to update or create their own hazard prevention programs, including measures to ensure employees are not exposed to conditions that could be harmful to their health or safety while working.

We know that exposure to COVID-19 is a new phenomenon. We also know we must take this matter very seriously.

We encourage employers to seek guidance from the appropriate authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization, for information on any preventative measures that should be taken.

Initiating CCOHS guidelines for specific sectors

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) under the direction its CEO, Anne Tennier, has been doing excellent work in response to the COVID-19 crisis. They have very rapidly developed a series of pandemic guidance tip sheets and made them available for free on their website.

These pandemic tip sheets offer guidance and good practices for specific occupations, industries and services, for both employers and workers.

The CCOHS has also provided an online space, Pandemic Info Share, to enable businesses and organizations to share their pandemic-related good practices and resources.

Managing work refusals

Mr. Chair, we know that many employers are following guidance and measures from the appropriate authorities, including the Public Health Agency of Canada, to make sure their employees are safe during this critical time.

We also know that most employers are doing their best to accommodate reasonable requests from employees who are grappling with the wide-ranging disruptions caused by COVID-19, and I thank them for their efforts. For example, there are many workers who have to stay home and care for their children who are out of school. In some cases, they’re able to complete some or all of their work from home.

That being said, I know that many employees are nervous about heading into work every day or about going back to work.

That is why we reached out to employers and their representatives to remind them of employers’ responsibilities under the Code.

If there is a risk of exposure to COVID-19, employers have an obligation to identify, assess the risk, and implement proper controls through their hazard prevention programs.

Employees subject to Part II of the Code have a right to refuse to work where they have a reasonable basis to believe that their duties present a danger to their health or safety.

Every workplace and every situation is unique, and when a refusal to work cannot be resolved internally, the Labour Program will investigate.

Continuing conversations and monitoring situations

Mr. Chair, we are committed to supporting and protecting workers and businesses.

As I mentioned, the Government has taken a number of unprecedented but necessary steps to support Canadian workers and businesses during this COVID-19 outbreak.

And we will continue to monitor the ongoing and continuously evolving situation, and we will remain open to exploring additional measures that could further help workers during this time.

That means continuing to work with leaders from labour, industry and other stakeholders to ensure that what we have in place right now is working, and to course correct if needed.

We are committed to ensuring that workers and businesses have the protections and supports they need, while keeping essential goods and services flowing to Canadians.

With that, Mr. Chair, I conclude my preliminary remarks.

Thank you.

2. Refusals to Work related to COVID-19

Issue

Has the Labour Program been involved in refusals to work related to the COVID-19 outbreak?

Key facts

Response

Background

On December 31, 2019, a cluster of cases of pneumonia was reported in Wuhan, China, and the cause was confirmed as a coronavirus disease, which has been named COVID-19. On March 11, 2020, COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), and the situation continues to evolve. Information regarding the number of confirmed cases, deaths, and the severity of the illness is changing rapidly.

The Labour Program ensures the continuity of its operations by providing advice to employers and employees during the pandemic. Our employees respond to requests for information and Canada Labour Code (Code) provisions and ensure compliance with the Code.

Federally regulated employees that have reasonable cause to believe that a situation exists, in the workplace, which constitutes a danger to their health and safety may refuse to work, under Part II of the Code. The definition of danger under the Code is defined as any hazard, condition or activity that could reasonably be expected to be an imminent or serious threat to the life or health of a person exposed to it before the hazard or condition can be corrected or the activity altered.

There are certain restrictions where a refusal to work is not permitted:

The Labour Program conducts investigations of continued refusals to work that arise in workplaces under federal jurisdiction and which cannot be resolved internally between the employee(s) and the employer. On completion of their investigation, the Labour Program Official renders one of the following decisions:

Daily updates on the number of continued refusals to work, related to COVID-19, investigated by the Labour Program and Transport Canada are provided to the Minister of Labour via the daily communication of the Minister’s Situation Report. As of April 29, 2020, the Labour Program and its extended jurisdiction partner, Transport Canada, have investigated 43 continued refusals to work, across the country, related to COVID-19.

Internal Responsibility System

The foundation of Part II of the Code is the Internal Responsibility System, which recognizes that it is the workplace parties who are able to assess and determine most effectively the particular workplace hazards and health and safety needs of employees.

Employers have the most control over conditions of work and how the work is done. Therefore, they have the greatest legal responsibility for health and safety in the workplace. Employees also have a responsibility to ensure their own occupational health and safety, and reporting any possible hazards or safety issues to the employer.

Under Part II of the Code, the internal responsibility system seeks to ensure that employers and employees work together to identify and address hazards in their work places. When work place issues arise, the preferred approach is for the parties to resolve the issue internally, without the need for government involvement.

Hazard Prevention Program

Under the Code and its related regulations, employers are required to have a Hazard Prevention Program in place to protect employees. The Hazard Prevention Program is a workplace-specific program designed to prevent work-related injuries and diseases and is prepared as a response to hazards identified at a particular workplace.

If COVID-19 may pose a risk to employees, the employer is required under the regulations to identify and assess the hazards, update the hazard prevention program where required, and train the employees on the new hazard information.

All employers must strive to ensure that employees have been provided with the necessary training, tools and equipment to safely perform their work (including training and procedures on how to use personal protective equipment, if required).

Date

April 29, 2020

3. Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Resources

Issue

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has developed educational and information resources in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, for use in Canadian workplaces.

Key facts

Response

Background

The CCOHS is a federal government agency that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Labour and that is governed by a tripartite Council of Governors that has 22 seats representing three key stakeholder groups: governments (federal, provincial and territorial), employers and workers. Since its establishment in 1978, the CCOHS has developed a national and international reputation for excellence as an authoritative source of neutral, expert information on all aspects of health and safety in the workplace.

Role and Key Activities

The CCOHS is responsible for giving occupational health and safety information by providing training, education, management systems and solutions that support health, safety and wellness programs. Specifically, the CCOHS:

One of the CCOHS's most important roles is the publication of educational materials, best practices and recommendations to assist workplace parties to meet their occupational health and safety obligations under provincial and federal legislation, like the Canada Labour Code.

CCOHS currently has 16 tip sheets on-line for the following sectors:

They also have two more in development, one for the agricultural sector and another to support worker reintegration.

Citations / Key quotes

"In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, workplaces thrust into unfamiliar circumstances and facing the challenges that come with managing a remote workforce are turning to CCOHS for guidance. In addition to having contingency plans in place to help them function, we can’t stress enough the importance of maintaining close communication within the organization. Reach out frequently to employees who become ill or are in quarantine. Have regular contact with those who are working from home to monitor their well-being, let them know you care and help with any feelings of isolation they made have.”

- Anne Tennier, President and Chief Executive Officer at the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)

Date

April 29, 2020

4. Support for Labour and Workers related to COVID-19

Issue

The Government recently introduced measures to support Canadian workers that are unable or unavailable to work due to a reason related to COVID-19.

Key facts

Response

Background

The COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, which came into force on March 25, 2020, contains a number of measures in response to the current pandemic, including the CERB and related changes to the Canada Labour Code (Code).

The CERB provides a weekly benefit of $500, paid in four-week installments to workers and self-employed individuals who are over 15 years old; have earned at least $5,000 in the previous year; have ceased working for reasons related to COVID-19 for at least 14 consecutive days within a 4-week period; and have no employment, self-employment or Employment Insurance (EI) income during the period they have ceased working. On April 15, 2020, eligibility for the CERB was expanded to include seasonal workers, those who have run out of EI benefits, and workers who make less than $1,000 per month due to reduced hours.

This Act also introduced changes to theCodeto support employees in the federally regulated private sector who need to take time off work as a result of the virus, including a new unpaid, job-protected leave of up to 16 weeks that employees can take if they are unable or unavailable to work for reasons related to COVID-19.

The Act also temporarily suspended the need for employees to provide medical certificates in order to access the existing medical leave, compassionate care leave, and leave related to critical illness under theCode. This is consistent with corresponding changes to the EI program.

Date

April 29, 2020:

5. Occupational Health and Safety – Covid-19

Issue

What is the Labour Program doing to protect the health and safety of Canadian workers during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Key facts

Response

Background

Canada Labour Code, Part II Overview

Part II of the Canada Labour Code (Code) applies to private-sector employers under federal jurisdiction (including transportation, telecommunications, broadcasting, feed-flour-seed, grain elevators, banking, certain Aboriginal activities, oil and gas, uranium energy and mining sectors), the federal public service, including crown corporations and Parliament.

Part II of the Code places a general obligation on the employer to protect the health and safety of employees while they are working, as well as non-employees (for example, contractors or members of the public) who are granted access to the workplace.

However, it also establishes an internal responsibility system whereby both employers and employees are obliged to work together to prevent work-related injuries and diseases. This system, based on cooperation, improves occupational health and safety in the work place.

The legislation also provides an employee with three fundamental rights:

  1. The right to know about every known or foreseeable health or safety hazard in the area where they work
  2. the right to participate in identifying and correcting job-related health and safety concerns through health and safety representatives and/or committees, and
  3. the right to refuse dangerous work

The legislation also establishes offences and provides an appeal process for parties who are dissatisfied with a direction or decision issued by a delegate of the Minister with respect to a violation under the Code.

Meat and poultry processing plants, like the Cargill processing plant in High River, Alberta, are not federally regulated for OHS purposes. As such, OHS issues related to workplaces in this sector should be directed to the appropriate provincial or territorial OHS authority.

Labour Program Partners

The Labour Program works closely with our colleagues at the Canada Energy Regulator and Transport Canada, who are responsible for enforcing the Code in certain federally-regulated sectors on behalf of the Minister of Labour.

Officials from the Labour Program have been working closely with Transport Canada in providing ongoing guidance and assistance to our joint stakeholders in the essential transportation sectors, specifically rail, road, air and marine transportation.

The Labour Program works closely with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) which is a federal departmental corporation, responsible for giving trustworthy and complete occupational health and safety information by providing training, education, management systems and solutions that support health, safety and wellness programs. One of their most important roles is publishing educational materials, best practices and recommendations that regulators are unable to for reasons of liability and duty of care.

We have also supported the work of PHAC and Health Canada by referencing their expert guidance on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and in proposed changed to the Hazardous Products Act.

Refusals to Work

Employees who have reasonable cause to believe that COVID-19 is a danger to their health and safety may refuse to work under the Code. The definition of danger under the Code is defined as any hazard, condition or activity that could reasonably be expected to be an imminent or serious threat to the life or health of a person exposed to it before the hazard or condition can be corrected or the activity altered.

The Labour Program is poised to investigate any Refusals to Work that arise in workplaces under federal jurisdiction that cannot be resolved internally between the employee(s) and the employer.

How the Labour Program has adapted under COVID-19

Despite the limitations imposed in response to the pandemic, the Labour Program continues to serve federally-regulated employers and employees by carrying out investigations, responding to complaints and providing counselling on theCode requirements, but has suspended any proactive work, such as inspections.

Due to the hazard posed by the COVID-19, and the Government restrictions on business operations and human movement, the Labour Program has made some adaptations to ensure that employers and employees can continue to work safely and continue to perform normal activities.

The Labour Program has also been updating and creating guidance documents to support workplace parties, including:

Labour Program as an Employer

As an employer, the Labour Program has instructed its officials to conduct investigations remotely, by not attending the workplace, where possible. While we are not currently conducting inspections, we are available and have been working with the workplace parties to ensure compliance.

Where onsite investigation cannot be avoided, approval from senior management is required and the official will be provided appropriate personal protective equipment.

A working group was established to review and revise safe work procedures for employees carrying out regulatory compliance activities on behalf of the Minister of Labour.

The Labour Program is beginning to plan for any changes that may be required as the Government and public health officials begin to allow businesses to reopen, and normal activities to resume.

Date

April 29, 2020

6. Mental Health Supports for Workers

Issue

COVID-19 is having negative impacts on the mental health of Canadians, including workers. Mental health supports for workers are available in this challenging time.

Key facts

Response

Background

Provincial and territorial (PT) governments deliver most mental health and substance use services in Canada.

Almost all provinces and territories have enhanced available mental health supports and resources, as well as adapted, promoted and/or enhanced their crisis lines while some are addressing particular gaps in care and services.

On April 15, 2020, Health Canada launched a launched a new online portal called "Wellness Together Canada" that provides access to a virtual network of psychosocial supports. These supports will complement, and not replace, existing provincial and territorial services.

This portal contains information beneficial to workers in the federal jurisdiction and responds to various issues that workers are dealing with such as financial stress, substance abuse, domestic violence, in addition to psychosocial factors that contribute to psychological health and safety in the workplace.

To support Government employees, the Centre of Expertise on Mental Health in the Workplace within the Treasury Board Secretariat has responded to the current situation by updating the Employee Assistance Program webpage and by launching a new online hub.

Several other organizations across Canada have been stepping up to provide useful tools, as well as interactive and streamable resources to support employers and employees. For example:

Date

April 29, 2020

7. Top Ups for Essential Workers

Issue

The measures in place to address new burdens on essential workers caused by COVID-19. 

Key facts

Response

Background

Essential workers are critical to ensuring Canada can respond to the COVID-19 emergency. Essential workers face tough working conditions and new stresses in doing their jobs during this pandemic. Recognizing that, and the important role these workers play in the COVID-19 response, the Government and the provinces are looking at ways to provide additional financial support to these critical workers. 

Federal Response

On April 15, 2020, the Prime Minister announced changes to the CERB as well as the Government of Canada's intention to work with provinces to ensure continued employment in essential sectors such as transportation. The changes to the CERB will ensure that workers can make up to $1,000 while still receiving CERB benefits. This will allow low-income essential service workers in particular, to receive the CERB while continuing to work part-time.

The Prime Minister also announced that the Government would start to work with provinces and territories through a new transfer to cost share a temporary top up to the salaries of workers who are deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19. Through this new transfer, provinces and territories will be able to provide their low-income essential workers with a top up.

This measure could help several million workers currently involved in the COVID-19 response. The Government will continue to look for ways to better help all Canadians during this difficult time.

Ontario

On April 25, 2020, Ontario announced a wage top up program called "Pandemic Pay" that will provide an additional $4 per hour for certain frontline essential workers, in the health, social services and provincial corrections services sectors. The program will also provide a $250 bonus per month to those who work more than 100 hours in a month. The program does not apply to management positions in these sectors.

The Government has indicated that the purpose of this program is to recognize the important work being done in these sectors, and to provide workers with greater financial stability.   

Quebec

On April 2, 2020, Quebec announced a wage top up program that will provide $100 per week to workers who make at least $5,000 per year and who are currently making no more than $550 per week. The benefit will be provided to workers in sectors that have been deemed essential, such as grocery store workers. The benefit was retroactive to March 15, and will be in place for 16 weeks. The Government of Quebec estimates that about 600,000 workers will be eligible for the benefit.

The Government of Quebec has indicated that the purpose of this program is to ensure that workers making less than what is provided by the CERB will receive a benefit to their ongoing hard work.

Citations / Key quotes 

"As we face an unprecedented threat to public health, you [essential workers] are our most important line of defence. We will do whatever we can to help you do your job and support you through this."

Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister (CTV News, April 15, 2020)

« J’aimerais également profiter de l’occasion pour souligner les milliers de Canadiens qui sont en première ligne et dans les services essentiels. Le travail critique qu’ils accomplissent nous permet de continuer à avoir accès aux biens et services essentiels. Nous comptons sur ceux qui travaillent dans les soins de santé, le transport par camions, le secteur agricole, les transports ferroviaires et aériens, le secteur portuaire, les livraisons, les banques, la radiodiffusion, les télécommunications, les services publics et dans bien d’autres industries, maintenant plus que jamais. J’aimerais leur exprimer mes sincères remerciements et toute ma reconnaissance pour le travail qu’ils font. »

Hon. Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour (Transport Magazine, April 29, 2020)

Date

April 30, 2020

8. Personal Protective Equipment Support for Frontline Workers

Issue

Stakeholders in the federally regulated sector have stressed the need to acquire personal protective equipment (PPE) for the essential services they are providing.

Key facts

Response

Background

As Government of Canada’s central purchaser, Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) is spearheading the consolidated purchase of emergency supplies and services required for Canada, including at the federal, provincial and territorial levels. 

PSPC has established a dedicated team of procurement specialists who are working with Health Canada and public health agency officials to implement flexible procurement approaches and rapid decision making to meet Canada’s needs. 

PSPC is working directly with both new and existing suppliers and manufacturers, mobilizing Canadian industry, and ensuring that suppliers have a clear pathway to supply goods and services that may be of use in response to COVID-19. This includes engaging suppliers through the more than 26,000 submissions received to PSPC's
call-out to suppliers at BuyandSell.gc.ca.

To date, PSPC has placed orders for millions of key items, such as masks, tests, ventilators, and has established agreements with Canadian companies that are stepping up to support Canada’s efforts to combat COVID-19.

PPE needs and gaps in federally regulated workplaces

Federally regulated workers play an important role in ensuring the supply chain for food and medical equipment remains uninterrupted, and that there is no break in vital transportation, telecommunications and broadcasting services. 

The Federally Regulated Employers - Transportation and Communications (FETCO), which is the largest federally regulated employers’ association in the private sector, and the Canadian Bankers Association, which represents Canadian banks, have each submitted a detailed list of PPE needed to allow its members’ employees to continue interacting in proximity of one another and providing customer service.

The needs of the federally regulated sector are being considered as part of the Government's overall strategy with regard to PPE.

Citations / Key quotes 

"Under normal circumstances, businesses could source PPE on the open market, but trade restrictions on these products and government health-care demands have made the issue one of national concern. That is why we believe the federal and provincial governments must ensure that PPE is widely available to businesses to protect employees and customers as well as avoid a resurgence of COVID-19."

Mark Agnew, Canadian Chamber of Commerce Senior Director of International Policy (CTV News, April 24, 2020)

Date

April 30, 2020

9. Delay in regulations and consultations for legislation implementation

Issue

The Labour Program is considering how to proceed with legislative and regulatory initiatives for federal jurisdiction workplaces in the context of COVID-19.

Key facts

Response

Background

Citations / Key quotes 

"Canada is facing an unprecedented situation with the COVID-19 pandemic. The world of work is experiencing rapid and significant disruptions that are affecting everyone—employers, workers, their families and surrounding communities. The weeks and months ahead will not be easy, but we are going to get through this together."

(Joint Statement by the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour, and leaders from labour and industry regarding support for workers and employers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, April 20, 2020)

"A number of extraordinary but necessary steps have been taken to protect and support Canadian workers and businesses during this crisis. Businesses across Canada have had to dramatically alter or shut down their operations to help flatten the curve, and this has had an enormous impact on employers and workers alike."

(Joint Statement by the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Labour, and leaders from labour and industry regarding support for workers and employers during the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, April 20, 2020)

Date

April 30, 2020

10. Group Terminations – related to COVID-19

Issue

What is the Government doing to protect the rights of employees who may have lost their jobs due to the impacts related to COVID-19?

Key facts

Response

Background

The Labour Program ensures the continuity of its operations by providing advice to employers and employees during the pandemic. Our employees respond to requests for information and Canada Labour Code (the Code) provisions and ensure compliance with the Code.

The group termination provisions, as defined in Division IX of Part III of the Code, stipulate that an employer who intends to terminate the employment of 50 or more employees in any single industrial establishment within a four-week period, must give written notice to the Minister of Labour, the Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC), the Canada Employment Insurance Commission (CEIC), associated unions and any affected employee(s) not represented by a union at least 16 weeks before the termination date.

The employer must also establish a joint employer-employee planning committee. The mandate of this committee is to find ways to minimize the impact of the group termination on affected employees, and if possible, to avoid the necessity of terminating the employment.

TheCode allows the employer to request exemptions to:

To be granted a waiver as per Section 228, the application must show that the requirement to provide notice, statement of benefits, to cooperate with the Commission or to establish the joint planning committee:

The Minister may grant or deny a waiver application based on whether or not it has been proven that the above criteria have been met.

In addition, whether or not there has been a group termination, an employer must provide at least two weeks' written notice of termination or two weeks' pay in lieu thereof to all employees with at least three consecutive months of continuous employment.

Furthermore, the Canada Labour Code stipulates that any employee whose employment is being terminated and has completed at least twelve consecutive months of continuous employment shall, unless dismissed for just cause, be paid severance pay equivalent to two days' wages for each year of employment or five days' wages, whichever amount is the greater.

Where employees are affected by a group termination in accordance with the Canada Labour Code and are covered by a collective agreement, which contains provisions that are at least as favourable as those found in the Canada Labour Code, the collective agreement provisions prevail.

Group Termination Waiver Requests

Under the provisions of Part III of theCode related to labour standards, requests for group termination are reviewed and handled to ensure the well-being of employees and to meet the needs of employers during this exceptional period.

As of April 29, 2020, there have been three requests received by the Minister of Labour for a waiver from the application of the Group terminations division of the Canada Labour Code. These requests are currently under review.

Date

April 29, 2020

11. Changes to the Canada Labour Code related to COVID-19

Issue

The Government recently introduced changes to the Canada Labour Code that enable employees in the federally regulated private sector to take job-protected leave if they are unable to work due to a reason related to COVID-19.

Key facts

Response

Background

Amendments to Part III of the Canada Labour Code were introduced through the COVID-19 Emergency Response Act, which came into force on March 25, 2020.

This Act created a new unpaid, job-protected leave of up to 16 weeks that employees can take if they are unable or unavailable to work for reasons related to COVID-19.

The Act also waived the need for employees to provide medical certificates in order to access the existing medical leave, compassionate care leave, and leave related to critical illness under theCode. This is intended to ease the burden on health care systems and to ensure every employee who is sick or needs to provide care for a loved one is able to stay home

Medical certificate requirements will be reinstated on September 30, 2020, and the leave related to COVID-19 will be repealed on October 1, 2020. When this occurs, the existing medical leave will be amended to clarify that employees who are quarantined are entitled to up to 16 weeks of medical leave in the event that they are quarantined.

These changes apply to employees who work for federally-regulated private sector employers, regardless of how long they have been working for that employer.

The federally regulated private sector includes about 922,000 employees (or 6% of all Canadian employees) working for 18,500 employers in industries such as banking, telecommunications, broadcasting and inter-provincial and international transportation (including air, rail, maritime, and trucking), as well as federal Crown corporations and certain activities on First Nations reserves. This new leave does not apply to the federal public sector.

Provinces and territories that have implemented similar leaves related to COVID-19 include Alberta, British Columbia, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.

Date

April 30, 2020

12. ESDC Covid Response Measures (announced)

Measure

Waive the one - week waiting period for EI sickness: for individuals in imposed quarantine and are EI eligible. 

Target population

EI-eligible individuals who become ill with Covid -19.

Measure

Working-Sharing program: extending eligibility to 76 weeks, easing eligibility requirements and streamlining the application process.

Target population

Business.

Measure

Waive the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness.

Target population

EI-eligible individuals.

Measure

Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): provide income support for workers aged 15 and older who have stopped working and who are without employment or self-employment income for reasons related to COVID-19 for 14 consecutive days within a four week period.

Target population

All Canadians.

Measure

Temporary Foreign Worker program: air travel exemptions, additional authorities (Quarantine Act, IRPR), arrivals readiness, LMIA and other flexibilities.  

Target population

Current TFW eligible businesses.

Measure

Six-month interest free moratorium on repayment of Canada Student Loans.

Target population

Students.

Measure

The proposed Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which would provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities. The benefit would be available from May to August 2020.

Target population

Students.

Measure

Double the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020 to 2021.The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.

Broaden eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020 to 2021, in recognition that many students and families will struggle to save for school this year.

Enhance the Canada Student Loans Program by raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020 to 2021 from $210 to $350.        

Target population

Students.

Measure

Supporting students through expanded student and youth programming

Target population

Students.

Measure

Delivering essential services to those in need: $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.

The investment will flow through national organizations that have the ability to get funds quickly to local organizations that serve vulnerable populations.

Target population

Vulnerable Canadians.

13. Questions and answers

Official title: COVID-19 Economic response plan: support for Canadians and businesses - Questions and answers

1. Service delivery

A. How is the Government of Canada supporting Canadians affected by COVID-19?

The government established the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This taxable benefit provides $2,000 every four weeks for up to sixteen weeks to workers who lose their employment income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Government of Canada’s priority is to ensure that Canadians receive the money they are entitled to as quickly as possible. That is why the CERB is being jointly administered by Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency.

Eligible workers apply through a simple portal. There is no waiting period and direct deposit payments will be delivered into accounts within three business days of applicants being eligible to receive it, and cheques within 10 days.

B. What are you doing to address wait times?

As of April 16, 2020, CRA and Service Canada have received 7.9M applications, and processed more than 7.5M of them.

The Department is putting in place strategies to ensure the timely delivery of benefits.

Taken together these measures will ensure we get Canadians the benefits they need when they need them most. 

We have been able to get payments out to the overwhelming majority of applicants ahead of our EI service standard of 28 days.

C. I have been advised not to visit or enter a Service Canada Centre if I am experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever or difficulty breathing; in self-isolation or quarantine; or have travelled outside of Canada in the past 14 days.  If this applies to me, how can I access services?

As an alternative to in-person service, Service Canada programs and services are available online at Canada.ca/service-canada-home or by telephone at: 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232) - TTY: 1-800-926-9105.

You are encouraged to apply online for benefits and/or to mail your applications or supporting document to us.  Service Canada services and mailing instructions are available online at Canada.ca/service-canada-home.

Additionally, you can contact our specialized call centres for program specific support:

Employment Insurance:  Toll-Free: 1-800-206-7218, TTY: 1-800-529-3742

Canada Pension and Old Age Security:  Toll-Free:  1-800-277-9914, TTY: 1-800-255-4786

Hours of operation are 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday

Please Note:  Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we are experiencing higher than normal call volumes.  We encourage you to use self-serve options to access our programs and services online, and to avoid calling Service Canada if your request is not urgent.

We ask Canadians for their patience at this time so that we can focus our efforts on the most vulnerable Canadian population.

D. How are we reaching Indigenous communities; how can they apply if they don’t have internet access or access to a Service Canada Office?

To support access to critical programs and services for Indigenous communities, Service Canada Community Outreach and Liaison Service (COLS) staff are contacting communities to identify how we can support them accessing critical programs, services and benefits.  These may include an on-line for those with connectivity, dedicated phone lines to support clients, and other measures as developed with communities.

2. Employment Insurance

A. Will foreign students and persons with work permits be able to apply for CERB?

Foreign students and persons with work permits may qualify for CERB if they meet the eligibility requirements, which includes, for instance, residing in Canada and having a valid Social Insurance Number.

B. Will we adjust EI so persons with fewer hours be able to obtain EI?

The Government of Canada is continuing to take strong, immediate and effective action to support all Canadians who are impacted by the global COVID-19 pandemic. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is helping Canadian workers impacted by COVID-19 put food on the table and keep a roof over their head.

We are aware that not everyone is eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The Government is continuing to explore ways for Canadians to get the support they need in these challenging and unprecedented times.

C. Will we eliminate the one-week waiting period on regular EI?

For anyone who became eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits on March 15, 2020 or later, the Employment Insurance claim will be automatically processed through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit that has no waiting period.

D. Will parents receiving maternity/paternity benefit, or parents that are expecting a child, be able to obtain EI or CERB when laid off?

Workers who are receiving EI maternity or parental benefits may continue to receive those benefits as usual. They may apply for CERB benefits after receiving EI maternity or parental benefits as long as they meet the eligibility requirements for CERB.

Parents expecting a child can apply for EI maternity/parental benefits through the normal EI channel.

E. Are claimants who indicate they will be going on maternity/parental benefits later in their claim eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?

The rules applying to EI maternity and parental benefit claims have not changed.   

Workers who are going on maternity or parental leave soon may apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Claimants who have indicated to Service Canada that they intend to claim EI maternity and parental benefits in the coming weeks are currently processed under the traditional EI rules.  This interim approach is intended to facilitate the future transition from the Canada Emergency Response Benefit to EI maternity or parental benefits.  A permanent approach is under development.  Entitlements to EI maternity or parental benefits will not be reduced as a result of this transition. 

F. Can employers keep their employees on payroll and top up their CERB without the employees being penalized?

In order to meet the CERB requirements, employees do not need to be laid off, the employer-employee relationship can be maintained. Employers may provide support to their employees provided that it does not exceed $1000 within the 4-week benefit period.

G. Will we extend EI Regular benefits for those who are currently on them and are soon going to run out? For example Seasonal Workers

The government has extended the CERB to workers, including seasonal workers, who exhaust their EI regular benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020 and are unable to return to work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

H. Is there a way for employees to receive financial support without having to be laid off first?

Workers do not need to be laid off to qualify. The employer-employee relationship can be maintained. In addition, to help more Canadians benefit from the CERB, the government has changed the eligibility rules to allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.

3. Work Sharing

A. Are we able to streamline the work-sharing program?

The Government of Canada has taken steps to reduce the time to put an agreement in place from 30 days to just 10 days.

The Government of Canada has also taken concrete steps to significantly simplify mandatory requirements. Such actions include:

These temporary changes are allowing more employers and workers across various sectors and industries to access the program when they need it most.

The COVID-19 special Work-Sharing measures are in effect until March 14, 2021.

B. What other changes have been made to the work-sharing program?

In addition to streamlining mandatory requirements of the work-sharing program, temporary special measures have been introduced that extend the duration of agreements from 38 to 76 weeks.  

The mandatory cooling-off period between agreements has also been waived, allowing employers with recently expired agreements to immediately apply for a new one.

Eligibility has also been broadened temporarily to allow more employers access to the program. For example, Government Business Enterprises (Crown Corporations, other public corporations that run as profit-oriented entities that do not rely solely on public funds to operate) and essential staff who are typically not included.

4. Emergency Benefits

A. What is the eligibility criteria for these new benefits?

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is available to individuals residing in Canada who are age 15 and over and who are employees or self-employed. To be eligible, individuals must:

When submitting the first claim, an individual cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the four-week benefit period of the claim.

When submitting subsequent claims, the individual cannot have earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for the entire four-week benefit period of the new claim.

B. Will self-employed, contractors, gig economy workers, seasonal workers, etc. be eligible?

Yes, the benefit is available to workers, regardless of the nature of their employment, provided that they meet the eligibility criteria.

C. If someone who is Canadian earned income abroad, is he/she eligible?  Are international student eligible? Can they earn the income outside of Canada or does it have to be income earned on Canadian soil?

The intent is to support workers in the Canadian labour force who stopped working as a result of COVID-19.

A Canadian who earned income abroad and who is now residing here is eligible as long as the other conditions are met (if they ceased working due to COVID-19, etc.).

An international student with a SIN and currently residing in Canada is eligible if other conditions are met (if they ceased working due to COVID-19, etc.).

A Canadian residing in the UK is not eligible (even if he/she worked in Canada last year).

D. Is someone self-isolating and not in quarantine eligible for the emergency benefits?

Yes, the benefit is available to all workers who meet the eligibility criteria, including having not quit their job, but having no more than $1,000 employment income for at least 14 consecutive days within the initial four-week benefit payment period as a result of ceasing work for reasons related to COVID-19.

E. Does someone have to have been without work for 14 days (is there a waiting period) before they can apply for the Benefit?

Individuals will be asked to certify that they have stopped or will stop working for reasons related to COVID-19, have not quit their job and will be earning no more than $1,000 as employment income for at least 14 consecutive days within the initial  four-week claim period. There is no waiting period for the benefit.

F. Does someone have to be laid off to access the new Benefit?

No. 

They can remain attached to their company. 

Individuals will be asked to certify that they have stopped or will stop working for reasons related to COVID-19, have not quit their job and will be earning no more than $1,000 as employment income for at least 14 consecutive days within the initial four-week claim period.

G. How much will people receive?

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit provides a flat $500 weekly amount for up to 16 weeks. 

H. How will the new benefits be administered?

Applicants are able to receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit for up to 16 weeks. The design of the measure has been kept as simple as possible to make the measure accessible and ensure that payments are issued quickly. The measure is being delivered through both Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency.

5. Service Canada

A. What are we doing to address wait times?

As of April 16, 2020, CRA and Service Canada have received 7.9M applications and 7.55M have been processed. 

The Department is putting in place strategies to ensure the timely delivery of benefits.

  1. We have redeployed significant number of staff from other functions to focus on processing
  2. We are focused on processing new claims and leaving adjustments aside
  3. We are deploying strategies to increase automation and increase self-service opportunities for clients
  4. And with the new flexibilities in the Act, we would take additional steps to radically speed up our processing capability by implementing streamlined design changes

Taken together these measures will ensure we get Canadians the benefits they need when they need them most. 

We have been able to get payments out to the overwhelming majority of applicants ahead of our service standard of 28 days.

B. Will there be higher IT capacity?

The Department has been working with Shared Services Canada to increase its IT network and system capacity to address the significant increase in EI applications. Measures taken to-date include enhancing the IT infrastructure to enable more staff to telework and adding new servers to improve processing capacity.

6. Temporary Foreign Workers

A. What flexibilities has the Government introduced to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program to ensure employers have access to workers?

Recognizing the continued importance of foreign workers to ensuring Canada’s food security, on a temporary basis, we have streamlined requirements for employers hiring workers in occupations related to agriculture and food processing, and are prioritizing those applications.

Given the persistent need for foreign workers in full-time/full-year positions under the low-wage stream of the program, which include occupations related to meat, fish and seafood processing, we have introduced a pilot to increase the maximum duration of a Labour Market Impact Assessment from one to two years.  This initiative is expected to reduce processing times and costs for employers and the Government.

We have also implemented additional administrative flexibilities to enable employers to adapt to the COVID-19 situation, such as expediting the process for employers wishing the change the name of an already identified foreign worker, and eliminating the requirement for an employer to advise us of minor administrative changes.

B. With so many Canadians unemployed, why can’t we require employers to hire them rather than foreign workers?

I share this concern, and acknowledge that there may be cases where a temporary foreign worker fills a position that could have been filled by a Canadian. That being said, these are extraordinary circumstances, the situation is evolving rapidly, and it is critical that we ensure continued trade, commerce and food security.

With respect to agriculture, temporary foreign workers have been integral to Canada’s food production since the 1960s.  Last year, approximately 60,000 temporary foreign workers came to Canada to work in agriculture and food processing jobs.

The agriculture and agri-food sectors have traditionally had difficulty in recruiting and hiring Canadians, despite the requirement that they advertise to Canadians first. The jobs are seasonal, often located outside of major urban centers, and based on recruitment efforts to date, do not appear to be attractive to many Canadians.

In the current context, especially where many farms have already started planting for the season, pivoting quickly to an all-Canadian agriculture workforce would pose significant challenges. At the same time, it is likely that fewer temporary foreign workers will come to Canada this year, putting additional pressure on the sector.

We continue to encourage employers to hire Canadians, and jobs are posted – and continue to be available – for Canadians who are interested.  In addition, we are exploring additional ways to shore up our domestic labour supply.

C. Given the rapid rise in unemployment due to COVID-19, how is ESDC assessing employer applications for temporary foreign workers?

Applications to the Temporary Foreign Worker Program involve an extensive assessment of a number of factors, including labour market need, with a view to ensuring that Canadians and Permanent Residents are considered first for available jobs. This includes an assessment of labour market information.

While the rapidly evolving situation has reduced the usefulness of current labour market information to make objective assessments of labour shortages, the Program’s assessment of employer requests includes a number of criteria that take into account the state of the labour market. 

For example, most employers must prove that they have made credible efforts to hire Canadians or Permanent residents, and will have their Employment Insurance history reviewed to ensure that they have not recently laid off Canadians.

Further, the Program has strengthened its assessment criteria to ensure that a potential employer has a genuine need for the foreign worker, particularly if the work is not considered an essential service by the federal or provincial and territorial governments.

Given the current context, demand for workers has also decreased, and as a result, the Program has observed a corresponding decrease in applications.

We are also exploring other potential adjustments to enable the program to adapt to the evolving context more quickly.

D. What is the role of employers of temporary foreign workers in safeguarding public health during this pandemic?

Like all travelers to Canada, temporary foreign workers are responsible for complying with orders made under the Quarantine Act, including the current requirement for mandatory quarantine or isolation.  Contravening these requirements could lead to fines or imprisonment, and under proposed regulations, foreign workers could be deemed inadmissible to Canada and face removal.

Employers have an important role to play in helping to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19.  Like all Canadians, employers are expected to follow the latest public health and safety requirements and guidance from the Government of Canada and their provincial/territorial and local authorities.

Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, which entered into force on April 20, 2020, also compel employers of temporary foreign workers to meet additional requirements, including:

Employers who do not comply with the requirements could be subject to penalties of up to $1 million and a ban from hiring foreign workers, depending on the seriousness of the situation and number of workers affected.

E. How will you enforce employer compliance with the new requirements?

Communication has been the cornerstone of our approach to ensuring employers understand and comply with the new requirements related to COVID-19.

Along with the Minister of Health, I outlined the Government’s expectations of employers in a letter dated April 1st.  That letter was shared with all employers of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, and is posted online.

Additional guidance to employers, informed by the expertise of public health officials, as well as extensive stakeholder engagement at the officials’ level, have also taken place.

Amendments to the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations which entered into force on April 20, 2020 will enable enforcement of the new requirements through inspections and the application of penalties for non-compliance under the existing administrative monetary penalties framework.

Given the critical importance of protecting public health, these amendments include the ability for enforcement officers to conduct inspections regarding COVID-19 early, quickly, and make final determinations faster.  Inspections would be initiated proactively, but also reactively, such as through tips, or reports of confirmed cases of COVID-19 at a worksite.

The Government will continue to work with provinces/territories, partner countries, employer associations, worker support organizations, and other stakeholders to address issues and questions, and communicate additional information on requirements for inspections in the coming days.

F. Why doesn’t the Government take responsibility for quarantining workers?

Together, we all have an important role to play in protecting public health throughout this pandemic, and we share a key objective – to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The Government of Canada has implemented a number of measures to screen travellers, including temporary foreign workers, before they leave for Canada, and upon arrival. Government quarantine facilities have been established, and using a risk-based approach, officers will determine whether workers should be quarantined in a Government facility, or at their final destination.

In addition, I understand that some provinces are imposing additional requirements for foreign workers upon arrival.

Under current program rules, many employers of temporary foreign workers, especially those in agriculture, provide housing to workers. We have been engaging with employer groups and communicating with employers directly, to ensure that this housing enables workers to meet the requirements of quarantine.

In addition, under new regulations employers are required to provide accommodations that enables workers to meet the requirements to quarantine, such as maintaining a 2-metre distance and, we are offering compensation to employers in key sectors to defray some of the additional costs they may incur as a result.

Importantly, this approach will help to ensure the health of the public, including foreign workers, is protected not just for their first two weeks in Canada, but throughout their entire period of employment.

7. Canada Summer Jobs Program

A. How is CSJ changing for summer 2020 to respond to COVID-19?

When the COVID-19 pandemic emerged, the implementation of CSJ was well underway. The program will continue to serve the same client group (youth aged 15 to 30) and the Department will work with employers which have already submitted applications in order to roll out CSJ 2020.

However, there may be some employers that may now have to withdraw while at the same time there may be other areas of the country where employers are able to hire and where CSJ could make a significant impact in addressing the economic challenges posed by COVID-19.

To encourage job creation through additional flexibilities are supports, CSJ 2020 will:

B. What program adjustments have been put in place to better support the delivery of essential services?

All employers approved for funding will be provided with the flexibility to amend project and job activities to support the delivery of critical services.

MPs have also been invited to work with the Department to identify local organizations that provide critical services that have not applied for CSJ funding but could be solicited to submit an application to offer job placements.

C. How is role of MPs changing for CSJ 2020 to respond to COVID-19?

CSJ is delivered through a constituency based funding model and MPs play an important role in CSJ.

Typically, MPs participate by promoting the program to potential employers in their constituency, identifying local priorities, providing input on project lists, and ensuring that local circumstances are reflected. MPs also notify employers when their project is approved for funding.

It is expected that even with the temporary flexibilities for CSJ 2020, there will be employers who will not be able to hire youth this year amid the current pandemic and the withdrawal rate of employers will be higher than previous years. 

In order to maximize opportunities for employers to hire youth, MPs are being asked to play a larger role than usual.

MP engagement has started earlier than previously planned (April 9) to help identify local organizations that provide essential services but may not have applied for CSJ funding.

This will allow the department to take advantage of MP’s real time understanding of the current situation in their area given how quickly things are changing.

These organizations will be solicited to submit applications to offer job placements.

In order to be approved for funding, organizations would need to meet the eligibility criteria for CSJ 2020 (in other words quality job placements in safe, healthy and inclusive work environments).

D. How much funding is being provided to the CSJ Program in 2020?

The Government of Canada is investing $263 million in funding for the Canada Summer Jobs program in 2020 to support the creation of 70,000 youth jobs with an average duration of 8 weeks, 35 hours.

8. Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

A. What changes are being introduced under the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) program in response to COVID-19?

Additional investments in the YESS program will increase employment opportunities and supports for youth across the country who are impacted by the pandemic by:

B. How many jobs for youth will be created in emergency sectors through additional investments?

With approximately $153.7 million in funding, the Government will support the creation of at least 6,000 jobs in critical sectors. 

C. What youth will benefit? Will these changes support youth facing barriers?

YESS programming is available to all youth aged 15 to 30.

Additional supports, such as mentorship, access to computers, access to mental health supports, are aimed at ensuring youth facing barriers to the labour market, can benefit from these new opportunities.  

These enhancements to YESS complement other measures introduced to support youth and students impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, including the enhancements to Canada Summer Jobs Program.  

D. Which critical sectors will these additional job placements help?  What type of jobs are being created?

These youth jobs will begin quickly to support critical sectors including, but not restricted to: agriculture and agri-food; biosciences and research; transport; environment; and, community service.

These critical service jobs will protect the health and safety of youth.  Examples of jobs created include: telephone and online health and social support services, research and administrative roles, supporting roles for services to vulnerable populations, etc.

9. Student Work Placement Program

A. What changes are being made to the Student Work Placement Program in response to COVID-19?

A one-year additional investment of $80M will be made, and temporary measures introduced, to increase access to the Student Work Placement Program for students and businesses impacted by COVID-19.

This includes:

This includes:

  1. increasing the wage subsidy of up to 75% (up to a maximum of $7,500 per placement) of the cost of wages across all placements, from the current 50% for regular placements and 70% for placements targeting under-represented youth
  2. waiving the criteria requiring employers to offer more placements than they did in previous years, in order to receive Student Work Placement Program funding.

These additional investments and program changes are expected to create up to 20,000 additional placements for post-secondary students in 2020 to 2021.

10. Financial Support for Students

A. How is the Government of Canada supporting students facing financial challenges as a result of COVID-19?

The Government of Canada has introduced a new Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB), which will provide financial relief to students and recent graduates who are unable to find work because of COVID-19. The benefit provides $1,250 a month for up to four months, with an additional $500 per month for students with disabilities, as well as those with dependants.

The Government has also increased the value of Canada Student Grants and Loans and relaxed their eligibility criteria to support new and returning students for the 2020 to 2021 academic year. The value of Canada Student Grants will be doubled, the expected contributions from students and spouses will be exempted from the calculation of a student’s financial need, and the cap on Canada Student Loans will be increased from $210 to $350 per week of study.

These measures are in addition to the recent pause on repayment and interest for student loans for the period of March 30 to September 30.

B. Who is eligible to receive the CESB?

The CESB is available to students who are enrolled in a post-secondary education program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate; or who ended their studies no earlier than December 2019. It is also available to recent high school graduates who are enrolled in PSE in the fall.

C. Do students need to do anything to receive this benefit?

In order to receive the CESB, students will have to complete an application and be required to attest that they are not eligible for the CERB. Eligible students must reapply for the CESB every month.

D. Why is the government increasing the student loan burden for students?

The Government will increase the Canada Student Grants amount by doubling it to up to $6,000 as well as expand their eligibility. To ensure that students are not left with ‘unmet needs’, the Government will increase the cap on student loans, which has not changed since 2005.

Any increase in student debt is expected to be mitigated by the recent lowering of the interest rate on Canada Student Loans and enhancements to the Repayment Assistance Plan.

14. Summary of Economic Measures (announced)

Measure

Waive the one-week waiting period for EI sickness: for individuals in imposed quarantine and are EI eligible.

Target population

EI-eligible individuals who become ill with Covid-19.

Measure

Working-Sharing program: extending eligibility to 76 weeks, easing eligibility requirements and streamlining the application process.

Target population

Business.

Measure

Waive the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access EI sickness.

Target population

EI-eligible individuals.

Measure

Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB): provide income support for workers aged 15 and older who have stopped working for reasons related to COVID-19 or have exhausted their Employment Insurance regular benefits between December 29, 2019 and October 3, 2020 and unable to find a job due to COVID-19. Claimants must have not earned more than $1,000 in employment and/or self-employment income for 14 or more consecutive days within the initial four-week benefit period of their claim and for the entire four-week benefit period subsequently.

Target population

All Canadians.

Measure

Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy: subsidy covers 75% of an employee’s wages – up to $847 per week - for employers of all sizes and across all sectors who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May.

The program will be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.

Target population

Business, workers.

Measure

Temporary 10 % Wage Subsidy: a three-month measure allowing eligible employers (such as individuals, partnerships, non-profit organizations, registered charities etc.) to reduce the amount of payroll deduction required to be remitted to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Target population

Business.

Measure

Temporary Salary Top Up for Low Income Workers: through a new transfer to provinces and territories to temporary top up to the salaries of low-income workers (those who earn less than $2,500 per month on a full time basis), that the provinces and territories have deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19.

Target population

Low income Canadians.

Measure

Canada Emergency Commercial Rental Assistance (CECRA): Government intends to introduce a program for small businesses to provide loans and/or forgivable loans to commercial property owners who in turn will lower or forgo the rent of small businesses for the months of April (retroactive), May, and June.

Implementation of the program will require a partnership with provincial and territorial governments who are responsible for property owner-tenant relationships.

Target population

Small business.

Measure

Temporary Foreign Worker Program: air travel exemptions, additional authorities (Quarantine Act, IRPR), arrivals readiness, LMIA and other flexibilities.

Target population

Current TFW eligible businesses.

Measure

Six month interest free moratorium on repayment of Canada Student Loans.

Target population

Students.

Measure

Improving Access to Food: $100 million to national, regional, and local organizations across Canada to: Purchase, transport and distribute food and other basic necessities; hire temporary help to fill volunteer shortages; and implement safety measures, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among volunteers and clients.

Target population

Vulnerable populations.

Measure

Additional $157.5 million to Reaching Home: to continue to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Target population

Homeless.

Measure

Essential services through New Horizons Seniors Program: Organizations encouraged to use existing funds to provide immediate and essential services to seniors impacted by COVID-19.

Target population

Seniors.

Measure

Canada Child Benefit.

Target population

Children and families.

Measure

GST Tax Credit.

Target population

Low and modest income Canadians.

Measure

Making personal hygiene products and nutritious food more affordable: additional $25 million to Nutrition North Canada to increase subsidies, so families can afford much-needed personal hygiene products and nutritious food.

Target population

Northern communities.

Measure

Indigenous Community Support Fund

Target population

First Nations, Inuit and Metis Nation communities.

Measure

Youth Mental Health: $7.5 million in funding to Kids Help Phone.

Target population

Youth

Measure

Supporting Women and Children fleeing Violence: supporting women and children fleeing violence, by providing up to $50 million to women's shelters and sexual assault centres, including facilities in Indigenous communities, to help with their capacity to manage or prevent an outbreak in their facilities.

Target population

Vulnerable women and children.

Measure

Delivering essential services to those in need: Investment of $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.The investment will flow through national organizations that have the ability to get funds quickly to local organizations that serve vulnerable populations. It will support a variety of activities.

Target population

Vulnerable Canadians.

Measure

Reduced minimum withdrawals RRIF.

Target population

Seniors.

Measure

Supporting the delivery of items and personal outreach: $9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors such as the delivery of groceries and medications.

Target population

Seniors.

Measure

Mortgage Support.

Target population

Homeowners.

Measure

Extra time to file 2019 Tax returns.

Target population

All Canadian taxpayers.

Measure

Canada Summer Jobs: Temporary changes to allow employers to: receive an increased wage subsidy, so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100% of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee; extend the end date for employment to February 28, 2021; adapt their projects and job activities; and hire staff on a part-time basis.

(Overall) Financial Support for Students: announcement of $9 billion in financial aid for post-secondary students in response to claims that too many young people were falling through the cracks in existing COVID-19 support programs.

The proposed Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which would provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. This benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities. The benefit would be available from May to August 2020.

Double the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21.The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.

Broaden eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020 to2021, in recognition that many students and families will struggle to save for school this year.

Enhance the Canada Student Loans Program by raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020to 2021 from $210 to $350.

Target population

Students.

Measure

Supporting Students through Expanded Student and Youth Programming

The new Canada Student Service Grant, which will help students gain valuable work experience and skills while they help their communities during the COVID-19 pandemic. For students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the new Canada Student Service Grant will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall. 

Additional support for the Canada Service Corps to expand support for meaningful youth service projects that have positive impacts in communities across Canada, including increasing the number of microgrants from 1,800 to 15,000, and providing stipends to participants.

The launch of the "I want to help" Platform

Increase existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education by providing an additional $75.2 million in 2020 to 2021.

Extend expiring federal graduate research scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships, and supplement existing federal research grants, to support students and post-doctoral fellows, by providing $291.6 million to the federal granting councils. In addition, the government intends to enhance work opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows through the National Research Council of Canada.

$40 million to Innovation, Science and Economic Development to support Mitacs in order to create 5,000 new job placements. The Business/Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) will also create a further 5,000 to 10,000 new student placements, by reorienting existing federal support and building online tools.

The Government of Canada will remove the restriction that allows international students to work only a maximum of 20 hours per week while classes are in session, provided they are working in an essential service or function, such as health care, critical infrastructure, or the supply of food or other critical goods.

International students and their employers should consult Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Canada's Guidance on Essential Services and Functions in Canada during the COVID-19 Outbreak to determine if the work the student is doing would allow them to work more than 20 hours per week during the academic session. This temporary rule change will be in place until August 31, 2020.

Target population

Students.

Measure

Deferral of Sales Tax Remittance and Customs Duty Payments until June.

Target population

Business.

Measure

Business Credit Availability Program: $40 billion of additional support through the Business Development Bank of Canada (BDC) and Export Development Canada (EDC).

Target population

Business.

Measure

Canada Emergency Business Account: Provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits, to help cover their operating costs during a period where revenues are temporarily reduced.

Target population

Small Business and Not for profit sector.

Measure

Insured Mortgage Purchase Program: Purchase up to $150 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Target population

Facilitate liquidity to consumers and businesses.

Measure

Lowering Domestic Stability Buffer (Banks): This action will allow Canada’s large banks to inject $300 billion of additional lending in to the economy.

Target population

Economic stability.

Measure

Increasing Credit available for agriculture, fisheries and aquaculture: Farm Credit Canada to provide an additional $5 billion in lending to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors.

Target population

Farmers, Fishers, food producers.

Measure

Support for Airports: Waiving ground lease rents from March 2020 through to December 2020 for the 21 airport authorities that pay rent to the federal government.

Target population

Airports, airlines.

Measure

Support for northern air carriers: $17.3 million to the governments of Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut to support critical air services to Northern and remote communities, in partnership with investments by the territorial governments, to ensure the continued supply of food, medical supplies, and other essential goods and services to remote and fly-in communities.

Target population

Northern air carriers.

Measure

Support for Broadcasters: Waived licensed fees.

Target population

Broadcasters.

Measure

Support for Operating Costs (Territories): $15 million in non-repayable support for businesses in the territories to help address the impacts of COVID-19. This support will assist businesses with operating costs not already covered by other Government of Canada measures.

Target population

Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Yukon.

Measure

Support for Tourism Operators: working with tourism operators in national parks, historic sites, and marine conservation areas to defer payments on commercial leases and licenses of occupation without interest until September 1, 2020.

Target population

Tourism Operators.

15. Support for Post-secondary students facing the impacts of COVID-19

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to support post-secondary students facing financial challenges from COVID-19?

Key facts

Response

Background

Students have been disproportionally affected by the shutdown of industries due to COVID-19 and it is estimated that 1.2 million post-secondary-aged students (in other word, 16 to 29 year olds) would not be eligible for COVID-19 relief funds offered through the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

With a disruption in earnings, or no longer having access to jobs that supplement their income, many students will be facing challenges to afford the cost of living and post-secondary education expenses. Parents may also be facing financial challenges of their own, making it difficult for them to support their children’s education.

To provide immediate financial relief to students during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has announced the following series of measures.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB)

On April 22nd, the Government announced the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB) which will provide financial support to Canadian students enrolled in post-secondary programs that lead to a degree, diploma or certificate  who depend on summer employment to help pay for their tuition and living costs. Recent post-secondary graduates are also entitled to the benefit as they may have difficulty finding a job after they graduate due to COVID-19 impacts on the workforce.

Beginning May 2020, eligible students and recent graduates can receive $1,250 per month for the period of May to August 2020. Students living with dependents or who have disabilities will receive an additional $500 a month for a total of $1,750. These measures will provide relief to nearly 1 million students and recent graduates at a cost of $5.2 billion.

Canada Student Loans and Grants

Canada Student Loan (CSL) borrowers in repayment may experience a loss of income due to the impact of COVID19, and should not have to worry about making their loan repayments during this stressful time.

For a period of 6 months, beginning March 30 2020, CSL borrowers in repayment will not be required to make their monthly payments, and the Government will cover interests on these loans during this time.

At a cost of $186 million, these measures will provide relief to nearly 1 million CSL borrowers in repayment. All provinces and territories have aligned with this measure and are offering similar relief to the provincial/territorial portion of student loans.

To help students continue their studies in the fall, the government will be introducing a series of enhancements to Canada Student Loans and Grants. Pending Parliamentary approval, these measures would come into effect starting August 1, 2020 and be available to students for one year.

First, the Government will double the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.

Second, the Government will broaden eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions, in recognition that many students and families will struggle to save for school this year.

Third, the Government will enhance the Canada Student Loans Program by raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020 to 2021 from $210 to $350.

Approximately 765,000 returning and prospective students are expected to benefit from these measures, for an estimated value of $1.9 billion.

Prepared by

Name: Milena Gulia

Title: Director, CSLP

Key contact

Name: Agata Frankowicz

Title: Director, Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Phone number: 613-618-4780

Name: Milena Gulia

Title: Director, Canada Student Loans Program

Phone number: 819-654-3670/613-897-0840

Approved by

Name: Atiq Rahman

Title: Director General, Canada Student Loans Program

Phone number: 613-898-5995

Date April 23, 2020

Date approved in ADMO:

April 23, 2020

16. Support for Students and COVID-19

Issue

What is the Government of Canada doing to support jobs and skills opportunities for students and youth during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Key facts

Response

Background

CSJ 2020

Canada Summer Jobs provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create quality job placements for youth in safe, inclusive and healthy work environments.

The Canada Summer Jobs 2020 call for applications was open from January 30, 2020 to February 28, 2020.  The Department received approximately 37,000 applications to support the creation of over 147,000 jobs representing approximately $897M in funding.  Jobs could start as early as May 11, 2020. 

The Budget for Canada Summer Jobs 2020 is $263M in order to create 70,000 jobs with an average duration of 8 weeks, 35 hours.

MPs can participate in the CSJ program by promoting it to potential employers, identifying local priorities, providing input on project lists and notifying selected employers.

MPs are invited to identify local organizations that provide critical services that had not applied for CSJ funding but could be solicited to submit an application to offer job placement and provide feedback on eligible projects received through the call for applications held in February 2020. 

All funded employers will be provided with flexibility to amend project and job activities to support the delivery of critical services. This recognizes that many CSJ-funded positions occur in sectors and industries currently being impacted by COVID-19, and that the job activities initially proposed may no longer be possible.

Additional investments to expand youth and student programing

The Department is leveraging the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy and Student Work Placement Program to increase youth employment and skills development activities and mitigate the impacts of Covid-19 on the offer of work placements for students over the coming months, by focusing on addressing needs in critical sectors.

YESS

The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) is a horizontal Government of Canada initiative led by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC) and delivered in collaboration with 10 federal departments and agencies.

Additional investments of $153,7M (for ESDC and other YESS federal partners) will increase employment opportunities and supports for youth across the country who are impacted by the pandemic by:

Additional YESS funding will support the creation of 6,000 jobs in critical sectors. 

Student Work Placement Program

A one-year additional investment of $80M will be made, and temporary measures introduced, to increase access to the Student Work Placement Program for students and businesses impacted by COVID-19.

This includes:

In addition, $30M will support program flexibilities to address the impacts of COVID-19 on student hiring. This includes increasing the wage subsidy to up to 75% of the student's wages (up to a maximum of $7,500 per placement), and waiving the requirement for employers to offer more placements than they did in previous years. 

These measures are expected to support the creation of up 20,000 placements in this fiscal year.

Supports for Student Learning Program

Organizations that have established and trusted relationships with vulnerable children and youth will receive support to migrate their programming and supports online in order to ensure continuity to their critical supports. The measures are two-fold:

Canada Service Corp

The Canada Service Corp Micro-grants fund small-scale, youth-led projects to address community needs or challenges. There are three micro-grant levels, designed to fund projects with different levels of ambition and complexity: $250, $750, $1,500.

Micro-grants pay for the costs of the service project that youth design, develop, and implement at the local level.

These projects cannot displace paid work. Youth aged 15 to 30 are eligible.

To encourage students to participate in the COVID-19 response, the government will launch a new national service initiative to recognize students' significant contributions to the COVID-19 efforts, and provide support through a new Canada Student Service Grant which will provide up to $5,000 to support student's post-secondary education costs in the fall.

More details will be made available on the I Want to Help platform over the coming weeks.

Prepared by/ Key contact

Name: Sarah Plouffe

Student Work Placement Program

Skills and Employment Branch

Phone number: 819-635-4572

Myra Latendresse-Drapeau

Title: Director, Youth Employment and Skills Strategy

Name: Kelly Campbell

Title: A/Director, Learning Branch (SSLP)

Phone number: 873-353-4612

Approved by

Name: Catherine Demers

Director General Skills and Employment Branch

Phone number: 613-697-7917

Name: Ritu Banerjee

Director General, Canada Service Corp

Phone number:

Name: Patricia Wilson

Title: Director General, Program Operations Branch

Phone number:

Date

Date approved in ADMO / COO:

17. Canada Summer Jobs 2020 and MP Feedback

Issue

Flexibilities were introduced to Canada Summer Jobs 2020 to support employers and youth in the context of COVID -19. Members of Parliament have been asked to identify new organizations that provide essential services in their community that could offer quality safe jobs for youth, while also providing feedback on projects received via the call for applications. 

Key facts

Response

Background

CSJ provides funding for not-for-profit organizations, public-sector employers, and small businesses with 50 or fewer employees to create quality job placements for youth in safe, inclusive and healthy work environments.

79,279 quality jobs for youth were created through Canada Summer Jobs 2019.

The Canada Summer Jobs 2020 call for applications was open from January 30, 2020 to February 28, 2020.  The Department received approximately 37,000 applications to support the creation of over 147,000 jobs representing approximately $897M in funding.  Jobs could start as early as May 15, 2020. 

The budget for Canada Summer Jobs 2020 is $263M in order to create 70,000 jobs with an average duration of 8 weeks, 35 hours.

MPs can participate in the CSJ program by promoting it to potential employers, identifying local priorities, providing input on project lists and notifying selected employers. 

MP Feedback

On April 9th, MPs were invited to identify local organizations that provide critical services that had not applied for CSJ funding but could be solicited to submit an application to offer job placements and provide feedback on eligible projects received through the call for applications held in February 2020.  The Department also introduced a new MP Feedback tool to streamline the process from previous years.

The Department held webinars on April 16 and 17 to support MP’s to provide feedback and identify new organizations. 

During the webinars, MPs raised concerns that there is no additional funding for the new employers they were asked to identify. They noted that with the increase to the wage subsidy, the number of total jobs offered in their riding would be lower this year than last. They also expressed concerns that they were asked to provide feedback on the list of recommended employers before the Department confirms whether these employers will be able to create a job for a youth in a safe environment. MPs have also asked for clarifications on how funding would be allocated between additional projects identified and projects from the call for applications.

It is expected that even with the flexibilities, there will be employers who will not be able to hire youth this year amid the current pandemic and that the withdrawal rate this year will increase from previous years where withdrawals range from 12% to 16% of approved employers.

Since MPs were invited to provide feedback on April 9, 2020, an extension was provided and they now have until April 24 to provide feedback on the list of eligible employers and identify additional employers, should they wish to do so.

Following MP Feedback, the Department will contact all employers recommended for funding in late April and early May to discuss the flexibilities and confirm their participation with the intent to have jobs begin by Mid-May and support employers as early as initially planned.  The Department will prioritize funding for the new employers based on the level of priority identified by MPs either as immediate, ahead of the projects received through the call for applications, or potential investment if funding from their constituency budget becomes available.

MP Feedback Tool

Service Canada has implemented a new tool to simplify the review process for MPs. Feedback will be accurately captured by clearly denoting projects from the call for applications to be funded, projects to be funded if resources become available and projects not to be funded even if funding becomes available in the constituency budget.

The constituency budget initially provided for 48 constituencies in the new feedback tool was incorrect due to an administrative error.  The constituency budget should have reflected the same amount allocated in 2019.  MPs have now received a revised feedback tool with correct amounts.  The Department remains available to support MPs in using the new tool and answer any additional questions they may have about the process.

Key contact

Name: Jacinthe David

Title: Director

Phone number: 613-404-6948

Approved by

Name: Patricia Wilson  

Title: Director General, LMSDPO

Phone number: 819-219-1255

Date

Date approved in ADMO / COO:

18. Federal Covid-19 measures and their implications for persons with disabilities v. 2020/04/23

Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

Description

A taxable flat-rate benefit for four months, from April 2020 to July 2020.

Amount (to individuals)

$2,000 per month

Eligible individuals/Actors

Those eligible are:

Implications for PWDs

Workers with disabilities more likely to have precarious employment, they would be more likely to be laid off and less likely to have EI coverage.

Workers who are caregivers of children and adults with disabilities provided they meet the earnings threshold and are not receiving EI benefits would be more likely than other workers to receive the CERB. The loss of support services due to the pandemic would make it necessary for many of these caregivers to stay at home.

Expanded access to CERB and support for essential workers (April 15, 2020)

Description

Changing the eligibility rules to:

Amount (to individuals)

Can now earn up to $1, 000 per month while collecting CERB.

Eligible individuals/Actors

Eligibility criteria made more flexible:

Implications for PWDs

Similar to original CERB announcement: rate of low- and modest-income is higher among Canadians with disabilities, and workers with disabilities are more likely to have precarious employment (thus more likely to be laid off and less likely to have EI coverage).

As a result of the above, the exemption for $1,000 in earnings per month and continued aid for those who exhausted EI will help many PWDs.

GST Special Payment

Description

One-time special payment to individuals eligible for the Goods and Services Tax credit (based on 2018 filing data). To be available for early May.

Amount (to individuals)

Approx. $400 for single individuals, $600 for couples.

Eligible individuals/Actors

Available to those currently receiving the GST credit, no application required.

GST credit is available to any low and middle income Canadian resident age 19 and over (credit phases out at $49,649 in net family income for individuals with no children).

Implications for PWDs

Rate of low- and modest-income is higher among Canadians with disabilities than among their peers without disabilities. As a result, persons with disabilities and, in particular those with severe disabilities, are likely to disproportionately benefit from this measure. Finance estimates about 85% of single DTC eligible individuals will qualify for this payment as well as about 50% of DTC eligible individuals who are coupled.

Improved access to Employment Insurance sickness benefits

Description

The one-week waiting period for EI sickness benefits is waived for new claimants who are sick, quarantined or directed to self-isolate. Medical certificates are not required for these claims.

Claimants struggling to apply due to quarantine can also apply later and have their claim backdated to cover the period of delay. Claimants can also apply online or call to access services.

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Available to EI eligible individuals

Implications for PWDs

Rate of low- and modest-income higher among PWDs, so immediate access to income support will be of significant help to PWDs. Persons with disabilities are more likely to need to self-isolate due to pre-existing conditions.

On the other hand, persons with disabilities are somewhat less likely than their peers without disabilities to be EI eligible (due to more tenuous labour market attachment).

Alternative means of access to EI services provides more options for PWDs who require accommodations for transportation/delivery. Waiving medical certificate requirement also supports PWDs who would require accommodation for accessing medical support and preparing documentation during quarantine.

Increasing the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)

Description

This will provide an extra amount per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019 to 2020. This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May.

Amount (to individuals)

$300 per child

Eligible individuals/Actors

The CCB is paid to parents or others primarily responsible for the care of a child under 18. It is an income-tested benefit based on family net income. Because it is phased out gradually most Canadian parents/guardians receive at least some CCB.

Families currently receiving the CCB will receive the additional $300 amount. No additional application is required.

Implications for PWDs

This measure will assist parents/guardians of children with disabilities and parents/guardians who have disabilities themselves in the same way as others, but there is no special provision for their additional expenses. There is no increase to the Child Disability Benefit.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit

Description

Provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Available from May to August 2020.

Amount (to individuals)

Eligible individuals/Actors

Students and new graduates who are not eligible for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

Implications for PWDs

Research by the National Educational Association of Disabled Students shows that students with disabilities are less likely to find employment throughout their studies, including summer employment and part-time work during the school year. This additional income is even more vital during COVID-19, where there are less employment opportunities and access to campus services, which can include accommodative housing, assistive technology, and course material in alternative formats at a reasonable prices.

Double Canada Student Grants for eligible students

Description

Double Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time and part-time students in 2020 to 2021.

The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.

Amount (to individuals)

Eligible individuals/Actors

Implications for PWDs

Coupled with the Canada Emergency Student Benefit and other eligible grants and loans, students with disabilities are receiving a lot of targeted financial support to help them in their post-secondary studies during COVID-19.

On average, students with disabilities are less likely to find employment opportunities throughout their PSE career. COVID-19 presents additional costs for this demographic, as there are now less employment opportunities and access to campus accommodative services.

$350M for Emergency Community Support Fund

Description

$350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.

Replacing in-person, one-on-one contact and social gatherings with virtual contact through phone calls, texts, teleconferences, or the Internet.

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Funding is earmarked for the following:

Implications for PWDs

Persons with disabilities are identified as a target beneficiary.

Persons with disabilities are expected to disproportionately benefit from all eligible activities that receive funding, as they largely involve reducing barriers for people who otherwise cannot access essential supplies and services.

In addition, this funding responds directly to needs identified by the disability community to develop training for volunteers and to develop virtual contact measures to replace in person services.

Enhancing the Reaching Home initiative

Description

Continue to support people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing $157.5M in funding to the Reaching Home initiative. The funding could be used for a range of needs such as purchasing beds and physical barriers for social distancing and securing accommodation to reduce overcrowding in shelters.

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy is a community-based program aimed at preventing and reducing homelessness across Canada. This program provides funding to urban, Indigenous, rural and remote communities to help them address their local homelessness needs.

Implications for PWDs

Persons with disabilities and chronic health conditions, especially mental health-related, are generally reported to be over-represented in the homeless population, although limited data is available. Some research suggests that persons with disabilities are more at risk of hidden homelessness which could be a particular at risk group during this crisis. Not clear if any specific funding is being targeted to the needs of the homeless population with disabilities.

Government of Canada connects Canadians with mental wellness supports during COVID-19

Description

A portal dedicated to mental wellness on Canada.ca/coronavirus. The service will connect Canadians to peer support workers, social workers, psychologists and other professionals for confidential chat sessions or phone calls, and will make it easier to find credible information and help address mental health and substance use issues.

Investment of $25 million, announced April 15, 2020

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Free, accessible support for anyone reaching out via phone, text, mobile app or online website.

Implications for PWDs

PWDs at all stages in life have less access to credible services and resources as a result of COVID-19. Loss of access to peer networks and the need for physical distancing also exacerbates symptoms for people with stress disorders, depression, and many other conditions.

This service is also particularly helpful for young people with disabilities, as mental-health related disabilities are the most prevalent type of disability among young Canadians.

Funding for Kids Help Phone

Description

$7.5 million in funding to support counsellors and trained volunteers working at Kids Help Phone—an e-mental health service phone line that offers counseling to children in need in both official languages.

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Free, accessible support to any young person reaching out via phone, text, mobile app or online website.

Implications for PWDs

Mental-health related disabilities are the most prevalent type of disability among young Canadians. This funding could also increase professional services tailored to particular disabilities and mental health conditions.

Funding for food banks and local food organizations

Description

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund is investing $100 million to organizations that support people and communities experiencing food insecurity:

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Eligible activities for this funding include the purchase of food, support for the transportation and distribution of food, hiring temporary help to fill volunteer shortages, and activities to implement biosecurity measures, such as the purchase of personal protective equipment, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among volunteers and clients.

Implications for PWDs

Food Banks Canada estimates that about 1 in 5 of those accessing food banks are on provincial disability supports.

Access to food banks and local food organizations is more difficult during COVID due to (1) increased demand and (2) self-isolation measures. Part of the funding is to find innovative ways to overcome these access barriers, and PWDs are disproportionately affected by these barriers.

Indigenous Community Support Fund

Description

$305 million for a new, distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund to address immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities. This funding will also provide support to regional, urban and off-reserve Indigenous organizations.

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

The Indigenous Community Support Fund will be distributed as follows:

Implications for PWDs

About a third of the Indigenous population in Canada identifies as having a disability. The extent to which Indigenous persons with disabilities will benefit will depend upon specific initiatives and projects and how individual communities choose to allocate resources.

Health and social support for northern communities

Description

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Implications for PWDs

21.2% of the population of the territories identify as having a disability with a slightly higher prevalence among women. As such persons with disabilities are likely to disproportionately benefit from these measures. Persons with disabilities living in isolated, northern communities face additional barriers and risks to accessing essential services, including food, hygiene products, medication, etc.

This funding is intended to aid many Indigenous communities in northern communities. About a third of the Indigenous population in Canada identifies as having a disability.

Funding for community services to Canadian seniors

Description

$9 million in funding to United Way Canada for local organizations to support services to Canadian seniors (delivery of groceries, medications, and other needed items and personal outreach to assess individual needs).

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Senior citizens and local community organizations for senior citizens that are supported by United Way.

Implications for PWDs

37.8% of Canadians 65 and older identify as having a disability. Among those over 75 years of age this rises to 47.4%. Seniors disproportionately experience more barriers due to disabilities, and they are more likely to lose access to vital support services due to self-isolation and quarantine. This funding should help ensure that support services continue.

Support for women’s shelters and sexual assault centres

Description

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Women’s shelters and sexual assault centres

Implications for PWDs

Women with disabilities are much more likely than other women to be victims of abuse and violence. According to a DAWN study on violence against women 60% of women with disabilities are likely to experience some form of violence in Canada. Women with disabilities are also more prone to be victims of abuse by caregivers which could escalate during the crisis. Research suggests that women with disabilities are less likely to get the support they need at women’s shelters for accessibility reasons. The funding announced does not provide any conditions for accessibility of services.

Moratorium on student loan repayments

Description

Six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time.

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Available to all student loan borrowers. No application required.

Implications for PWDs

Would be of benefit to those persons with disabilities currently participating in PSE and those who entered the labour market.

Persons with disabilities are less likely than their peers without disabilities to be participating in post-secondary education. Those that are participating in PSE, however, are more likely to have lower household incomes and to rely on financial aid (including student loans). Those with severe and permanent disabilities who are the least likely to be able to work would already have access to loan forgiveness through other mechanisms in the student loan program (for example Severe and Permanent Disability Benefit).

Wage subsidies

Description

Wage subsidies of up to 75% for qualifying employers, for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.

Amount (to individuals)

Up to $847 per week (75%of a salary on the first $58,700)

Eligible individuals/Actors

Available to any employer (private or non-profit) who experiences a decrease in revenues of at least 30%. Size of employer does not matter.

No employee-specific eligibility requirements.

Implications for PWDs

Persons with disabilities are more likely to work in some of the more heavily affected sectors (Accommodations and Food Services; Retail Trade; and, Not-For-Profit)

Support to protect Canadian jobs

Description

Over $1.7 billion for targeted measures, including:

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Funding for businesses that face unique barriers.

This includes small and medium-sized business that cannot access existing COVID-19 support measures and rural businesses/ communities that need access to capital during the outbreak.

Funding for Cultural, Heritage, and Sport Organizations will help artists and athletes.

Implications for PWDs

PWDs are more likely to work in some of the more heavily affected sectors (Accommodations and Food Services; Retail Trade; and, Not-For-Profit). They also face additional barriers while living in remote communities that rely heavily on fewer businesses and organizations.

A large amount of cultural, heritage, and sport organizations assist artists and athletes who face unique barriers, like discrimination: https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/services/funding.html

Changes to Canada Summer Jobs program to help businesses and young Canadians affected by COVID-19

Description

Amount (to individuals)

N/A

Eligible individuals/Actors

Competitive process. Eligible employers (private, public, and non-profit) who submit application for wage subsidies are assessed based on 3 criteria:

Implications for PWDs

Expanding this program encourages more employers to hire and assist PWDs.

Employers who accommodate employees with disabilities are eligible for additional funding and flexible work schedules options.

Under assessment criteria, points are awarded to employers who provide services to PWDs or intend to hire youth with disabilities.

Extending the Work-Sharing program

Description

Extend the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The Work-Sharing program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers. Their lost earnings are then offset by Employment Insurance payments.

Amount (to individuals)

Varies

Eligible individuals/Actors

Available to EI-eligible, core employees (year round permanent full-time or part-time employees who are required to carry out the everyday functions of normal business activity)

Implications for PWDs

Would benefit those persons with disabilities currently working for an employer who must scale-back operations. It ensures that they retain their employment and all corresponding benefits (including any health benefits).

Canadians with disabilities may be somewhat less likely than those without disabilities to qualify for this measure given that they are somewhat less likely to qualify for EI and to qualify as ‘core employees’ (due to more part-time or temporary work).

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