Trudeau announces $2,000 per month benefit for workers in need amid COVID-19 crisis
The funds are tight, and the jobs are declining. But have no fear, help is on the way. On March 25th 2020, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took Rideau cottage for his daily press conference amidst the current COVID-19 pandemic, announcing The Canada Emergency Response Benefit, providing 2000 dollars per month for the next 4 months to those experiencing employment and income-related issues due to the Corona Virus.
According to the Federal Government, the program is expected to begin sending out paycheques by the 6th of April.
“This will replace the two benefits we announced last week, The Emergency Care benefit and the emergency support benefit in order to streamline the process. Like I said from the start, we will adapt our approach, wherever needed,” said Prime Minister Trudeau
Since its original spread into Canada, 3409 total cases have been reported, including 36 deaths.
The original outbreak of the virus began in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, allegedly with links to a large live animal and seafood market. Cases have been detected in the majority of countries worldwide since originating. On March 11, 2020, the WHO characterized COVID-19 as a “World Pandemic”.
Reported cases range from no symptoms, mild, to severe, including several instances resulting in death. Elderly individuals, as well as those with autoimmune diseases, seem to be at higher risk of developing serious cases of COVID-19.
Since its original outbreak, World leaders across the globe have taken extreme measures to combat the spread of the virus. The Canada/US border has since been closed off to all non-essential travel. The Canadian Government has strongly advised the instance of Social Distancing, and have taken the necessary measures to stop all non-essential business from continuing to operate, leaving many out of employment.
Those who are eligible to apply for the new program include wage earners, contract workers and self-employed individuals who may not qualify for the country’s employment insurance (EI) program.
Since the initial urgency for social distancing, many businesses began to urge employees to work from home. Last week alone, nearly 1 million Canadians applied for EI. This aid is intended to streamline the financial resolutions put forth by the federal government within the $82 billion aid package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The hard truth is people are out of work because of this crisis and worried about what comes next. So I want you to know that we’ll be there to help you. Our government is doing everything we can to be there for you,” Trudeau said.
Premier Jason Kenney is behind the federal announcement, however, warns Canadians that the Canadian economy will need considerably more help than what was announced by Trudeau throughout today’s conference.
“I think we can all agree that it will have to be an order of magnitude larger,” Kenney expressed. “I know they are working specifically on packages for the aviation and energy sectors, recognizing their unique vulnerability right now.”
The Angus Reid Institute, a national non-for-profit conducting research and opinion polls on issues pertaining to Canadians find that at 44% of Canadian households had someone who had lost hours due to the coronavirus shutdown. One third said they were concerned about missing a mortgage or rent payment.
Whether we like it or not, this is only the beginning. Prime Minister Trudeau will continue to facilitate daily press conferencing updating Canadians on the viral issue at large and the financial implications involved.
There will be lots more to come in the following weeks, and for now, it is of vital importance that Canadians consciously practice social distancing to combat the novel COVID-19 Pandemic.
