Federal aid on way for patients, caregivers

OTTAWA • Canadians forced to miss work because of COVID-19 can start applying for financial support from the federal government this week.

The new benefits come amid concerns about new lockdowns and job losses as governments try to get a handle on the growing number of new cases and prevent health-care systems from being overwhelmed.

They also follow a bitter political fight in Ottawa that saw all parties support the multibillion- dollar suite of new benefits despite misgivings about how it was rushed through Parliament by the Liberal government.

“It is vital that Canadians have access to income support that reflects the impacts the pandemic has on their employment,” National Revenue Minister Diane Lebouthillier said in a statement on Sunday.

The new caregiver benefit responds to numerous calls since the pandemic started for more support for parents and others who are forced to miss work to care for a dependent due to COVID-19.

Canadian households can apply for $ 500 per week for up to 26 weeks when one person misses more than half a week of work because they have to care for a child because of the pandemic.

The federal government anticipates 700,000 Canadians will apply for the caregiver benefit.

Canadians can also access a new sick-leave benefit that pays up to $ 1,000 over two weeks for those unable to work because they have contracted COVID-19 or are forced to self-isolate because of the virus.

Ottawa expects 4.4 million Canadians to apply for sick leave.