House approves new benefits for workers losing income

TThe Canadian Press

he House of Commons has adopted emergency legislation for up to $82 billion in relief for Canadians impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says new federal benefits for those losing income due to COVID-19 will be in people’s pockets within 10 days of their applications.

Trudeau says the application process for the new programs will open soon.

The government has now merged new EI programs related to COVID-19 into a single allowance to streamline the program so people can get the funds faster.

The new benefit for workers losing income because of the COVID-19 pandemic will provide $2,000 a month for up to four months.

It’s being called the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and is designed to streamline the programs the Liberal government had previously proposed as part their $27 billion in direct support to Canadians.

The application program for the new benefit should open in early April.

The federal government will now spend $52 billion in direct support to Canadians struggling with the financial fallout of COVID-19.

Mandatory quarantine for travellers returning to Canada has also now been put in place.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the government will take contact details for all people coming into the country and will follow up with them to make sure they are self-isolating. Essential workers coming up from the U.S. will be exempt.