Delta MP Carla Qualtrough says the federal government is focused on providing immediate help to Canadians and businesses that are most in need.
Qualtrough, the minister of employment, workforce development and disability inclusion, says there are many programs aimed at helping businesses, workers and students impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Here are highlights of some of those programs:
· The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy covers 75 per cent of an employee’s wages for qualifying employers, including not-for-profits and charities, for up to three months.
· The Canada Emergency Business Account offers interest-free, partially forgivable loans of up to $40,000 for businesses with between $20,000 and $1.5 million in annual payroll. Businesses should contact their financial institution to apply.
· The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance, which is coming soon, will provide forgivable loans to commercial property owners who in turn lower the rent of their tenants by 75 per cent.
· The Canada Emergency Student Benefit will provide support to students and new graduates who are not eligible for the CERB or EI and are unable to work due to COVID-19.
Qualtrough says the government is also proposing other significant measures to support post-secondary students’ financial needs.
For information on all help available to Canadians, go to www.canada.ca and click on “Financial assistance – Get the Support You Need.”
