Government Benefits
The federal government has existing programs to assist workplaces. Both the federal and provincial governments have also added a few additional programs and made amendments to current programs to streamline the application process to address the current crisis. Please see here for further details or to find applications for the benefits.
This article provides an overview of the programs that employers may be considering during this time, but is not an exhaustive list of everything that is available or may become available in the coming weeks.
Employment Insurance (EI) Programs
It is the employee who must apply for EI benefits. Details are available here.
The maximum weekly benefit under any EI program is $573 (gross) a week (which is 55% of $54,200.
EI benefits are taxable and are payable every two weeks after submission of a form. (Although the latter requirement may be lifted during the COVID-19 crisis.)
The provincial government has also introduced an emergency benefit for workers earlier this week. The details are available here.
Alternatives or Supplements to EI
It is the employer who must apply for the federal program described below, the Supplemental Unemployment Benefit Program (“SUB-P”). See details here.
Work Sharing Program
Employers may also be interested in the federal Work Sharing Program, which requires an employee’s consent.
For a comprehensive overview of government supports available during this time, consult this table.
Learn more at our COVID-19 Resource Centre.
Sarah Hentschel is a Senior Associate in our Litigation & Dispute Resolution Group, and focuses on Workplace and Privacy Law.
