Residents will be able to access some federal funding within the next few weeks.
Maryam Monsef is the Minister of Rural Affairs and says that the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit is for anyone who has lost their job as a result of COVID-19.
“If you’ve been working, if you’ve earned a minimum of $5,000 in the last year,” says Monsef, “…and if you’ve lost your income because of COVID-19 and are not eligible for E.I., we have you covered with this new benefit.”
She tells us that applications for the CERB should be available by the beginning of April, with the money coming shortly after.
“Folks will be able to apply starting (at) the beginning of April. The Prime Minister is very insistent and has brought in 1,300 extra workers to help facilitate the process so that people get the money within ten days of applying for it.”
Monsef says they will offer up to $2,000 a month for people directly impacted by COVID-19.
“You are eligible for $2,000 a month for the next four months. It’s meant to get money quickly into the pockets of Canadians who need it for rent or groceries and is part of our first response to COVID-19.”
The Minister adds that more information is available on the Government of Canada website.
With files from Tim Davidson.
