New support measures from the federal government
I would like to begin by extending my deepest condolences to the family members and friends of the residents and the one staff member at Altamont Care Community who have recently passed away as a result of COVID-19.
COVID-19 is a virus like no other, the impact of which has been especially dire for older adults and Canadians with underlying medical conditions. As our community and our country continue to grapple with the new realities of the present situation, we must reflect on the actions we can take as individuals to help flatten the curve and prevent others from sharing in this immeasurable pain.
Doctors, nurses, PSWs and emergency service in hospitals and long-term care facilities across Canada are working tirelessly to keep our parents, grandparents, brothers, sisters, children and friends safe. But we, too, share in the responsibility to protect our fellow Canadians. What we do today determines Canada’s future tomorrow.
There will be dark days ahead, but we can only begin to work our way towards the light once we commit ourselves to working together. Staying indoors whenever possible, adhering to physical distancing and washing our hands will save lives.
I would also like to briefly touch on some of the new support measures our government is implementing for individuals and businesses affected by COVID-19:
Canada Emergency Response Benefit: A taxable benefit of $2,000 every four weeks for up to 16 weeks to eligible workers who have lost their income due to COVID-19.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy: Covers 75 percent of an employee’s wages – up to $847 per week – for employers of all sizes who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 15 percent in March, and 30 percent in April and May.
Canada Emergency Student Benefit: Students and graduates not
eligible for CERB can receive
$1,250 per month, or $1,750 per month for students with dependants or
disabilities. Available May to August 2020.
Canada Student Service Grant: Students who choose to do national service and serve their communities, the grant will provide up to $5,000 for their education in the fall. Amount received for education is based on the number of hours the student volunteers with the community.
Doubling Canada Student Grants: Up to $6,000 for full-time students and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21.
Commercial Rent Assistance: Lower rent by 75 percent for Small Business owners by providing forgivable loans to qualifying commercial property owners for April, May and June rent payments.
Emergency Community Support Fund: $350 million to support vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organizations that deliver essential services to those in need.
Canada Emergency Business Account: Provides interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits to help cover operating costs during a period where revenues have been reduced.
For a comprehensive list of federal support services and eligibility criteria, I encourage you to visit Canada.ca/coronavirus https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html?utm_campaign=not-applicable&utm_medium=vanity-url&utm_source=canada-ca_coronavirus
As always, if our office can be of any assistance to you or your family, I encourage you to please send us an email at: gary.anandasangaree.c1@parl.gc.ca or call us at 416-283-1414.
We’re all in this together, Scarborough-Rouge Park.