By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau
EDMONTON (Eagle News) — Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a new set of economic measures to help Canadians weather the COVID-19 pandemic.
“No Canadian should have to worry about paying their rent or buying groceries during this difficult time,” said Trudeau said Wednesday. “That is why we are taking the strong action needed to stabilize our economy and help those impacted by the COVID-19 virus.”
“Together, we will get through this difficult time,” added the prime minister.
Families with children will get additional help through a by temporarily boosting child benefit payments.
An emergency care benefit of up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks will be available to provide income support to workers who must stay home and do not have access to paid sick leave.
Workers, including the self-employed, who are sick, quarantined, or who have been directed to self-isolate but do not qualify for Employment Insurance sickness benefits will now receive those payments.
There are several other changes to Employment Insurance to extend the benefits to more people.
The tax filing deadline for individuals has been expended to June 1st. Ttaxpayers will be allowed to defer, until after August 31, 2020, any money they owe the government,
Eligible small businesses can apply for a 10 per cent wage subsidy for the next 90 days, up to a maximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.
Trudeau said this will help employers keep people on their payroll and help Canadians keep their jobs.
And there is help for homeowners.
The government is giving lenders increased flexibility to defer mortgage payments on homeowner government-insured mortgage loans to borrowers who may be experiencing financial difficulties related to the outbreak.
(Eagle News Service)