National

Payments for CERB top $40 billion as feds open doors for commercial rent help

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 25 May, 2020 08:34 PM

A key federal benefit for Canadians out of work, or seeing large drops in their earnings, in the COVID-19 pandemic has paid out over $40 billion in emergency aid.

Federal figures posted Monday show payments from Canada Emergency Response Benefit now total $40.33 billion to 8.21 million separate applicants, pushing the program further beyond its $35-billion budget.

However, billions could be clawed back next year when the government taxes the earnings and recoups improperly paid benefits.

The details came out the same day the federal government opened applications for a commercial rent assistance program, which saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeat a plea for landlords to apply for the aid.

Landlords with up to 10 eligible tenants located in Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, Alberta or Quebec could apply online Monday.

Applications for landlords in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and the territories will open Tuesday, while landlords with more than ten tenants can apply later this week.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancity temporarily cuts credit card interest rates to zero for those in need

Vancity is temporarily cutting credit card interest rates to zero and deferring minimum payments for those facing financial difficulty as a result of COVID-19.

Vancity temporarily cuts credit card interest rates to zero for those in need

Assault charge for Coquitlam man accused of coughing on police

Police say a 24-year-old man from Coquitlam, B.C., has been charged with assaulting a police officer after allegedly coughing towards three officers during an arrest. RCMP Cpl. Michael McLaughlin says the man was arrested while police were investigating an alleged break and enter on Monday.

Assault charge for Coquitlam man accused of coughing on police

Trudeau promises 'relaxed' rules for wage subsidy, more support for student jobs

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal wage-subsidy program for employers hit by COVID-19 will have looser standards than previously announced. Rather than having to show a 30-per-cent decline in revenues, he says they can show a 15-per-cent decline in March, and can compare their revenues to previous months rather than the previous year.

Trudeau promises 'relaxed' rules for wage subsidy, more support for student jobs

All Provincial Parks in BC are closing to encourage social distancing

Provincial parks shut down due to pandemic in order to further help with social distancing just ahead of the long weekend. The province said the decision to close all parks was informed by feedback from the RCMP, local governments and search-and-rescue organizations.

All Provincial Parks in BC are closing to encourage social distancing

Group of First Nations want Supreme Court to hear appeal on Trans Mountain First Nations go to Supreme Court on pipeline case

VANCOUVER - A group of British Columbia First Nations is seeking to challenge the federal government's second approval of the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion project in Canada's highest court.

Group of First Nations want Supreme Court to hear appeal on Trans Mountain First Nations go to Supreme Court on pipeline case

RCMP say man shot and killed in early morning attack in Surrey, B.C.

SURREY, B.C. — RCMP say a man has been shot and killed in Surrey, B.C. Police say officers were called to the Whalley neighbourhood just before 1 a.m. for a report of shots fired.