National

Review finds at least 120 CRA employees claimed COVID benefits while employed

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 01 Sep, 2023 09:47 AM

The Canada Revenue Agency says 120 people have been fired for claiming a federal COVID-19 benefit while employed there.

The CRA is reviewing approximately 600 cases in which current employees received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit — or CERB — during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The benefit was worth $2,000 a month to Canadians whose jobs were lost or downgraded as a result of public-health restrictions.

The CRA said in July that it had let 20 employees go as a result of its CERB investigation, but it now says that number is up to 120.

Claims for CERB were found to be legitimate in 30 cases, such as for employees who had temporary or student contracts.

The tax agency says it refers cases with suspected criminal activity to police, and in August, a former CRA employee was arrested and charged with fraud for allegedly collecting nearly $20,000 in government benefits during COVID-19.

Prev Next

MORE National ARTICLES

Calls to make overdose education mandatory in B.C

The Simon Fraser University student is among a number of advocates who deliver overdose education in B.C. schools but want such information made a mandatory part of the curriculum. The Education Ministry said it's up to each school district to determine the delivery of any programs, including whether to stock naloxone kits or train teachers how to use them.

Calls to make overdose education mandatory in B.C

Officials plan for spread of southwest B.C. blaze

The lightning-caused fire is burning south of Highway 3 in E.C. Manning Park, roughly five kilometres southwest of the Manning Park Resort.

Officials plan for spread of southwest B.C. blaze

B.C. group has close encounter with orcas

Van Sittert, who had been seated on a rock above, said she was initially worried for MacNab's safety because of the whales' high-speed approach, but describes the encounter as "easily one of the most exciting moments" of her life.

B.C. group has close encounter with orcas

No relief for Indian students waiting to join Canadian universities, visa delays continue

Currently, more than 230,000 students from India enrolled in post-secondary institutions in Canada, are making a positive contribution to the Canadian economy, including through an estimated $4 billion in tuition fees. India and Canada's strategic partnership is based on a shared commitment to democratic values, pluralism and the rule of law.

No relief for Indian students waiting to join Canadian universities, visa delays continue

Fraser Valley housing market signals further settling as sales continue to stall in response to interest rate rises

The Board received 2,045 new listings in August, a decrease of 14.3 per cent compared to July, and only 2.9 per cent less than August 2021. The month ended with a total active inventory of 5,871, a decrease of 8.5 per cent from last month but up by 44 percent compared to August 2021.

Fraser Valley housing market signals further settling as sales continue to stall in response to interest rate rises

28 year old Shakiel Singh Basra arrested in ongoing gang conflict, facing firearms charges

“Shakiel Basra has been the subject of several public warnings over many years due to his involvement in criminal activity,” says Constable Sarbjit Sangha, Surrey RCMP Media Relations Officer. “He is now facing new firearms charges in relation to his arrest on August 31.”