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By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

Trudeau announces new benefit for workers impacted by COVID-19

Mar 25, 2020 | 9:44 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says help is on the way for Canadians who are struggling financially or may soon be as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trudeau announced the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit on Wednesday morning.

“The benefit will provide $2,000 per month for the next four months for workers who lose their income as a result of COVID-19,” he announced.

The benefit will cover those who have lost their job, are sick and in quarantine or taking care of someone in quarantine, and those still employed but not receiving income due to the crisis.

An online portal application will be established as quickly as possible and people should start receiving benefits 10 days after applying.

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This new benefit replaces the Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit, announced last week, to streamline the process.

Since Monday the government had processed close to 143,000 unemployment claims.

Trudeau said that Canada is testing 10,000 people per day for COVID-19 and offered a familiar refrain.

“Above all the most important way we can work together is by staying apart. Social distancing is our best tool to stop people from getting sick,” he said.

He continued to tell Canadians to only go out of they have to, to stay two metres away from other people when you are out and reach out from the safety of their home if they are struggling, among other measures.

You can find more information about the federal government’s support for individuals here.