COVID-19 message to members: federal government updates for April 15

Dear Members,

Today, Tuesday, April 15, the federal government announced expanded access to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB):

• Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.
• Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their usual seasonal work as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
• Extend the CERB to workers who recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job or return to work because of COVID-19.

Further announcements from the federal government include:

• A new transfer to cost-share a temporary top-up to the salaries of workers deemed essential in the fight against COVID-19, who make less than $2,500 a month.
• ACOA published a summary of its resources for Atlantic Canadian businesses.

Upcoming Chamber Live webinars include:

• Tonight, April 15 at 7:00 PM: A conversation with Hon. Melanie Joly – federal Minister of Economic Development & Official Languages
• Friday, April 17: HR employers guide in a pandemic and emergency crisis
• Monday, April 20: Employment law FAQs & carrying on business through COVID-19

As your Chamber, we will continue to advocate on your behalf and update you with relevant business information. As always, please continue to reach out with your questions, comments and feedback.