The future of the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is a work in progress.
Today PM Justin Trudeau was asked about the NDP’s suggestion to extend the CERB another four months.
He didn’t directly answer, but said the government is still studying what’s needed to protect citizens financially during Covid-19.
The CERB pays $2,000 to jobless Canadians who qualify for it every four weeks to a current maximum of four payments.
Trudeau says the government still needs to target the small minority of criminals who unjustly benefit from the CERB.
“(But) unfortunately in every situation there are a few criminals who will deliberately try to take advantage of a moment of solidarity, a moment where we’re in crisis and we’re trying to help each other out, by deliberately frauding the system,” he said.
The PM says people who made honest mistakes won’t be punished.
Another area being looked at is how best to transition more people to the Canadian Wage Subsidy, which helps employers pay up to 75 percent of an employee’s wage, as the rehiring process begins for many companies.
As we start to reopen and people head back to work, the need for personal protective equipment and other essential supplies will continue to grow. And we’re making sure we’ll have what’s needed. Tune in now for an update on that work and more: https://t.co/91x73fLWog
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 9, 2020
To watch Justin Trudeau’s full June 9th address, see below.
https://www.cpac.ca/en/direct/cpac2/467278/pm-justin-trudeau-provides-update-on-federal-response-to-covid-19-49/