Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses Canadians on the coronavirus situation from Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Ontario, on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press via AP)
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 7:00 PM PT — Wednesday, March 25, 2020
Canada will pay around $1,400 per month to each worker who has lost their job due to the coronavirus outbreak. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau confirmed new benefits will be paid for the next four months to support the nation’s economy.
“If you’ve lost your job because of COVID-19, whether you’re full time, contract or self-employed, this new benefit will be there for you,” stated Trudeau.
We know people are worried about their health, their jobs and their financial situations. Our govt is doing whatever it takes to help. The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will provide $500/week, for up to 16 weeks, for Canadians who lose income. And we’re not stopping there. pic.twitter.com/zKRzifwGIC
— Mona Fortier (@MonaFortier) March 25, 2020
People wait in line to get into a walk-in test clinic for COVID-19, the disease caused by the new coronavirus, in Montreal on Monday, March 23, 2020. (Paul Chiasson/The Canadian Press via AP)
The prime minister also said he’s taking additional measures to prevent a rise in unemployment and poverty in Canada.
“If you’re sick or quarantined, looking after someone sick, or at home taking care of your kids, it’s there for you. Even if you’re still employed, but not receiving income because of this crisis, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is there for you. An application portal will launch as quickly as possible, and people should start receiving money within 10 days of applying.”
– Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
If you’ve lost your income as a result of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit will give you $2,000 a month for up to 4 months. If you’ve lost your job – whether you worked full time, on contract, or were self-employed – you qualify for the benefit.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 25, 2020
According to Trudeau, up to 1 million citizens have applied for employment insurance, showing the disastrous effects of virus-related shutdowns.
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