Liberals rejig benefits for workers affected

by COVID-19

OTTAWA — The Liberals are repackaging two previously promised benefits

for Canadians whose working lives are disrupted by COVID-19, a change

that will almost double direct financial aid in the government's economic

plan to $52 billion.

Combining the two benefits into one will mean a $2,000-a-month payment

for up to four months to workers whose income drops to zero because of

the pandemic, including if they have been furloughed by their employers but

technically still have jobs.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau said the measure allows companies to

temporarily let go of workers to cut payroll costs but puts money in the

affected employees' pockets.

"Companies don't need to separate their employee from their company.

They just need to say, 'We can't pay you during this time period.' And when that

happens, there is a direct wage subsidy to people, to employees so that they can

actually live their lives," he said

"When this is done, they can go back to work for their employers and that we

think is critically important."

Affected workers would have to fill out an online application and meet a few

conditions to qualify.

It would apply to any affected workers between March 15 and Oct. 3.

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