Ottawa Says 75 Percent Wage Subsidy Payments Will Roll Out May 7
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday that businesses should see the first payments from the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) on May 7.
Businesses could apply for the program beginning today through Canada Revenue Agency’s online portal, and already, 10,000 have applied, Trudeau said.
Businesses and charities can get up to $847 per week per employee through the CEWS. The money can be directly deposited through banks.
The Prime Minister also reminded the nation about the program’s restrictions during his address Monday.
“I want to remind everyone you won’t be able to keep both the wage subsidy and the CERB. It’s one or the other, not both,” he said.
Trudeau also hinted that the government is working on an initiative for essential workers. Citing Ontario’s plan to boost the wages of essential workers, including those in the caregiving sector, by $4 an hour for the next 16 weeks, Trudeau said his government is in talks with other provinces and territories to get their own plans for key workers in place.
The governments are also working on shared guidelines for the economy’s reopening when the time comes.
“Different provinces and territories will be able to move at a different pace. But we need clear, coordinated efforts from coast to coast to coast,” he said.
Over the weekend, the Prime Minister announced a $62.5-million assistance for the fish and seafood processing industry.
“We’re giving more money to processors so that they can purchase personal protective equipment for workers, adapt to health protocols and support other social distancing measures,” he said.
Called the Canadian Seafood Stabilization Fund, it will allow businesses in the sector to also access short-term financing to pay for maintenance and inventory costs and add storage capacity for unsold products.
It’s also meant to support new manufacturing or automated technologies to boost productivity and quality of products and to help companies adapt products to changing requirements and new market demands.
In Atlantic Canada, the fund will be delivered through Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
The Prime Minister praised workers in the country’s food system.
“I want to thank you all for everything you do for us. You’re providing an essential service to the country. We know that you have specific needs and asks right now, and we are actively exploring additional ways to support you as we move forward.” he said.
He called on students to contribute their time and energy to help those in need, including seniors, farmers and front-line workers, this summer.
“Look at how you can use your energy, your drive, your vision for making the world a better place, and make it so,” he said.