Dear Friends:

We’re living in unprecedented times, and our government understands this.

The Government of Canada is taking immediate, significant and decisive action to help Canadians facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. Throughout this crisis, our top priority is to get you the help you need.

Even though my constituency office is closed, my office team and I continue to serve the people of Winnipeg South. To reach us while our office is closed, please email [email protected] or call the office at 204.984.6787.

I hope that you are your family are staying safe and healthy during this time.

Sincerely,

Canadians should be confident that their jobs are safe as we continue to fight the global COVID-19 outbreak.

That’s why our Government is introducing the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to support businesses that are hardest hit by the pandemic, and protect the jobs Canadians depend on.

The subsidy will cover 75 per cent of an employee’s wages for employers of all sizes and across all sectors – including not-for-profits and charities – who have suffered a drop in gross revenues of at least 30 per cent.

–        The subsidy will provide up to $847 per employee, per week, between March 15th and June 6th.

This significant support will help employers keep their staff on payroll, rehire those previously laid off, ensure workers can access a decent income, and position themselves to rebound when the outbreak has passed.

We will continue to do whatever it takes to ensure that workers and businesses have the support they need during these difficult times.

Charities and not-for-profits across the country are playing an important role on the front lines in our communities.

–        Many organizations in this sector have also seen a significant drop in revenues as a result of Canada’s response to COVID-19.

–        Not-for-profit organizations and registered charities will be able to qualify for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

We are also developing additional support tools for not-for-profit organizations and charities, particularly those involved in the front line response to COVID-19. More details to come!

We recently introduced the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This benefit will support Canadians who have lost their income because of COVID-19 by providing $2,000 a month for up to 4 months.

Some examples of support to workers provided by the CERB include:

workers, including those who are self-employed, who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support;

workers who lost their employment, as well as workers who are sick, quarantined or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19;

working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures; and

workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.

All eligible workers, whether or not they are eligible for Employment Insurance, will apply through a simplified application process.

Applications will be accepted starting April 6, 2020. There is no waiting period and direct deposit payments will be delivered into accounts within three business days of applicants being eligible to receive it, and cheques within 10 days.

Our government is continuing to work to reunite families that have been separated as a result of the COVID-19 crisis and the effect that is has had on travel. If you or any family members are in need of consular assistance please email [email protected]. All travellers abroad must register at travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration in order to receive the latest updates for assistance in coming home.

Social distancing

Together, we can slow the spread of COVID-19 by making a conscious effort to keep a physical distance between each other.

This includes:

avoiding non-essential gatherings avoiding common greetings, such as handshakes avoiding crowded places such as concerts, arenas, conferences and festivals limiting contact with people at higher risk like older adults and those in poor health keeping a distance of at least 2 arms-length (approximately 2 metres) from others

MORE INFORMATION

For all the latest news, please visit: canada.ca/coronavirus