There is no doubt that COVID-19 has already made a significant impact on the world and our daily lives. To support our team we wanted to ensure that you are fully aware of the new measures that have been put in place by the Government of Canada and the US and provide you with additional support during these trying times.
LandSolutions Involvement
How are we offering support?
LandSolutions is continuously providing employees and contractors with updates as they become available through the ‘LandSolutions Enacted’ Management Plan. This messaging is communicated via email, website, ‘News’ updates and posted all of our social media channels.
As an organization where our PEOPLE come first, we are here to offer support and guidance to the best of our ability during these challenging times. We have been utilizing MS Teams, Zoom, and FaceTime to keep our teams connected and thriving in our new remote environment.
If you are an employee and have any questions or require additional support please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Manager. We operate as a team and are in this together. Some recently released government support is highlighted below.
Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is to support workers and help businesses keep their employees during these unprecedented times. The taxable benefit would provide
$2,000/month for up to 4 months for workers who have lost their income as a result of the COVID-19 virus.
Who does it apply to?
- Wage earners – Contract workers and self- employed individuals who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI)
- Employed workers who are not receiving income due to COVID-19 disruptions Individuals who have lost their job due to COVID-19
- Individuals who are sick and under quarantine measures and unable to work
- Care takers of someone with COVID-19 Individuals who are working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home due to school and/or daycare closures
FAQs
If I am already receiving Employment Insurance (EI) Am I eligible for CERB?
Canadians who are already receiving EI benefits as of today would continue to receive their benefits and should NOT apply for the CERB. If an individuals’ EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, they could apply for the CERB once those benefits cease, if they are unable to work due to COVID-19.
How long does it take to start receiving payments?
CERB payments will begin within 10 days of the individuals application.
How long is the CERB available?
CERB will be paid every four weeks and available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020.
When and where can I apply?
The CERB portal will be available April 6, 2020. Canadians who are eligible for EI and have lost their job can continue to apply for EI here, as can Canadians applying for other EI benefits.
Additional Available Support
- One-time special payment by May 2020 through the Goods & Services Tax Credit (GSTC)
- Increase in maximum Annual Canada Child Benefit (CCB) for 2019-2020 benefit year by $300/child CRA will defer filing for 2019 tax returns to June 1, 2020
- Allow all tax payers to defer payments, until after August 31, 2020 of any income tax amounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020 incurring no interest
- Canada’s largest banks have confirmed that this support will include up to a 6-month payment deferral for mortgages and the opportunity for relief on other credit products
- Individuals self-isolating in Alberta or sole caregivers of someone in self-isolation can apply for
- Emergency Isolation Support Payments – one time payment of $1,146
- Saskatchewan residents who have been ordered to self-isolate and are not eligible for federal supports can apply for the provinces Self-Isolation Support Program – $900 over 2 weeks Ontario Action Plan – information for residents of Ontario
- The one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance (EI) is waived
- Introduction of a 6-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans
Important Resources