The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is our federal financial aid program for Canadians who lost their income due to safety measures resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. We introduced the CERB because we recognized that our Employment Insurance Program was not equipped to support Canadians at the onset of this crisis, and since it was introduced in March CERB has helped over 8 million Canadians keep food on the table and a roof over their heads during these challenging times.

Even as our economy reopens and most businesses have resumed operation, I know there are still residents in Mississauga-Erin Mills and across Canada who have been unable to return to work. We've been working hard over these past months to fix the shortfall of the EI system and, on August 20th, our government unveiled the details of this newly revamped, $37 billion EI program.

These new measures include key improvements that will make it simpler and more accessible for Canadians as they transition from CERB. Effective September 27th, 2020, these measures include, among other details:

• A reduced requirement of 120 hours of work;
• A minimum benefit rate of $400 per week; and
• Providing a minimum of 26 weeks of regular benefits.

We are also introducing a new EI insurable hours credit to help claimants fulfil the eligibility period conditions. In recognition of the uncertainty in our labour market, this credit will be available to new claimants for up to one year.

For those who are unable to qualify for EI, or who have exhausted their benefits, our government is introducing three new taxable benefits to help:

• The Canada Recovery Benefit, which will provide $400 per week for up to 26 weeks for workers who have lost their income and have not quit their job voluntarily due to COVID-19;
• The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, which will provide $500 per week for up to 2 weeks for workers who are sick or must self-isolate due to exposure to COVID-19; and
• The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit, which will provide $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household for parents who are looking after their children or other dependents due to closures or changes in school and other programs.

Each of these new benefits would be available retroactive to September 27th, 2020, and will have specific eligibility requirements and conditions to be met.

The changes to CERB and EI are currently underway and will be ready for Canadians as of September 27th. The new Canada Recovery Benefit will require legislation to be passed when parliament returns following the throne speech on September 23rd.

We are here, and we are listening. Our government will continue to adapt our policies and programs to ensure Canadians have the support they need as our economy recovers.

Learn more about the changes to CERB and EI programs here