On Friday, February 19, 2021, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an extension to:
– Canada Recovery Benefit
– Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit
– Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit
– Employment Insurance
Great news for some ineligible self-employed Canadians who received the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland recently provided the government’s fall economic update. It included information on the government’s strategy for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic and its plan to help shape the recovery. We’ve summarized the highlights for you:
• Corporate Tax Changes, including extensions to subsidy programs.
• Personal Tax Changes, including additional Canada Child Benefit Plan payments and a new “Work from home” tax credit.
• Indirect Tax Changes, including the proposal to charge GST/HST on services provided via digital platforms, as well as the temporary removal of GST/HST on face masks and shields.
For business owners, as of December 4th, the CEBA loan has been expanded by an additional $20,000.
The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy is open for applications today! Unlike the previous program, this subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
CERS covers up to 65% of rent for businesses, charities and non-profits impacted by COVID-19.
An additional 25% Lockdown Support is available during a public health lockdown order.
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) is now open for applications.
If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period.
If your situation continues past 2 weeks, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 13 eligibility periods (26 weeks) between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.
Great news for businesses! The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy will be available directly to business owners who need rent relief. The Wage Subsidy has been extended to June 2021. And the CEBA has been expanded to provide up to $20,000 interest-free loan.
Starting October 5, 2020, the Government of Canada will be accepting online applications for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB).
On September 23rd, in a speech delivered by Governor General Julie Payette, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau outlined the Federal government’s priorities.
On August 31st, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Chrystia Freeland announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to October 31st, 2020. This will give small businesses 2 additional months to apply for the $40,000 loan.
In addition, the Federal Government said it was working with financial institutions to make the CEBA program available to those with qualifying payroll or non-deferrable expenses that have so far been unable to apply due to not operating from a business banking account.
On August 20th, the Federal Government announced the extension of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) by one month and the transition to the Canada Recovery Benefit, Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit and a simplified EI.
Ong Financial Planning Services Ltd.
John Ong, CFP, CHS, CPCA, CCS
Financial Planner
Tel: (604) 676-1088
Email: 
1275 West 6th Avenue 3rd floor
Vancouver, BC
V6H1A6