After much speculation, Prime Minister Trudeau announced today that the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will be extended by 8 weeks. Previously the length of the eligibility period for the CERB was 16 weeks, which for many who applied when it first became available will be soon coming to an end.
As a reminder, the CERB, a $2000 monthly benefit, was available to those who lost their job, were put on layoff, or had their hours drastically reduced due to COVID-19. While on the CERB, eligible employees can earn up to $1000 a month and still receive their $2000 monthly benefit.
The extension of the CERB may make it more difficult for employers to get employees to return to work when work becomes available. That said, refusing to return to work in order to continue to collect the CERB alone is not a valid reason to refuse a recall to work.
If you have any questions regarding the CERB or how it impacts your plans to get employees back to work, please reach out to speak with an e2r™ Advisor.