EMPLOYMENT AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT NEWS AND UPDATES
If you become unemployed or are experiencing financial strain due to COVID-19, you may be eligible for benefits.
Learn more about benefits and other financial programs and services put in place to assist Indigenous people that are facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Indigenous Community Support Fund
This fund helps Indigenous communities and organizations prevent, prepare and respond to COVID-19.
The request process for needs-based support recently reopened and Indigenous communities and organizations can request funding now. For formula-based funding allocated directly to First Nation, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, there is no deadline or request process. The funding is flowing through existing agreements.
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
If you are eligible for the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period. To apply for the CRSB, you must meet all the eligibility criteria and be employed or self-employed on the day before your first application period.
NOTICE: The CRSB is extended until November 20, 2021. The government is also proposing a further extension of this benefit until May 7, 2022, with an increase to the maximum number of weeks. Learn more here.
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
If you are eligible for the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), your household can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period. To apply for the CRCB, you must meet all the eligibility criteria and be employed or self-employed on the day before your first application period.
COVID-19: Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral
The COVID-19, or coronavirus crisis has left many homeowners in Canada without a job or with reduced hours and wondering how to pay their mortgage. Homeowners facing financial stress may be eligible for a mortgage payment deferral up to 6 months to help ease the financial burden.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.
NOTICE: The government is proposing to continue COVID-19 business support programs until May 2022 for organizations hit hardest since the start of the pandemic or most affected by public health restrictions. Read the October 21 announcement and check back soon for details.
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB)
The Canada-Ontario Housing Benefit (COHB) is a new funding program now entering its second year. COHB provides a Portable Housing Benefit to assist with rental costs. This provincially mandated benefit is available to eligible priority groups who are on the Centralized Waiting List. This benefit is not available to the general public.
NOTICE: The COHB program ends on March 31, 2029.
Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services - Online Application for Social Assistance
Learn how to get financial and employment assistance if you don’t have enough money for things like food and housing, or if you have a disability and are in financial need.
NOTICE: If you are not already receiving support from Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program and you need financial help because of COVID-19, you can apply for emergency assistance online.
Reaching Home: Canada's Homelessness Strategy – COVID-19
To help communities address the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak among people experiencing or at risk of homelessness, and to provide additional support to the homeless-serving sector during this period, the Government of Canada has announced an additional investment of $157.5 million for Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy.
NOTICE: Read the updated Reaching Home: Canada’s Homelessness Strategy Directives
Latest Updates & Announcements in Employment
and Economic Development
