COVID-19 - Canadian Government Emergency Plan

COVID-19 - Plano Emergencial do Governo do Canadá

The global impact caused by the Coronavirus, not only on the general health of the population, but also on the economy and other social areas, is leading governments in several countries, including Canada, to implement emergency measures aimed at the financial and personal relief of their population.

The Canadian government has approved an economic program that will make $ 82 billion available to companies and individuals affected by the Coronavirus pandemic. This program proposes, among other measures, financial assistance, temporary suspension of loan payments and extension of the deadline for submitting income tax returns. Below is a more detailed explanation of these and other measures.

Federal Child Aid (Canada Child Benefit)

Increase of CAD $ 300 per child in the benefit for the period 2019-2020. Payment will be made automatically in May 2020 for those who are already registered for this benefit.

Canadian Emergency Benefit (CERB)

Taxable temporary benefit of CAD $ 500 per week, for up to 16 weeks, for workers who have been affected by COVID-19, and who:

Live in Canada and are over 15 years old;
Have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for regular unemployment insurance or due to illness;
Earned at least CAD $ 5,000 in 2019 or in the last 12 months prior to application;
Are or will be without a job or income from a self-employed job for 14 consecutive days.

This benefit applies to workers who have been laid off or their hours reduced to zero, who are sick, quarantined, or caring for someone sick because of COVID-19. Parents who have stopped working to care for children due to the closure of schools and day care centers may also apply.

Applications can be made from April 6, online or by phone. The benefit will be available retroactive to March 15th and until October 3rd, 2020. More information can be found at this link:

Credit related to Products and Services Tax (GST / HST)

Single payment to be made for low or middle income families. The benefit can reach CAD $ 400 for individuals and CAD $ 600 for couples.

Income tax

The deadline for filing income tax returns has been extended to June 1, 2020 and payments of amounts due may be made until September 1, without accruals or interest.

Payment of Tax on Products and Services (GST / HST)

The deadline for payment of GST / HST tax rates has been extended to 30 June 2020, valid for both companies and self-employed workers.

Support for Students and New Graduates

The payment of installments related to student loans offered by the Canadian government to students or recent graduates will be suspended until September 30th

Support for Payment of Residential Financing (Mortgage)

The Canadian government, together with the major financial institutions, will provide solutions to assist their clients in paying their mortgage installments. This benefit will be analyzed on a case-by-case basis. Interested parties should contact their financial institution for more details.

Business Loans

With the creation of the Business Credit program, the Bank of Canada, together with the private financial sector, will be making available 65 billion in loans to qualified companies. For more information visit the link

Salary Allowance for Companies

The government will be offering, for 3 months, a salary subsidy of up to 75% of the payroll of companies, small or large, and non-profit and charity organizations, which showed a drop of at least 30% in their billings. The grant will be retroactive to March 15, 2020. visit the link

Some provinces will also be introducing aid programs, in addition to the benefits offered by the federal government. Highlights for: