Dear Members – This month’s update is quite short and covers current benefit program information and travel.
Federal COVID-19 Benefit Programs
At the present time, federal benefit programs for individuals (CRB, CRSB and CRCB) and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) are slated to end as of October 23/21. Note that if you are an EI recipient, COVID support-related changes to your minimum weekly rate run until November 20/21.
The possibility of federal benefit program extensions to the end of November exists as a result of Bill C-30, however at this time no announcement has been made. Any extensions can be implemented fairly quickly since they are regulatory changes that can be instituted without the Federal Government having to seek new approvals through the House of Commons.
At a press conference on October 6/21, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau indicated there will be more information on support programs coming in the next few weeks. Of particular note, they referenced the potential for additional/ongoing “targeted” support for sectors that have not yet recovered, with specific mention of the Tourism and Events sectors.
If you would like a personalized report of benefits you may be eligible for, you can visit this page (English) or this page (French). A similar page is available for business support programs here (English) or here (French)
Information on all federal COVID-19 benefit programs:
TRAVEL
As of October 30/21 Canadians will need to be fully vaccinated to travel within Canada by plane and by Via Rail or the Rocky Mountaineer train.
Read the full statement from the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness:
For general and COVID-19 specific travel information (including what is considered fully vaccinated), visit the federal government’s page on travel:
Re-opening the Canada – US Land Border
The U.S. is opening its land border to vaccinated Canadian travellers starting November 8, 2021. Details are still emerging and I can only provide general information here; I am unsure whether there will be different regulations for travellers who are deemed “essential” (includes musicians with P2 visas, for example).
You can visit this page for a related October 14/21 CTV News item: U.S. land border reopening to Canadians Nov. 8: What you need to know which includes an interview with the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness regarding details for land crossings.
As always, our Local office is here to help. Please contact us if you need any assistance.