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A Further Update on COVID-19 – Federal Government Announces it is Extending the CEWS Through to August 2020 – May 19, 2020

May 19, 2020
by Israel Foulon Wong LLP

Summary

Since our May 15, 2020 E-Bulletin, the federal government has announced that they are extending the Canada Employee Wage Subsidy until August 29, 2020.

Extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)

  • The CEWS has been extended by an additional twelve weeks to cover the period from June 6 to August 29, 2020. The CEWS provides eligible employers a subsidy of 75% of employee wages up to a maximum of $847 per employee per week.  
  • Finance Minister, Bill Morneau announced that the government would continue to consult business and industry leaders about ways to refine the CEWS. Any potential changes following the consultation will focus on maximizing employment, ensuring the CEWS reflects the immediate needs of businesses, and supporting the post-crisis economic recovery.
  • Prime Minister Trudeau also said the government will consider relaxing the program’s eligibility threshold of a 30-per-cent revenue drop.
  • The government announced that they have extended eligibility for the CEWS to the following groups:
    • Partnerships that are up to 50-per-cent owned by non-eligible members;
    • Indigenous government-owned corporations that are carrying on a business, as well as partnerships where the partners are Indigenous governments and eligible employers;  
    • Registered Canadian Amateur Athletic Associations;
    • Registered Journalism Organizations; and
    • Non-public colleges and schools, including institutions that offer specialized services, such as arts schools, driving schools, language schools or flight schools.
  • To access the government’s official announcement, please CLICK HERE.
  • To access frequently asked questions regarding the CEWS, please CLICK HERE.

Given the exceptional and unprecedented situation, we expect further developments in the coming days.

Israel Foulon’s Response to COVID-19 Israel Foulon is assessing the situation as it evolves, and is taking all necessary precautions within its workplace. To slow the spread of COVID-19 and for the health of our team and clients, absent extraordinary circumstances we are working remotely until further notice whenever possible. However, please be aware that our offices remain open and are fully functioning. In the circumstances, we encourage our clients to contact us by phone and email to the extent possible. Voicemail messages left at our office phone numbers are immediately forwarded via email. All messages will be promptly responded to. We remain steadfast in our commitment to our clients and would be more than happy to assist you with concerns regarding COVID-19 or any other employment or labour matters.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal advice, which in all circumstances must be tailored to the specific facts of any problem. You should obtain a proper legal consultation in order to determine how this article applies to your specific situation. Please feel free to contact Israel Foulon LLP to learn more at 416-640-1550.