On October 14, 2021, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister announced that the federal government is considering their next steps with respect to the federal COVID-19 relief programs, including whether to extend these programs. This announcement was made ahead of October 23, 2021, which is when five of the federal COVID-19 relief programs are set to end.
Relief for businesses
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy and the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy are set to end on October 23, 2021. The federal cabinet could make an order to extend these programs until November 30, 2021, however if they wish to extend these two programs beyond that date, the cabinet needs to introduce new legislation.
Relief for individuals
The Canada Recovery Benefit, the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, and the Canada Recovery Caregiver Benefit are also set to end on October 23, 2021. These three relief programs could be extended until November 20, 2021 through an order made by the federal cabinet. If the cabinet wishes to extend the three programs beyond that date, then they would need to introduce new legislation to do so.
Currently, the Government of Canada has not issued a formal announcement regarding any plans to extend the COVID-19 relief programs beyond October 23, 2021. We will continue to monitor any updates regarding the Federal government’s considerations on extending the COVID-19 relief programs and will provide more details on our Resource Centre as more information becomes available.
This blog is provided as an information service and summary of workplace legal issues.
This information is not intended as legal advice.