Government extends Canada Emergency Wage (CEWS) Subsidy for four more weeks

CEWS furloughed employees to get four more weeks of wages

Canadians have shown a significant amount of confidence in their government and the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Part of the reason the government has received such a high approval can be linked back to the swift actions they took early to put money in the pockets of Canadians. With programs like the CERB and CEWS, Canadians have been able to pay their bills and continue to put food on the table.

The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) has supported more than 3 million Canadians since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, providing support to businesses so they can keep their workers, including furloughed workers, on the payroll.

To help support workers and provide certainty for employers, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, announced that the government proposes to extend the current treatment of furloughed employees under the CEWS program by 4 weeks – from August 30 to September 26.  This would mean that employers who qualify for the CEWS would be able to continue to claim up to a maximum benefit of $847 per week to support remuneration for each of their furloughed workers. Further details about the calculation of CEWS for furloughed workers for remaining periods of the program will be announced in the coming weeks.

“At the beginning of this global pandemic, we promised to do whatever it takes to support Canadians. The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy is an important part of that. Since its launch, it has helped over 3 million Canadian workers keep their jobs. This is not only helping Canada’s economy stay strong; it will also help us bounce back as businesses start to reopen.”–The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

The CEWS was put in place for an initial 12-week period from March 15 to June 6, 2020, providing a 75-per-cent wage subsidy to eligible employers.

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