The Government of Canada has released additional details about the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, which is intended to help businesses keep workers on payroll or rehire workers previously laid off as a result of COVID-19.
The federal wage subsidy will cover 75 per cent of an individual’s salary, up to a maximum benefit of $847 per week for up to 3 months, retroactive to March 15, 2020.
Employers of all sizes, including individuals, taxable corporations and partnerships consisting of eligible employers, as well as non‑profit organizations and registered charities are eligible for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.
Eligible employers must attest to a drop of at least 30 per cent of their revenues in the claiming periods set out below compared to 2019.
Eligible Periods Claiming period Reference period for eligibility
Period 1 March 15 – April 11 March 2020 over March 2019
Period 2 April 12 – May 9 April 2020 over April 2019
Period 3 May 10 – June 6 May 2020 over May 2019
Eligible employers will be able to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy by applying through a Canada Revenue Agency online portal. Details about the online portal have not yet been announced.
The federal government announced the wage subsidy as part of its three-point economic response plan to the COVID-19 pandemic. The plan includes measures to support individuals, businesses and industries.
VRCA member companies and their employees can access information and links to the various financial supports announced by the federal and provincial governments using our COVID-19 Resources page.