Feds feel the heat over financial aid to vacationers
Employment minister suggests changes are coming
The federal government could take another look at the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) after opposition parties raised a stink about aid money being given to vacationers who left Canada despite public health recommendations.
In a statement posted to Twitter on Saturday, Employment and Social Development Minister Carla Qualtrough suggested changes are coming.
My statement on the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit and its eligibility criteria. pic.twitter.com/2lY9ZSPdmU
— Carla Qualtrough (@CQualtro) January 2, 2021
Under current rules, Canadians returning from vacation abroad may qualify for $500 per week if the 14-day quarantine period affects their income.
The Bloc Quebecois and Conservative Party say the feds should not subsidize the income of Canadians who defy public health recommendations and go on vacation.
This is the CRSB criteria as explained on the Canadian government website:
“The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The CRSB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
If you are eligible for the CRSB, you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period.
If your situation continues past 1 week, you will need to apply again. You may apply up to a total of 2 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.”
