By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

Canada Emergency Response Benefit extended for eight weeks

Jun 16, 2020 | 10:11 AM

Eligibility for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) has been extended.

“Even as we start to reopen, a lot of people still need this support to pay their bills while they look for work,” Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday.

The extension means the CERB will be available for another eight weeks.

“If you’ve been getting the CERB and you still can’t work, because you’re unable to find a job or it’s just not possible, you will keep getting that $2,000 a month,” said Trudeau.

He added that government will look at international best practices, the economy and the progression of the virus to see what changes if any need to be made so more people are properly supported.

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“Our goal here is to make sure the CERB is working for you in the best way possible,” Trudeau said outside Rideau Cottage at his regular address.

So far more than $43.5 billion has been paid through the CERB and there have been more than 8.4 million unique applicants. Announced in mid-March and originally slated to last 16 weeks, the benefit pays up to $500 a week.

Even as the virus appears to slow, Trudeau said there is still a long journey ahead.

The closure of the Canada-U.S. border to non-essential travel has also been extended for a further 30 days, taking the closure to July 21.

“This is an important decision that will keep people in both of our countries safe,” said Trudeau.

On moving forward on measures when it comes to systemic discrimination, Trudeau said ending mandatory minimum sentences is one suggestion the government is looking at.

Trudeau also said the government will be moving forward economic measures to aid the black community based on recommendations from the black Liberal caucus.

On the NHL setting up a hub city in Canada, Trudeau said the government is comfortable as long as the idea has been approved by local health authorities.

As of Tuesday morning, Canada had 99,147 confirmed cases and 8,175 deaths. There have been 61,042 recovered in Canada and 2,183,476 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 7,453 cases and 151 deaths. A total of 306,887 Albertans have been tested. There are 440 active cases in Alberta.