The End of the Canada Recovery Benefit

Since the pandemic started in Canada, the federal government has handed out more than $289 billion in Covid-support to Canadians who were affected by the lockdowns and restrictions. There were also income support programs for employers as well as rent subsidies to help affected businesses impacted. Now the federal government is pivoting to two new, more targeted programs to get Canada across the pandemic finish line. Will it be enough?

The previous support programs are being replaced by two new programs, the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program which applies to those sectors hit by health restrictions. The other, Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program, for those businesses that can show a 50% decline in revenue from the beginning of the pandemic. The Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit would come into effect if lockdowns return.

Our poll question this week asks:

Should the federal government wind down the Canada Recovery Benefit?

Our audience responded:

• Yes = 76%
• No = 21.8%
• Unsure= 2.2%

We would like to remind you that you can “cast your vote” on this topic and then email your MP to tell them why.

Guests:

1. James Rilett, VP Restaurants Canada | Twitter: @RestaurantsONMB
2. David Macdonald, Sr. Economist CCPA |Twitter: @DavidMacCdn
3. Ryan Mallough, Sr. Dir Prov. Affairs Ontario CFIB | Twitter: @R_Mallough
4. Mikal Skuterud, Professor Dept. of Economics at the University of Waterloo | Twitter: @mikalskuterud