Monthly Archives: April 2020

1. BC Government Temporary Rental Supplement is now open.
To apply, go to BC Temporary Rental Supplement online Application.

2. REVISED: CANADA EMERGENCY RESPONSE BENEFIT (CERB)
All of the following information is more clearly particularized on the FEDERAL government webpage here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html

What is the Canada Emergency Response Benefit?
If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Who is eligible?
The benefit will be available to workers:
Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits;
Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment or self-employment income.

Read through the Government of Canada page noted above and at the bottom of the page there will be a section called “Get Started”. Answer the questions and you will be directed to the best application stream for your particular circumstances; either through Service Canada, or the Canada Revenue Agency.

3. THE PROVINCIAL EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN:
All of the following information is more clearly particularized on the BC government webpage here:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/emergency-preparedness-response-recovery/covid-19-provincial-support

Housing:
Temporary rental supplement; as noted at the beginning of this update.
Halting Evictions
Freezing Rents
Hydro: payment deferral or access grants

Finances:
One time Emergency Benefit for Workers
Deferral, Delay or Reduction of some taxes

Transportation:
ICBC insurance renewals can now be done by phone or email
ICBC customers payment deferral for up to 90 days
BC Transit fares and passes are not required.
TransLink fares and passes are not required
Drive BC travel restrictions for highways, rest areas, and borders

Please see the link noted above to view the entire provincial plan.

Please continue to check back regularly for updates as more information becomes available.

Click here for PDF version of update.