Feds update relief programs to help recovery

Last week, the federal government announced new paid sick-leave and care-giver programs as well as a two-year freeze to the Employment Insurance premium rate paid by employers. The EI rate will remain at $1.58 per $100 in insurable earnings for employees and $2.21 per $100 in insurable earning for employers.
 
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit, effective Sept. 27, provides $500 per week for up to two weeks for workers who are sick or need to self-isolate because of COVID-19. The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit provides $500 per week for up to 26 weeks per household to help people who can't work because they need to care for a dependent due to COVID-19.
 
Government also provided more details on its plan to move workers off the Canada Emergency Response Benefit. The new Canada Recovery Benefit provides $400 per week for up to 26 weeks for people who are self-employed or not eligible for EI. Under this program, people will be able earn some income and still collect the benefit. The CERB was extended until the end of September, and will then be phased out by a modified EI system announced earlier.