As COVID-19 is increasing economic uncertainty and insecurity across the country, we want to make sure that everyone gets the support we need. So we are sharing the most recent information we have about how to make this happen.

First and foremost, if you are eligible for Employment Insurance you should apply as soon as possible. You can get details about eligibility requirements here, and you can start an application here. (Before you begin, make sure you have all of these documents handy.)

For those who don’t qualify for EI the Government of Canada has announced two new programs
1. Emergency Care Benefit (bi-weekly payments of $900 for workers quarantined due to the virus or caring for sick family members)
2. Emergency Support Benefit (in support to workers who are not eligible for EI and who are facing unemployment.)

You will be able to apply for these benefits starting in April 2020, in one of two ways:

1. Via CRA MyAccount
2. Via My Service Canada

To access these funds, you must have an account set up in one of those places; do this now. That way, money can be deposited straight to your account without delays in April. You should also make sure you have online banking already set up as you will need this for the registration of your account.

• Resources for Canadian businesses
• Pandemic Preparedness for Business
• Support for entrepreneurs impacted by COVID-19
• Export Development Canada (EDC) response to COVID-19

• Tools and tactics to prepare, plan and respond to COVID-19
• Measures to support the economy and the financial sector
• Additional measures to support lending to consumers/businesses