CoronaVirus Update: Canada Secures Jobs

Countries all over the world are suffering terribly at this stage of the global Covid-19 pandemic. While many brave governments have taken the bold step of closing down their economies for the sake of saving hundreds of thousands of lives, a major side effect is the loss of job security. Countries are weighing their options extremely carefully at this juncture, as they cannot have people dying of hunger while they are trying to prevent them from dying from infection. For this reason many countries have introduced stimulus packages to assist businesses in keeping employees on their payroll through these hard times. The Canadian government has made it clear that economic growth is of no concern at this time. Securing jobs in Canada has been one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s main objectives. By ensuring businesses can remain open and employees can be ready to go back to work as soon as it is safe, the uptake on the economy will be immediate.

Small Business and Community Support Measures

If you have been considering immigrating to Canada by opening a small or medium sized business (SME), this support stimulus is the kind of response you can expect from the government during difficult times. It speaks to the consideration of the government for those often left by the wayside when businesses need help.

Regional Development Agencies

SME’s often find it harder to access government stimulus packages. For this reason $675million has been allocated to RDA’s to support their work and the businesses and workers they help. An additional $287million has been allocated to the Community Futures Network, who works with SME’s in rural and outlying areas.

Salary Top-Up

Low income essential workers, people who earn less than $2,500 a month, are being granted a salary top-up. Essential workers vary from those who work in hospitals, care for the elderly, work in supermarkets and others.

People Facing Loss of Income

For anyone over the age of 15 who has involuntarily lost their job, Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) is providing a monthly relief of $2,000. This measure has been in place since the beginning of the outbreak and was recently amended to assist people who want to and can work in non-essential safe environments. If you make up to $1,000 a month, you can still claim the $2,000 CERB. Seasonal workers are also eligible for the CERB.

Support for businesses

In order to prevent layoffs as far as possible, the following measures have been introduced:

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy - for employers who’s revenue has been hit hardest, a subsidy amounting to 75% of employees wages is granted. This measure will safeguard hundred of thousands of jobs.
• Temporary 10% wage subsidy - this measure will reduce payroll that must be submitted for tax over the next three months, meaning less tax will need to be paid.
• Extending the work-sharing program - allows employees to claim employment insurance by reducing their hours during times of lower income for employers.
• Canada Summer Jobs Program - the programs end date has been extended to February 28, 2021. This will allow employers to continue to hire staff on a part time basis (seasonal work).

How We Can Help in the Immigration Process

Canada is continuing to process immigration applications. The Express Entry system draw is inviting thousands of people every month to apply for permanent residency in Canada. It may seem like a bad time to consider immigration, but it is in fact the opposite. While everyone thinks because borders are closed, immigration is halted, the wheels in Canadian immigration continue to turn. Make the best of a bad situation by assessing your immigration options. After all, the immigration process is not an overnight situation, it takes a few months. But, you have to start.

By using our accredited Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants (RCICs) you will not only improve your chances of success in the visa application process, but you will get expert advice on which program is best for your specific needs. Our RCICs are highly qualified and are granted permission by the ICCRC to assist you with your eligibility evaluation, review all your documents and application forms and submit them to the Canadian government for you. Why take the chance of having your application denied because your forms are incorrect or sent in too late.

We take care of the fineprint while you secure your dream job in Canada. All you have to do is complete our application form to receive your eligibility assessment today. It's just that simple.

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