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Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, addressed the nation yesterday, March 19, to announce a $27 billion Economic Response Plan to help all Canadian workers and businesses amidst the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Many people have been affected both directly and indirectly across the globe but no world leader has come close to exhibiting the same level of support, strength and assurance as the Canadian PM did in his speech.
The Prime Minister announced that the Government of Canada would be supporting its people by taking bold economic measures to ensure that no person would be left to fend for themselves during these trying times.
The COVID-19 Economic Response Plan (ERP) will be comprised of:
- $27 billion allocated to support all Canadian citizen and permanent resident and businesses
- $55 billion allocated to assist with liquidity of Canadian businesses and households through the implementation of tax deferral
Ottawa, Ontario - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses Canada outside Rideau Cottage.
This $82 billion COVID-19 ERP will cover the needs of all those living in Canada, from day to day expenses such as food and rent to business expenses such as assisting with salaries and ultimately helping to stabilize the economy.
“No Canadian should have to worry about paying their rent or buying groceries during this difficult time. That is why we are taking the strong action needed to stabilize our economy and help those impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Together, we will get through this difficult time.”
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada
This address stands as assurance that although many will be affected by the difficult decisions that had to be made by the Government of Canada to ensure the general welfare of all Canadian citizens and permanent residents, the Canadian people can rest assured that they will receive the help that they may need going forward.
This has not only provided relief for those currently living and working in Canada but also to those who dream of joining the Canadian community in the near future but were feeling dismayed after the announcement on Monday 16 followed by a second and third announcement on Wednesday, March 18 and Thursday, March 19 to clarify that travel across the shared border between Canada and the US would be restricted to essential travel only, such as transportation of food, food and medical supplies. It was also announced that this restriction would be put into effect from Friday 20 March at midnight until June 30 2020.
How Does the New Travel Restrictions Affect the Canadian People?
Who is Allowed to Enter Canada?
The following individuals will be able to travel to Canada:
- Canadian citizens and permanent residents and their direct families(including spouses, common-law partners, dependent children and grandchildren)
- Those with written authorization to reunite with their families;
- Those who have been living in Canada or the US for the past 14 days;
- ”protected persons” based on special measures;
- diplomats and those required to perform duties in the national interest.
- Those performing duties relating to essential trade.
Who is Not Allowed to Enter Canada?
This means that the following people will not be able to travel to Canada as of Saturday 21 March, 00h00 until further notice:
- international students;
- holiday travellers;
- temporary workers; and
- those hoping to migrate to Canada on a temporary visa.
What Support Can the Canadian Population Expect from its Government?
Workers
The Canadian government has implemented special measures to ensure that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents will be taken care of during these uncertain times. For workers, this includes providing:
- Extra support for families through Child Benefit payments to the amount of $2 billion
- Emergency Care Benefit of up to $900 every 2 weeks for up to 15 weeks for those who may need to stay at home due to being affected by the COVID-19 pandemic
- Emergency Support Benefit in the form of $5 billion to support workers who are not eligible for Employment Insurance (EI) and face unemployment
- Help families with low and moderate incomes
- Waive 1 week waiting period for EI benefits for those in quarantine or self-isolation (for a minimum of 6 months)
- Extension on tax filing deadlines until after August 31, 2020, to free up extra funds in households
- A 10% wage subsidy for small businesses to pay their employees over the next 90 days with a maximum of$1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer
Students
No doubt students who have taken out loans to invest in their future will also be affected by the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Canadian government has therefore introduced a 6-month interest-free suspension on all student loans for those who are currently unable to work part-time due to COVID-19.
Indigenous Population
The government has made a $305 million provision for an Indigenous Community Support Fund.
Individuals Facing Gender-Based Violence
The Canadian Government has also provided $50 million to assist women’s shelters and sexual assault centres to help ease the strain on these facilities as well as to help prevent the spreading of the Coronavirus.
Homeless Citizens of Canada
Canada has added $157.5 million in funding to help address those facing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis.
Support for Businesses
Canada’s economy, although strong, is most certainly going to feel the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. The government has made the following provisions to help assist businesses who will be affected during this time:
- Deferral for any income tax until August 31, 2020
- $10 billion in extra support in the form of credit for small, medium and large businesses
- Make credit available to farmers and workers in the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada
- $50 billion allocated to purchased insured mortgage pools through Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).
With a government led by a pillar of strength and hope such as Justin Trudeau, wouldn’t you want to become a part of this great nation, where every precaution is taken to ensure the wellbeing of all people?
For more information on how Canada is taking strides to combat the COVID-19 pandemic visit the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau’s website. or alternatively the Canadian Government Immigration website for regular COVID-19 updates on Candian Immigration.
The Future Remains Bright. Secure Your Place in Canada
The Canadian Government’s proactive stance on the COVID-19 pandemic as well as scientific breakthroughs regarding a vaccine has already started to shed hope around the world for those affected by the Coronavirus. In fact, human trials have already begun in countries such as the US. With a vaccine that has been estimated to potentially be ready for worldwide distribution in close to 12 - 18 months and a Canadian visa application taking roughly the same amount of time to process, the question isn’t why but why wouldn’t you start your Canadian visa application now?
How We Help Secure Your Future in Canada
Navigating the Canadian immigration system, especially at this time, can be both confusing and stressful, with a copious amount of forms and documents to complete and strict submission dates, we wouldn’t blame you if you felt apathetic about getting started on your application. But that's what we’re here for. At Canadian Visa, we take the hassle out of planning to immigrate to Canada and optimize your chances of success in the visa application process. Our accredited RCICs (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants) are ready to evaluate your eligibility, review all documentation and submit all documentation on your behalf. Using an RCIC not only gives you the best possible chance of receiving an ITA but will make the entire process simple and stress-free.
We handle the paperwork while you take care of your health and the well being of your loved ones. All you have to do is complete our online evaluation application form and we’ll take care of the rest. It's just that simple.
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and Instagram or visit the Canadian Government Website for more information and updates on the Coronavirus (COVID-19).
