Are employees whose hours have been reduced as a result of COVID-19 eligible for any benefit programs?  

Individuals who saw a 50% reduction in their average weekly income due to a COVID-19 public health order may be eligible for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB).

For employers, there is a payroll subsidy available to qualifying retailers through the Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP). Wage subsidies can also be accessed under the Hardest Hit Business Recovery Program (HHBRP) and the Local Lockdown Program (LLP).

 EI Work-Share is another option: employers can reduce hours while employees receive EI Work Share benefits.

Qualifying employers may also benefit from a retroactive application for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. The CEWS could help cover costs to you for time periods up to the program’s end date on October 23, 2021.

Some regional governments have also released COVID-19 relief measures for individuals. These vary by region. For more information, see RCC’s CEWS overview, RCC’s CRHP Overview, RCC’s Work Share Overview, RCC’s HHBRP Overview, RCC’s LLP Overview, and RCC’s Relief Measures by Region.