The Canadian government has proposed legislation to establish the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). This new measure is a taxable benefit that could provide $2,000 a month, up to four months, for workers who have lost income as a result of COVID-19. The CERB is intended to be a more efficient combination of the previously announced Emergency Care Benefit and Emergency Support Benefit.

The CERB will cover Canadians who have lost their job, are sick, quarantined, and/or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19. It will also apply to working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children who are sick or at home because of school and daycare closures. The CERB will apply to wage earners, contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance (EI).