Trudeau promises more Canadians to receive COVID-19 emergency benefit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addresses the country as the application portal opens for Canadians to apply to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

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[jellyrockabean]

I strongly feel that this solution is not fair and it is not intelligent. The government needs to reconsider eligibility criteria. Plenty of the eligible people for the benefit right now are more likely to have some savings to keep them afloat, whereas people who aren't eligible are most likely with limited or no savings. Most will not be able to get jobs now even if they wanted to & if they do, most will be forced to get minimum comp out of necessity while endangering their lives. They will not be able to ask for help from family & friends because everyone will be concerned about themselves given the status quo. I think the government needs to make the benefit available to EVERYONE temporarily, and establish average cost of living (as they do for Old Age Security receiving seniors) and make that payable to all Canadian citizens. They should give wealthy or capable Canadians the opportunity to refuse benefits for their households, but be able to retroactively get the benefit once this is all over via a disciplined schedule agreeable to all. It makes more sense to give everyone a small piece of pie and have them eat at their own pace, instead of giving large pieces to some people who are full and no pie to some people who are hungry. The current solution will likely drive up homelessness, crime, unemployment and suicide etc.

[OMGshinyobject]

I’m low key annoyed that a chiropractor can qualify for the benefit meanwhile I can’t pay rent on my 1 bedroom apartment but don’t qualify because I have severely reduced hours and was a student before the crisis

[dwaynehepburn]

Just a thought maybe the federal MPs could take that raise that they gave themselves and keep the shelves in the food banks in their ridings stocked for the next 2 years

[humblecanada]

Psalm 50:15 New International Version (NIV)
15 and call on me in the day of trouble;
I will deliver you, and you will honor me.”

[darwin]

Do you think Trudeau could give a specific answer to any question instead of just always repeating his script of they are continuing to talk about this, they are continuing to work on that...?

[MrMusashiMusashi]

They really need to revise this fund to add people who have dependents, students, those that still work very few hours because employers still need them etc. What about people who didn't make money last year because they were sick or injured? Hopefully they get around to this all, I'm sure it's an overwhelming task.

[Lhfbufd]

How about we just introduce Universal Basic Income?

[donnamarshall]

Why do they keep increasing the child tax benefit but cpp and oas is never increased.

[Robin-yno]

As a full time uni student with no parental support, it’s really hard to cope with this pandemic. I’m eating one meal per day now, which should be fine, cuz it probably could help with the conditions I just got diagnosed this year lol. 2020 is not even a roller coaster, it’s just one way down so far. It’d would really helpful if the government cares about students like me or other people that’s having a hard time.

[hodxody]

I’m on disability, where’s my money? Everything is costing more and more. I like others, need some help. It seems like we are being left out.

[angrymuppet]

This is what people need rn. Someone talking about positivity and togetherness. All the negative, conspiracy, anti-government, critical, self-centered whining is NOT going to help people feel safe and hopeful.
I thank God that my government is trying to emphasize the positive. Thank You.

[DianeThomson]

So disappointed in the GST. I'm only getting approximately $190.00. I'm on CPP DSAB & SUV and ODSP. I've had to take a taxi to four different stores to get toilet paper. Nothing special being done at our local grocery stores. We are spending money we don't have. The full $ 400 would be so wonderful. Just a drop in the bucket long term. Seniors and the Disabled are being left out!!!!

[pepemercado]

How about those unemployed currently looking for job?

[mineebhasin]

I am glad people are being supported. But seniors and disabled are not given help. With spending on stocking up for food which would last me for months, is putting me at a vulnerable position financially and in stress which is leading to anxiety and PTSD which I am being treated for. But I am very thankful to Canada for all they are doing. Be blessed .

[trpwyre]

This pandemic has highlighted the fact that we're going to need a Universal Basic Income sooner than later. They should just be cutting every citizen a flat rate check regardless of income. If you're a citizen, you get money.

[Foltynfamontop]

I am nurse but I stopped working on March 18 because I didnt have where to leave my 4 years old until I applied today and it was very easy .Lets see in 3 days

[genelfarrier]

So we’re just going to ignore students who are approaching summer and are unable to seek jobs, who lives on their own with zero financial support?

[YOLORACER]

I just went online to apply for the so called Covid aid plan and I have no idea what I just filled out, either I applied for reg unemployment or the plan but when they asked me why I stopped working I used the quarantine choice and then they told me I need a doctors approval.

[danutaszawlowska]

Please introduce Universal Basic Income

[sociallyresponsiblexenomor]

Yeah yet you told me I don’t qualify because I did not make enough money with my current job yet, thanks for that!