With CERB ending, What's next?

As you’ve probably heard, CERB has expired. For Canadians whose workplaces shut down, slowed down, or closed - CERB acted as a valuable lifeline.

Now, many Canadians are left wondering what next, and, where next? For many, employment instability has become a worrying issue, and the government’s new benefits roll out may not apply to everyone. 

For the last six months, 4.5 million Canadians turned to CERB. Now, an estimated 3 million Canadians will enter the EI system, and another 1 to 2 million will likely use recovery benefits.

Canadians on CERB will now apply for two kinds of EI; the EI regular benefits program for employees who lose their jobs involuntarily and are actively looking for work; and, the EI special benefits for employees or self-employed individuals who are absent from work due to specific life circumstances, like sickness.

Another new income support program in the works, the Canada Response Benefit (CRB), will cover gig, freelance and contract workers who don't traditionally qualify for EI.

But what does this mean for you?

For many Canadians, the transition off of CERB will be messy, confusing, and, for most, uncertain. 

Approximately 700,000 Canadians who have managed to take in some paid work might find themselves getting less in benefits. 

Transitioning from CERB will most likely cause problems for many depending on how its applied for; those who applied for CERB through the Canada Revenue Agency will have to wait for a formal application - something many Canadians don’t have time to do. In fact, a first payment of EI is expected to take between six to eight weeks, leaving many Canadians without a secure source of income for a concerning amount of time. 

CRB is expected to generate nearly one million applications. However, none of the programs have been passed through Parliament, and there’s uncertainty if the programs will indeed, be sustainable. 

Millions of Canadians are expected to pass through this transition, and websites still aren’t up and running explaining where to apply, how to apply, and what an applicant's status is.

For those who might not be eligible for these benefits, or, might have to wait to apply, there is help available - and that’s where we come in. 

Thanks to our connections spanning several sectors and industries across Atlantic Canada, we can find you reputable employment opportunities in as little as 24 hours. 

There are many options to suit a variety of situations including flexible hours, full-time, part-time and temporary positions as well as seasonal work available. 

We understand times are tough - let us help you get back on your feet.