COVID-19: Federal government extending CRB, wage subsidy amid Delta surge

The federal government is extending numerous COVID-19 benefits and programs an extra 30 days due to growing concerns about the spread of the Delta variant across the country.

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland made the announcement at a press conference on Friday. The government has also issued a press release online. The previous expiry dates for benefits was September 25. They will now run until October 23.

Affected COVID-19 benefits include the:

• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS);
• Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS);
• Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB);
• Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB); and
• Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB).

“From the government’s perspective, it is essential to do everything we can to make sure the country’s economic recovery is fast and robust, and that no one is left behind,” said Freeland.

“These support measures have been a lifeline.”

Freeland’s announcement comes as many public health officials are warning that Canada is likely entering a fourth wave of the pandemic. This wave is being driven by the potent Delta variant, which the CDC in the U.S. says is now more contagious than chickenpox.

In Canada, COVID-19 appears to be spreading primarily among younger, unvaccinated people. With the new variant, health officials believe that cases will rise among older, unvaccinated populations as well. This will result in an increase in hospitalizations and severe outcomes.