Originally published Nov 25, 2020
As the pandemic continues, so does many Albertans’ financial concerns. We’ve created a list of both federal and provincial relief programs that are currently available. Talk to your local credit union for more information or assistance.
Federal measures
Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) is a proposed replacement for the expired CRB. The Benefit would give $300/week to workers whose employment is interrupted by specific government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios and who are unable to work due to such restrictions. PENDING PASSED LEGISLATION
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives $500 for a 1-week period to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk. TO BE EXTENDED PENDING PASSED LEGISLATION
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) gives $500 for each 1-week period to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. TO BE EXTENDED PENDING PASSED LEGISLATION
Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program (THRP) is a proposed support targeted to organizations in selected sectors of the tourism and hospitality industry that have been deeply affected since the outset of the pandemic and that continue to struggle. PENDING PASSED LEGISLATION
Hardest-Hit Business Recovery Program (HBRP) is a proposed rent and wage support for hard-hit organizations that do not qualify for the Tourism and Hospitality Recovery Program and that have been deeply affected since the outset of the pandemic. PENDING PASSED LEGISLATION
Canada Recovery Hiring Program is a payroll subsidy program to help eligible employers with up to 50% of their added payroll expenses. TO BE EXTENDED PENDING PASSED LEGISLATION
Business Credit Availability Program (BCAP) allows the Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada to provide provide more than $65 billion of additional support to small and medium-sized businesses. Extended until December 31, 2021. EXPIRING SOON
Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF) provides bridge financing to Canada’s largest employers.
Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP) offers 100% government-guaranteed financing for heavily impacted businesses and provide low-interest loans of up to $1 million over extended terms, up to ten years. Available until March 31, 2021. RECENTLY EXTENDED
Provincial measures
Alberta Jobs Now Program provides grants to eligible employers that cover 25% of an employee’s salary for a 52-week period up to a max of $25K/employee. Second intake will open September 15, 2021.
Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit provides a subsidy for working households with low income or those between jobs. Support is available for up to two years to help tenants afford their rent while they stabilize or improve their situation.