The National Council of Unemployed Workers (NCUW) welcomes the extension to October 23, 2021, of the Canadian Recovery Benefits (CRB, CRCB, CRSB).
“We welcome the federal government’s decision to increase the number of weeks payable under the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) to 54 weeks, for a period ending on October 23rd. This reassures many self-employed workers who have not yet been able to resume all of their activities,” said Pierre Céré, spokesperson for the NCUW.
In addition, the National Council of the Unemployed welcomes the decision to establish a minimum threshold for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits at $300 for all claims that will be filed between September 26th and November 20th, 2021. “This will be especially helpful for part-time workers who have lost their jobs,” continued Pierre Céré.
“We are however clueless regarding the reaction of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB) which is concerned about the extension of the benefits to individuals while at the same time applauding the extension of the wage subsidy, which is supposed to cover part of the payroll paid by employers to employees. There is something disturbing about this social selfishness.”
Finally, the National Council of Unemployed Workers is also taking the opportunity to call on the federal government to reform the entire EI program, using the temporary measures as a starting point. “Permanent reform is possible and necessary, for a system that is fairer, more accessible and better adapted to new realities. Consultations are planned but must not delay the adoption of permanent measures that will bring Canada’s social safety net into the 21st century,” concluded Céré.