The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy has been protecting jobs by helping businesses keep employees on the payroll and encouraging employers to re-hire previously laid off workers.

On September 25th,, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, is proposing to extend the current treatment of furloughed employees under the wage subsidy program for the upcoming four-week period, from September 27 to October 24, 2020.

This means employers who qualify for the wage subsidy would be able to continue to claim up to a maximum benefit of $847 per week per employee to support remuneration of their furloughed workers until October 24, 2020.

For the following periods, the government will review the wage subsidy program in light of ongoing progress in fighting COVID-19 as well as any adjustments needed to facilitate the extension of the wage subsidy into 2021 as committed in the Speech from the Throne.

The government continues to assess and respond to the impacts of COVID-19 and make sure programs are providing the support Canadians need. The significant support the government is providing will ensure a stronger, fairer, and more resilient future for Canada.