For Canadians without paid sick leave or access to Employment Insurance sicknewss benefits, the government is introducing a new Emergency Care Benefit that will provide up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks.
The benefit, which the government estimates could cost up to $10 billion, is for worker who must self-isolate, those who are caring for a family member sick with COVID-19 and parents who are unable to earn income while schools are closed as a result of childcare duties.
Applications for the benefit will be available April 2020, the government said. Ottawa will also be extending income supports to workers who lose their jobs or see their hours reduced as a result of the pandemic.