O Canada! 

Emergency relief is arriving soon for students and freelancers. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced early this week that students, gig workers, and contractors will soon be able to apply for Canada’s Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). 

As many freelancers and students continue to struggle financially during the COVID-19 pandemic, the original CERB was criticized for not providing enough support to this particular group of vulnerable people. However, in his address to the nation on Monday, April 6th, Prime Minister Trudeau promised that support was surely on its way.

He stated that “for people in all of these situations, we see you, we’re going to be there for you, and we’re working as hard as we can to get you the support you need”. 

CERB is currently offering upwards of $2,000 a month in support to individuals who have lost their jobs due to COVID-19 and qualifying folks have been receiving money via mail or direct deposit. While specific details are yet to come on what will be offered to students and gig workers, a similar $2000 a month via mail or direct deposit is possible.