Illness and joblessness are just two of the new realities faced by many Canadians across the country. Now, amid mass lay-offs affecting a staggering 44 per cent of Canadian households, rental dues could spell further financial disaster for Canadian families. So what are officials doing about it?
Sweeping job loss brought on by the growing COVID-19 crisis has seen a record number of people forced out of a job and filling out applications for Employment Insurance (EI). Today, the first of April, when monthly rents are expected from tenants nation-wide, here’s how provincial governments are responding to this ongoing crisis:
Chart: globalnews.ca
For the Waterloo and Kitchener regions, while our provincial government is not currently offering rent support funding, according to this report no “new evictions orders will be issued until further notice.” Additionally, eviction orders scheduled before the outbreak are “postponed.”
For Community Service Providers:
Last month, Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau announced that the Government of Canada would be providing $207.5 million in funding to support services for women and children experiencing homelessness and fleeing domestic violence as part of the Economic Response Plan.
For families and landlords:
As part of the Emergency Response Benefit, the Canadian government is also providing “an extra $300 per child through the Canada Child Benefit (CCB)” and case-by-case mortgage supports.
To learn more about what this funding means for the YWCA read here.
Read more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan here.
In a position to give? Make a donation today and help us support women and children in need.
