Government to Extend Emergency Wage Subsidy and Create Industry Strategy Council

Today, Prime Minister Trudeau announced that the government will be extending the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program through June 2020. The Prime Minister did not say how long the program extension will last. Details on the CEWS extension are expected next week.

He also announced the creation of an Industry Strategic Council, chaired by Monique Leroux, to advise the government on the specific needs of sectors impacted by COVID-19.

Emergency Wage Subsidy Details

• Available to all Canadian businesses, not-for-profits and charities, that are not publicly funded, facing a revenue decline of at least 15% in March, and 30% in April and May because of COVID-19
• Wage subsidy of 75% available on a maximum salary of $58,700 ($847 per week)
• Revenue earned in the period is compared to revenue earned in the reference period, the corresponding month in 2019, or the average of the revenue earned in January and February 2020
• Businesses will need to reapply for the subsidy each month
  Employers will need to attest that they are doing their part to contribute the additional 25% of wages, but Morneau recognized that not all businesses will be able to
• Employers found to violate the terms of the program will face severe penalties

Industry Strategic Council‍

The Council will help the government understand the impact on industries and specific sectoral pressures that COVID-19 has caused. The Department of Innovation, Science, and Economic Development indicated that over the next 90 days, the Council will meet regularly to identify and understand sectoral pressures that are common across the industries.

Members of the Council will be announced soon and will complement the structure and focus of the Economic Strategy Tables.

• Advanced Manufacturing
• Agri-Food
• Clean Technology
• Tourism
• Digital Industries
• Health/Bio-sciences
• Resources of the Future

The Industry Strategy Council creates a venue for the government to consult directly across industries.

Federal Engagement‍

Consult the Sussex COVID-19 Guide for information on supports made available across the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments.

As the details of the programs announced today become available, let Sussex help connect you with the right people in government to help your organization get through these extraordinary times.

Please reach out to your Sussex representative directly or to a member of the Federal Government Relations Team.