Trudeau plans to extend the CERB as Canada opens up

Further details regarding the extension will be provided at some point this week, says Trudeau.

“I want to reassure all Canadians who are receiving the CERB and who are looking for a job and want to make sure they will find a job between now and the end of the CERB, that we will continue to be there to help them. We’ve said this from the very beginning,” he said on Monday.

Applications were opened for the aid program at the beginning of April and provide Canadians with $2,000 per month.

Canadians are able to claim the benefits for four pay periods—16 weeks in total. The fourth period comes to an end in early July.

People who have been receiving the CERB since mid-March will essentially end their benefits on July 4. Trudeau did not provide details on an extension or any other adjustments.

“I think you can read between the lines,” said Jean-Yves Duclos, the Treasury Board President during the Monday briefing.

“When Mr. Trudeau said we’re going to be there for Canadians, it means something is going to be announced, but we want to do things properly, so it’s not only a matter of extending or adjusting… That’s why we still need a few more hours or a few more days so we can make sure Canadians understand what Mr. Trudeau said this morning — that we’re going to be there to take care of everyone, including those facing economic challenges.”

Duclos said that “economic circumstances” have recently arisen and CERB will have to change to adapt to the current situation.

He added that the CERB will “focus on new parameters” and “adapt to the current context.”

He said “the time has arrived to think about transitioning” from the program, though it has to continue in some capacity for now.

He didn’t provide further details on bringing the program to an end but noted that the government is working to provide a smooth transition.

The NDP leader said that extending the CERB is important to the party if they are to support large amounts of government spending.

On Monday, Jagmeet Singh said he thinks party negotiations prevent a possible non-confidence vote.