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So today we start to learn how well implementation of CERB will go. I feel *cautiously* optimistic that the fed IM/IT will hold up. Why? Well, last week @ESDC_GC officials testified that 400k EI applications were being handled each day. #cdnpoli
@CanRevAgency said the new interactive voice phone system will handle 1 M calls per day and payment of GST top up 1 month early suggests things are going better than expected behind the scenes.
But, real challenges on design and roll-out remain. Workers with insufficient but partial earnings are left out. Working While on Claim has been suspended for new EI-CERB claims to reduce demand on system (reports = IT load).
FTR, wording of C-13 is not optimal but interpretation of it is extra odd. “Have ceased” can, IMHO, mean effectively ceased, and given eligibility has to be renewed for 4 periods, work can resume and cease again.
Pretending that work either fully happens or doesn’t at all, is a real misunderstanding of how many work & the month-month volatility many Canadians see in their incomes. Eg, see work by me & @JohannaPeetz here: https://www.cpacanada.ca/en/the-cpa-profession/about-cpa-canada/media-centre/2019/february/income-volatility-threatens-financial-security-of-one-in-three-canadians-cpa-canada-study
No, the goal of CERB is not to correct pre-COVID inequalities, but it could better reflect realities and lost opportunities to earn work income. I’ll be watching to see how feds & provinces deal with the gaps.
But provincial social assistance, usually the aid of last resort, is not a great answer for people without meaningful income who can’t get CERB, especially not when provincial budgets must handle surge health & LTC costs.
Another challenge will be the interface - can it meet the needs people who have never had to apply online for government program? Per Stat Can survey on internet use, it’s a non-negligible share of working-age adults. Internet access fairly widespread but not universal.
Note: survey doesn’t cover territories or (I think) First Nations communities on reserve.
So, I’m gonna’ keep watching, will keep my Google doc updated (and thanks all for the kind words - I really didn’t expect such interest) and will keep working away. Stay well.
