Okay! A thread on my personal take (with the explanations by really smart friends of mine in their respective fields) on the #CESB. In short - this is REALLY good and hopefully is the happy medium for all Canadians https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/22/support-students-and-new-grads-affected-covid-19?fbclid=IwAR2nNKM7ehemzjADhSV4ECn_cTuaFmiw4f4JLLRr9hL1SfChNj9g0XoMn5E

Yes, the CESB is less than the CERB. No I do not think students are worth 62.5% of a regular human. +/- a few I see the CESB is actually better if not just as okay for us. Here is why. If you made 5k and lost your job apply for CERB. stop reading. go apply fam.

There has to be a happy medium between the existence of jobs and able bodied people needed to help sectors mitigating COVID, and also making sure people are supported irrespective of their status and barriers. The CESB fills this gap.

If you qualify for CESB, chances are you probably don't have a lot of income. At average minimum wage in Canada $11/h in 2019. 4 months = $6,600. plus max CESB benefit of 5000 = $11,600. Anything under $12,000 is NOT taxed meaning CESB wont be taxed for the average student.

The assumption of CERB is that it is most likely taxed. Likely people have already made $12k up until COVID or if they haven't (low hours/wages) then they will only be taxed once their income plus benefits > 12k. So the $1250 vs $2000 is not a major issue

again keep in mind legislation has not been made and you know this con law nerd will heavily scrutinize the language- so stay tuned for that. But $1250 should please the "all students" group, and the volunteer incentive to work should please the "just go get jobs ppl".

Now the argument for many of us is that we work to pay rent, future wages during the school year. The additional grants to (i believe) OSAP is going to be HUGE! AND they are removing the contingency of what your parents/spouse makes if you are 21 and under like thats a BIG DEAL!

Also keep in mind there may be one or two more waves of this. CESB expires end of August. CERB expires mid October with max of 4 "payouts". New schemes may come about once we asses how we are all doing. But students I really hope you take this as a win. Big picture.

TLDR. CESB is good and fills HUGE gaps. Made 5K, lost job - apply to CERB. Did not make 5K and student/recent grad apply to CESB. Doubling of Federal part of OSAP for next year. Wait for legislation. Re-think employment opportunities. Be kind to one another. Help your neighbours.