Today (Apr 27) marks the opening of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. The program will rebate 75% of employee wages to employers who continue to pay their staff whether they are working or not (up to $847/wk per employee). https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy/cews-how-apply.html

This is a significant wage subsidy & will help tens of thousands of small employers retain their staff. An employer needs to have its revenues drop by 15% for March or 30% for April & May. New CFIB data shows more than half of small firms plan to use it. https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/media/news-releases/more-half-small-firms-apply-help-federal-wage-subsidy-it-too-late-some

We are grateful to govt for introducing the program & making several important changes before finalizing the details. Employers should note that they may also qualify for a rebate of their EI & CPP premiums if they use the subsidy for workers they pay but do not have work for.

Unfortunately, about a third of small firms report they cannot use the program. For some, it is too late as they have already laid off workers & it doesn't make sense to bring them back while they remain shut-down. For others, they are disqualified due to the revenue test.

CFIB's Business Helplines (1888-234-2232) has been flooded with calls about the program. Here are some of the top questions: 1. Can wages to the employer/family be included? 2. Can employers pay staff retroactively or use it for those who have claimed CERB?

3. Can it be used to hire new staff? 4. Which employees can be included in the rebate of EI/CPP? 5. How do you deal with pay periods different than the ones govt outlined? 6. How does the 75% subsidy work with the previous 10% subsidy?

CFIB has worked to provide the most up-to-date answers to these and other questions at http://www.cfib.ca/covid19 . In addition, CFIB's Business Helpline is taking 800 calls from business owners per day. If you need help, you can get a free intro membership: https://www.cfib-fcei.ca/en/cfib-introductory-offer-sign