The Liberal government is being encouraged to implement a proposed “Back to Work” Bonus.
The idea has been pitched by the federal Conservatives and it would put more money in the pocket of those who have been impacted by COVID-19 shutdowns.
Kenora MP Eric Melillo says under the plan, those who lost their jobs would continue to receive their full $2,000 Canada Emergency Response Benefit, but as businesses reopen, select workers would receive a top-up.
“Workers who make between $1,000 and $5,000 per month would qualify for a CERB top-up that would be gradually phased out by 50 cents for every extra dollar earned over the $1,000 threshold.”
For a part-time server making $2,000 per month, the Back to Work Bonus would result in a top-up of $1,500, for a total monthly income of $3,500.
Melillo says despite record unemployment numbers, there are still many employers who are facing staffing shortages.
“Right now as it stands the CERB benefit penalizes those who want to work. Because once they surpass $1,000 of earned income, they will lose their support and will actually be worse off.”
Melillo notes since the health crisis started, the Conservatives have been proposing constructive solutions to make relief programs more flexible and generous.
“We think this is a very reasonable solution to a problem that we are seeing. We want people to get back to work once it’s safe to do so while maintaining support for those who are still out of work through no fault of their own.”