Financial Aid and Government Assistance
Support for Individuals
Employment Insurance (EI)
Employment Insurance benefits and leave information for workers, families, fishers and sickness, as well as how to apply and submit a report.
Phone: 1-800-206-7218
Website: www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei.html
Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
The Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are directly affected by COVID-19 and are not entitled to Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. The CRB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
If you are eligible for the CRB, you can receive $1,000 ($900 after taxes withheld) for a 2-week period.
Phone: 1-833-966-2099
Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-benefit.html
BC Recovery Benefit
Apply now for the BC Recovery Benefit, a one-time, tax-free payment of up to $1,000 for eligible families and single parents and up to $500 for eligible individuals. You have until June 30, 2021 to apply.
Phone: 1-833-882-0020
Website: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/covid-19/economic-recovery/benefit
Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)
The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care. This applies if their school, regular program or facility is closed or unavailable to them due to COVID-19, or because they are sick, self-isolating, or at risk of serious health complications due to COVID-19. The CRCB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
If you are eligible for the CRCB, your household can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for each 1-week period.
Phone: 1-833-966-2099
Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-caregiving-benefit.html
Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
The Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) gives income support to employed and self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. The CRSB is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).
If you are eligible for the CRSB, you can receive $500 ($450 after taxes withheld) for a 1-week period.
Phone: 1-833-966-2099
Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/recovery-sickness-benefit.html
Income Assistance
If you are in need and have no other resources, you may be eligible for income assistance. This can help support your transition to employment.
Phone: 1-866-866-0800
Website: www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/family-social-supports/income-assistance
More Support
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Support for Individuals
Support for businesses
For assistance navigating the supports available during COVID-19, and the pandemic recovery period, contact Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Regional Business Liaison; Mandy Rousseau.
Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
As a Canadian employer who has seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of your employee wages. This subsidy will enable you to re-hire workers, help prevent further job losses, and ease your business back into normal operations.
Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-wage-subsidy.html
Canada Recovery Hiring Program (CRHP)
As a Canadian employer who continues to be impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible to apply for one of the two subsidies to cover part of your employee wages.
The CRHP and the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) support wages you pay through different phases of your economic recovery. Each claim period, eligible employers can claim either CRHP or CEWS, whichever is higher.
Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/recovery-hiring-program.html
Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
Canadian businesses, non-profit organizations, or charities who have seen a drop in revenue during the COVID-19 pandemic may be eligible for a subsidy to cover part of their commercial rent or property expenses, starting on September 27, 2020, until June 2021.
This subsidy will provide payments directly to qualifying renters and property owners, without requiring the participation of landlords.
If you are eligible for the base subsidy, you may also be eligible for lockdown support if your business location is significantly affected by a public health order for a week or more.
Website: www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy.html
Provincial support for BC businesses
Find out more about the Government of British Columbia's range of support measures and assistance available to businesses as part of the StrongerBC Plan.
Website: strongerbc.gov.bc.ca/supporting-bc-businesses
More Support
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan - Support for Businesses
Government of Canada - Business Benefits Finder
Business Development Canada - Financial Support for Businesses
EDC - COVID-19 business relief