The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy explained

On 15 May 2020, the Canadian Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, extended the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to at least the end of August 2020. This is one of the measures taken by the Government of Canada in response to the global COVID-19 pandemic that is threatening economies and livelihoods across the world. This guide provides explanations of different aspects of CEWS.

Key Aspects of Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy explained

What is CEWS?

Introduced on 1 April, 2020, CEWS is one of the measures the Canadian Government created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is an emergency-wage subsidy program aimed at protecting Canadian jobs by helping businesses with significant revenue decline to avoid laying off employees and assisting employers in rehiring workers who have already been laid off. The program is designed to place companies in a better position to recover from the impact of this global crisis. Read more of the frequently asked questions on CEWS.

Who is eligible for CEWS?

To qualify for CEWS, an employer needs to fall in one of the eligible groups, including: - Individuals (including trusts), - Corporations (which are not exempt from tax) - Non-profit organizations or registered charities Certain tax-exempt entities may also qualify, including: - Agricultural organizations; - Boards of trade; - Chambers of commerce; - Scientific research and experimental development corporations (which are non-profit) - Labour organizations or societies; and - Benevolent or fraternal benefit societies or orders. Partnerships may be eligible as long as all members are eligible, according to the description mentioned above. Groups, organizations and institutions that are not eligible for CEWS include: - Public institutions (including municipalities, local governments, a Crown corporation, public universities, colleges, schools, and school boards) - Health authorities and hospital

How to apply for CEWS

Once you’ve determined that your company falls in one of the eligible groups, you need to familiarise yourself with the CEWS application guide and collect all the relevant information before initiating the application process. Read more on Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan. For details on how CEWS affects your business, or to find out how PSI can assist you in applying for Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy during the COVID-19 pandemic, contact us today.