Many who signed up to receive the Canada Emergency Response Benefit in mid-March will soon be nearing the end of the 16-week period of financial aid. For a whole lot of families across Canada, these benefits have been a lifeline in a time of hardship and desperate need. But, now, unless government takes action, many of those will no longer receive any assistance at all while still in the midst of this pandemic.

By early July, about 3.5 million Canadian workers stand to lose access to CERB. Those benefitting from the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS), and those who are eligible for standard EI, will still receive support. But those eligible only for the emergency response benefit will be left out in the cold.

Our industry and our economy at large have not returned to normal and everyone is still very much working through this crisis. The numbers tell us the most marginalized groups, gig economy and seasonal workers and those already vulnerable and in need of help have been hit hard by COVID-19 itself and the economic shutdown. It is important all Canadians continue to receive help until we can resume work and regular operations. While the CERB program is already schedule to continue until October 3rd, the 16-week cap benefits means many Canadians will be cut off long before then.

That’s why the Guild is pressing government to extend CERB to match the 24 weeks of benefits available under the Canadian Emergency Wage Subsidy program subsidize wages paid by corporations and businesses at a rate of 75%. The DGC has already written to federal ministers and reached out to partner unions like ACTRA, but your help is crucial in making this happen.

To help make this happen, please sign this Change.org petition urging the government to treat all Canadians equally with 24 weeks of emergency assistant in this moment of crisis.

Canadian families affected by COVID-19 need this assistance as much as companies and corporations. It’s only fair.