Response to the March 25th Federal Announcement

Yesterday, the federal government announced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). It’s a step in the right direction that will help many of our patients who are unable to work during the COVID-19 crisis.

But for those who are still working, our call for paid sick days could not be more important. Too many casual or part-time nurses, personal support workers, and care workers on the front lines still can’t stay home when they’re sick without losing income. 

The COVID-19 crisis is revealing the absolute necessity of all workers having access to paid sick days to protect public health.

Governments must act now to bring in 7 paid sick days for all patients on a permanent basis, and an additional 14 paid days during public health emergencies.

Endorse our demands.

The new CERB benefit is the amalgamation of the two previously announced benefits (Emergency Care and Emergency Support benefits). It will provide $2000 a month for up to four months. Details have yet to be revealed, but it appears it will be available to those who have been unable to work for 14 days. 

We echo calls from worker advocates to ensure EI minimum payments match the CERB benefit amount, and that all workers regardless of immigration or employment status have access. Differential access to income supports creates inequities that will impact our most vulnerable patients’ health.

The financial inadequacy of EI and CERB benefits makes them hard to live on. Our sick patients would be in a much stronger position to follow medical advice if paid sick days were already enacted in all jurisdictions.

Join us in making our demands heard.