COVID-19 EMERGENCY SUPPORTS #10 

Updated: APRIL17, 2020

This newsletter will reflect the current emergency supports being provided by the Federal, Provincial, Municipal and private sectors. 

Starting with the 7th Edition, all New Updates will be listed at the top of the page and additions from previous editions will follow in the various categories listed under "In This Issue."

NEW UPDATES

New Update

Canadian Emergecy Response Fund (CERB) Has Changed:

On April 15, the Federal Government announced changes to the eligibility rules to:

• Allow people to earn up to $1,000 per month while collecting the CERB.
• Extend the CERB to seasonal workers who have exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to undertake their regular seasonal work because of COVID-19.
• Extend the CERB to workers who have recently exhausted their EI regular benefits and are unable to find a job because of COVID-19.

New Update

COVID19 Specific Frauds and Scams

Here is a list of the top 10 scams and frauds currently being used to prey on vulnerable seniors during the COVID19 crisis.

To learn more, click here

New Update

Financial Supports for People Impacted by COVID-19

Update April 16

To learn more, click here

New Update

Indigenous Covid-19 Supports in Alberta

Interim COVID-19 Support Plan for all Metis in Alberta includes a citizens, families, and seniors direct support plan, a child benefit program, an emergency rent supplement program and a benevolent fund top-up. More information here.

The Métis Nation of Alberta and Rupertsland Institute have launched a province-wide initiative with the College of Alberta School Superintendents to provide Chromebook devices to help Métis students participate in Alberta Education’s virtual K to 12 classrooms during COVID-19. More information here.

To assist the Federal Indian School Class Action, Gowling WLG International Law Firm is providing members who have claim forms with Community Assistance Sessions through Zoom. Register here for the Alberta and NWT session on Tuesday, April, 28 from 4:00 to 5:30 p.m. Read the CBC article here.

The Métis Nation of Alberta provides scholarships to reward outstanding academic achievement. The scholarship application deadline is Wednesday, October 31.

New Update

New Update

Edmonton Social Planning Council 

List of COVID-19 Resources, click here

New Update

Money tips for the gig economy

To read more, click here

New Update

Managing financial health in challenging times

Information about what the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada doing to help is updated regularly:

• Getting through a financial emergency
• What is the Government of Canada doing to help
• What to do if you’re facing financial hardship
• Budgeting in times of uncertainty
• Having and maintaining an emergency fund
• Where to ask questions or voice concerns
• What to do if your branch closes
• Protect yourself from financial fraud

In This Issue:

NEW UPDATES

UPCOMING EVENTS

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS

ALBERTA GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS

CITY OF EDMONTON SUPPORTS

OTHER  SUPPORTS

TOOLS, RESOURCES & SUPPORTS

Upcoming Events

COVID-19: How are you? We want to know

During this public health emergency, we recognize increasing numbers of people are facing increased need. We want to know how you’re doing, in order that we can provide good information to service agencies, policy makers and politicians alike.

Without your feedback, the right decisions can’t be made.

Please complete this short survey: click here

Finance Questions for Challenging Times

With Kelley Keehn, FP Consumer Canada Advocate

FP Canada consumer advocate, Kelley Keehn, will be joined by CPA Canada, to discuss the latest tax changes and timely updates. Learn how the latest government changes affect your finances now and in the future.

For a complete list of Covid-19 Financial Resources from Kelley Keehn, click here

Money Talks: Stay Warm and Informed: the Ins and Outs of Utilities

April 21, 2020 @3:00pm MST

Keynote Speaker: Irene Struk, Senior Consumer Education and Engagement Specialist at Utilities Consumer Advocate.
Join us: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TdwKrThrQDCELmJbTqQrNg

Join us for Money Talks: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_TdwKrThrQDCELmJbTqQrNg

To register on Eventbirte, click here

FEDERAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS

An overview of the all Federal Government Covid-19 Supports

Click here

Financial help for Canadians affected by COVID-19

A hub of benefits the federal government, provinces and territories are offering to people financially affected by the coronavirus.

CBC News • Apr 08, 2020

Find the benefits relevant to you

Get information on what’s available to: those who have lost income; renters and homeowners; families; seniors; students; businesses; Canadians abroad. There’s also a personal finance section with information on tax and utility bill deferrals. This guide provides the basic benefit information you need to apply for subsidies.

This includes:

• Who can apply
• Date available
• How to apply
• Links or phone number to make a claim

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB)

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Who is eligible

The benefit will be available to workers:

• Residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old;
• Who have stopped working because of COVID-19 and have not voluntarily quit their job or are eligible for EI regular or sickness benefits;
• Who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and
• Who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. For subsequent benefit periods, they expect to have no employment or self-employment income.

How to apply

To deliver payments to Canadians in a fast and easy way, the CERB is being jointly delivered by Service Canada and the Canada Revenue Agency.

To begin the application process, please answer a few simple questions. The answers you provide will help us direct you to the service option that best fits your situation.

Please read these questions and answers for more details.

To get started, click here

Find answers to common questions with this automated help line:
1-833-966-2099

To speak with an agent about CERB, or CRA My Account:
1-800-959-8281

Changes to Canada Summer Jobs program to help businesses and young Canadians affected by COVID-19

The Canada Summer Jobs program will now provide private and public sector employers with up to 100 per cent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee. Employers are also now allowed to hire staff on a part-time basis.

• Who can apply: Applications closed in February. They were open to students between the ages of 15 and 30 years old. Those who completed the process can check this site for job postings.

• Available: Job placements could begin as early as May 11, 2020. The period a person can be employed under the program has been extended to February 28, 2021.

To learn more, click here

Income Tax Returns:

The CRA encourages individuals who expect to receive benefits under the GSTC or the Canada Child Benefit not to delay the filing of their return to ensure their entitlements for the 2020-21 benefit year are properly determined.

• All Canadians have until June 1, 2020 to file.

• Canadians owing this tax season will have until August 2020 to pay their tax bill. 

• Canada Revenue Agency will temporarily recognize electronic signatures, effective immediately, to reduce necessity for taxpayers/tax preparers to meet in person and administrative burden, effective immediately. This provision applies to authorization forms T183 or T183CORP.

• Individuals who qualify for the CVIT programs can also use the File my Return Website information

• The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will continue to offer this free service for the 2019 tax‑filing season to help eligible individuals with low or fixed income do their taxes.

• With the File my Return service, eligible individuals will be able to file their income tax and benefit returns simply by giving some personal information and answering a series of short questions through an automated phone service.

• File My Return is free, secure and easy to use. There are no paper forms to fill out or calculations to do.

• Individuals with questions about the File my Return service can call the CRA’s individual tax enquiries line at 1-800-959-8281.

Edmonton Income Tax Sites still open:

From the Community Volunteer Income Tax Program, see sites available 

click here

ALBERTA GOVERNMENT SUPPORTS

Alberta Government: 

Links to All COVID-19 support for Employers and Employees

click here

MyAlberta Emergency Isolation Support is Now Closed:

Vehicle Information

Vehicle registration:

• Albertans with surnames or company names beginning with B, D, G, Y will now have until May 15, 2020 to renew their vehicle registrations.

Driver's licences

• Albertans who have birthdays between March 17 and May 15 and whose cards expire this year, now have until May 15, 2020 to renew.

• Expiry dates can be found on your card and Albertans with birthdays between March 17 and May 15 are encouraged to confirm whether or not they need to renew this year.

CITY OF EDMONTON SUPPORTS

City of Edmonton COVID-19 UPDTES: click here

Eco Stations

• Ambleside Eco Station is temporarily closed
• The remaining Eco Stations will soon be shifting to extended hours and open seven days a week
• Paint exchange is not being accepted at any Eco Station until further notice
• Cash payments no longer accepted until further notice

Reuse Centre; Closed for business, including drop-offs, until further notice

Edmonton Waste Management Centre: Cash payments no longer accepted until further notice

PROPERTY TAXES  

• The option to delay residential and non-residential property tax payments until August 31 is available.

• THIS 2 - month delay is an option meant to support those who need financial relief. We encourage others who are able to meet the regular June 30th deadline to do so know they will be helping to keep the city running during these difficult times.

RECREATION CENTRE PASSES

• All recreation centres remain closed

Membership and Program Accommodation

• Registered programs, swimming lessons, and leader-led drop-in programs are cancelled starting Saturday, March 14, until further notice. Prorated refunds will be given to those who have already registered for cancelled programs. Further information will be provided on how refunds will be processed.

• Annual and continuous monthly membership holders can put a 60-day hold on their memberships during this time.

  ---

   

OTHER SUPPORTS

Student Loans

Federal Government: 

•  A six-month interest-free moratorium will be placed on all Canadian student loans

Alberta Governement: Student loans repayment holiday

• We are implementing a six-month, interest free, moratorium on Alberta student loan payments for all Albertans in the process of repaying these loans.

• Alberta Student Loan repayments will be paused for 6 months, beginning March 30, 2020.

• Interest will not accrue during this period. This mirrors the approach of the Canada Student Loans Program.

• Students do not need to apply for the repayment pause.

• Borrowers may continue making payments during this period if they choose and this will not affect their eligibility to receive the benefit.

ALL UTILITIES

• Residential customers can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off, regardless of the service provider.

Call your utility provider directly to arrange for a 90-day deferral on all payments. To learn more, click here

Direct Energy: If people need assistance, please call 1-866-420-3174 to explore flexible payment options, extend payment dates or answer other questions.

EPCOR Water Payment Holiday: Edmonton residential customers can defer EPCOR water bill payments penalty and interest free for the next 90 days to ensure no one will be cut off. The company will not disconnect customers who are in arrears. To apply: contact EPCOR at 780-310- 4300 

Banking Supports

ATB financial customers

• Personal banking customers can apply for a deferral on their ATB loans, lines of credit and mortgages for up to 6 months.

Alberta Credit Unions

• Credit union members will have access to a variety of programs and solutions designed to ease difficulties with loan payments and short-term cash flow.

• Contact your credit union to work out a plan for your personal situation

Banking Sector: Delay of 6 months on paying mortgages for hard-hit customers

• banks in Canada have affirmed their commitment to working with customers to provide flexible solutions, on a case-by-case basis, for managing through hardships caused by recent developments.

• This may include situations such as pay disruption, childcare disruption, or illness. Canada’s large banks have confirmed that this support will include up to a 6-month payment deferral for mortgages, and the opportunity for relief on other credit products.

• Mortgage Default Management Tools:The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and other mortgage insurers offer tools to lenders that can assist homeowners who may be experiencing financial difficulty. These include payment deferral, loan re-amortization, capitalization of outstanding interest arrears and other eligible expenses, and special payment arrangements.

• The Government, through CMHC, is providing increased flexibility for homeowners facing financial difficulties to defer mortgage payments on homeowner CMHC-insured mortgage loans.

TOOLS, RESOURCES & SUPPORTS

211 Community Resources

Important notice for 211 website visitors: Many services are changing rapidly in response to Covid-19. For the most up-to-date information, please check the 211 Alberta - Resources for Covid-19 in Alberta list, as their website search tool may not accurately reflect services at this time. You can also reach out to 211 by phone, text or chat: dial 2-1-1, text INFO to 211 or visit www.ab.211.ca and click “live chat.”

Free, virtual investment advice

Kindwealth is offering free, virtual investment advice by reputable financial advisors (based on capacity)

To read more, click here

Budget Calculators

In a time of increased uncertainty and volatility, check out these calculators by Nest Wealth to be used to help adjust to the changing financial situation.

To learn more, click here

Telecom Provider Covid-19 Supports

Telecoms companies such as Telus, Shaw and Rogers are offering flexible payment options. Some Telecom companies have expanded community partnerships to support vulnerable Canadians impacted by COVID-19. For example, Rogers is partnering with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada to provide a donation of smart phones, and six months of free service to ensure that the families get the digital tools and service they need. Check with your telecom provider to see what offerings are available.

Insurers Reducing Insurance Costs

To help Canadians cope with the financial impact of COVID-19, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) member companies are offering substantial consumer relief measures. For consumers whose driving habits have changed significantly, IBC member companies are offering reductions in auto insurance premiums to reflect this reduced risk. IBC expects this could result in $600 million in savings to consumers. The reductions will continue for the next 90 days.

To learn more, click here

Emergency Funding For University of Alberta Students

Our Emergency Funding programs are designed to cover temporary financial shortfalls due to delays in funding (e.g., government student loan is late) or unexpected expenses (e.g., necessary car repairs, emergency dental work). Emergency funding can come in the form of emergency bursaries (non-repayable) or emergency loans (short-term, interest-free loans).

To learn more, click here

Covid-19 Resources for Seniors

This page was created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a resource for Edmonton seniors and their families. It contains up-to-date information about senior centre operations and closures, services for seniors, and activities that seniors can do from home when social distancing.

click here

Supports for Gender-based Violence:

• If you need to speak with someone at a shelter near you, call our toll free line at 1-866-331-3933

• Health Canada now provides a First Nation and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line

• Counseling is available in English and French, and upon request in Cree, Ojibway and Inuktut

• Call 1-855-242-3310 to access the First Nation and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line

Kids Help Phone

The federal government will increase funding to Kids Help Phone to provide young people with mental health support during the coronavirus crisis.

To read more, click here

Financial Literacy Resources: ABC Life Literacy Canada

Keep kids busy while they are at home:

With schools closed for the foreseeable future, parents will need ways to keep kids busy. Enter HSBC Family Literacy First, a collection of more than 75 free downloadable stories and activities to bring families together to practice their literacy skills and encourage daily learning.

Councillor Knack has shared a consolidated of list of non-profit organizations that are still operating in Edmonton during this time. Many of which working with our most vulnerable populations, seniors, newcomers and our new temporary shelter at the Edmonton EXPO Centre.

To see list, click here

Edmonton Food Security Resources

click here

HOME DELIVERY SERVICES

1. Meals on Wheels: will deliver meals and groceries as well. https://mealsonwheelsedmonton.org/pages/the-grocery-bag

2. Fresh Routes: have adjusted some of their times. https://freshroutes.ca/

3. Men in Kilts, recently changed their business to give back during this difficult time, and offer free delivery. However, citizens should call to confirm the process.

4. Share the goods: Offering delivery and hampers. https://www.sharethegoods.ca/

5.  Bag-Half-Full YEG volunteers aim to make groceries accessible for all with free grocery delivery!

• No-contact delivery: pay by e-transfer to baghalffullyeg@gmail.com or cash (in envelope) upon delivery. Groceries will be left at the door.
• Order online: https://forms.gle/F5u4v1WNYh3vwoRv8
• Or call 780-952-7101

Addiction and Mental Health Supports

click here

Financial Consumer Agency of Canada:

COVID-19: Warning of potential financial fraud

To read more, click here

COVID-19: How FCAC is responding

To read more, click here

Managing financial well-being in tough times

This toolkit contains resources and information which may offer support to organizations, agencies, or frontline staff supporting individuals, during a challenging time.

This toolkit was developed in response to the coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic and more resources will be added as they become available.

click here

Help in Tough Times, We’re here to help: Alberta Health Services

Alberta Health Services has resources and services available to help you or someone you know. Remember, if you are struggling you are not alone. There are supports in place to help you.

For complete list, click here

To find out all the benefits you might be eligble for, go to You Can Benefit:  https://youcanbenefit.edmonton.ca/

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