Andrew Scheer announces Conservative proposal to help workers and local businesses as they reopen
June 25, 2020, Ottawa, ON – The Hon. Andrew Scheer, Leader of Canada’s Conservatives and of the Official Opposition, today announced the Back to Work Bonus, a Conservative proposal to make the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) more flexible and generous.
“Since the pandemic began, Conservatives have been putting forward constructive solutions to help Canadians,” Scheer said. “As provinces reopen, Canadians are optimistic about their futures and anxious to return to work. They just need a helping hand.”
Under the Conservative plan, Canadians who lost their jobs through no fault of their own during the pandemic will continue to receive their full $2,000 CERB. In addition, as businesses reopen, workers who make between $1,000 and $5,000 per month would qualify for the Back to Work Bonus, a gradually phased out CERB top-up.
“Conservatives believe it should always pay to work,” said Scheer. “By making the CERB more flexible and generous, workers will have the support they need to transition back into the workforce.”
Despite a global pandemic, the private sector created almost 330,000 new jobs in May. This continued private sector growth will be integral to Canada’s economic recovery. Canada needs to be firing on all cylinders.
“Conservatives are focused on getting Canadians the help they need. We know that our economic recovery will be driven by Canadians’ hard work, innovation and entrepreneurial spirit,” said Scheer. “The Back to Work Bonus will help Canadians get ahead.”
See backgrounder for full policy details.
