A key federal benefit for Canadians out of work, or seeing large drops in their earnings, in the COVID-19 pandemic has paid out over $40 billion in emergency aid.
Federal figures posted Monday show payments from Canada Emergency Response Benefit now total $40.33 billion to 8.21 million separate applicants, pushing the program further beyond its $35-billion budget.
However, billions could be clawed back next year when the government taxes the earnings and recoups improperly paid benefits.
The details came out the same day the federal government opened applications for a commercial rent assistance program, which saw Prime Minister Justin Trudeau repeat a plea for landlords to apply for the aid.
READ MORE: Dr. Henry ‘encouraged’ as B.C. records two days of single-digit COVID-19 case increases
READ MORE: Commercial rent relief applications open as feds encourage landlords to apply
The Canadian Press
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