General Supports
Toronto.ca/covid19 - Visit for current public health updates on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Toronto, impacted City services and the City's policies to address the pandemic.
Ontario.ca/covid19 - Visit for current public health updates on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Ontario, information on assessments and the Province's policies to address the pandemic.
Canada.ca/covid19 - Visit for current public health updates on novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Canada, travel advice and the Province's policies to address the pandemic.
Supports for Individuals and Families
Municipal
Economic Support & Recovery for Individuals & Families- Updated list of supports for individuals and families from all levels of government.
Social Support - The City of Toronto is partnering with community agencies to connect residents to resources, services, programs, and support during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The City has a prepared a fact sheet outlining Employment Insurance. People are encouraged to file a claim as soon as they lose their job.
The City has prepared a fact sheet outlining Employment Insurance Sick Benefits as they relate to COVID-19. People are encouraged to file a claim as soon as they have been advised to quarantine.
Provincial
Public Health Ontario - Provide scientific and technical advice and support to clients working in government, public health, health care, and related sectors.
Employment Standards Amendment Act - An overview of the Employment Standards Amendment Act which provides job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19.
Federal
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide a taxable benefit of $2,000 a month for up to four months to:
- Workers who must stop working due to COVID-19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support.
- Workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19.
- Working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures.
- Workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work.
- Wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
To be eligible for the CERB workers have earned a minimum of $5,000 in income within the last 12 months or in the 2019 calendar year from employment income and/or self-employment income
Important information for workers who have lost their jobs or are unable to work:
- Workers should continue to apply for Employment Insurance
- Individuals who have already applied for Employment Insurance will be automatically enrolled for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.
- The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in early April. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.
- Visit the Canada Revenue Agency website for additional information
Service Canada continues to accept online - Employment Insurance and Pension applications.
Canada’s Covid-19 Economic Response Plan – This document provides an overview of the Federal Government’s announced support for Canadians. Topics include:
- Support for Canadians
- Income Support for Individuals Who Need it Most
- Flexibility for Taxpayers
- Mortgage Default Management Tools
- Role of Financial Institutions
A list of resources on topics including employment insurance, work-sharing program, the labour program and federally regulated workplaces, and the repayment of student loans can be found at Employment and Social Development Canada .
Supports for Business
Economic Support & Recovery for Businesses - Updated list of supports for businesses from all levels of government.
Economic Support & Recovery Plan - The Mayor’s Economic Support and Recovery Task Force was launched to help protect Toronto’s economic success in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Provincial
Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries – The Ministry has convened a series of advisory groups with leading sector stakeholders
Ministry of Finance – The Cabinet Committee will be performing consultations with big and small businesses across the province
Office of the Premier – New legislation to come on job protections for workers who take leave from work
Office of the Premier – An overview of the Employment Standards Amendment Act which provides job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures or to care for other relatives
Federal
Department of Finance – An overview of the Canada Emergency Response Benefit which can support individuals who have lost their job, are taking care of a family member, or are still employed, but are not receiving income as a result of COVID-19.
Office of the Prime Minister – Details on the Prime Minister’s plan to Mobilize Industry to fight COVID-19.
Business Credit Availability Program – A $10 billion fund administered by Business Development Canada and Export Development Canada
Resources for Businesses – A list of resources on topics such as supporting employees, financial implications and business preparedness, business travel and events, and exporting and international business
Employment and Social Development Canada – A list of resources of Benefits and Services on topics including employment insurance, work-sharing program, the labour program and federally regulated workplaces, and the repayment of student loans
Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan provides an overview of the Federal Government’s announced support for Canadians and Businesses
Support for Businesses topics include:
- Supporting Canadian Businesses Through the Canada Account
- Helping Businesses Keep Their Workers
- Flexibility for Businesses Filing Taxes
- Ensuring Businesses have Access to Credit
- Supporting Financial Market Liquidity
