Liberals must reverse cut to the CRB and help Canadian families

By cutting the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) by 800$ a month, the Liberals will hurt families struggling to make ends meet in this pandemic

OTTAWA – In this pandemic, many Canadians are still out of work and depending on the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) to pay bills, rent and put food on the table. The Liberals made it clear in their last budget that they will cut the CRB amount by 800$ a month which will hurt families that are already struggling to make ends meet. Today, NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh heard from a Canadian who lost their job due to COVID-19 and is barely getting by despite receiving $2,000 from CRB. Cutting this help by $800 will devastate their family.

“While the Liberals rushed to give money to the richest corporations without any strings attached, they’re going to cut help for families who are waiting to work again in provinces still under stay-at-home orders and lockdowns,” said Singh. “Close to two million Canadians struggling to get by after losing their jobs during the pandemic will lose the help they need come July. Canadians will still need help to pay bills and put food on the table this summer. New Democrats are calling on Justin Trudeau to change his plans to cut the amount of money people receive through the CRB.”

In last month’s budget, the Liberals announced that CRB payments of $2,000 per month would be cut to $1,200 come July. Restrictions in many provinces will still be in place come July and people will still be temporarily or permanently laid off. Justin Trudeau is cutting help to families who are barely making ends meet.

“Throughout this pandemic, the Liberals wanted to look like they cared, but they left people behind,” said Singh. “New Democrats fought for Canadians and pushed the government to do more than they wanted. Whether it was to double the CERB or double the amount of time people can access help so that families could make ends meet, every time the Liberal government tried to cut or end help for people, we fought back and we will continue to do so.”