Local businesses struggling to hire qualified workers, CERB to blame?

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That $2,000 is meant to support employed and self-employed Canadians who are directly affected by COVID-19. It’s a good chunk of change to help folks get by but also low enough to give them the incentive to go back to work when ready, according to one northern BC Member of Parliament.

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“The CERB program pays 20 percent less than minimum wage so I think there’s a real incentive there, with the people I talk to, to want to get back to work as soon as possible,” Taylor Bachrach, Skeena-Bulkley Valley MP, said. “They want to make sure their workplace is safe and they are not exposing their family to risk.”

While Bachrach said the most important thing is that they have the backs of Canadians, unfortunately, it seems many are taking advantage and choosing to not go back. That brings the potential of a logjam for people hoping to get back to work later on. Regardless, MP Bachrach said, “We’re not there yet. We need to make sure as many people can get back to work safely as possible and that means working with employers and the people on these programs to ensure that transition is as smooth as possible.”

The CERB has already been extended through the end of August, and there is a chance it could be extended again depending on the circumstances.