The federal government has introduced a long-awaited bill to provide businesses with direct access to emergency rent relief — almost a month after announcing the new measure. The bill would also extend the federal emergency wage subsidy until June 2021.
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The government’s previous rent relief program was widely criticized because it needed buy-in from landlords, many of whom did not participate. The new Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy is intended to allow commercial tenants to apply directly for rent and mortgage-interest support.
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Until Dec. 19, it would cover up to 65 per cent of eligible expenses to businesses, charities and non-profits that have suffered a revenue drop due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Claims could be made retroactively for the period that began on Sept. 27.
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