Muhammad Afzal Malik’s
The letter responds from the Office of the Minister and Deputy Premier
Dear Mr. Malik:
Thank you for your email
addressed to the Honourable Carole James, Minister of Finance. The COVID-19 pandemic is affecting all aspects of people’s lives, including jobs, savings and most importantly one’s own health and the health of loved ones. Thank you for the time you took to write. For the most up-to-date information on provincial supports and services please visit www.gov.bc.ca/covid19.
This global pandemic is also affecting people, communities, businesses and non-profits across our country, and we can only tackle the crisis by working together. Our government is committed to working with our partners across B.C. and Canada to do everything we can to keep all people healthy, safe and supported.
Our government announced a $5 billion COVID-19 Action Plan to help British Columbians affected financially by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our plan builds on the Government of Canada’s plan and is focused on protecting people’s health and safety, bringing financial relief for people and businesses alongside the federal government, and building B.C.’s plan for economic recovery in partnership with the business and labour community.
The measures within our COVID-19 Action Plan are an important first step and we will continue to take action to counter the impacts of COVID-19. We are committed to doing what it takes to support people throughout B.C. as we get through this together.
Delivering $1.1 billion in financial support for British Columbians:
The new BC Emergency Benefit for Workers will provide a tax-free $1,000 payment to those whose ability to work has been impacted by COVID-19. For the most up-to-date information please visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports/emergency-benefit-workers.
This is on top of the federal government’s Emergency Response Benefit that will provide $2,000 per month for up to four months for eligible workers. Applications for this benefit opened April 6, 2020 and individuals can expect a payment within 10 days of applying.
You can learn more about B.C.’s financial supports here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports#BCEBW
Employment support for British Columbians:
New legislative changes to the Employment Standards Act ensures that no worker in B.C. can be laid off by their employer for following the directions of the Provincial Health Officer to self-isolate during this public health emergency. This is retroactive and covers workers as of January 27, 2020.
You can learn more about these legislative changes here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/employment-standards-advice/employment-standards/handling-disruptions#leaves
Housing and rent support:
All evictions for residents are halted. A landlord may not issue a new Notice to End Tenancy for any reason. In exceptional cases where an eviction may be needed to protect health and safety or to prevent undue damage to the property, landlords will be able to apply to the Residential Tenancy Branch for a hearing.
A new temporary rental supplement paid directly to the landlord will help British Columbians by offering up to $500 per month for rent. For more information, please visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19.
Many of Canada’s banks and credit unions have frozen mortgage payments for six months for those in need.
Thank you for your comments and suggestions. They have been noted and will be considered as we continue to help people, families and businesses during this pandemic so that British Columbians are supported.
For information on B.C.’s Action Plan and other government resources and updates, visit: www.gov.bc.ca/covid19
To learn more about Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, visit: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html
For resources to help manage stress, anxiety and depression related to COVID-19, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/health-safety/covid19_stressmanagement_5_accessible.pdf
Thank you again for taking the time to write.
Sincerely,
Office of the Minister and Deputy Premier
