Liberals failing workers with new ‘lockdown’ benefit: labour group

The head of the Canadian Labour Congress says the federal Liberals are leaving still-hurting workers out in the cold by providing a benefit few, if any, will be able to use.

The head of the Canadian Labour Congress says the federal Liberals are leaving still-hurting workers out in the cold by providing a benefit few, if any, will be able to use.

Bea Bruske says the organization would have preferred to see a continuation of now-defunct recovery benefits for many workers who are still struggling rather than one that will only go to those affected by a lockdown.

She says no jurisdiction is under lockdown, adding that some jurisdictions might hesitate to bring one in.

Legislation introduced Wednesday in the House of Commons would, if passed, create the $300-a-week benefit for workers who find themselves off the job because of a pandemic-related lockdown between now and spring 2022.

Cabinet would decide which regions are considered in lockdown, defined as an order for businesses to close and workers to stay home for at least 14 straight days.

“We know that workers are still struggling and still suffering,” Bruske said Thursday.

“The lockdown benefit is not going to help them when we have multiple provinces and jurisdictions who are extremely hesitant to put lockdowns in place, even when the numbers are high and there would be a value or a benefit in doing so.”

After unveiling the measures Wednesday, Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said she hoped that the benefit wouldn’t be necessary, emphasizing the need for Canadians to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and follow public health rules.