The  Canada government has announced a temporary increase in the scope of eligibility for worker lockdown benefits. The decision was taken in view of the tightening of health regulations and enforcement of capacity limits in several states.

Under the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit, workers can receive up to 300 per week in the event of a lockdown.

If you are affected by the Capacity Limit restrictions, you will be able to apply for the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit and Local Lockdown Program.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Christiaan Freeland said the new rules would enable workers who lost 50 percent or more of their income due to the capacity limit to apply for the program.

This means more Canadians will now be able to apply for the program.

Capacity limit means that for example 100 people can be present at a place at a time, then according to 50% capacity limit there can be a maximum of 50 people at a time.

Similarly, businesses that are affected by the 50 per cent capacity limit and whose monthly income has been reduced by at least 25 per cent can apply for the local lockdown program. Under this program, a wage subsidy of 25 to 75 per cent can be availed depending on the reduction in revenue.

The increase in capacity is expected to cost the government 4 billion.

This is a change in the program approved after the passage of Bill C-2 in Parliament last week. But so far no one was able to send in the perfect solution, which is not strange.

Dan Kelly, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), reacted immediately to the announcement on Twitter, calling it good news and a direct recommendation from the CFIB.

Kelly said the requirement to show at least a 25 percent reduction in revenue is still too high, but he welcomed the decision.