June 29 2020 – MP Viersen Urges Liberals to Adopt ‘Back to Work Bonus’ to Help Workers & Small Business

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 29, 2020

Barrhead, AB – Today, Arnold Viersen, Member of Parliament for Peace River–Westlock joined his Conservative colleagues in announcing a new Conservative proposal to improve the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) – called the Back to Work Bonus.

“As our province moves forward with its reopening plan, I’ve heard from many residents and local business owners throughout Northern Alberta, wondering how re-opening of our local economy will affect them,” MP Viersen said. “I’ve listened to your concerns and expectations for the future, and I’m proud to announce another Conservative proposal to help you get ahead.”

“Conservatives are focused on getting workers and businesses in our local communities and across the country back on their feet,” Mr. Viersen said.

Since the beginning of the pandemic, Conservatives have been putting forward constructive solutions to fix Liberal programs and get Canadians the help they need. We are building on that success by pushing for the new Back to Work Bonus. We know helping workers and local businesses will drive Canada’s economic recovery.

Under the Conservative plan, Canadians who lost their jobs through no fault of their own during the pandemic will continue to receive their full $2,000 CERB.  In addition, as businesses reopen, workers who make between $1,000 and $5,000 per month would qualify for a CERB top-up that would be gradually phased out by 50 cents for every extra dollar earned over the $1,000 threshold. For a part-time server making $2,000 per month, the Back to Work Bonus would result in a top-up of $1,500, for a total monthly income of $3,500.

Presently, under the current Liberal plan, workers lose their entire CERB when they earn even one dollar over the $1,000 monthly limit.

“Our plan is flexible and generous because Conservatives believe it should always pay to work,” MP Viersen said. “After all this country has been through, Canadians should not be penalized for picking up work anywhere our communities and businesses need help. We’re going to keep working to get all Canadians the help they need.”

 

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For more information:

 

Office of Arnold Viersen, MP

Peace River – Westlock

arnold.viersen.a2@parl.gc.ca

Tel: 613.996.1783   Fax: 613.995.1415