Canadians need help now. send direct assistance to everyone

TORONTO – Today, on the first day that Canadians can finally apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, the Prime Minister has admitted that it doesn’t go far enough and leaves people behind. NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh pointed out that a direct payment to everyone across the country would make sure that no one falls through the cracks. As New Democrats have been saying for weeks, direct payment of $2,000 – with an additional $250 per child – to everyone in Canada would make sure that people who have been left behind by the government's announcements can get the help they need.

“People are telling us they need help now. They’re worried they’re not going to qualify for the government’s program and that if they do, they’re worried they’ll have to wait too long to get the money they need to pay their bills in time,” said Singh. “Let’s help people right away. Not in a few weeks or next month. The government should send direct assistance to everyone now.”

Rent was due last week, and many people throughout the country had to make the devastating decision between paying for rent or paying for food. According to reports, one-third of people who need help will not qualify for the government’s program. Instead of coming up with new announcements to patch up the holes in their current plan, Singh argues the government should finally follow the lead of other countries and move forward with direct assistance for everyone.

From physiotherapists to students and artists to people making less than $2000 per month, NDP offices have been flooded with people sharing their concerns about how they’ll make ends meet, while the government leaves them behind.

“To get through this crisis, Canadians need money to pay their bills, a job to go back to, and a safe place to live. It is up to us to make sure people get the help they need to get through this,” added Singh. “New Democrats will continue to work to get help to everyone who needs it. We’re all in this together.”