Finances

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All Your Financial Help

Check out these guides and charts that lay out all the financial benefits available to Canadians affected by COVID-19, plus an overview from the federal government.

Tax Preparation Help for Low-Income Earners

CPA New Brunswick has adapted its free, in-person tax clinics to a virtual format. This free service provided by CPA volunteers is designed to help those in the community with a modest income and simple tax solution. To find out more details and book an appointment, go here. 

Also, visit the Super Clinic guide for more information on eligibility for clinics and to see if there are other Super Clinics (free tax preparation clinics that also offer more information about the RDSP) available near you.

Have You Stopped Working? 

If you have stopped working because of COVID-19, click this link to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which may provide you with temporary income support. The CERB provides $500 a week for up to 16 weeks.

Need a Social Insurance Number (SIN)?

You can now apply for your SIN online but using this guide, which includes specific instructions for permanent residents and temporary residents. 

Is Your Business Being Affected?

If you are a business owner, then you may be newly eligible for support. The federal government has expanded the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) to businesses that paid between $20,000 and $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019. 

Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB) has also set up website to keep business owners updated on all federal and provincial support as new information and sources are released.

Are You Enrolled as a Student at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution?

If you’re enrolled at university, college, or other post-secondary educational institutions, the Emergency Bridging Fund for Vulnerable Post-Secondary Students is designed to support students in New Brunswick who are directly impacted by the COVID-19 situation. If you can show financial difficulties in meeting your basic needs between now and the end of the term, you may be eligible for a one-time amount of up to $750, depending on your individual situation.

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Staying Safe

There are four main things that are vital during this time to keep you and your loved ones safe:

• Stay home. We know you miss your friends and family, but it’s so important that you avoid any visits to anyone else’s home or any kind of public gathering at all.

• Stay Apart: If you absolutely need to go out (e.g. to shop for food), then stay at least 6 feet (2 meters) apart. Try to go alone if you can - if you can safely leave the children at home, then do so.

• Stay Clean: Health Canada is asking everyone to be extra-careful about washing your hands. After you have been in a public place, wash your hands very carefully for at least 20 seconds before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth because that’s how germs enter our bodies. If you need to cough or sneeze, cover your mouth with the inside of your elbow, not your hand. 

• Stay Covered: Cover your face with a mask if you’re leaving your house.

 

Medical Assessment & Virtual Visits

The government has created this guide for assessing your symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, call 811. Please do not visit a hospital, physician’s office, lab or healthcare facility without calling first.

If you do need to book a medical appointment for any other reason, since we can’t get to see our doctors in person, the government has set up this site to book for virtual meetings with medical professionals.

Changes to COVID-19 Restrictions

Following a successful week in containing the COVID-19 outbreak, Premier Blaine Higgs has announced the first phase that New Brunswick is taking as they begin the initial steps to gradually open the province back up, depending on the public health phases and triggers. 

 

Mental Health

The steps taken to limit the effect of the virus have been difficult for many people. Being disconnected from their friends and families, together with the financial issues and limited ability to do their usual routine, has created a lot of mental stress. Check out these supports that are available for mental health services.

Health Care Workers Needed!

The New Brunswick Department of Health is reaching out to the clients of the multicultural associations to find workers in the health field. In particular, they are looking for personal care attendants in nursing homes and adult residential facilities across the province.

If you have skills, relevant experience, or training in this field, click here to find out how your support could potentially help deal with and stem the tide of COVID-19

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Immigration Status  

Many newcomers who are working here on temporary work visas are obviously worried about how the current situation might impact their immigration status, so here’s the official word from the New Brunswick government:

 

• Staying Safe Won’t Affect Your Immigration Application: If you’re taking the steps the government has suggested because of the COVID-19 outbreak (self-isolation, etc.), this will NOT impact your immigration applications currently being processed by their office, or applications currently being processed federally for permanent residency. They will also be considerate of the program requirements and COVID-19 measures will not impact your eligibility (reduced hours or a break in employment) for new applicants. The government fully understands all measures are outside of your control and the reduction in work hours and availability will be considered.

 

• Employment Insurance and Sickness Benefits: Temporary Foreign Workers are eligible to apply to Employment Social Development Canada for benefits (EI and Sick) if they meet eligibility criteria. If you don't have access to sick benefits or the ability to work from home with your company, you can apply here. 

 

• Expiring Work Permits: If your work permit is expiring between now and June 30, 2020, they are accepting applications and processing the file to avoid further disruption in work. This is being considered an essential service. These workers will need to register with Immigration New Brunswick (INB), and you should coordinate with your employers so that applications will be prepared and submitted ASAP.

 

Your employers can request the processing/essential service for you as a foreign worker. They need to provide an email to immigration@gnb.ca noting in the subject line “Essential Service Request - [Company Name]”, and providing your name, date of birth and a copy of your expiring work permit.

 

Local Connections

If you’re looking to get support from your local immigrant settlement agency, or to get connected with all their news, then check out this list to find the agency in your area that can help.