The Canadian Federation of Independent Business believes employers and employees alike will be relieved to hear what the federal government has planned for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. The Prime Minister announced that the subsidy will be widely available to employers of all sizes and structures. CFIB says the subsidy is the single best measure to help Canada prepare for a quick recover the minute the emergency phase of the pandemic is over. The federation is also pleased that there does not appear to be a cap per employer over the duration of the program. Still the organization is waiting for more details on the package.

CFIB says it has heard from businesses with very small margins where even a modest reduction in sales can force significant changes in their staffing levels. The organization has heard from other businesses where the primary impact has been an increase in costs rather than a reduction in business income.