Human Resources Legislative Update

Federal Government Introduces Updated CEWS Calculator

Human Resources Legislative Update

Federal Government Introduces Updated CEWS Calculator

Date: August 12, 2020

The federal government has announced the launch of an updated online calculator to help employers prepare for the next period of the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) program. Employers can use the updated CEWS calculator for claim periods 1 through 5, and more periods will be added as they become available. The government also announced that the application for claim period 5 (July 5, 2020 to August 1, 2020) will become available on August 17, 2020.

The calculator can be found on the Canada Revenue Agency’s CEWS web page, which has also been updated with detailed information about CEWS eligibility and the changes to the CEWS program beginning in claim period 5, including new FAQs.

As explained in our previous firm communication dated July 29, 2020, the CEWS program rules have changed significantly beginning in claim period 5. For the changes to the CEWS beginning in claim period 5, the calculator will automatically apply the best subsidy rate that the employer qualifies for, including applying the safe harbour and deeming rules, as applicable, based on the information that the employer enters.

Should you require further information, please contact any member of our Pension, Benefits and Executive Compensation Group.


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