MEMO from Grand Chief Garrison Settee
To: All MKO Chiefs

Further to MKO’s request to extend the Employment Insurance (EI) benefits period for commercial fishermen in Northern Manitoba, Indigenous Services Canada has informed us of an EI benefit that fishermen will be able to qualify and apply for once their current EI benefits expire. This benefit is called the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

  • This taxable benefit would provide $2000 a month for up to 4 months for workers who lose their income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • The CERB would apply to wage earners, as well as contract workers and self-employed individuals who would not otherwise be eligible for EI.
  • If their EI benefits end before October 3, 2020, they could apply for the CERB once their EI benefits cease, if they are unable to return to work due to COVID-19.
  • Canadians would begin to receive their CERB payments within 10 days of applying. The benefit would be paid every 4 weeks and be available from March 15 until October 3, 2020.

Please forward this information to any commercial fishermen or other members of your First Nation that may be able to apply and qualify for this benefit.

Access the benefit application here.