Lethbridge-East MLA Nathan Neudorf. (Supplied by Nathan Neudorf)

By David Opinko

MLA Neudorf details provincial COVID-19 aid package

Mar 19, 2020 | 12:19 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – Following the Government of Alberta’s announcement Wednesday of financial assistance for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, the MLA for Lethbridge-East hopes to give some more clarity on the details.

Nathan Neudorf says they intentionally waited until the federal government announced their own $82-billion aid package.

“I think a lot of people were waiting, as we were, for the last few days to see what the federal package included and where it might need to be added to or if there was any gaps in it.”

One of the gaps that was identified was in Ottawa’s Emergency Care Benefit program. It gives $900 bi-weekly in income assistance, but Neudorf says it will still be a couple of weeks before people are able to apply for it.

This is why the province created its own Emergency Isolation Support (EIS) program.

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The EIS is eligible for those who are in self-isolation for showing symptoms of COVID-19 or those who were laid off of work due to the province’s restrictions.

It provides a one-time payment of $1,146 over two weeks to help bridge the gap until federal EI payments kick in. This number was chosen because it is approximately the same amount as a standard unemployment cheque.

To access this income supports through EIS, you will have to go to the Government of Alberta’s website. The application form should be available early next week.

“I do know that they’re also extending those services to those who are self-employed and work under contract who normally wouldn’t be covered by EI, so there’s hope for those as well.”

The province also announced a Utility Payment Holiday, meaning residential, farm, and small commercial customers, regardless of their service provider, can defer electricity and natural gas bill payments for 90 days.

“I don’t know whether then you’re paying four month’s bills all at one month, I don’t believe that’ll be the case. I believe there’ll be opportunities to speak with their service providers and create a payment plan to catch up on those missed months. I think it’s just to take the pressure off of individuals during this time of crisis.”

As part of the federal government’s aid package, a “six-month, interest-free, moratorium on Canada Student Loan payments for all individuals who are in the process of repaying these loans” was created.

Alberta’s package introduces a similar initiative for students who have taken out provincial student loans, beginning March 30, 2020.

“They can focus on what they need to focus on, whether it’s their health or their studies from home or on finding a job at the end of this time and then they’ll be able to pick up where they left off. It’s just deferring it, but it’s interest-free, so they’re not accumulating further debt as they go – it’s interest-free and it gives them that six months to get back on their feet.”

For more details on COVID-19 supports for Albertan workers, use this link.

For more details on COVID-19 supports for Albertan businesses, use this link.