OTTAWA — A new federal benefit would offer $1,250 a month for eligible students affected by COVID-19.
The Canada Emergency Student Benefit would provide $1,250 per month for eligible students or $1,750 per month for eligible students with dependents or disabilities and would be available from May to August 2020.
Speaking at his daily press conference, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said any student enrolled in a post-secondary institution who makes less than $1,000 will be eligible for the new benefit.
“To all the students watching today, let me say this: As you’re building your future, thinking about how to contribute, or about starting a family or career, all of a sudden you’re faced with a massive crisis. The uncertainty may feel overwhelming, but in Canada, we look out for each other,” Trudeau said.
The benefit will require legislation to pass through parliament before becoming available.
Trudeau also announced a number of other new measures aimed at students on Wednesday, which together with the CESB will equate to nearly $9 billion in support. Those include:
- The introduction of a new Canada Student Service Grant that will provide $5,000 towards education expenses for students who volunteer to help their communities during the pandemic.
- The expansion of existing federal employment, skills development, and youth programming to create up to 116,000 jobs, placements, and other training opportunities for students.
- Doubling Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to $6,000 and up to $3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21 and doubling grants for students with disabilities and dependents.
- Expanding the Canada Student Loans Program by raising the maximum weekly amount that can be provided to a student in 2020-21 from $210 to $350.
- Extending expiring federal graduate research scholarships and postdoctoral fellowships, and supplement existing federal research grants, to support students and postdoctoral fellows.
- Increasing existing support for First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation students pursuing post-secondary education by providing an additional $75.2 million in 2020-21.
- Broadening eligibility for student financial assistance by removing the expected student’s and spouse’s contributions in 2020-21.
