CCA requesting modifications to the 75 per cent wage subsidy program on behalf of members
OTTAWA, April 8, 2020 —The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has sent a letter to the Minister of Finance, Bill Morneau, requesting some flexibility to the 75 per cent wage subsidy program to better enable construction firms – 70 per cent of which are SMEs – to qualify. Maintaining their workforce is a priority for many firms who do not have the financial capacity due to the impact of COVID-19.
Members of the construction industry have said that the wage subsidy program will not benefit them because the revenue reduction requirement of 30 per cent may not occur within the current eligible period of March-May or it may not reflect the reality of their business.
CCA is therefore asking that the eligibility period be extended to June, July and August, and that the revenue decrease be allowable at the project level in addition to the corporate level. We also proposed that a decrease in payroll could be used as an alternative to the revenue calculation.
Securing these important changes would provide businesses with more confidence to retain or re-hire workers.
Contact
Rodrigue Gilbert
Vice-President, Public Affairs
613-236-9455, ext. 432
rgilbert@cca-acc.com