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Labour & Employment Law Blog

More Changes to Government Benefits due to the COVID-19 Pandemic as they introduce the CRB, CRSB and CRCB

More Changes to Government Benefits due to the COVID-19 Pandemic as they introduce the CRB, CRSB and CRCB

The Canadian government has created three new temporary monetary benefits as the pandemic rages on with some Canadian jurisdictions seeing rapidly rising COVID-19 infection rates.  These benefits have replaced the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (“CERB”) that was available to help Canadians pay their expenses and support their households while off work because of COVID-19.

These benefits exist to support individuals who are self-employed and are not eligible for Employment Insurance (“EI”).  However, the EI program and the new benefits are very similar and each offers an equal minimum weekly benefit rate.

The first benefit is the Canada Recovery Benefit (“CRB”).  The CRB offers $500 per week up to 26 weeks to workers who are not eligible for EI and who need monetary support.  Individuals who apply for CRB must also have earned a minimum of $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or in the 12 months before the application from employment income, self-employment income, EI or maternity or parental benefits.  Individuals must also have had a reduction of at least 50% of their employment or self-employment income related to COVID-19.

The second benefit is the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (“CRSB”).  The CRSB also offers $500 per week for up to two weeks.  This benefit is for individuals who cannot work because they are sick or must self-isolate for up to two weeks due to COVID-19.

Finally, the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (“CRCB”).  The CRCB also offers $500 per week for up to 26 weeks to individuals who cannot work because they must provide care to children or other family members due to the closure of schools, daycare centres or other care facilities due to COVID-19.  Like the CRB, the individual applying for the CRCB must also have earned a minimum of $5,000 in 2019, 2020 or in the 12 months before the application from employment income, self-employment income, EI or maternity or parental benefits.  The individual must also be unable to work for at least 50% of their normally scheduled work within a week.

The CRB, CRSB and CRCB all work independently of each other.  This means if that if you are in receipt of one benefit then you cannot also be in receipt of another of these benefits or EI. Please click here for more information on these benefits.

The above article is for general information purposes only, does not constitute legal advice or create a solicitor-client relationship. Because each case is unique and factually driven, if you have concerns with regard to the foregoing issues, please make an appointment with one of our lawyers or a qualified legal practitioner elsewhere. We represent clients in the Greater Toronto Area including Toronto, North York, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, Newmarket, Aurora, Brampton, Mississauga, Barrie, Ajax, Whitby, Pickering and Oshawa.

Legal Receptionist

Zeilikman Law is an employment law firm located in Vaughan, Ontario. We are looking to hire a legal receptionist to join our firm. Preference will be given to candidates who have experience working as a receptionist at another law firm.

Location: Vaughan, Ontario.

Start Date: Immediately.

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. Full time. In-person only. This is not a remote work position.

Wages: 35,000 to 40,000 per year.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Manage our firm’s multi-line telephone system to receive incoming calls.  Screen incoming telephone call inquiries to determine the nature of the telephone call and provide standard information related to our legal services.  Take and deliver messages and route incoming telephone calls to the appropriate staff person.
  • Answer general inquiries coming from the firm’s social media and website email.
  • Welcome in-person visitors upon arrival.  Direct visitors to the appropriate staff person and / or office or boardroom.
  • Organize in-person visitor schedule to prevent overlap and multiple bookings.
  • Receive, sort, and distribute daily mail and deliveries.
  • Arrange for couriers.
  • Keep front reception, kitchenette area and boardroom tidy.
  • Perform various clerical duties such as filing, photocopying, and faxing on an as-needed basis.
  • Process client or other payments.
  • May be asked to run minor errands outside of office such as attending post office to arrange a courier or pick up mail.
  • May be asked to assist other law clerks or lawyers of the firm as required and as appropriate.
  • Any other basic administrative duties or tasks as deemed appropriate.

Required Skills:

  • Basic knowledge of general office procedures including filing, faxing, and printing and copying.
  • Basic word processing computer skills.
  • Proficient in receptionist and telephone practices, etiquette, and decorum.
  • Professional attitude and appearance.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Positive customer service attitude is a must.
  • Must be able to maintain confidential and sensitive information.

Education and Experience:

  • Highschool diploma or equivalent.
  • 1 – 2 years’ experience in an office setting with an emphasis in accounting, reception or clerical work is required.   We would prefer experience in a law firm environment.

Applications for this position should be sent via email to jennifer@zeilikmanlaw.com. All applications should include a cover letter, resume and at least two references. Only successful candidates will be contacted.