This bill was last introduced in the 43rd Parliament, 2nd Session, which ended in August 2021.
Chrystia Freeland Liberal
This bill has received Royal Assent and is now law.
This is from the published bill.
This enactment amends the Income Tax Act to revise the eligibility criteria, as well as the level of subsidization, under the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) as part of the response to the coronavirus disease 2019. It also extends the CEWS to June 30, 2021. The enactment further amends the Income Tax Act to introduce the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) in order to support those hardest hit by the coronavirus disease 2019. This subsidy provides relief in respect of rent and interest on debt obligations incurred to acquire real property used by businesses, charities and not-for-profit organizations in the course of their businesses or other activities. The rent subsidy is effective as of September 27, 2020.
All sorts of information on this bill is available at LEGISinfo, an excellent resource from the Library of Parliament. You can also read the full text of the bill.
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette, QC
Madam Chair, sometimes it is easier to not answer the question.
We proposed an amendment to the bill to exclude political parties from applying for the subsidy. Does the government support this principle?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, as I said, this program was created to help a large number of businesses and organizations across the country.
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, as I said, the purpose of the program is to help many businesses.
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette, QC
Madam Chair, will the Liberal Party commit to paying back all the money it received through the wage subsidy?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, I might add that the Liberal Party stopped accepting the wage subsidy at the end of August.
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette, QC
Madam Chair, that is a step in the right direction. We will see what happens next.
Does the government think it displayed exemplary behaviour and the highest ethical standards by taking more than $1.2 million from the wage subsidy from March to August, when it has raised nearly $9 million in political contributions so far this year?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, I thank the member once again for the question.
I know the member is very familiar with the wage subsidy program. As I have already explained, this program was created to help many businesses and organizations in Canada.
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette, QC
Madam Chair, the original bill did not list political parties.
When there were discussions with the former finance minister and his staff, and when we met in committee of the whole in this place, there was never any question of political parties being eligible. In my view, that does not reflect the spirit of the bill.
Yes, community-based organizations should be eligible. However, is the Liberal Party, which has raised $9 million so far this year—and the year is not even over—a community organization, or is it a political party, a money-making machine, a machine that awards contracts to its friends? That is what we have seen in recent months.
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, I thank the member for his question.
I know that the member is very familiar with the wage subsidy and that he knows that this program was created for all of Canada, for all businesses, big or small, and for not-for-profit organizations. That was the purpose of the program, that is what the program did and that is what it will continue to do.
Gabriel Ste-Marie Bloc Joliette, QC
Madam Chair, they received $1.2 million in wage subsidies, which enabled them to raise $9 million.
Ultimately, this $1.2 million will be used for the next election campaign. When this money is spent, the Liberal Party will get a 50% refund, or $600,000. Thus, the Liberal Party will receive $2 million thanks to the Canada emergency wage subsidy, even though it is a millionaire party that does not need this money.
Does the government agree with this practice, or does it have any regrets?
Chrystia Freeland Liberal University—Rosedale, ON
Madam Chair, I have no regrets about the wage subsidy. It is an excellent program that has helped many Canadians and Quebeckers.
Heather McPherson NDP Edmonton Strathcona, AB
Madam Chair, I know the minister knows my riding well. Too many businesses in my riding of Edmonton Strathcona were locked out of the rent subsidy program because their landlords refused to apply. Some of them have gone out of business as a result, but others are still hanging on by a thread.
Will you allow those businesses still hanging on to apply to recover the rent subsidy funds that they were denied under the CECRA program?
The Deputy Chair NDP Carol Hughes
I want to remind the member that she is to address questions and comments to the Chair.
The hon. minister.
Income Tax ActGovernment Orders
November 5th, 2020 / 9:20 p.m.
University—Rosedale Ontario
Liberal
Chrystia Freeland LiberalDeputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance
Madam Chair, I did go to high school in the excellent riding of Edmonton Strathcona.
We absolutely know that there are businesses across the country that need support. That is why we are discussing tonight strong programs to support Canadian businesses, rent support of up to 90% if a business is subject to local lockdown.