Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit Won’t Be Available To Unvaccinated People Who Get Fired

The brand new benefit offers $300 per week to eligible workers.👇💰

Managing Editor, Canada

The federal government has confirmed that the Canada Worker Lockdown Benefit (CWLB) will not be available to people who have lost their jobs due to their refusal to get vaccinated.

Announced by Deputy PM and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland on October 21, the aim of the benefit is to provide income support to workers whose employment is interrupted by government-imposed public health lockdown scenarios.

Workers who are ineligible for Employment Insurance (EI) will qualify for the $300-per-week CWLB. Those who can claim EI are eligible too, as long as they are not getting both benefits during any period.

However, people who get fired for refusing to get vaccinated against COVID-19 will not be able to apply for the new lockdown support.

"Individuals whose loss of income or employment is due to their refusal to adhere to a vaccine mandate would not be able to access the benefit," reads a notice from officials. The same is likely to apply to unvaccinated people hoping to claim EI.

Many employers in Canada, including the federal government, police forces and public transit commissions, have already introduced COVID-19 vaccine mandates for staff. Consequences range from online training sessions and unpaid leave to termination.

Health Canada has a robust website with all the latest information on COVID-19 vaccines and can answer any questions you may have.

This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

Explore this list   👀

    • Managing Editor

      Helena Hanson (she/her) is the Managing Editor of Canada for Narcity and MTL Blog, where she brings her expertise in dreamy, aspirational travel journalism to life. A first-class graduate of Cardiff University's School of Journalism, Helena has a passion for inspiring readers to discover the magic in their own backyards. Originally from the U.K., Helena has spent years uncovering hidden gems and must-see destinations across countries like Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Indonesia, Japan, and more. Having lived in both Canada and Australia, she's become a seasoned expert in off-the-beaten-path adventures and bucket-list experiences that don't break the bank. Whether she's writing about things to do in Ottawa, Montreal, or her favourite spot—Disney World—Helena hopes to leave readers dreaming of their next adventure.

    The Marineland from your childhood is dead: Inside the grim reality of what's left behind

    Recent drone footage from the semi-abandoned site shows the animals who've been left behind.

    McDonald's Monopoly has a hack that lets you get stickers without buying menu items

    Monopoly food and drink packages might run out but you don't need them to play! 🍟