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Summary

CERB Dominated Canadian Google Searches In 2020 & People Had So Many Questions

There were also more general queries, too! 💰
Managing Editor, Canada

It’s been an unusual year for Canadians and the things we have been Googling in 2020 have reflected that. 

In particular, people in Canada have been extremely interested in the CERB, otherwise known as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit.

This week, Google revealed their Year in Search report, which broke-down exactly what Canadians have been looking for online.

The CERB was a top trending search, according to the report, as were questions about how to apply.

Editor's Choice: BC Just Launched Its Own Recovery Benefit & Locals Can Get Up To $1000 Tax-Free

How to apply for CERB One of Canada's top trending questions in 2020

According to the report, the word “CERB” was not only one of Canada’s top searches overall but also one of the most frequent news-related searches in the country.

In addition to more general searches about the benefit, such as “CERB extension” there were specific questions like “How to apply for CERB?” too.

Canadians also had plenty of questions for the search engine that were not related to the federal funding, including things like “Why is it called COVID-19?” and “What is a pandemic?”

There were even queries like, “What does WAP mean?” and “Why are people buying toilet paper?”

Throughout the year, Canadians have also been researching definitions of many 2020-inspired words, in particular terms like “pandemic,” “social distancing” and “furlough.”

As part of the same report, Google also revealed that Canada’s top trending search wasn’t even about this country.

  • 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.

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