More Canadian workers will be able to receive the additional benefit
Another 1 million Canadians will be assisted.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that the Canada Workers' Allowance will now be available to about one million more Canadians and will help lift nearly 100,000 people out of poverty.
The Workers' Allowance is a tax break designed to help people and families who work but earn low incomes. Until now, the eligibility threshold left many low-wage workers out of the program, which meant people were still living below the poverty line even though they worked full-time. With the changes passed, another million low-income workers are now eligible for tax refunds.
Single and childless workers will be able to get back up to $1,400 CAD, and workers with families will be able to get back up to $2,400 CAD.
Low-wage workers are among those most affected during the pandemic. According to the government, recovery must begin with building a strong workforce, which requires raising wages and addressing income inequality in Canada. Once benefit entitlements are expanded, benefits will be available to workers with income:
