The Canadian Trucking Alliance is calling on all carriers to give feedback on how the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) could be amended to better suit their needs, whether they are currently using the program or not.
As reported by CTA last week, the federal government announced it would be extending the CEWS by an additional 12 weeks to August 29, 2020.
“The Canadian trucking sector has worked as hard as it can during this crisis to ensure Canadians continue to have access to essential items such as food and sanitary products,” said CTA president Stephen Laskowski. “But it is becoming increasingly clear that as our industry continues to serve the supply chain and economy as required, it also faces unique and rapidly escalating challenges that require tailored solutions to protect the stability of the supply chain during the COVID-19 crisis and its aftermath.”
Responding to call from CTA and other business organizations, the federal government is now launching its consultation process to seek information and feedback from businesses of all sizes, in every sector – including trucking – on how the CEWS program can be adapted to better serve the needs of businesses and Canadians. All possible adjustments to the program are being considered, including the 30-percent revenue reduction threshold, with the stated aim of ensuring “the CEWS reflects the immediate needs of your business, and to support the post-crisis economic recovery.”
CTA – which argues the CEWS should be scalable to be more inclusive of struggling carriers –is encouraging carriers to champion the industry and to provide feedback by clicking here to participate in the government’s consultation and survey.
“The economic recovery process will not be possible without our industry,” said Jonathan Blackham, CTA’s director of Policy and Public Affairs. “We have an important story to tell and we hope carriers take the time to provide their insights on how we can keep Canada moving.”
In addition, CTA will also be preparing a formal submission on behalf of the industry.
Laskowski commended Ottawa for its vigilance in working with the Canadian trucking industry during the pandemic.
“We are hopeful the government will provide our industry the crucial, tailored financial support it requires to help steer Canada out of this crisis.”