MP Ahmed Hussen addresses concerns in Fil-Can Community

MP Ahmed Hussen addresses concerns in Fil-Can Community

Minister Ahmed Hussen

By Irish Mae Silvestre
The Philippine Reporter

During a March 21 conference call, Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, fielded questions from the Filipino-Canadian community regarding the unprecedented crisis.

He said that those struggling can apply for mortgage deferrals of up to six months and that the government is “increasing GST tax credit so low-income Canadians can have more money in their pockets.” Also, child benefits will go up by $300 per child. People losing employment income to care for children or loved ones who are sick or quarantined are eligible for emergency care benefits.

Meanwhile, freelancers who work in the gig economy, such as Uber drivers, and aren’t eligible for employment insurance will qualify for emergency benefits for up to 15 weeks.

As for Temporary Foreign Workers, Hussen said that the government is giving provinces the support they need to provide for such individuals. For TFWs struggling with healthcare, he urged them to seek help at non-profit organizations run by volunteer doctors and nurses.

While Hussen stated that individuals should contact Canadian Immigration for details, temporary residents will have their permits extended. Other efforts to help them include reducing documentations and requirements for extensions and giving them legal status while their application is being processed. (IMS)