---
title: Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest - May/June 2020
description: This edition is dedicated to policies, articles, and resources related to the COVID-19 crisis.  
---

[The Latest ](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest)

# [Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest - May/June 2020](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/cities-reducing-poverty-policy-digest-may-2020)

 Written by [Elle Richards](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/author/elle-richards) | May 23, 2020

Welcome to the May/June Special Edition of the Cities Reducing Poverty Policy Digest, which aims to provide you with timely poverty-related policy updates and resources from across Canada. This edition is dedicated to policies, articles and resources related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  

**Highlights: **

- Statistics Canada Data Perspective and [Insights for a Better Canada](https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/covid19?HPA=1) 
- Canada’s COVID-19 [Economic Response Plan](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html) and promising new policies created  
- Survey on [COVID-19 Impact to Canadians](https://www.statcan.gc.ca/eng/survey/household/5311-COVID-19) still open, inviting participation in data collection for Statistics Canada from all Canadians  

- First Ministers’ statement on [shared public health approach to support restarting the economy](https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2020/04/28/first-ministers-statement-shared-public-health-approach-support) 

**National Policy Updates and Related Articles: **

- Statistics Canada April [Labour Force Survey](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200508/dq200508a-eng.htm) shows over [$3 Million](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-627-m/11-627-m2020028-eng.htm) Canadians affected by unemployment or reduced work, May Labour Force survey shows unemployment rate at [13.7%](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200605/dq200605a-eng.htm?HPA=1&indid=3587-2&indgeo=0) but Canada added [290,000 jobs](https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-jobs-may-1.5599719) 
- Statistics Canada [First Results](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200423/dq200423a-eng.htm) survey on impact of COVID-19 for Canadians; the [impact of COVID-19 on the gig economy](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/45-28-0001/2020001/article/00021-eng.htm) and [work interruptions and financial vulnerability](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/en/pub/45-28-0001/2020001/article/00010-eng.pdf) 
- Canadian [Economic Dashboard](https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/200508/dq200508g-eng.htm) and COVID-19 presents selected indicators to help monitor the impact of the pandemic on economic activity in Canada.
- Backgrounder: [Support to Canadians and businesses](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/05/canada-emergency-response-benefit.html) affected by COVID-19
- [Canada Economic Response Benefit](https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html) (CERB) will continue [as long as Canadians need it ](https://beta.ctvnews.ca/national/politics/2020/5/6/1_4927639.amp.html) 
- CERB proves it’s time for a [basic income](https://news.umanitoba.ca/cerb-proves-its-time-for-basic-income-says-economist/) but a basic income is no substitute for good [employment insurance](https://www.hilltimes.com/2020/05/04/a-guaranteed-basic-income-program-is-no-substitute-for-a-good-employment-insurance-program/246345) 
- COVID-19 provides lessons in how a [Guaranteed Basic Income](https://ottawacitizen.com/opinion/eggleton-and-segal-covid-19-presents-lessons-in-how-a-guaranteed-basic-income-program-could-work/) could work  
- [Social Policy Trends:](https://www.policyschool.ca/publications/social-policy-trends-covid-19-implications-for-disability-assistance-clients/) Implications for Disability Assistance clients 
- Government announces funding for the social and economic inclusion of [persons with disabilities](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/06/government-of-canada-announces-funding-for-the-social-and-economic-inclusion-of-persons-with-disabilities.html) 
- [$350 million fund](https://www.macleans.ca/news/canada/trudeaus-daily-coronavirus-update-new-350-million-fund-for-community-groups-full-transcript/?utm_source=OneSignal&utm_medium=WebNotifications&utm_campaign=MME_WN&utm_term=21-Apr-2020&utm_content=Trudeau_update_April_21) for community groups and not-for-profit organizations 
- Support for [farmers, food businesses and food supply](https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/05/supporting-canadas-farmers-food-businesses-and-food-supply) in recognition of essential service provided by all workers in food supply chain 
- Urban Indigenous population could be [hardest hit](https://pressprogress.ca/urban-indigenous-population-could-be-hard-hit-by-covid-19-economic-impact-statistics-canada-warns/) 
- Funding to support organizations accelerating action on the [2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in Canada](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/05/government-of-canada-announces-funding-to-support-organizations-accelerating-action-on-the-2030-agenda-for-sustainable-development-in-canada.html) 
- [Canada Summer Jobs](https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2020/05/canada-summer-jobs-start-rolling-out-to-keep-young-people-working-during-covid-19.html) starts rolling out to support young people in working during COVID-19 
- Billions of aid for [energy and arts sector](https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/politics/trudeau-announces-billions-in-aid-for-energy-rural-business-and-arts-sectors/ar-BB12N8dz?ocid=spartanntp) 
- New Canada [Emergency Student Benefit](https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/benefits/emergency-student-benefit.html) 
- Federal government giving provinces and territories $3 Billion to [boost essential workers' wages](https://globalnews.ca/news/6915044/coronavirus-canada-essential-workers-pay/) 
- Thousands of businesses start applying for [Wage Subsidy Program](https://globalnews.ca/news/6871558/coronavirus-wage-subsidy-program/?utm_source=site_banner) which covers 75% of wages for employers 
- Families receive a one-time top-up of $300 through the [Canada Child Benefit](https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/05/03/families-receive-increased-support-through-canada-child-benefit) in May, delivering almost $2 billion in extra support across the country  
- [Seniors to receive up to $500](https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/seniors-supports-covid19-1.5565743) to offset added living costs due to COVID-19 
- The end of [economic growth](https://www.macleans.ca/economy/the-end-of-economic-growth/?utm_source=OneSignal&utm_medium=WebNotifications&utm_campaign=MME_WN&utm_term=16-Apr-2020&utm_content=end_of_growth) - the health crisis exacerbating problems in a system already under strain  
- Canada declared to be in a [recession](https://www.cbc.ca/news/business/canada-recession-economy-1.5552135) 
- Women struggling to get back into work as ['she-recession'](https://www.reuters.com/article/us-canada-economy-jobs-women/women-struggle-to-get-back-to-work-in-canada-as-she-cession-weighs-idUSKBN23C2W3) hits and jobs for women [fall behind](https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/jobs-for-women-employment-canada_ca_5edfd602c5b66a336c81b619) 
- Campaign 2000 writes letter supported by over 250 anti-poverty groups and allies calling for more [action on child poverty](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/anti-poverty-groups-and-allies-call-for-more-action-for-child-living-in-poverty-in-federal-covid-response-plan-886207227.html) in federal COVID response plan 
- Moving towards a healthier, more equitable society - COVID-19 [a fast track to 'health in all policies'](https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2020/05/12/Call-To-Fight-Inequality-After-Pandemic/) 
- Time to treat poverty [as a matter of public health](https://www.thestar.com/opinion/letters_to_the_editors/2020/06/03/isnt-it-time-to-treat-poverty-as-a-matter-of-public-health.html) 
- More can be done to provide [critical internet access](https://www.hilltimes.com/2020/05/13/governments-must-do-more-to-provide-critical-internet-access-to-low-income-households/248208) for low-income households 
- How food banks prop up a [broken system](https://thetyee.ca/Opinion/2020/04/22/Food-Banks-Prop-Broken-System/) 
- Overcrowding and poor infrastructure point to [disproportionate effect of COVID-19](https://www.nationalobserver.com/2020/05/12/analysis/poverty-and-covid-19-more-data-would-help-explain-connection) on low-income neighbourhoods 
- [COVID-19 hot spots](https://www.ourwindsor.ca/opinion-story/10002394-covid-19-hot-spots-shouldn-t-make-us-rethink-cities-they-should-make-us-rethink-poverty/) draw attention to the need to re-think poverty 
- Cities must now turn to [recovery](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/opinion/article-cities-need-a-new-deal-to-recover-from-this-pandemic/) and long-term sustainable solutions 
- A call for a [reimagined Canada](https://www.ourwindsor.ca/news-story/10001651-as-economy-reopens-some-call-for-a-reimagined-canada-not-a-return-to-normal/), not a return to normal 
- Comparing [provincial policy responses](https://www.policynote.ca/provincial-responses-covid/) to COVID-19 

**Updates by Province and Territory: **

**Alberta: **

- Alberta’s [Relaunch Strategy](https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-relaunch-strategy.aspx)  

- Phased [re-opening of society](https://globalnews.ca/news/6889158/alberta-relaunch-strategy-economy-coronavirus/) starting in May seeing careful restrictions lifted 
- Government rolls out [Emergency Isolation Support Program](https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-isolation-support.aspx) successfully distributing funds to over 94,235 eligible Albertans since launch of the program 
- Government provides $60 million in additional emergency funding to Family and Community Support Services for [non-profits, charities and civil society organizations](https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-funding-for-charities-and-not-for-profit-organizations.aspx) to support their COVID-19 response 
- [Direct Energy Emergency Fund](https://www.directenergy.ca/alberta/emergencyfund) jointly created by Direct Energy, the United Way of Calgary and Area and United Way of the Alberta Capital Region 
- [Childcare could be the lynchpin](https://www.endpovertyedmonton.ca/news/childcare-could-be-the-lynchpin-in-recovery-efforts) in recovery efforts 

**British Columbia: **

- Government releases BC COVID-19 [Action Plan](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020PREM0013-000545) and updates plan to [restart BC safely](https://news.gov.bc.ca/) 
- A closer look at [BC's Action Plan](https://www.policynote.ca/bc-covid-plan/) shares the good and where the gaps are 
- The province to [relocate hundreds of people who are homeless](https://www.theloop.ca/ctvnews/b-c-will-relocate-hundreds-of-homeless-people-to-vacant-hotel-rooms/) to vacate hotels 

- Applications open for [Emergency Benefit for Workers](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020FIN0027-000794), a one-time tax-free payment of $1000 
- Joint statement on province’s [COVID-19 response](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0025-000816) by minister of health and provincial health officer 
- [Emergency Response Centre](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020SDPR0025-000818) opening in Victoria 
- British Columbia to share ideas virtually for [Budget 2021](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020FIN0033-000987) 
- [Minimum wage](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020LBR0017-000982) increase takes effect 

- Province strengthens [protection for renters](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020MAH0060-000973) experiencing violence 
- Province honours outstanding contributions that [combat racism](https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020TAC0023-000944) 
- Province awards [funding for local poverty reduction plans](https://www.mypowellrivernow.com/29322/province-awards-funding-for-local-poverty-reduction-plans-and-projects/)  

**Manitoba: **

- Provincial government updates and [support for individuals](https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/infomanitobans/index.html)  
- Manitoba moves to [postpone evictions and freeze rent increases](https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/special/coronavirus/manitoba-moves-to-postpone-evictions-freeze-rent-569074212.html) 
- [Manitoba Public Insurance](https://winnipeg.ctvnews.ca/mpi-returning-110m-to-provide-financial-relief-to-policy-holders-1.4908417) is giving back up to $110 million in order to provide financial relief to its policy holders 
- The [Seniors' Economic Credit](https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/infomanitobans/serc.html) provides a $200 one-time, refundable tax credit to Manitoba seniors facing [additional costs](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/brian-pallister-covid19-update-manitoba-1.5555853) due to the COVID-19 pandemic 

- Province taking steps to make home and business property insurance more affordable to Manitobans by accelerating the removal of $75 million of annual PST from [residential and business properties](https://www.bdo.ca/en-ca/insights/tax/tax-alerts/tax-alert-manitoba-introduces-new-tax-measures/), saving residential property owners an estimated $38 million per year and business property owners $37 million a year 
- Make Poverty History advocates for supplement to support [basic needs](http://makepovertyhistorymb.com/campaigns/know-poverty-2/raise-eia-during-covid-19/) for people on disability and income assistance during pandemic 
- Province and union reach deal to [avoid layoffs](https://globalnews.ca/news/7013647/mgeu-deal-province-layoffs/) for employees 
- Manitoba’s economy rebounds by [13,100 jobs](https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/?archive=&item=48390) 

**New Brunswick: **

- Province introduces a [one-time $900 Emergency Worker’s Benefit](https://globalnews.ca/news/6762937/nb-workers-emergency-income-benefit/) for workers and the self-employed who have lost their job due to COVID-19 and are waiting for federal emergency benefits 
- One-time [$750 Emergency Bridging Fund for Vulnerable Post-Secondary Students](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/petl-epft/PDF/SFS/emergency_bridging_fund-e.pdf)  
- Launch of support in [capital loans](https://www.cbdc.ca/en/gnb-small-business-emergency-working-capital-program) of up to $100,000 for small businesses 
- Expanding the [Community Investment Fund](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/regional_development/services/services_renderer.201492.Community_Investment_Fund_(CIF)_.html) to allow small and medium non-profits to apply for $500-$10,000 in administrative/overhead funding and projects related to COVID-19 

- [School](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic-1.5523058) is cancelled for the rest of the year and province calling for everyone to donate technology to help students get online for 2.5 hours of instruction per day 
- [The Government of New Brunswick](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.04.0240.html) introduced retroactive job protection measures for those whose work is affected by COVID-19  
- New Brunswick launches a [job-matching website](https://huddle.today/n-b-will-launch-platform-for-jobs-usually-filled-by-temporary-foreign-workers/) to fill jobs typically done by temporary foreign workers, particularly in agriculture and aquaculture. 
- Province is [providing iPads](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.04.0222.html) to nursing home residents to help them keep connected with loved ones 
- Covering the cost of [emergency childcare spaces](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.03.0143.html) for essential workers 

- Province to [top up health care workers](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.05.0290.html)  
- [New Brunswick has purchased](https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/news/news_release.2020.05.0256.html) 1,000 iPads with data plans, 500 laptops and 300 MiFi hubs to equip students for home learning 

**Newfoundland and Labrador: **

- Provincial updates include launching the [Double Bubble](https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/) policy where households can spend time with one another and resources to support [vulnerable populations](https://www.gov.nl.ca/covid-19/resources/) 

- Newfoundland and Labrador COVID-19 Pandemic Update [Data Hub](https://covid-19-newfoundland-and-labrador-gnl.hub.arcgis.com/) 
- Notice to Employers regarding [COVID-19 and Immigration Programs](https://www.gov.nl.ca/immigration/news-and-updates/notice-to-employers-regarding-covid-19-and-immigration-programs-in-newfoundland-and-labrador/) in Newfoundland and Labrador   

**Nova Scotia: **

- Nova Scotians on income assistance are receiving an extra [$50 with each](https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/one-person-in-n-s-hospitalized-as-a-result-of-covid-19-1.4859684) payment  

- Introduced a [rent deferral program](https://stewartmckelvey.com/thought-leadership/nova-scotia-commercial-rent-deferral-support-program-covid-19-economic-response/) for businesses for three months and ban on c[ommercial evictions](https://www.cans.ns.ca/covid-19-minister-announces-temporary-ban-on-commercial-evictions/) 
- [Launched a virtual school meal pilot program](https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/virtual-school-meal-program/) giving students $10/day credit to use at local restaurants 
- [Allocated $535,000 to transition houses](https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/news/local/organizations-seek-funding-to-house-domestic-violence-victims-in-hrm-hotels-during-pandemic-438414/) and other organizations supporting women and children 
- Has automatically [suspended student loan payments](https://novascotia.ca/studentassistance/) until September 30, 2020 without interest 
- Created a one-time $1,000 [Worker Emergency Bridge Fund](https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/worker-emergency-bridge-fund/) for low-income workers and the self-employed 

- [Nova Scotia Power, EfficiencyOne and the Government of Nova Scotia](https://www.nspower.ca/about-us/press-releases/details/2020/04/17/ns-power-efficiencyone-and-province-come-together-to-support-vital-services-during-covid) giving $3 million to community organizations that deliver prepared meals, operate soup kitchens, help those experiencing homelessness and provide other services to help vulnerable families seniors and youth 
- [Government is covering](https://novascotia.ca/dhw/pharmacare/pharmacists_bulletins/Pharmacists_Bulletin_April_20-05.pdf) additional dispensing fees for Pharmacare program prescription refills and waiving $5.00 prescription co-pay for people in the Income Assistance program and the Low-Income Pharmacare for Children program 
- Distributed [800 iPads](https://www.iheartradio.ca/92-3-the-dock/news-trending/covid-19-n-s-announces-measures-to-help-businesses-seniors-vulnerable-citizens-1.11233600) to long-term care homes across the province so residents can connect with family and friends 
- [Nova Scotia and the Canadian Agricultural Partnership](https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200604002) are providing more funds to help food producers  
- [Province investing $230M in infrastructure projects](https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200527005) to employ workers and get the economy moving again 

- Province will provide up to [$2000 bonus for health care workers](https://novascotia.ca/news/release/?id=20200507004) 

**Northwest Territories: **

- Government launches [unified COVID-19 response website](https://www.gov.nt.ca/covid-19/) 
- Emerging Wisely - Path set to [ease public health restrictions](https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/path-eased-public-health-restrictions-set-gnwt) 

- Funding provision for [low wage workers](https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/gnwt-provides-funding-low-wage-workers) 
- Government offers [rent relief](https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/government-northwest-territories-offers-rent-relief-leaseholders) 
- $4 million [Support for Entrepreneurs and Economic Development Program (SEED)](https://www.gov.nt.ca/en/newsroom/4-million-support-entrepreneurs-and-economic-development-seed-program-budget-focus-business) to focus on business recovery 
- Northwest Territories will receive $6 million through the [Indigenous Community Support Fund](https://www.sac-isc.gc.ca/eng/1585189335380/1585189357198); funds are for a variety of responses to COVID-19, including food security 
- The federal government is providing $2.6 million to be administered by the Government of Northwest Territories through existing agreements with Indigenous governments to provide support in getting out on the land as part of the [Community Harvesters Assistance Program](https://www.enr.gov.nt.ca/en/services/apply-community-harvesters-assistance-program)  

**Nunavut: **

- Government [updates and support measures](https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/information/covid-19-novel-coronavirus) 
- Nunavut remains the only part in Canada that is [coronavirus free](https://www.huffingtonpost.ca/entry/nunavut-covid19_ca_5eaae2dcc5b634687cb467f9) 

**Ontario: **

-  [$17 Billion package](https://torontosun.com/news/provincial/ontario-to-spend-up-to-17b-on-covid-19-relief) revealed on March 26  
- Ontario announces plans for [Stage 1 easing of COVID-19 restrictions](https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/covid19-ontario-reopening-economy-end-lockdown-doug-ford-1.5567657) in May, rolling out of [Stage 2](https://globalnews.ca/news/7039293/ontario-reopening-phase-2-coronavirus/) in June 
-  $50 million to provide [emergency payments](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/3/ontario-protecting-the-most-vulnerable-during-covid-19-crisis.html) emergency payments for Ontario Works income support programs, and $148 million to support food banks and other community organizations  
- Reduced [hydro bills](https://globalnews.ca/news/6723418/ontario-hydro-rates-coronavirus-covid-19/) to lowest rates for residents, small businesses and farms for 45 days 
- Province providing $200 Million in [social services relief funding](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/changes-to-ontarios-emergency-assistance-program-in-response-to-covid-19.html) 

- Ontario providing a one-time payment of $200 to families for [childcare](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-government-supports-families-in-response-to-covid-19.html) while childcare centres are closed 
- [Ontario increasing pay](https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/relief-as-frontline-workers-in-ontario-get-4-pandemic-pay-increase-816280255.html) for health care workers and an additional $250 for anyone working 100+ hours per month. 
- [Ontario](https://www.news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/more-frontline-workers-eligible-for-emergency-child-care.html) expands eligibility of essential workers to access free emergency childcare spaces 
- Ontario has created a [COVID-19 Action Plan for Vulnerable People](https://www.ontario.ca/page/covid-19-action-plan-protecting-vulnerable-ontarians)  
- Province establishes partnerships with Rogers and Apple [distribute iPads with free wireless data](https://www.news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2020/04/ontario-establishes-key-partnerships-to-make-home-learning-more-accessible.html) to students who don’t have internet or technology to learn online at home 

- Ontario partners with [SPARCK volunteer hub](https://news.ontario.ca/oss/en/2020/04/ontario-creates-partnership-with-volunteer-hub-to-help-seniors.html) to keep seniors and the most vulnerable people stay connected while they isolate 
- [Stabilizing the non-profit sector](https://theonn.ca/our-work/covid-19-stabilization/) to rebuild Ontario 
- [Affordability Fund](https://www.affordabilityfund.org/) helps ease electricity bills 
- Province assembling a [Premier's Council on Equality of Opportunity](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/06/ontario-creates-premiers-council-on-equality-of-opportunity.html), a new advisory group for young people 
- [Province supporting Black communities](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/06/ontario-creates-premiers-council-on-equality-of-opportunity.html) to address the disproportionate impacts of COVID-19 by allocating $1.5M to organizations that support Black families and youth 

- [Ontario is investing $150M in reliable broadband and cellular service](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/06/ontario-improving-broadband-and-cell-service-for-rural-communities.html) to rural and remote underserved areas of Ontario 
- Extension of [Infectious Diseaser Emergency Leave](https://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2020/06/ontario-extending-infectious-disease-emergency-leave-for-workers-during-covid-19.html) for workers   
- [Ontario investing $11M t](https://news.ontario.ca/oss/en/2020/05/creating-an-ontario-that-is-accessible-and-inclusive-for-everyone.html)o help the Ontario Community Support Program deliver hot meals, medicine and other essentials to low-income seniors and people with a disability and $1.3M over two years to remove physical barriers in buildings 
- [Ontario re-deploying education workers](https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/05/voluntary-redeployment-of-education-workers-to-fill-staffing-shortages.html) to fill staff shortages at hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes and shelters 
- [Ontario gives $1M to organizations supporting gender-based violence](https://news.ontario.ca/mcys/en/2020/05/ontario-further-supports-victims-of-gender-based-violence-and-human-trafficking-during-covid-19.html) and human trafficking during COVID-19 

**Prince Edward Island: **

- Provincial Update on [COVID-19 Initiatives](https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/news/provincial-update-covid-19-initiatives)  
- Province announces plan to [ease restrictions](https://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/p-e-i-announces-plan-to-ease-covid-19-restrictions-first-new-case-in-13-days-1.4915634) 
- [Financial help](https://employmentjourney.com/canada-pei-financial-help-in-response-to-covid-19/) in response to COVID-19  

**Québec:** 

- [Measures](https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/situation-coronavirus-in-quebec/#c47907) adopted by Orders in Council and Ministerial Orders for COVID-19 
- [Quebec to top up wages](https://www.revenuquebec.ca/en/press-room/news/details/167331/2020-04-03/) for low-wage workers  
- Province reserves [emergency daycare services](https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/emergency-daycare-services/) exclusively for essential service workers 

- [Student loan](https://www.quebec.ca/en/education/student-financial-assistance/repayment/) debt repayment suspended for 6 months, including borrowers whose accounts are in collection 
- [Temporary Aid Program](https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/financial-assistance/temporary-aid-for-workers-program/) created for workers who cannot work due to being in isolation and not eligible for other federal programs 
- Launch of [Open School](https://ecoleouverte.ca/en/) platform while schools are closed 
- [Quebec is topping up pay](https://www.ottawamatters.com/national-news/quebecers-answer-call-to-work-on-farms-but-are-they-up-to-the-task-2283418) for Quebecers to work on a farm to attract residents and enable farms to stay in production  
- Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec giving $4 Billion to [businesses needing financial support](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-caisse-sets-aside-4-billion-to-finance-quebec-businesses-affected-by/) and $300,000 to Centraide Montreal, Canadian Red Cross, and Little Brothers  

**Saskatchewan: **

- [Re-Open Saskatchewan ](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/re-open-saskatchewan-plan) plan is launched to lift restrictions in 5 phases 
- Building a Strong Saskatchewan: [Provincial Economic Recovery](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/may/06/capital-funding) stimulus 

- [Saskatchewan Small Business Emergency Payment](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-for-businesses-and-workers/saskatchewan-small-business-emergency-payment-program) is announced 
- The Ministry of Advanced Education to provide $1.5 Million [financial aid to help students](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/education-and-learning/scholarships-bursaries-grants/grants-and-bursaries) whose studies and jobs have been affected as the province tries to contain the spread of the virus 
- Workers helping Saskatchewan’s [vulnerable citizens](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/april/30/temporary-wage-supplement) through the COVID-19 pandemic will have their salaries topped up by a cost-shared $400 per month temporary wage supplement 
- A [Call to Action](https://livingskiesrc.ca/rapm-covid-action-call/) to support the most vulnerable 
- Saskatchewan economy [on the rebound](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/june/05/job-numbers) 

- [Municipal Economic Enhancement Fund](https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/news-and-media/2020/june/05/meep) now live, to support communities as part of the province’s two-year stimulus in economic recovery and local job creation  

**Yukon Territory: **

- COVID-19 [Support for Yukoners](https://yukon.ca/en/covid-19-support-yukoners) 
- Phase 1 of [lifting restrictions](https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/covid-19/where-were-lifting-covid-19-restrictions) 
- The Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce includes federal and territorial [announcements](https://www.whitehorsechamber.ca/article/covid-19-updates)   
- [Business Relief Funding](https://yukon.ca/en/news/yukon-businesses-receive-relief-funding) is introduced for Yukoners 

**The Latest Policy Resources and Perspectives: **

NEW: 

- [Project Pandemic](https://projectpandemic.concordia.ca/): Canada Reports on COVID-19 - Data co-op and collaboration 

 First Policy Response  

- Canada’s [Policy Community Response](http://policyresponse.ca/) to COVID-19 includes key topics: Income support for individuals, support for business, support for the community sector and support for the vulnerable 

 Federation for Canadian Municipalities - 

- COVID [Municipal Hub](https://covid.fcm.ca/resources) features federal, provincial/territorial tools and resources for communities and businesses 

Prosper Canada -  

- [Financial Relief Navigator](https://financialreliefnav.prospercanada.org/) for people to help raise income or lower expenses  

Maytree   

- COVID-19 [Resources and Responses](https://maytree.com/what-we-focus-on/income-security/covid-19-crisis-resources-and-responses/) 

- Help people to pay their rent - [3 Good Ideas](https://maytree.com/publications/first-things-first-help-people-pay-their-rent/) 
- Reconstructing [care for seniors](https://maytree.com/publications/reconstructing-care-for-seniors/)  

Broadbent Institute 

- COVID-19 [Resource and Response Centre](https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/covid-19) 

- BC’s swift response to COVID-19 [sets the bar for other provinces](https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/bc_s_swift_response_to_long_term_care_crisis_sets_the_bar_for_other_provinces) 
- Long term [post recovery strategy](https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/corporate_bailouts_or_a_long_term_post_covid_strategy) 
- Survey results [What does post-COVID recovery look like?](https://www.broadbentinstitute.ca/) 

Open Policy Ontario  

- Why talking about the CERB [paves the way to a conversation about eradicating poverty](https://openpolicyontario.com/the-pandemic-and-a-basic-income-why-talking-about-the-cerb-paves-the-way-to-a-conversation-on-eradicating-poverty/) 

Centre for Policy Alternatives 

- Report: [Financial Insecurity](https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/rent-due-soon) and COVID-19 
- The Monitor: [Putting Housing Poverty on Notice](https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/monitor/monitor-mayjune-2020) 

- The Bank of Canada and [Crisis Management](https://www.policyalternatives.ca/publications/reports/bank-canada-and-crisis-management) - COVID-19 and Beyond 

Canadian Urban Institute - 

- [City Watch Canada ](https://citywatchcanada.ca/) tracks emergency measures put in place by local governments 
- [City Share Canada](https://citysharecanada.ca/) crowdsourcing platform for tools, resources and stories 

Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness  

- [Homeless Sector Information Exchange](https://caeh.ca/homelessness-sector-covid-19-information-exchange/?utm_campaign=Cities%20Connect&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=87212219&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--sHFsUQLSMYJd0sInriJa1eBfUqp8P4w9Ynx11Ok1ahlQ7sQN3vuEOTd_6jQSNaQcAFfpjphYchJONbQ3spwziKRmCvQ&_hsmi=87212219) 

Homeless Hub 

- Report: How the [Youth-Serving Sector ](https://www.homelesshub.ca/coh-awh-youth-survey-covid19-2020) is Coping with the Crisis 

- How to: [Finding and Securing Housing ](https://www.homelessnesslearninghub.ca/library/resources/hifis-how-finding-and-securing-housing-outbreak) in an Outbreak 

Angus Reid 

- COVID-19 affects [mental and financial health](http://angusreid.org/covid19-mental-health/) - who fares worse? 
- Coronavirus [economic outlook](http://angusreid.org/coronavirus-economic-outlook/) finds Canadians’ personal financial optimism improves for the coming year 
- [Provincial outlook](http://angusreid.org/provincial-outlook-june2020/) for June 

United Way Canada   

- National [COVID-19 Response](https://www.unitedway.ca/campaign/national-covid-19-response/) 
- [Seniors in Vulnerable Situations](https://www.unitedway.ca/blog/seniors-in-vulnerable-situations-getting-the-help-they-need/) getting the help they need 

Upstream  

- The [inequities](https://www.thinkupstream.net/covid19_reopening) of reopening  
- What does the crisis mean for [economy and recovery](https://www.thinkupstream.net/covid19_economy)? 

Canadian Urban Sustainability Practitioners  

- [Municipal Finance](https://mailchi.mp/7727bd78fb80/special-edition-newsletter-a-look-at-the-financial-position-of-canadian-municipalities-in-the-wake-of-covid-19?e=e51cce5044) and COVID-19 

[View full post](https://www.tamarackcommunity.ca/latest/cities-reducing-poverty-policy-digest-may-2020)

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