If you are “laid off” work due to the COVID-19 you may be pleased to know that you are actually on a NEW leave of absence, the Declared Emergency and Infectious Diseases leave.

This is a protected leave of absence, and it lasts for as long as the emergency is in effect. Your employer should provide you with a letter explaining the situation, and an ROE, using code N (leave of absence). If they have already issued you an ROE with the shortage of work code, don’t worry, as the new CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) will cover you either way.

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