Canadians Who Fraudulently Claimed Covid 19 Emergency Benefit Could Get $5K Fine & Jail Time

Global News is reporting that Canadians who made fraudulent claims for the coronavirus emergency benefit could face a fine of up to $5,000, a penalty double what they received in improper benefits and jail time.

Those who refuse to go back to work could also face financial penalties.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) gives financial support to employed and self-employed Canadians who are directly affected by COVID-19. If you are eligible, you can receive $2,000 for a 4-week period (the same as $500 a week).

That’s according to a draft version of legislation expected to be tabled by the federal government on Wednesday, and which aims to fill in some of the gaps in the existing rules.

Making a false or misleading claim, failing to declare all income, knowingly receiving an income benefit that a person isn’t eligible for, non-disclosure of facts or facilitating omission of any facts are all listed as offences under that legislation.

Committing any of them will land a person a fine of up to $5,000 “plus an amount of not more than double the amount of the income support payment that was or would have been paid as a result of committing the offence.”

They could also get hit with the fine of up to $5,000 plus up to six months in jail.

The House of Commons is expected to debate and vote on that bill on Wednesday.

Source: Global News