The rebate will be calculated at 100% of payroll costs to a maximum of $25/hour
Employers on Prince Edward Island that’ve been affected by Hurricane Fiona will receive up to 100% wage rebates in an assistance programme launched by the government. According to the government announcement, any businesses that couldn't operate and didn’t earn revenue between September 25 and October 8 due to power outage or significant damage may apply.
Only PEI-based businesses are covered by the programme, and only employees working in PEI can apply for the rebates.
"The rebate will be calculated at 100% of payroll costs to a maximum of $25/hour, a maximum $1,000 per week for PEI employees, including wages and MERC's during the period of time that the business could not open and not earning income due to Hurricane Fiona," read the advisory.
Applications will be accepted until November 30 and requirements include;
- Active Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) Business Number
- Estimated number of employees the business will be claiming and the financial amount of the request
- Completed Fiona Wage Rebate Spreadsheet
- Description of business operations
- A monitored email address and contact information
- Documentation that supports the processed payroll for the period(s) being claimed.
Self-employed individuals may also apply for the rebates, as long as they provide their most recent Statement of Business or Professional Activities.
Remote worker assistance
Meanwhile, the government will also provide a one-time $500 payment for workers who’re not eligible for the prior rebate programme and had an income loss of $500 or more because of the hurricane. The Emergency Income Payment for Remote and Impacted Workers will cover employees remotely working for businesses outside PEI. It’ll also include employees who weren't able to work because of caregiving duties for children aged 12 years and under when their schools closed.
"We know the power outages from the hurricane caused significant disruption for workers in a variety of ways, resulting in unexpected financial loss. We hope this payment can help alleviate some financial stress for Island workers after what has certainly been a few challenging weeks," said Bloyce Thompson, minister of economic growth, tourism and culture.
