This is a challenging time for many professional organists and church musicians. Current restrictions on public gatherings due to the Covid-19 crisis have resulted in cancelled concerts and suspended church services, in turn causing significant financial hardship for many College members.  

In response to this unprecedented situation the federal government is providing financial relief in the form of the CERB (Canada Emergency Response Benefit) program. To find out if you are eligible and to apply please visit the CERB website at www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/ei/cerb-application.html .

A number of provinces currently provide additional financial assistance.  To find out more, please visit the websites below, or contact your provincial or territorial ministry of labour. 

• British Columbia: BC Emergency Benefit for Workers https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports/emergency-benefit-workers

• Alberta: Emergency Financial Assistance https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-financial-assistance.aspx

• Saskatchewan: Support for Workers 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/support-for-workers#saskatchewan-support

• Manitoba: Support for Individuals https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/infomanitobans/index.html#individuals

• Ontario: COVID-19 Emergency Assistance https://www.ontario.ca/page/apply-emergency-assistance

• Quebec: Government Assistance Programs COVID-19 https://www.quebec.ca/en/government-assistance-programs-covid19/

• Nova Scotia: Worker Emergency Bridge Fund https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/worker-emergency-bridge-fund/

Wash hands. Stay safe, stay well. Keep fingers nimble!