As we reported on April 22, the federal government has announced a $9-billion student-aid package to assist post-secondary students during the COVID-19 pandemic. The package was fast-tracked and passed by the House of Commons on Wednesday, April 29, and one of the aids was boosted.
Previously, students with disabilities and/or dependents were eligible to receive up to $1,750 a month through the Canada Emergency Student Benefit; that amount was raised to $2,000 a month before the package was approved. This puts the benefit for students with disabilities and/or dependents equal to the Canada Emergency Response Benefit amount.
Student groups have voiced concerns about the aid package, which offers students without disabilities or dependents $1,250 a month.
The legislation has been sent to Senate, which is scheduled to sit on Friday.