People in northern Canada have received more than $250 million in Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments since the program began in April. The federal government first introduced the CERB in March as an emergency benefit for Canadians who have lost employment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Northern politicians are worried that "crack down" could mean clawing back other benefits that vulnerable residents rely on throughout the year. "If you don't pay for your taxes the first clawbacks would be your federal benefits. Akeeagok says he's working with the federal government to try and lessen the negative impacts that could be felt by vulnerable residents in this situation.

Source: CBC News September 25, 2020 20:48 UTC