B.C. premier John Horgan announced a $500 a month aid package for those worried about paying rent during the COVID-19 pandemic. (Gov't of B.C.)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

aid assistance

Province announces $500 a month to help impacted COVID-19 tenants and landlords

Mar 25, 2020 | 1:29 PM

NANAIMO — Measures will soon be in place to help renters and landlords struggling to pay their bills in the COVID-19 pandemic.

Premier John Horgan and housing minister Selina Robinson announced and detailed three key measures on Wednesday, March 25.

Renters whose sign up through BC Housing will receive up to $500 a month for four months to be delivered directly to landlords to “help people in genuine distress.”

“If you can pay your rent, you should pay your rent,” he said. “This fund is there to help those who are in genuine distress. The fewer people who access the program, the more opportunity we have to expand it going forward.”

With rent due in only a few days, Horgan said he “couldn’t guarantee” cheques would be delivered by April 1.

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The $500 is designed to be used atop the financial aid from federal and provincial aid packages announced in recent days.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Wednesday morning a $107 billion package focused on easing the financial burden on Canadians. It boosts child benefit payments, EI claims and defers student loans.

On Monday, finance minister Carole James described a $5 billion action plan. It included $1,000 tax free cheques for those impacted by COVID-19.

Though minister Robinson spoke at length, her remarks were more focused on communities being compassionate to one another than details about the applying process.

“We’re hoping to have it available in short order and will be sure to let everybody know as soon as it’s up and running how they can access it, the kind of materials needed to provide evidence they’ve been financially impacted as a result of COVID-19 and how to make the application work.”

Current and future evictions are officially suspended, with some exceptions.

An annual rent freeze is also ordered during the emergency.

There are 44 confirmed cases of COVID-19 on Vancouver Island at the time of the press conference.

The daily announcement from provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry is scheduled for later in the afternoon.

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