Extending CERB for Months Could Double $60 Billion Budget, PBO Report Suggests

Extending CERB for Months Could Double $60 Billion Budget, PBO Report Suggests
Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux waits to appear before the Commons Finance committee on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on March 10, 2020. Budget officer Yves Giroux's report scheduled to be released this morning comes on the same day that the House of Commons meets to discuss proposed changes to the COVID-19-related aid. Adrian Wyld/THE CANADIAN PRESS
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OTTAWA—Parliament’s spending watchdog has put a price tag around talks to extend the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, estimating it could potentially double the current $60-billion budget.

Under one scenario parliamentary budget officer Yves Giroux looked at, the government would claw back 50 cents of each dollar earned over $1,000 and allow recipients to receive an additional 12 weeks of benefits.