Canada Revenue Agency News: CRB Extension 2021

Justin Trudeau’s government proposed extending the maximum eligibility period for receiving the Canada Recovery Benefit by 12 weeks.

| More on:

On June 19, the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB) program is set to expire.

The CRB took effect after the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) program ended last September. Both programs were designed to help Canadians whose income had been eliminated or decreased due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CRB offered eligible Canadians $500 per week for a maximum of 38 weeks.

CRB extension

Although Canada’s unemployment rate has declined to its lowest level of 8.1% in April 2021, Canada’s economy has not fully recovered from the devastating effects of the pandemic. In addition, there are potentially new strains of the coronavirus emerging in Canada’s population, which largely has not received the recommended full doses of the vaccine.

In the recently released fiscal-year budget, Justin Trudeau’s government proposed extending the maximum eligibility period for receiving the CRB by 12 weeks.

For the first four of the 12 additional weeks, Canadians would continue to receive $500 per week worth of pre-tax benefits. However, for the final eight weeks, the benefit would be reduced to a gross $300 a week. Starting July 17, 2021, new eligible applicants would receive the $300-a-week payment.

Additional income

If there is one lesson learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is the importance of having a solid financial plan and investments, which could offset the financial hardship of a job loss or reduced income.

As we saw during the first quarter of 2020, an unexpected global economic crisis can develop seemingly overnight. Any disaster can affect all industries and the entire workforce of a nation as well as the global economy at large.

If you are looking for an investment that pays income, which could offset the financial hardship of a job loss or reduced income, look into high-quality, dividend-paying stocks.

Brookfield Renewable

As the G7 leaders of the world’s richest democratic nations are gathered together this week, one hot topic of discussion is the effect of climate change in the world.

As the world turns away from fossil fuels and toward renewable energy, companies like Brookfield Renewable (TSX:BEP.UN)(NYSE:BEP) should perform well.

Brookfield Renewable is one of the largest renewable power companies in the world. The company’s renewable capacity stands at 19 gigawatts (GW) with an annualized long-term average generation of 56,300 GW hours — enough to power around 5.3 million homes in the U.S. each year.

Although Brookfield Renewable derived over 70% of its power from hydroelectric assets located across North America, Columbia, and Brazil in the first quarter of 2021, the company is also increasing its wind and solar capabilities.

Shares of Brookfield are trading at $49.03, as of this writing. At this price, the dividend yield is a respectable 3.14%.

Brookfield Renewable boasts reliable income streams, since the company’s free cash flow is tied to long-term, fixed-price power-purchase agreements (PPAs). The company’s average PPA has a remaining life of nearly 15 years, and over 80% of 2021 output is tied to long-term contracts.

These long-term contracts allow Brookfield Renewable to confidently distribute approximately 70% of its funds from operations back to its shareholders in the form of dividends. And the company expects to be able to grow its dividend by between 5% and 9% annually.

This article represents the opinion of the writer, who may disagree with the “official” recommendation position of a Motley Fool premium service or advisor. We’re Motley! Questioning an investing thesis — even one of our own — helps us all think critically about investing and make decisions that help us become smarter, happier, and richer, so we sometimes publish articles that may not be in line with recommendations, rankings or other content.

The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Fool contributor Cindy Dye does not own shares of any stock mentioned.

More on Energy Stocks

Pumpjack in Alberta Canada
Energy Stocks

Is Imperial Oil Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Imperial Oil stock is in a precarious position, so what should investors consider as we head nearer to 2025?

Read more »

construction workers talk on the job site
Energy Stocks

Is Suncor Stock a Buy, Sell, or Hold for 2025?

Suncor Energy stock is trading at its decade-high on uncertainty in the oil market. Should you buy, sell, or hold…

Read more »

four people hold happy emoji masks
Energy Stocks

If You Like Exxon Mobil, Then You’ll Love These High-Yield Oil Stocks 

Here are three high-yield oil stocks with the potential to outperform over the medium to long-term.

Read more »

bulb idea thinking
Energy Stocks

2 No-Brainer Utility Stocks to Buy Now for Under $1,000

Canadian Utilities (TSX:CU) is a utility stock that may be worth a look in late 2024.

Read more »

dividend growth for passive income
Energy Stocks

Enbridge Stock: Buy, Sell, or Hold?

With a dividend yield of 6.4% and strong long-term growth profile, let's take a look at the investment case for…

Read more »

construction workers talk on the job site
Energy Stocks

Mattr Stock: Why Now Is the Time to Buy This Undervalued Gem

A top but undervalued growth stock is a buying opportunity today.

Read more »

sources of renewable energy
Dividend Stocks

Want Passive Income? This 5.4% Dividend Stock Pays Cash Every Month

This dividend stock doesn't just have a strong monthly dividend -- it also has an excellent future outlook.

Read more »

oil pump jack under night sky
Energy Stocks

Is Baytex Energy Stock a Good Buy?

Baytex Energy is a beaten-down TSX Energy stock that trades at a reasonable valuation in October 2024.

Read more »