This communication contains updated information announced by the Government of Canada relating to COVID-19 financial assistance that is available to congregations, considerations when charging fees to members and a reminder about the filing deadline for the 2020 T3010 Charity Information Return.

This communication contains a summary of the federal government assistance programs that have been announced to date, that are available to congregations. Deadlines and some reporting requirements are also included in this communication.

Since the most recent communication from the ELCIC synod treasurers in early September, the rules pertaining to the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) and their interpretation have continued to evolve as the government works to address gaps and to ensure that this assistance program is as fair as possible to all employers.

This update affects congregations that share one or more employee (e.g. within a parish) as well as congregations that sell or purchase the services of one or more employee (e.g. the services of their pastor) to/from another congregation.