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.

ELCIC Treasurers’ Letter #5 includes:

• Details on the extension of the Canada Emergency Wage (CEWS) until the end of the year
• Guidance on determining whether revenue received from bequests and/or the sale of property should be classified as extraordinary revenue for purposes of the CEWS revenue calculations
• Changes to the CEWS application process for those congregations that are part of a multi-congregation parish or that are part of a shared ministry agreement 

Please note that as a result of changes that were made to the revenue calculation tests that became effective in July, any congregation that experiences a revenue decline of any amount during one or more monthly periods, will be eligible to apply for a subsidy based on the amount of revenue decline.