Social Democracy

Broadbent Institute Resources and Responses to COVID–19


The Broadbent Institute has created this page to serve as a resource and sharing centre for those wanting to advocate for better worker and community protections and support in this time of crisis. It will be updated daily to track provincial and local calls for action and improvements won across Canada.

Important: For public health recommendations on COVID–19 (symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention and risk, and travel advice), please visit the Government of Canada’s website.

Click here for a guide on applying for benefits from the federal government amid COVID-19 (Created by Dr. Jennifer Robson as an open-source guide).

Actions and Responses to COVID–19

(updated as of Wednesday, April 22nd) 

Below is a list of organizing and advocacy efforts happening across the country. Our team is working to update this list regularly as new calls to action and responses emerge, and we need your help! If you would like to suggest an action or response that should be added to this list, please contact [email protected].

Click here for ongoing provincial organizing and advocacy efforts, resources 
Click here for provincial government responses
Click here for federal/national organizing and advocacy efforts, resources
Click here for archived organizing and advocacy efforts, resources 

WORKERS’ RIGHTS

HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS 

ACCESS TO HEALTHCARE

SUPPORT FOR VULNERABLE COMMUNITIES 

BROAD PLATFORMS 

FIRST NATIONS, MÉTIS & INUIT SUPPORTS

EQUITY

Provincial Government Responses

To view this list in a chart format, click here.

Support for Renters 

Access to Healthcare 

Action on Utilities, Bills and Other Necessities 

Financial Aid for Workers & Social Assistance Recipients 

Financial Aid/Supports for Students

Financial Aid/Supports for Seniors 

Long-Term Care homes

  • BC
    • Brought all long-term facilities under the operation of government
    • Standardized wage and provided a wage increase to low-pay workers long-term care facilities 
    • Provide full time work to workers
  • ON
    • Provided "Pandemic Pay" to all essential workers including those in long-term care facilities
  • QC
    • Increased pay to healthcare workers including those working in long-term care facilities
    • Committed to recruiting/hiring additional workers to work in facilities  

Childcare 

Safety 

Mobility

Federal/National Organizing, Resources and Actions

Many organizations have advocated tirelessly over the last few weeks for action to support workers, families and vulnerable communities impacted by COVID-19. Recently, the Federal Government announced a comprehensive package of income, business and emergency support measures which responded to many of these calls. The package, though impressive, still contains gaps. Below we have listed federally focused campaigns that led up to the federal government’s response, many of which are still active, with calls of action that have not been met.

Federal Government Responses

Financial Supports for Workers 

Financial Support for Homeowners

Financial Supports of Businesses/Employers

First Nations, Métis & Inuit Supports

Financial Supports for Families 

Financial Supports for Students 

Supports for Seniors  

Supports for Youth 

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