Over 300 employees of the Canada Revenue Agency have been terminated in the past year for inappropriately receiving the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency launched an internal review last year to determine if employees had received CERB, identifying approximately 600 people for further investigation. The $2,000-per-month CERB was rolled out by the CRA between March and September 2020 in the early months of the pandemic. While not everyone who was investigated was terminated, a total of 330 employees lost their jobs, with 40 facing disciplinary actions and others facing administrative actions or being found to be victims of identity theft.
Despite the terminations, not all cases resulted in employees being fired. The CRA reported that 185 employees were investigated but not terminated, and 135 faced no consequences as they were eligible for CERB. The agency explained that some employees, such as students or those on temporary contracts, were eligible to receive the benefit. Those employees who accessed CERB inappropriately will be required to pay back the money if they have not already done so. The CRA emphasized that the actions of some employees should not undermine the honesty and integrity of the majority of employees who work diligently to serve Canadians.
A spokesperson for the CRA stated that there are still a small number of cases, such as those on medical or extended unpaid leave, that are still being reviewed and will take additional time to complete. The agency is working to ensure that all cases are thoroughly reviewed and addressed. The final round of terminations occurred in the past three months, bringing the total number of employees terminated for inappropriately receiving CERB to 330. The agency has taken various actions in response to the cases, including disciplinary actions, administrative actions, and termination, based on the circumstances of each individual case.
The CRA has been transparent about its internal review process regarding CERB eligibility among its employees. The agency identified employees who may have received the benefit inappropriately and took appropriate actions based on the findings of the investigation. While the terminations may be seen as a demonstration of accountability, the CRA emphasized that the majority of its employees work with integrity and dedication to serve Canadians. The agency continues to monitor and address any cases that are still under review, ensuring that all employees are held accountable for their actions regarding CERB eligibility.
Overall, the CRA has taken a firm stance on ensuring that its employees are held accountable for their actions regarding CERB eligibility. The agency has terminated over 300 employees who were found to have inappropriately received the benefit, while also taking other actions in response to different cases. The CRA is committed to upholding the integrity of its workforce and ensuring that those who access CERB fraudulently are held responsible for repaying the funds. As the agency continues to review and address remaining cases, it remains focused on maintaining trust and accountability within its organization.
