When economic restrictions were imposed due to the spread of COVID-19 in Canada, immigrants found themselves in a much more difficult position than their Canadian-born counterparts. Many had no choice but to rely on federal government aid during this time. In 2020, immigrants were more likely to apply for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) due to their higher share of labour in low-wage and short-tenured occupations such as food and accommodation services. These areas were particularly affected by pandemic lockdowns, increasing financial strain on immigrant families.
