In the Media: CERB Stories

August 28, 2026

An overview of the research, community stories, government advocacy, and policy recommendations related to pandemic benefit repayments. This page features external news articles and blogs authored by Campaign 2000 and its community partners on the issue of pandemic benefit repayments. The stories and articles are presented in reverse chronological order, from current work (2026) to earlier work (2020-2023)

| 2026 | 2023 | 2022 | 2020 |

2026 Media Highlights

Opinion | CERB was a lifeline for many low-income Canadians, but for some it’s become an
anchor

By Amanda Therrien and Leila Sarangi

Publication Source: The Hamilton Spectator

Read Story Here

2023 Media Highlights

You can’t get blood from a stone’: Critics
say CERB repayment process undermines
poverty reduction goals

By: Kevin Philipupillai

Publication Source: Hill Times

Read Story Here

NO MORE MR. NICE GUY

After years of lenience, the Canada Revenue Agency
has taken vulnerable taxpayers by surprise with tough
new tactics

Publication Source: The Globe and Mail (Ontario Edition)

Read Story Here

2022 Media Highlights

Low-income seniors complain
of poor communication, hidden
deadlines in GIS repayment rollout

By: Kevin Philipupillai

Publication Source: Hill Times

Read Story Here

‘Not moms who tucked money
away in a Swiss bank account’:
advocates warn of clawbacks to
Canada Child Benefit for those
who received pandemic supports

By: Kevin Philipupillai

Publication Source: Hill Times

Read Story Here