CERB confusion: crossing guards in Haldimand Norfolk have to pay back thousands

Upwards of 50 crossing guards in Haldimand Norfolk are caught up in some CERB confusion. The crossing guards applied for employment insurance during the pandemic but were paid the emergency response benefit instead, and now they have to pay it back.

67-year-old Wayne Wall started as a crossing guard in Simcoe a few years ago but every summer when schools close, crossing guards go on employment insurance. Wall applied for EI during the pandemic. Now, the government is telling Wall he got too much money and has to pay back $2,800.

There are close to 50 other crossing guards in Haldimand Norfolk in the same situation.

CHCH News reached out to Employment and Social Development Canada, who confirmed anyone who applied for EI after March 20th, 2020 were processed as CERB claims. They said individuals who disagree with a decision Service Canada made on their EI claim should contact Service Canada to discuss their case.