The Canada Revenue Agency has terminated 232 employees to date for improperly collecting the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) during the COVID-19 pandemic. This figure marks an increase from the 185 dismissals reported in December, and more employees could potentially face termination as the internal review progresses.

“Anyone who is found to be ineligible for the CERB must repay it. Any CRA employee who inappropriately applied for and received the CERB will be required to repay the amounts if they haven’t already done so,” Sylvie Branch, spokesperson for CRA, said in a statement.

The CERB provided a weekly payment of $500 to individuals unable to work due to reasons related to the pandemic. While the CRA employs individuals with various employment profiles, including temporary and student contracts, the agency found that 232 former employees had inappropriately applied for and received the CERB despite being ineligible.

Flashback: CRA Dismisses 120 Employees Over CERB Benefit Misuse

Initially, the CRA identified approximately 600 employees for further investigation following an initial review. So far, 133 employees have been found eligible to receive the CERB, likely due to their specific employment circumstances. However, the case-by-case review is still ongoing, according to Branch.

The CRA’s actions come as the federal government responds to concerns surrounding pandemic-related programs and contracting. Last year, Employment and Social Development Canada terminated 49 employees for misrepresenting their situations when applying for the CERB.

Related: Canada’s Public Sector Bloat Masks Struggling Private Job Market

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