An Alberta couple is locked in a significant financial dispute with the Canada Revenue Agency, fighting a demand to repay approximately $33,000 in federal COVID-19 support payments they received during the pandemic.
The Heart of the Dispute
Daria Skibington-Roffel and Ron Roffel, whose story was first reported on January 18, 2026, are contesting the CRA's position that they were ineligible for the funds. The couple, like millions of other Canadians, applied for and received emergency financial aid when the global health crisis caused widespread economic disruption and job losses.
Now, years later, they find themselves facing a substantial clawback demand from the federal tax agency. The specific benefits involved were part of a suite of programs, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), rolled out hastily in 2020 to support individuals and families whose incomes were devastated by lockdowns and business closures.
Navigating the Repayment Process
The case highlights the ongoing and often stressful aftermath of the pandemic's emergency spending. While the programs provided a crucial lifeline, the CRA has since undertaken reviews to verify applicant eligibility. These audits have led to thousands of Canadians receiving similar repayment letters, creating financial hardship and confusion.
For the Roffels, the $33,000 repayment order represents a major burden. They have chosen to formally challenge the CRA's assessment, entering a process that can involve submitting additional documentation, appealing decisions, and potentially seeking relief on grounds of financial hardship. Their situation underscores the complex task of reconciling the urgent need for aid during a crisis with the necessary fiscal controls applied afterward.
A Broader Issue for Pandemic Support Recipients
This is not an isolated incident. Many Canadians who believed they qualified for support based on the publicly available criteria at the time have been surprised by subsequent repayment requests. The situation raises questions about the clarity of initial eligibility rules and the communication between federal agencies and citizens.
The couple's fight with the CRA is a stark reminder of the long tail of the pandemic's economic impact. As the agency continues its post-payment verification work, similar stories have emerged across the country, prompting calls for more flexible repayment options and clearer guidelines for those caught in similar circumstances.
The outcome of the Roffels' case could influence how other disputed claims are handled, as Canadians and the revenue agency continue to navigate the financial legacy of an unprecedented global event.
