The federal government has initiated efforts to recoup a staggering $10.35 billion in Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments, a move that is igniting fierce debate and calls for debt forgiveness. The payments in question were distributed to individuals approved for the pandemic aid program back in 2020.
Public Outcry Over "Government Incompetence"
In a letter published on January 12, 2026, Bowmanville resident Jim McEwen voiced a sentiment shared by many Canadians. He argues that the responsibility for the erroneous payments lies squarely with the previous administration under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. McEwen recalls Trudeau's own admission that his Liberal government prioritized speed over rigorous checks, stating they had "no time to properly check all applications" to get money out quickly during the crisis.
Given this acknowledged lapse in the approval process, McEwen and others are demanding that the current Carney government forgive all outstanding CERB debts. The core argument is that honest citizens who applied in good faith during a period of national emergency should not be financially penalized years later for administrative failures at the highest level.
A Lingering Financial Hangover from the Pandemic
The CERB program was a cornerstone of Canada's economic response to the COVID-19 lockdowns, providing crucial income support to millions. However, the swift rollout led to what critics label as a lack of due diligence. McEwen's letter accuses the Trudeau government of suffering from "Wynne disease"—a reference to perceived fiscal irresponsibility—or a fundamental disrespect for finite taxpayer resources.
The push for forgiveness is framed as a matter of fairness. "I did not need CERB as a retiree," McEwen writes, "but I don't like seeing Canadians getting screwed over because of government incompetence." This perspective suggests the financial burden of the program's flawed execution should be borne by the state, not individual citizens who may have received payments based on unclear or hastily assembled criteria.
Broader Sentiment in Public Discourse
The CERB repayment issue is not isolated in the day's published letters. Other correspondents expressed deep-seated frustration with the former Liberal government. A letter from Kingston's David Johnston draws a sharp critique of former Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland, ironically contrasting her advocacy for democracy abroad with her domestic political record.
Further afield, a letter from Peterborough's Scott McMaster shifts focus to international affairs, questioning the U.S. Department of Justice's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files and suggesting redactions protect the powerful rather than victims. While on a different topic, it reflects an underlying public skepticism toward institutional transparency and accountability—a theme directly relevant to the CERB recovery debate.
As the Carney government navigates this multi-billion dollar recovery effort, it faces a significant political and ethical dilemma. The decision will hinge on balancing fiscal responsibility with public perception of justice, all while managing the long-tail consequences of one of the largest economic interventions in Canadian history.
