Canada Revenue Agency Reports $10.35 Billion in COVID-19 Debts

The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) has disclosed that it is currently owed $10.35 billion in COVID-19 benefit payments. This figure reflects the financial support distributed to Canadians during the pandemic, which totals approximately $83.5 billion as of November 30, 2023.

Nina Ioussoupova, a spokesperson for the CRA, indicated that the agency allocated $45.3 billion specifically for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), a program designed to assist individuals during economic hardships caused by the pandemic. The CRA has initiated a recovery process, sending letters to individuals with outstanding debts related to these benefits.

Recovery Efforts Underway

According to Ioussoupova, the debts arise primarily from overpayments and instances where individuals received benefits without meeting eligibility criteria. In response, the CRA has started to take action against those who do not settle their debts, stating that the agency employs “firm and responsible” measures. This includes the possibility of legal action to recover amounts owed.

As of late November, nearly 1.4 million individuals have repaid around $3.3 billion related to their COVID-19 benefits. This indicates a significant effort by the CRA to manage the financial implications of the pandemic aid programs while ensuring compliance among recipients.

The CRA’s approach aims to balance the need for recovery of funds with the understanding that many Canadians faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic. Ioussoupova emphasized that the agency remains committed to addressing the debts while recognizing the broader context of the economic landscape.

This report underscores the ongoing financial implications of the COVID-19 relief efforts in Canada. With substantial sums still owed, the CRA’s recovery strategy will be critical in addressing these outstanding debts in the coming months.

The information in this article is based on a report by The Canadian Press, first published on December 31, 2025.