Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced plans to extend the CERB by eight weeks.

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit is the government’s benefit program for people who have lost their jobs or are unable to work because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

It was first announced in mid-March and was slated to last 16 weeks.

Canadians who signed up for the benefit immediately were getting close to running out.

The proposed CERB extension will be included in a COVID-19 spending bill the Liberals will try to pass in Parliament on Wednesday.

Extending the CERB has been a demand from the New Democrats in exchange for the party’s support.

Because it’s a minority government, the Liberals need the support of at least one of the main opposition parties to pass the legislation and avoid defeat.

Legislation involving government spending is typically considered a confidence matter.

A defeat on this would plunge the country into an election.