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Cost of Living·Audio

The 'she'-cession, business interruption insurance and tax tips for Canadians now working from home

We look at how the recession caused by COVID-19 is disproportionately affecting women. And do coronavirus closures qualify for business interruption insurance? Insurers aren't so sure.
CBC Radio ·
How and why is the COVID-19 economic downturn affecting women more? Plus are pandemic closures covered by business interruption insurance? And a look at what you can and cannot claim on your taxes when it comes to your new working-from-home office. (Andriy R/Shutterstock, Bebeto Matthews/The Associated Press, Timothy Neesam/CBC)
Cost of Living26:05The 'she'-cession, business interruption insurance and tax tips for Canadians working from home

The economic downturn caused by COVID-19 is affecting women particularly hard. Some economists are even calling it a 'she'-cession.

Unlike previous recessions, female workers are bearing the brunt of job losses along with school and daycare closures.

Host Paul Haavardsrud talks to two service sector workers who were laid off and speaks with a labour economist about the challenges ahead for recovery.

Many Canadians are working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Some are now wondering, "what does this mean for all my new at-home work expenses? Can I write-off my internet bill?"

Click here to listen as Anis Heydari looks at the Canada Revenue Agency's rules for everything from home office equipment to your monthly rent cheque. 

  • CBC Radio's business and economics show, Cost of Living, is in a new time slot on CBC Radio One due to the coronavirus pandemic. Catch it Fridays at 1:30 p.m. (2 p.m. NT) or Saturdays at 6:30 p.m.

Finally, a war is brewing between small businesses and insurance companies.

Billions of dollars worth of what's called "business interruption insurance" claims are being denied.

Cost of Living senior producer Falice Chin untangles the legal mess behind the story and explains the stakes for all Canadians — take a listen.

Click 'Listen' at the top of this page to hear the whole episode or download the CBC Listen app.

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