As a temporary worker, can I qualify for the pandemic relief benefits for workers?

To be eligible for the Canada recovery benefit (as was the case for its predecessor program, the Canada emergency response benefit), you must reside in Canada and have a valid social insurance number. Workers who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents — including temporary foreign workers and international students — may be eligible to receive these benefits if they meet the other eligibility requirements. We explain the requirements here.

You may also be eligible for the BC recovery benefit. It pays a $500 lump sum, tax-free to those earning up to $62,500. You must reside in BC as of December 18, 2020 and meet some other eligibility criteria. Note you have to apply for that benefit by June 30, 2021.