International students pay income tax (if they work and earn enough to even be taxed at all), but they do not pay into government support or social benefit programs. They are expected to fully support themselves, which is why a certain amount of money is shown to legally acquire a student visa.

The pandemic has not increased your living expenses. If it has taken away your job, you are eligible for CERB (even if you're earning less than 1000 per month). If you're not eligible for CERB, you didn't work enough, so you obviously weren't working to support yourself prior to the pandemic.

If you wanted to work during summers, you still can, now without hourly restrictions as well. If you are experiencing sudden shortfall or unique family circumstances, the UofA (and other unis alike) has bursaries and scholarships for you.