TRUDEAU: MORE COVID-19 HELP FOR BUSINESSES, STUDENTS
Apr 08, 2020
By Bob Komsic
Share on
Ottawa’s changing its program to help businesses hit hard by COVID-19 so more qualify for assistance.
Instead of having to demonstrate a 30% decline in revenues, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says they’ll only have to show a 15% drop for the month of March, and compare their revenues to previous months, rather than the previous year.
Charities can also choose whether to include revenues from governments in their calculations when they apply.
The government’s also going to cover 100% of wages for students hired under the Canada Summer Jobs Program to encourage businesses to hire student so they can get work experience and earn money.
House leaders are discussing the best way to bring back Parliament to debate these emergency measures.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland is hopeful that can happen very soon.
The Opposition Conservatives say they’re ready to approve the legislation but want some form of Question Period in order to hold the government accountable.
However, the Liberals are pushing for virtual meetings in the Commons, saying it’s not fair if only MPs who can easily travel to Ottawa can ask questions.