By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

Businesses can apply for wage subsidy starting today

Apr 27, 2020 | 9:29 AM

Close to 10,000 businesses across Canada have already applied for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy since it opened this morning, said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

“Whether you’re a charity that employs 200 people or a fast-growing start-up that employs 20 – you’ll be eligible for up to $847 a week per employee and you can expect this money soon.”

Trudeau said the first payments are expected to arrive by the end of the week.

“We all know a local salon or gym that’s had to close, a neighbourhood restaurant or shop that’s really struggling and more importantly, we all know the people who work there,’ said Trudeau. “They deserve a hand to get through this and that’s what this wage subsidy is here for.”

Trudeau also reminded Canadians of other programs that will help Canadians, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit and the upcoming Canada Emergency Student Benefit. The prime minister said legislators are working to get that set up as soon as possible.

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Trudeau said parliament will return for a virtual sitting on Tuesday, with an in-house session to take place Wednesday.

Trudeau spent much of his daily address taking questions about the reopening of the economy.

Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick have announced tentative plans for re-opening their economy, and Ontario and Quebec are expected to unveil plans this week.

Last week, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said he and his relaunch working group would meet the following day and hopes to release more details this week.

Trudeau said they are working on a set of “guidelines and principles that can inform decision makers in each province” and that a clear and co-ordinated effort will be needed from coast-to-coast-to-coast.

Speaking from outside Rideau Cottage, Trudeau said he has full confidence the premiers will move forward on the path that is right fo them.

As the economy does begin to open across the country, Trudeau said everyone needs to continue to follow the recommendations from public health officials, This includes the now common refrains to practise proper hand hygiene, physical distancing when out and staying home if feeling ill.

“No matter where you live, you need to continue following the recommendations from public health officials that will keep everyone safe,” he said.

On herd immunity, Trudeau said many questions remain.

“There is no evidence that people infected by the virus will not able to be infected a few months later. This is too new a virus to have access to that information,” he said.

As of Monday morning, Canada has 47,316 confirmed cases, 11 probable cases and 2,617 deaths. There have been 717,451 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 4,488 cases and 73 deaths. A total of 125,310 Albertans have been tested.