By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

PM will push for 10 days of paid sick leave for all workers

May 25, 2020 | 10:00 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government will continue to work with the provinces and territories on guaranteed paid sick leave. The federal NDP has been pressing the Liberals on it, making their support on returning to Parliament contingent on the issue.

“Nobody should have to choose between staying home with COVID-19 symptoms or being able to buy groceries,” said Trudeau, adding he’d like to see 10 paid sick days guaranteed.

Trudeau was under fire for political parties, including the federal Liberals, applying for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

Trudeau said the government established the program to support Canadians regardless of the organization for what they work.

Alberta’s United Conservative Party also applied for the subsidy, as well as the country’s other three federal parties.

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

10h ago

POSTAL STRIKE

Donations to Medicine Hat non-profits drop over Canada Post strike

10h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Adopt-A-Rink program still seeking volunteers

18h ago

The prime minister also announced the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program opened for applications this morning.

Alberta landlords with up to 10 eligible tenants can now apply for the federal government’s commercial rent assistance program. The same applies to landlords in British Columbia, Quebec and Atlantic Canada.

Landlords in the rest of the country can apply tomorrow.

Those with more than 10 tenants will be able to apply later this week.

The program offers owners forgivable loans to cover 50 per cent of the rent payments for three months, provided they reduce the tenants’ rent by 75 per cent.

Trudeau reminded Canadians that the COVID-19 situation remains very serious.

“As we move into the summer we’ll have to keep adjusting our routines, our cities will have to adjust and change, and our approach will have to be tailored for each community,” he said during his daily address outside Rideau Cottage.

He said the rules and public health recommendations may be different but one thing is universal when it comes to health and safety.

“Everyone has a responsibility to themselves and the people around them,” he said.

He also told Canadians that moving forward with reopening must happen gradually and carefully and the right safeguards must be in place.

As of Monday morning, Canada had 85,092 confirmed cases, 11 probable cases and 6,453 deaths. There have been 1,479,838 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 6,860 cases and 135 deaths. A total of 216,168 Albertans have been tested.