By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

PM: Canada still in the emergency phase of the pandemic

May 27, 2020 | 9:26 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told Canadians today that the country is still in the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“As we are seeing careful reopenings we need to make sure we’re continuing to protect vulnerable Canadians and ensure that we’re controlling and stopping the spread of COVID-19,” he said.

When it comes to the funding programs Trudeau acknowledged some will be ended or phased out but others will continue and be modified.

“As provinces and territories restart their economies and people head back to work, fewer people will need the CERB but the wage subsidy will still be there to support Canadians and make sure they can get paid their salaries,” said Trudeau, adding that why it’s important for employers to take advantage of this program and rehire workers.

He also said there are more than 45,000 available for young people via different programs established in response to the pandemic.

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At his daily address from Rideau Cottage, Trudeau said he will raise the issue with the premiers this week about what is happening in long-term care centres across the country.

“We need to make sure that in Canada there is a better job of supporting our seniors, particularly in long-term care centres,” the prime minister said

He said that in the short-term the government needs to make sure that help is improving and getting to the people and centres that need it.

“For the longer-term conversation … we need to make sure we’re doing a better job of supporting our seniors and the federal government is there to work with the provinces while respecting their jurisdiction,” he said.

Canada’s environment minister announced earlier in the day that 29 national parks will reopen to visitors on June 1. The will be open for day use and the washrooms will be open.

In Alberta, Banff National Park, Jasper National Park, Waterton Lakes National Park and Elk Island National Park will be open on June 1.

Camping will still not be allowed in until June 21 at the earliest.

A new hybrid parliament will begin today that will see a few dozen MPs in the House of Commons while another 300 or so will join the proceeding virtually.

As of Wednesday morning, Canada had 86,928 confirmed cases, 11 probable cases and 6,671 deaths. There have been 1,528,315 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 6,901 cases and 139 deaths. A total of 221,173 Albertans have been tested.