By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

COVID-19 spread on the decline in Canada, says PM

Jun 29, 2020 | 9:45 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday things are moving in the right direction in the country’s fight against COVID-19.

“We still have some hotspots in some parts of the country, but nationally, the number of cases, hospitalizations and deaths is declining over time and that’s because Canadians are doing their part,” Trudeau said. “You took this seriously, you followed public health instructions and made sacrifices so we could get this virus under control.”

The latest public health modelling is to be announced this afternoon, Trudeau added

“While we’ve made good progress over the past few months, the virus remains a very serious threat to our health,” he said.

The federal government wants to extend its program that gives businesses rent relief as they deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Nominations open for annual honorary Medicine Hat College degree

9h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat seeks new outdoor rink volunteers after closure complaints

Jan 13, 2025

CITY HALL

City of Medicine Hat now accepting proposals to repurpose sea cans

Jan 13, 2025

“The federal government intends to extend the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance by another month and we’re working with the provinces and territories and to do just that,” said Trudeau. “This program is helping thousands of small businesses across the country save on rent. We know that many business owners are struggling with cash flow right now so we’re working on a solution.”

The program sees the feds pay 50 per cent of a tenant’s rent, with the landlord paying or forgiving 25 per cent. The tenant is responsible for the remaining 25 per cent.

Trudeau said regular updates will continue over the coming weeks. Updates a few times a week rather than every day “when we have briefings or information to share.”

The prime minister said the government is keeping a close eye on the growing number of cases in the U.S. and reopening the border is being continually assessed. The border is currently to remain closed until at least July 21.

Speaking from outside Rideau Cottage, Trudeau said the fight against COVID-19 is not over yet.

“As we start to reopen parts of the economy we must continue to follow local public health guidelines to keep each other safe,” he said.

As of Monday morning, Canada had 103,250 confirmed cases and 8,522 deaths. There have been 66,191 recovered cases in Canada and 2,676,705 Canadians tested.

In Alberta, there are 7,996 cases and 154 deaths. A total of 435,254 tests have been completed in Alberta. There are 520 active cases in Alberta.