Two Week Roundup: Latest Government of Canada Information
This month the Canada Child Benefit was boosted by an average of $300 extra per child – a part of our plan to help families during this challenging time.
Monday, April 27th
On Monday, Minister Ng announced the opening of applications for the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy . To date, applications for wage subsidies for almost 2 millions workers across Canada have been received.
This day was the first time this country's history that parliamentarians held a virtual session to work with all members of the House of Commons – debating and advancing support measures to help Canadians from coast to coast to coast.
Tuesday, April 28th
The Prime Minister announced that the federal, provincial, and territorial governments have come together and agreed to a set of common principles for restarting the Canadian economy, based on shared understanding and appreciation of what science and experts are telling us.
Minister Ng spoke with New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Export Growth David Parker about economic recovery and Canada’s leadership on the international trade front at this critical time
And, as of Tuesday, more details on the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance were made available on from CMHC . More details still to come.
Wednesday, April 29th
To provide income support to post-secondary students who lost work opportunities due to COVID-19, legislation was introduced to establish the Canada Emergency Student Benefit for students to receive $1,250 per month for up to four months (May-August 2020).
Thursday, April 30th
Minister Ng met virtually with her counterparts from Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea and signed onto a joint statement committing facilitate the cross-border movement of essential goods and to maintain open and connected supply chains throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
New virtual tools were also announced to support the health and wellness of Canadians and help people through this very difficult time.
Friday, May 1st
The Canadian government banned over 1,500 models of assault-style firearms. Weapons designed to kill as many people as possible in the shortest amount of time have no place in our communities. While there is more to do to keep Canadians safe, this is a significant step in the right direction.
Saturday, May 2nd
Minister Ng had an op-ed published in the Toronto Star denouncing racism and urging Canadians to “fight fiercely for the values of acceptance and compassion” amid the COVID-19 crisis.
Sunday, May 3rd
The Prime Minister announced that the government is investing over $240 million in online healthcare to expand existing online tools, and create new virtual platforms for mental health and primary care. Also announced was an investment of $175 million to support the Canadian company, AbCellera Biologics and their very promising research in drugs to treat COVID-19.
Also on this day, Minister Anand announced the creation of the COVID-19 Supply Council which will bring together a diverse group of leaders to guide the government in building innovative supply chains for goods such as masks, gloves, and disinfectants.
Monday, May 4th
The Prime Minister joined other global leaders to launch the Coronavirus Global Response to raise billions of dollars to help researchers and innovators develop solutions to test, treat, and protect people against COVID-19. The government is committed to a robust global effort to stop COVID-19 and address its devastating health, social, and economic impacts on people around the world.
Tuesday, May 5th
The government announced over $252 million in funding to support farmers, food businesses, and food processors who are working hard every day to ensure Canadians have a safe and reliable food supply,
Also on Tuesday, Minister Ng signed onto two joint trade statements with international partners:
1. Canada and the other 20 dynamic and fast-growing countries in the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), committed to keeping essential goods and services flowing while we work together towards economic recovery.
2. Canada and 42 other World Trade Organization (WTO) members reinforced a commitment to the rules-based trading system, given the WTO’s vital role in ensuring free and predictable trade during this global crisis.
Wednesday, May 6th
The Finance Minister announced that the government is waiving tariffs on certain medical goods , including PPE such as masks and gloves. This will reduce the cost of imported PPE for Canadian businesses, which face tariffs of up to 18% in some instances, help protect workers, and ensure supply chains can keep functioning well.
Thursday, May 7th
Yesterday, the Prime Minister announced an investment of $3 billion to increase the wages of low-income essential workers . Premiers have committed to working with our government to determine which workers will be eligible and how much support they will receive.
Friday, May 8, 2020
The Prime Minister announced that the government will be
extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy beyond June, because it’ll become even more crucial as stores and businesses begin to open. More details on this to come next week.
We also announced that Minister Bains will be leading a new
Industry Strategy Council . Chaired by Monique Leroux, this Council will take a deeper dive into how the pandemic is affecting specific sectors, and how to best support them.
And finally, Minister Guilbeault shared more details about a
$500 million package for arts, culture, and amateur sport and how it will support workers in those sectors. This investment will help people access wage support, and help organizations access funding.