Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced the temporary closure of the U.S. border. Earlier this week it was announced Canada banned entry to all non-residents with a few exceptions including American citizens, however that has now changed. Trudeau says all non-essential travel has been banned, but truck drivers and health care workers will still be allowed to cross the border. Trudeau encourages all people to stay home, avoid public places and only buy what you need in the grocery store. He says he wants to be clear that essential travel will continue in order to keep supply chains moving and food, fuel and life saving medicines coming across the border. Last week they announced measures for those waiting for EI. Trudeau says they will also help those who don’t qualify for EI.
To help employers protect jobs, if businesses face a cash crunch, the government has announced $10-billion in credits. The government has also announced $27-billion in direct support to Canadian workers and businesses and $55-billion through tax deferrals to help stabilize the economy. Trudeau says the total investment is 3% of the GDP in Canada. The Canada Child Benefit will be boosted over the coming months, those who receive a GST credit will get $300 and up to $150 per child. Student loans will be 6-month interest free, funding for the reaching home program to reduce homelessness has been doubled, more funding has been announced for anyone fleeing domestic or gender based violence and an Indigenous Community Support Fund has also been introduced. Trudeau also announced a temporary wage subsidy for employers up to 10% of total wage for up to 3-months to help keep staff on payroll. Those who owe money for taxes will now have until August 2020 to pay. The Prime Minister closed by recognizing all on the front lines, grocers keeping us fed, postal workers keeping us home, health care workers and first responders looking out for our safety.
