The federal government is set to announce a massive aid package worth more than $25 billion to help Canadians and business get through the COVID-19 crisis, CBC News-Radio Canada has learned. The billions in spending will help Canadians make ends meet at a time when they could face lost wages due to widespread closures, and will help businesses bridge through the emergency period.
The federal government is set to announce a massive aid package worth more than $25 billion to help Canadians and businesses get through the COVID-19 crisis, CBC News-Radio Canada has learned.
The billions of dollars in spending is meant to help Canadians make ends meet at a time when they could face lost wages due to widespread closures, and to help businesses bridge through the emergency period.
During a news conference today outside his residence at Rideau Cottage, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the government is also looking at temporarily recalling Parliament to bring in emergency economic measures. He also hinted at a possible delay in the April 30 tax filing deadline.
“Tomorrow we will be making another major announcement on economic actions to support Canadians as quickly as possible. By the end of the week, we will have more to say about changes for the upcoming tax season,” he said.
“We’re looking at giving more flexibility for people to be able to make payments and for businesses to have more liquidity during this time.”
Trudeau also said the government is examining the Emergencies Act to decide if it should be invoked, or if there are other ways for the government to take steps to protect the public.
The Emergencies Act can be enacted in times of temporary “urgent and critical” situations that seriously endanger the lives, heath or safety of citizens. Bringing the Emergencies Act into force allows the government to:
- Impose travel bans.
- Order and carry out evacuations.
- Regulate and distribute essential goods and services.
- Establish emergency shelters and hospitals and authorize emergency payments.
Failing to comply with measures under the Emergencies Act can result in fines of up to $5,000, or even jail time, according to the government website.
Conservatives are ready to return to Ottawa to pass emergency legislation ASAP to support Canadians affected by COVID-19. Canadians have important questions about the govt’s handling of this pandemic. Conservative MPs will continue to press for answers on behalf of Canadians.
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer said his MPs are ready to return to Ottawa to pass emergency legislation “ASAP” to support Canadians hurt by COVID-19.
“Canadians have important questions about the govt’s handling of this pandemic. Conservative MPs will continue to press for answers on behalf of Canadians,” he tweeted.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tells Canadians he doesn’t know how long measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 will be in place