The Prime Minister says the federal government would never go as far as telling a province not to open something during the pandemic.

Justin Trudeau used Friday’s COVID-19 briefing to say measures to stop the spread of the virus are working, leading to expectations of re-opening in several sectors. He says Ottawa is collaborating with the provinces on a set of principles and elements that should be in place, and followed, as provinces make the decisions on how and what they will reopen.

He did not specifically mention the announcement from the Saskatchewan government phasing in reopening starting May 4th..

The Prime Minister is expanding federal help to business owners across the country who are suffering financially due to the pandemic. Trudeau says his government is already expanding the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program. He says agreements have been reached with all provinces and territories to lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been strongly affected by COVID-19 for April, May, and June. Ottawa will cover 50% of the support, with the property owner the remaining 25%.

Justin Trudeau has again paid tribute to the 22 people killed this past weekend in Nova Scotia.
At his daily Ottawa briefing on the pandemic, the Prime Minister reminded Canadians about a virtual vigil being held Friday. The vigil will be begin at 4:00 o’clock in Saskatchewan here.