Border to Stay Closed into May

In his daily coronavirus update in Ottawa, Justin Trudeau has confirmed the border between Canada and the U.S will remain closed for an additional 30 days.

The Prime Minister calls it an important decision, one that will keep people on both sides of the border safe. Trudeau says this is another example of the excellent collaboration between the two countries and thanked Minister Bill Blair for leading the discussions with the United States. Trudeau also reminded Canadians to stay home when possible to keep the COVID-19 infection curve low, warning the virus could flare up again if we don’t.

No Time-frame for Lifting Restrictions

The Prime Minister was been asked when, and how, current COVID-19 restrictions could be lifted. Trudeau was asked if the federal government would say when they’d be lifted, rather than provincial governments. He says that Canadians understand that what we are doing now is tough but essential on getting through this in the best possible way. That Canadians are also worried that if we re-open too quickly, too soon, or in the wrong way, we could find ourselves back in the same situation. He added federal officials are being very careful in how to move forward as a country.

Federal Dollars Allocated for Indigenous Businesses

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced the government is allocating more than $300 million to support Indigenous businesses. Trudeau says it will allow them short-term interest free loans, an investment that will help thousands of businesses bridge to better times. He says these businesses employ people across the country, in small communities and big cities alike.