The Prime Minister says the country needs a coordinated approach to reopening our economies. Justin Trudeau says the federal government is working collaboratively on it, and he reassured that he will not use the Emergency Measures Act. He says people have been following the guidelines and instructions of public health officials.

He also says the provinces have the responsibility to do what is right for them given their circumstances, and it’s not up to the federal government.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland echoed the Prime Minister, saying the government is working on strategic plans to reopen the economy. She says the process will be gradual, collaborative, and it will be guided by science and an obligation to protect the health and safety of Canadians.

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam admits the longer days and warmer weather have a lot of people itching to resume their normal lives. She says we are not quite there yet, but we are getting closer.

The Prime Minister says there will be a great demand for personal protective equipment by employers once the economy starts reopening.

Trudeau says steps are being taken to make sure that demand is met.

He also says more shipments from China are on the way.

The PM says employers can now submit a claim through the Canada Revenue Agency for the Canada Emergency Wage subsidy. It’s a 75 per cent wage subsidy for employees. To apply, employers need only to go online through canada.ca to reach the portal. Companies are eligible for up to $847 per week per employee. Trudeau says, since the portal opened Monday morning, more than 10 thousand businesses have visited the site.

[cjgx april 27 2020]