Hello, everyone. Let me begin this morning by confirming that
Canada and the United States have once again agreed to extend by 30 days the current measures
in place along the border. This is an important decision that will keep
people in both of our countries safe. This morning, I can confirm that Canada and
the United States have agreed to extend the border measures that are already in place
by an additional 30 days. This is an important decision that will protect
people on both sides of the border. I also want to address the tragic RCAF plane
crash in Kamloops over the weekend. My thoughts and the thoughts of all Canadians are
with the families of Captain Casey, Captain MacDougall, and the entire Snowbirds team.
This has been a very difficult few weeks for members of the Canadian Armed Forces.
As we mourn, we remember Captain Casey as a proud Nova Scotian and an outstanding servicewoman.
A journalist who turned her talents to the Forces, she will be remembered not just for
her professionalism, but for her sense of humour and for her kindness.
As we honour her, we pay tribute to the bravery of all those who serve today.
Our women and men in uniform are always there for us.
Serving overseas, to defend the values we hold dear. Working here at home to care for
our seniors, and lift our spirits with flyovers. So, to everyone who so proudly wears the maple
leaf thank you. You do your country proud today and every day.
In the aftermath of the tragic Royal Canadian Air Force plane crash this weekend, the thoughts
of all Canadians are with the families of Captain Casey, Captain MacDougall, and the
entire Snowbirds team. As we mourn the death of another hero,
we pay tribute to all those who serve our country. You do us proud every day.
As we start to carefully and gradually re-open our economy, a lot of people will be wondering
what that means for them. If youíve been laid off, youíre probably
waiting to see whether your employer will start up your workplace and re-hire you.
To help them do that, we've extended the wage subsidy through the summer.
This is about getting people back to work, and giving businesses the confidence to re-open,
re-hire, and even grow. Because the way our economy will recover,
and the way our country will remain resilient and successful, is by getting
Canadians back to work. Many business owners are already benefiting
from this program, to re-hire and maintain the crucial link between workplace and employee.
To employers looking to start up again: please, re-hire your workers.
Use the wage subsidy for their paycheque. That's what it's there for.
And for businesses that still need help, today we're taking another step forward.
Today, I can announce that we are expanding
the eligibility of the Canada Emergency Business Account.
If you are the sole owner-operator of a business,
if your business relies on contractors, or if you have a family-owned business and you
pay employees through dividends, you will now qualify.
For example, for a hair salon owner with stylists who rent chairs, for a local physiotherapist,
for an independent gym owner with contracted trainers - this is for you.
We'll have more details very soon about when youíll be able to apply.
We heard you when you said you needed a hand. That's why Minister Ng is also working on
potential solutions to help business owners and entrepreneurs who operate through their
personal bank account, as opposed to a business account, or have yet to file a tax return,
such as newly created businesses. And, as we announced last week, there's new
funding for Regional Development Agencies too, which you can always contact if you still
don't meet these expanded criteria. Businesses like yours are the backbone of
our economy and the lifeblood of our communities. And whether it's with the CEBA or the expanded
wage subsidy, we're in your corner. To help small business owners to cover their
costs, we have broadened the scope of the Canada Emergency Business Account.
Over 600,000 small businesses have already received a $40,000 loan through the program.
But we know that there are still more people who need help.
So, if you are the sole owner-operator of a business, if your business relies on contractors,
or if you have a family-owned business and you pay your employees through dividends,
you will be eligible. For example, if you have a hair salon and
your stylists rent chairs, or if you are a self-employed physiotherapist, or if you own
a gym and have contracted trainers, the program will be there for you.
We are working hard to ensure that people keep their jobs or can return to work, and
we are doing so by helping small businesses, which are so important to our communities,
to maintain operations. Because that's how Canada will be able to
come back strong. Of course, in order to get through this crisis,
we also need enough medical equipment and personal protective equipment to keep people
healthy and safe. So this morning, I would like to give you
an update on personal protective equipment. Over the past few weeks alone, we have doubled
our inventory of surgical masks and face shields. This week and in the weeks to come, hundreds
of thousands of hospital gowns, glasses, face shields, and swabs will be delivered to the
provinces and territories. We have also received an order of Zoll ventilators
from the United States. And because we want to use Canadian-made equipment
as much as possible, we are also increasing our production capacity.
We now have 15 contracts across the country to manufacture hospital gowns.
We will also start receiving gowns from Montréal-based Samuelsohn by the end of the month.
I want to end this morning with some good news, something we haven't
had enough of lately. As of today, Canada now has
its first university in the North. Yukon College is becoming the new Yukon University.
And as a cornerstone for this step, our government has already provided $26 million
for a new science building. To everyone who helped make this milestone
happen - congratulations. Not just for students, but for all of us,
this is truly something to celebrate. Young people have the power to change our
country for the better. And it's up to us to make sure that no matter
where they live, they have the tools to chase their dreams and succeed.
Today, more than ever, we need their vision and their creativity.
Because that is our path forward. Thank you.