Yesterday. Justin Trudeau unveiled, more than two billion dollars, in rescue. Money for Canada's, slumping, energy sector and other key industries, like tourism, today we are expecting to learn a little bit more about additional, help for indigenous, businesses, that may be taking a hit due to the pandemic Justin. Trudeau is also. Addressing the nation on a day that the Canadian military begin. An operation, to combat kovat 19 more, than 100. Armed. Forces personnel, 125. If I'm not mistaken are being deployed to Quebec to assist some overwhelmed, staff in the provinces, long term care homes Quebec. Requested, that help in an effort to contain the deadly outbreaks that are sweeping through the facilities, there and of course in, the province of Ontario as well and that, is a scene you are very familiar with at this stage the front door at, the prime ministers Prime Minister's residence Cerrito, cottage and. We will hear from him in about 15, minutes time I want to bring my colleague Catherine Cullen who's here to help with our coverage today, Catherine. We have sort of reached a bit of a milestone in terms of testing, more, than half a million tests, have now been completed, and we know that testing is really, key to trying to get a handle, on things but perhaps, even more importantly, to to trying, to allow, the economy to reopen, and restrictions, to loosen and the Prime Minister has been asked those questions in, virtually, every day this week, that's. Right any he does say that it's going to be key to moving. Forward any any sort of attempts to reopen the economy testing is going to be an important part of that that is of course in line with what we're hearing from officials. Around the world actually the World Health Organization. An. Organization, that we should say is under some added scrutiny right now but it did put forward earlier, this week basically. Six criteria, for any jurisdiction. That's looking at moving forward and widespread. Testing would, be a part of that Canada. According. To many experts really, not at the point it would need to be in order to reopen the economy, but even, beyond that there's still debate certainly in some large jurisdictions notably. Ontario, this has really been a point of tension with. The Ontario premier and his officials they, are still trying to ramp up testing to a level that everyone is happy. Happy, with right now rosemary just to deal with the situation, as it is let alone talk of. I let more people return. To I don't even think we could say their lives as normal I think that's been clearly that. Point has been made clear but to some sense, of normalcy a, little bit of an easing. Of some of the restrictions, yeah MBC, and we will talk to our reporter there BC is already having that conversation of course they were testing, at a much higher rate than other provinces, and according. To their public health officer dr. hem Bonney Henry have essentially, flattened the KERS so they, will likely, I would suggest to be sort of one of the first provinces, to start easing off a little bit there was a move last night though that. Kind of came late in the day by. The federal, government to to. Start, I guess putting. Different measures, in place as things, ease up, that's. Right that anyone now who enters, an airport, anyone who is doing any sort of airline, travel, will need, to wear a, non-medical. Mask, some sort of cloth face covering, or whatnot and you know that point is made by, officials again and again when we're talking about members of the general public they obviously do not want. People using those medical masks, but more and more I think anyone who has gone out of their house seeing people even walking by on the streets those cloth masks, now if you are in an airport and anywhere where you cannot maintain that, sort of physical distancing, as of Monday.
At Noon you're going to be expected, to wear some sort of face covering so that would be of course going through security any. Sort of ID check, or whatnot where you might be coming close to a officials. Border, checks getting. On the plane itself, Monday, at noon you will be expected, to have some, sort, of face covering, it will be exceptions made for children under the age of two and people. Who might have mobility, issues or whatnot. And. Again this is for moments in the airport where you wouldn't be able to maintain that safe physical distancing, obviously. It raises questions if this is happening in airports, and this also came with guidance for other modes of transit as well well it wouldn't be a requirement they will be encouraging. People to wear those masks raise questions we raised those questions about other places in society where people are unable, to maintain, that, 2 meter distance as well rosemary, and we know we heard from dr. new earlier this week I believe it was Wednesday he was asked in the briefing could, we see a scenario where there is widespread, guidance. That Canadians should be, or must be wearing masks when they go outside obviously. That would be quite an evolution, over. The course of the past few weeks initially, they saying no they don't want to see people wearing masks there was concern that people would be touching their face too much now, we're in a situation where public health officials have said if you'd like to you may, could it be mandatory, well doctor new said it's something that they're looking at right now they're trying to see, how the science is evolving around all of this and where it might take us yeah in other places like New York State for instance suggesting, now that was saying now you have to wear a mask particularly, on things like public transport and you could well see how, if restrictions, start to get eased, other. Protective, measures have to come into place and and maybe masks, become a required, eventing sure yeah yeah that's right okay, Catherine I'll come back to you shortly, as we stand by and wait for the prime minister here in Ottawa but obviously the, corona virus continues to claim lives in long-term care facilities, at more, than half of the deaths in this country have occurred in, those places and because. Of that some family members are choosing, to bring their loved ones home Aileen Smith is one of those family members she removed her 88, year old mother Ethel, Lodge. From a care home earlier this week and Eileen joins me from Barrie Ontario good. To see you. Thank. You how. Is your mother Ethel, doing Eileen. Mom's. Doing very. Well she's obviously, happy, to be home the family it's. A it's. A challenge, she has dementia she's. Unable, to follow, directions, and. You. Know she she, could possibly have no changes. And and, all. That but my husband, is home as well so between both of us where we're, managing pretty, well good, I'm glad to hear that and explain, to people. How. You came to this decision that your mom who I think has a you said you mentioned has dementia how. Your mom needed, to come live with you for a period of time. Well. You. Know about, the third week in March I was reading, the news and listening, to what was happening in long-term care and, it. Became very scary, I mean a lot of people were dying there. Was no help. Personal. Support workers, who are scared to go and work a lot of these homes. So. My fear was my mother would die alone, she's.
Unable To follow, any sort of isolation. So. It, became a nightmare for, me then. I got a letter from the home stating, that you know they're. Not going to be. Transporting. The, seniors. Who get sick to, the. Hospital, in other. Words a similar situation who. Gets even, later that I understand. But. - -. At that point there, there, was you, know they, were so, low. Supplied, with PPE. You. Know essentials. And. So. When, I heard. Families. On, TV. And heard our families, in, a nightmare where a parent, would die and he wouldn't even know where the parent went so. They were having nightmares about, that and, I saw, in, the end I made, a decision, that after. Doing some calls to the government, finding, out where I stood, exactly to. Bring my mother home and, were. There cases of Kovac 19, at the time in, in her residence, or have there been since. No. There, were no proven. Cases of, Cova 19, and which. Gave me a. Good, in to, get my mother out because I'm not sure what situation. Would be had. There being one contracted. There right. And. I believe you're a part-time, nurse or you were working as a part-time nurse so that probably gives you an advantage that, other people might not have because it is a lot to take on how, much of a factor was that. Yes. Well I still. Work. In the doctor's, office in Barrie and I do, relief but right now as you know the camps way down so. I, have. This opportunity to be home and as, well my husband, as well so, between the two of us. You. Know we made that decision and I, think I did make it at a great time. Yes. So that, made it possible for me and I had had my mother, prior, to her, going and being, crises, getting. Admitted, into the home that gave me an advantage, does. It worry you about having to send her back because if anything. This, pandemic has exposed, Eileen that that long-term care centers. Obviously. Are struggling this during this pandemic, but maybe we are not doing, enough for older, Canadians, across. The board. Well. The. Government, could be a little bit more lenient to. Families, who want to take their loved one home it was a real dilemma for me because, when. I called the action line you. Know the Ministry of Health, the. Lady. Told. Me that my mother would lose, her bed that she, would go on the waiting list as pre, admit and. Not. Sure when, she, would get back in, so, my question, to her was. Is the. Pre admit, over. Or below, the crises list, because, I know the, crisis list is probably in a couple of thousand, so. She, couldn't answer that but you did leave the phone came back with an answer and said she said it's below, the crises, list at, that point I had. Emailed. My local, MPP. And. Voiced. My. Concern. And also, emailed. You. Know detailed. Email, I heard, back back from that office, three days later, and, I. Was you. Know he, said that he would put it to superiors, but I have not heard anything, since, right, my. Last phone call was to CCAC. Who deals with mom's. Particular, area, she, explained to me that, my mother, would. Go on a. Rillette. Midlist, but she would be a priority at the very top if, I called them within the 90-day span, from now or this. Past week then, I won't, have to go through, the paperwork. So. That the next bed that becomes available at, the. Home will, be available, to her now if, I go past the ninety days as you said this make long yeah, then, what. Am I going to do so, that is the, best in these shoes for sure, all right Arlene I know many, people have struggling, with these same issues and I knew it was a difficult decision for, you to make but I can tell your mom says still full of life and it's probably very happy to be there so I'm wishing, you and Ethel and your husband good, health and take, care during all this, thank. You very much thank you very much I appreciate that Eileen Smyth in Barrie Ontario and, I should tell you that there, are in, Ontario, now more than a hundred homes, long-term. Care homes that have outbreaks, of code 19 so we're talking about almost. One in six homes. And. That has been sort of the picture not Alayne Ontario but definitely in Quebec and to some extent in British Columbia, as well so let's go now to the CPC's Meaghan Bachelor in Vancouver, because.
BC. Is ahead of the curve has flattened, the curve and is now already Megan talking about ways to reopen. And and what that might look like, yeah. Rosemary, we're seeing some new data coming out of BC, that was released yesterday and, dr. Bonnie Henry giving. Us reason, to perhaps be, a bit, cautiously, optimistic. That some restrictions. Could, start to get lifted and we are seeing a slowdown. In the increase, of cases, NBC, especially. Compared to some of those hot spots across, the country in particular in, Ontario. And in, Quebec, BC. Is also, changing, the way that it's doing its modeling it used to compare the number of cases to those in Italy, or in Hebei Province, in China those, real hot spots the epicenters, at one point of kovin 19, now. Though they are not comparing, the worst case scenarios, from they're looking. At what could perhaps happen. To our medical system here because. We are starting to see this flattening, of the curve so now. Officials. Here are starting to develop new, models looking, at the cases that are happening short, term and projecting. Those assuming, that there's no change in the current measures and they're also looking at what could happen, if they, start to ease some, of the physical, distance. Increased, Rick shion's so the say that now with the restrictions, in place. Contact. Between British Columbians, is 30% of normal, and so, they, do say, that they could go up to 60%, of, normal. And not, see a reemergence. Of kovat 19 in bc they, are though rosemary, still looking. Ahead at that second, wave that we keep talking about and officials here are preparing, for that and adjusting. Their modeling for that as well okay, making bachelor in Vancouver thank you a very different picture of course on the west coast and that, is part of the issue here with Cove in nineteen is that. The. Public health the chief Public Health Officer talked to Teresa his Tam has talked about regional regional, epidemics. Right every province looks a little bit different and so easing, back some of those restrictions. Will. Happen on different timetables in different parts of this country and that will make it challenging, likely for the federal government who only has so much say, in, how this is going to unfold, as.
We Wait for the prime minister he is expected, to be on time I'll bring back my colleague, Catherine Cullen although I may cut you off Catherine, so fair warning yesterday. Yesterday. That the prime minister really. Made a significant. Number of announcements in terms of money and, one of them was to address the oil and gas sector although it was in no way a bailout, and there is some criticism inside. Industry, that not, this is not enough that this is not going to get them through everything, but. There was there was also that, the premier also was very welcoming, to it as were many environmentalists. Indeed. They put forward quite a substantial amount of money I believe it was 1.7 billion dollars, to deal with orphan, wells decommissioned. Oil wells as. Well as another significant, chunk of money and I am watching that doorway closely. As you are as well rosemary, to. Deal with helping, those within the oil and gas industry. Embrace. I guess I could say new methane, emissions, this is something that prime minister said industry, had expressed concern, about whether or not they would be able to do it and, so the, government is putting forward this new money in order to assist with that and that is why they are getting this thumbs up from many. Environmentalists, who are saying helping, oil the oil and gas industry, reach. A higher environmental, bar, is a pretty good way to spend public money of course the big question many, are has to do with the number of jobs created by this and in, the case of the orphan wells I don't have the numbers right in front of me but certainly thousands, of jobs that they're hoping that this does create. Yeah. Well, we can see the Prime Minister right there so let's uh, let's. Let's go to him yeah here is the Prime Minister of Canada thanks, for that Katharine speaking now in a Saturday. By. Confirming, that Canada, and the United States have, agreed to, extend, by another 30 days the, border measures that are currently in place this. Is an important decision and one that will keep people on both sides of the border safe, it's. Another example of the excellent, collaboration between, our two countries and I want to thank Minister Bill Blair for, leading the discussions, with the United States. Symmetrical. Begin. By confirming, that, Canada, and United States have, agreed to. Extend. By 30 days the, current, border. Measures. This. Is an important decision that will protect citizens. On both sides of the border and I want to thank Minister Blair for. Leading those discussions, with United States. The. Weekend and, usually a Saturday, morning in April means, getting outside to enjoy the sunshine having. A friend over for coffee or just, taking the kids to the park but. These aren't. Normal, times we're. Living through an unprecedented, public, health emergency, and we, need to keep responding. Accordingly. So. Even as the weather gets nicer, and even, in the weeks to come as we start seeing hopeful. News we. Can't let up because. If we do we could lose the progress, that we've made, last. Later, today you, may see some new ads with, people you know like Haley Wiccan hyzer Chris Hadfield and dr., Tam and they'll. Remind you to stay, home and save. Lives, that's. How, we keep each other safe, so. Stay at home limit. Your trips to the grocery store to, less than once a week if you, do go out keep. 2 meters distance from each other and as. You do your part know. That we're here to support you. Kotaro, jury later. Today you may see ads, showing. People that you know, like. No honda Vinita deferred avid sunshine, and dr.. Mona, anim our. Science. Advisor, they. Will be reminding, you that you. Can save lives by staying home as I've often said. Everyone. Must, do their part. In. Recent weeks we, have announced, historic. Measures to help you to get through this crisis, with. The, emergency. Benefit, the wage the, wage benefit, and the loans for small businesses, we, are supporting, millions of families, and workers right across the country however. There. Is still work to be done there. Are, still people we, need to help so, today I am announcing further. Measures. To. Support Canadians. Our, government, will allocate more, than 306. Million dollars. To. Help. Indigenous. Businesses. This. Funding, will, be provided. Through financial. Institutions. And. The, National, Association. Of, indigenous. Associations. This. Will allow them to get an interest-free, short-term. Loan, and. Non-refundable. Contribution. So that they can get through this crisis, and. Rebound.
Afterwards. The. Investments. Announced today will, help thousands. Of businesses. To. Hold. The line until, things get better, including. Many. Businesses. That are led by, indigenous. Women these, businesses. Recruit. People in every sector right across the country and this, is only a first step very, soon we will be announcing other measures, to support indigenous businesses. And their employees to. Announce, that the government will allocate more than 306. Million. Dollars, to, give indigenous. Businesses, the, support, they, need this. Funding will be provided, through Aboriginal, financial, institutions. And it. By the National, Aboriginal capital. Corporations, Association. It. Will allow indigenous, businesses, to access short-term. Interest-free. Loans and non, repayable, contributions. So, they are better, positioned to, make, it through and rebound. After this, crisis, today's. Investment, will help thousands. Of businesses, bridge to better times including, many. That, are owned and run by indigenous. Women, these. Businesses, employ, people right across the country in small, communities and big cities alike, they. Create good jobs in, a whole range of sectors so, when we support them we're, supporting families and workers, too and this. Is just a first step we'll, have more to say soon on what else we'll do to help indigenous, businesses, and the, people who rely on them. Small. Business owners are at the heart of so, many communities. And this, is a tough time whether, you own a store a restaurant or are. Part of the hospitality, sector so. We're, going to be there for you with, this new investment and with measures like the Canada emergency, business account the wage subsidy and the Canada emergency, response benefit, were, focused, on helping. You. It. Will get, easier but. Until it does, we. Need to be prepared, to persevere. And that. Includes, ensuring. That our frontline workers, have the equipment and tools they, need to do their jobs and say, safe. Yesterday. Two, planes full of n95. Masks, and coveralls arrived, in Canada more. Shipments, will be coming in this week coming in this weekend and into next week with, additional medical. Supplies, I can. Also announce that we will begin receiving deliveries, of face, shields, from Toronto, stamp, very, soon they've. Shifted from their usual production. Of rubber stamps, and ID badges and we'll, be providing millions, of face shields, over the next two months the, Canada. Continued, service continues. To receive, shipments, of individual, protective, equipment yesterday. Two planes arrived, up full of n95. Max, and coveralls and, other planes bringing, in medical, equipment, will arrive over the weekend or during, next week we. Are all, very. Anxious. To. See when this will be over we. Are all anxious. To see a Saturday, when we can meet with, friends. Or take our children to a birthday party that, time will come but. Only if everyone, continues. To do their part so. This weekend, please. Stay home. Continue. To follow the experts, guidelines, and together, we, will get through this thank you. Thank. You Prime Minister will now go to the phone lines for some questions just reminder it's one question in one follow up operator. Thank. You merci. Michel. Lama. I. Have a question, about this agreement, with. Respect to the closure of the, u.s. Canadian border. We. Are concerned, about not having enough medical. Equipment. And medications, do, you believe that this agreement. Includes. The same. Mechanisms. In terms of timelines, or have you improved it no. It's exactly the same mechanisms. We. Expect. Essential. Medical. Equipment, and other items, we'll continue to. Cross, the, border between our, two countries, and that's, what we will continue to ensure. For. Another 30 days it. Will ensure that we continue to get essential. Goods and services, back and forth across this border. Yes. We V. With. Respect to. Those masks. That we're supposed to be coming from 3m, we, know that it was extremely complicated, because. Of, the directives. Announced. By President, Trump did. You not think it would be a good idea to get some additional guarantees. So, that all those companies, providing. Gowns and masks and so forth can. Continue. To. Provide. That equipment, to Canada so that we don't have to continue to rely on China, yes. It is very important, that we continue to receive essential. Protective. Equipment from, around the world including the United States and we were very pleased to be able to ensure. The. Continuity, of, 3m shipments, but. We will continue to work closely with the US administration. So. That we are sure to receive all, the equipment, we need. Russian. Casio made an Iraqi night rise. Thank. You mr.. Trudeau. Marc. Garneau. Announced. That, airline. Travelers, will now have to wear a mask, that. Covers their face. Now, is it possible that, recommendation. Will, be extended, to. Other. Groups. Now. With respect to Minister, gala nose announcement. I should point out of course.
That. We are currently. Prohibiting. All, non-essential. Travel we, do not want people to start traveling whether. They're wearing a mask or not of. Course it's better than, to. Wear, a mask. But. We still want people to stay home and we believe that this measure, will, help people in, situations where. Physical. Distancing, like in a plane is very difficult, to achieve now. Regarding. The measures. Being, put in place once. We begin to relax. The current, restrictions. Certainly. That is still under discussion and, we are having, lengthy, discussions, with scientists, as to, what, the best measures, would be to ensure the. Protection of all Canadians, and we will have more to say about that as, those. Discussions, continue and. That reality become, comes closer. As. A follow-up mr. Trudeau, with. Respect to the agreement, between. Canada, and the United States on the border, there was a problem. With, respect to an asylum seeker, and. That. Person was sent back now. Has, that, condition. Been, changed at all in the new agreement no. It is the same agreement, that is being renewed, for a further 30 days and we will continue to ensure that our values, and principles, as a country, are, respected. Thank. You next question operator. Ms. Feet thank you next. Question, Theresa right from, beginning impress your line is open. Good. Morning Prime Minister the. Conservatives, warrant for in-person settings, each week in the House of Commons with reduced number of MPs and they argue, that the daily ministerial, announcements, happening in front of the media could. Be done in the House of Commons what's. Wrong with that I think. First, of all it has been extremely important. That every. Single day the. Canadian, public, gets. Informed, of measures, that we're putting forward we, are putting forward new measures almost every single day and I think it. Is, essential. That the media continues. To have access, to asking, questions to. Better inform, and and. Ensure, that Canada. Is functioning, the way it needs to be part. Of that job, in our democracy is, ensuring, that there is accountability, through. Our parliamentary, systems and that is, something that we are also, very, much focused, on we, have proposed, that, the House of Commons, return, in some fashion every, single week to permit. Engagement. On accountability. And also, pass. Further measures, to help Canadians. Right. Now we're in a situation where. MPs. Across the country and their staff are. Wondering, if they're going to have to get on planes tomorrow, and fly. To Ottawa. Obviously. That is not. Thing that from a public health standpoint we. Should want to see happening, but, right, now on the books the rule is Parliament. Needs to reopen fully, on Monday, that's, obviously, not a good idea which is why we've proposed, measures. Going forward, that we're discussing with the other parties and we certainly hope that we're able to come to an agreement so, that, we don't all, have to convene in in. The, House of Commons on, Monday, morning. Only. In. Discussions, with the other parties, we. Propose that the House of Commons sit, every week. To. Ensure that there, is an opportunity to, ask questions of the government, and also to. Be able to pass other measures, that will help Canadians, the, reality, is that Monday.
Morning. 338. Members of parliament, and their teams are supposed, to be in Ottawa, they. Are expected, to be in Ottawa then. So. That Parliament, can reconvene. Obviously. That would not be a good idea in the current context. No. We have made, proposals. To, ensure. That. We. Can get. Work done and keep our democracy, working. And healthy, while, also keeping people safe and, we, really, hope that the, other parties, will. Will. Agree, with, these proposals. Because, I do. Think, it would be a terrible. Problem if we all had to return to Parliament on Monday. Yes. Many. People on social, assistance programs. Are surviving. On less and people are getting the CRB. And many. Marginalised Canadians, will simply never be able to access the, serve as it is structured, rather. Than continue, to tweak it why, not just make reserve universal. We. Moved, very. Quickly on. Replacing. Income for people who lost a paycheck, because, of kovat 19 these are families. Who were relying, on the next paycheck to be able to pay for their rent to be able to pay for groceries to be able to support their. Children, and their parents these. Are this was the absolute, priority that we needed to move forward quickly, on and with, the moves that we we, were able to make over seven. And a half million. Payments. Have been made already and there, are obviously, many more to come at. The same time we recognize a particular, vulnerability of. Marginalized. Communities, of, particular. Particular. Groups and that's why we, have put forward significant. Measures to, try and help them whether it's through shelters. Through support for charities, and charitable, organizations, or. Extending. Measures so people who work a very small, amount of hours a month, can, still receive. The serve these are the kinds of things that we're looking at and we're continuing, to move, forward on getting, the help out to people that we need to, thank. You and I'll take one more question on the phone operator. Nessie. Thank you next, question, Christopher. Gully - Tyee the line is open good. Morning Prime Minister you've, been holding regular conference, calls with the premiums during the covert crisis, but why have you not reached out to the opposition, leaders in a similar way. Particularly. When you're governing in a minority Parliament and. One that has not been convening, regularly. We. Have been in very, close and ongoing conversations. With opposition. Leaders both. Me directly, and mostly. Through ministers. And officials and, regular. Briefings, that happen from from, Health, Canada and, officials, to keep people apprised on, these issues but, you're absolutely right that we do need to keep our institutions. And our parliamentary. Principles, strong which is why we've. Proposed, a parliament could come back in a modified way. Every, single week to ensure, accountability. To. Ensure that we can move forward on legislation, and that's. We're very much hoping we're, going to get agreement on from from all parties because. The alternative, would be returning, to Ottawa on Monday morning with a full House, of Commons and all the staff associated, with and I think we can all recognize that that would be a mistake. At this point. Yeah, some of the changes your government has made though to the Canada emergency, response benefit, for workers the wage subsidy initiative, for businesses, and the recent provisions regarding, emergency. Loans and commercial rent, assistance for small businesses, were proposed, by the opposition parties so, do you now think that looping and the leaders could, save valuable, time and get programs, and money out, the door sooner. We. Have been looping in leaders, and opposition, members from the very beginning, indeed the. Proposals, on. Expanding. On filling, gaps have come from, MPs, of all parties including many, many Liberal MPs who've been passing. The message through we, know that Canadians, are, working. Together in unprecedented, ways to, fill gaps and to respond to, these challenges and, it is wonderful, quite frankly to see so. Many suggestions, coming, forward, many, of them that make it into, tweaks. And improvements and. Changes to, programs, that, are designed to help as many Canadians, as possible, it is a great. Sign of collaboration. And, solidarity. Of Canadians, working, together on, leaning, on each other on being there for each other just, like we're seeing outside, of the political world as well.
Hi. Prime Minister Christopher Lloyd with global news today you said small business owners are at the heart of so many communities, but small businesses are terrified at the book but the possibility, of getting out of this and having an enormous debt piled onto them in the form of rent deferrals and loans the, fear is that if they're either going to run out of money now or a year down the road these businesses have legally been forced to close and yet so legally you have to pay rent utilities, have, you considered financial aid that would not have to be repaid or discuss rent for the forgiveness, or control with the provinces we. Have, discussed, the. Issue of commercial rent with the provinces I had a good conversation with them on Thursday evening where this came up we. Are looking at it very. Very closely we have a number of proposals that. Are working their way through the system talking, to various, industry. Groups and and, renters. Associations. As well as looking. At the provinces, the. Provinces, have jurisdiction over. Rents. And the relationship, between landlords. And tenants so, we, need to work with them which is what we are doing we recognize, there are very, different realities, and systems right across the country but, we also heard very very clearly from. Small business owners that the wage, subsidy is helpful. But fixed costs, are a real concern and, that is something, that we're gonna have more to say on soon. Ian. Wood CTV, News prime, minister BC seen some success flattening, the curve and has indicated they might look at loosening restrictions. You. Said it's too soon to be doing this and meanwhile, province is like Ontario, and Quebec are still in the thick of it are. You concerned, a difference, in messaging, and measures will enable people to disregard. What's, in place now and are you going to allow provinces. To make the decision, on reopening or will the federal government, need to give a green light, I think. Canadians. Understand, that what we are doing now has been tough but. Is essential. On getting. Through this in the best possible way and Canadians, are also really. Worried, that, if we reopen. Too quickly or too soon or in the wrong way we. Could find ourselves back. In this situation. A couple. Of months from now and everything, everything, we will have sacrificed during, these months will, have been for. Naught so, we. Are being very, very careful in, how we move forward as a country I have, spoken, extensively, with, the Premier's about this issue and everyone recognizes. How cautious, and careful, and, vigilant we, need to be there. Is a real desire to ensure, that we are coordinating. Our messages. Our guidelines, the principles, that will underline how. We move, forward but, of course the situation, is very different right across the country from one region to the next and, the, measures that they will be able to move forward within at. Various, moments will, vary, as well that's. Going to be an important, part of the recovery, here we, need to make sure that we're working together, as we have been in an unprecedented. Way between. Premiers. And the, federal government and municipalities. And various other communities, to. Make sure that we're doing the right kinds of things and, that we're sending the right messages, to Canadians, every step the way but the message remains that. We have to be extremely. Careful to do this the right way in a coordinated, and collaborative way. The. Canadian, meat industry, is saying. It. Is facing a crisis as processing. Plants, after close or slow production because of kovat 19 and the. Canadian, Federation of Agriculture, has said that your government, needs to prioritize, food production, so, we don't have shortages, we've, heard the government is considering all options but. What are they, so that Canadians can feel confident, that they'll be able to buy meat and food in the coming, months I think ensuring. The, continued, flow of, groceries.
And Our food supply chains is absolutely. A priority, but. So is arresting, the spread of kovat 19 so. Is ensuring, that workers, in all industries, across this country, can. Remain safe getting. That balance right requires, us all to step up very carefully, because we, need to make sure that yes we, are continuing. The flow of you. Know great, Canadian food to. People and indeed. We, need to ensure that, we, have as much domestic. Food security, and stability as, we possibly, can and that means taking, advantage, of the, summer months that are coming up in the growing season and the planting season now. At. The same time we, have to make sure we are doing things that are keeping, you. Know farmers agricultural. Workers producers. And transformers, safe, and. That is what we're very very much attentive, to now good. Morning Prime Minister Ashley Burke CBC News, Harvard. Research researchers. Have suggested that there needs to be at least, 500,000. Tests being done a day in the US in order to safely reopen, the economy, what, is this the specific, number of tests that Canada needs to hit daily, to safely ease up restrictions, here I think, every. Everyday, we are working on new technologies. On better, coordination. On accelerating. The pace of testing it, has been somewhat. Uneven. Across the country there are places that have done very, very well there are some places that have faced, challenges that they are busy overcoming. But we are confident, we are going to be able to significantly. Ramp up testing, and all, the Premier's recognize, that extensive. Testing, is an essential, part of any. Plan to, loosen the controls on on, people and start. Reopening. Or restarting, the economy, this. Is something that the federal government, is very much engaged in with, with, the provinces, ensuring. There are enough, tests, there are enough swabs there are enough reagent, these. Are the kinds of things that we, are all working on together we know we have to do much more than we're doing now and we are tracking, towards doing that many. Of the cases in Canada have come from those returning from the US Trump's. Talk to continuously, about reopening the u.s. you said today the border agreements going to stay in place but if the u.s. does loosen some restrictions, in the next few weeks what, kind of health threat does that pose to Canadians we. Have the, border restrictions in, place where. A, non-essential. Travel across the border will, not be permitted we, will continue, to take the measures necessary to, keep, Canadians, safe while ensuring, the continued, flow of our essential. Supply chains on. Which so many Canadians, depend. Okay. News. I don't quote sinuate. We. Will continue to be very vigilant about, our borders and, travelers.
Coming From abroad and, we will continue as well to work with, the Americans. To. Ensure our own safety. By. Maintaining. The. Current. Measures. At the border every. Step of the way we will do what is necessary to, protect Canadians. That. Our supply. Chains remain open. The. Impact. On. Canada's. Stockpiles. Has been for PPE, when. The government closed so many of its warehouses, across the country. Over. The past weeks we've been. Focused. On. Delivering. PPE. To the provinces, on delivering. The necessary, equipment, to ensure. That our frontline workers, who, are putting. Their. Lives. Forward. To keep Canadian, safe are, properly. Protected, the, efforts. Continue, I mentioned, to, plain loans coming in this in. This over, this weekend more, coming in over the coming days we, are confident, that we are in a good place around, PPE and will only get better as more and more Canadian, producers. And suppliers come. Online it has been something. Extraordinary. To, see the level to which Canadian, manufacturers. Have been stepping. Up to get involved, and, we are in, a much better place than we were a number, of weeks ago of course there. Is a need, for continued, vigilance and, there will of course be many, lessons, learned on how Canada can be better, prepared for, any, future outbreaks than. We were this time I want. To offer the best offer as we can have that. Rather. Simple, question, why, are we extending, the closure of the border with the United States is it because you are concerned, that the president Trump may want, to lift. The, current, measures. Do. You think that they're, not able to properly, manage the pandemic, what is the reason. Well, we closed our borders to international, travelers, many, weeks ago. And. That included, people from every country in the world. We. Took a few days more to do that with the United States because we needed to ensure, that this, could be done in a coordinated, manner that, would allow us to keep. Our supply, chains open and we. Wanted to do it in cooperation. With our, closest. Partner, and, Ally. So. These. Measures, were absolutely, critical in order to protect Canadians. And. Limit, the spread of the virus and. We. Will keep them in place. In. Relation, to the United States and all the other countries around the globe for many many weeks to come a. Number. Of weeks ago to. Close our borders to international. Travelers, we. Recognized, that this was a significant. Measure but it was, an important, one, in order to prevent further. Spread, of kovat. 19 from coming in from overseas it, has contributed. To why. We are now in many, parts of the country talking, about seeing. A flattening of the curve which is good news, we. Included, the United States in, those measures because. These. Are measures that we put in place around the world we did take a couple more days to. Ensure that we were properly coordinated with, our closest. Neighbor and most. Important trading partner and that was very very effective in it being a mutually, agreed on and carefully, coordinated, measure we will continue those measures both with the United States and with the world for. What, is undoubtedly, going to be many. More weeks. Suhana. Go. XI Asians with the opposition. About. You're. Able to agree with United States what is blocking an agreement can you not put some water in your wine. Well. We, are dealing with a situation. A. Number, of members of the various parties agree. That. We should move, forward with measures. That, will, require. Or, lead. To a limited, Parliament. Every week but, there are also others. That, want. A, parliament, to be sitting four or five days a week and I don't think that's the right thing to do it's not the right balance and we are pursuing those discussions, now. Many. Parties. Opposition. Parties are in, agreement that, limited. Sittings every, week are, a good measure to both ensure accountability and. Continue. The work. That we're we're, needing to do to pass legislation for. Canadians, we, are of course looking. Forward, to being able to see more virtual, parliamentary, sittings that will allow MPs.
From All around the country not just from. The National Capital Region being. Able to participate. There. Is one, party that still wants. More. Than I think is wise at this particular, time in terms of a public safety approach and in terms of ensuring. That we are, that. We are getting that balance right in, moving, forward for, protecting. Our institutions, but, we are hopeful that we're going to get to a good place soon. Yes. He threw multi. Okay. That is the Prime Minister of Canada on this Saturday, morning briefing, Canadians, on his government's, actions. To fight kovat 19 let's. Bring in the CBC is Catherine : Catherine maybe I'll just pick up where, the Prime Minister left stop left off because it is of. Significant, interest obviously in Ottawa but it should be of interest to everyone because if no agreement is, reached, 338. People have, to get back here for Monday for, Parliament to sit and. We know rosemary when we look at the two extraordinary, sittings, we've had thus far during, the course of this outbreak that when a deal has been reached, it's, been sort of an eleventh-hour thing. So I think we're gonna see a lot of people those who are engaged in this issue biting. Their fingernails you, know there was that little twist of optimism, from the prime minister at the end there saying that he hoped that a deal, could be reached soon. But there is something, of a faceoff happening, between primarily. It seems to be his party and the Conservative, Party I should say I was speaking to the government House leaders office they say they do have a deal with the bloc québécois that. They are close to a deal with the NDP which the NDP tells me is a fairly decent, assessment, of what's, happening right now that they are really at odds with the Conservatives, now. Let's throw another element into all of this Elizabeth. May the Green Party she was tweeting earlier this morning that. If there is some sort of agreement that would require as she put it frequent. Returns. To the House of Commons well. She would jump in somebody from the Green Party would say no we won't give unanimous, consent, to that we won't let that happen because she thinks it's a public health issue she, was engaging on Twitter with the Conservatives, government house leader Candice, Bergen who said, that, she essentially agrees that everybody. Having to come back on Monday would indeed be irresponsible it's, not a good idea although she seemed, to be it was implicit and not explicit, putting, the responsibility, for that on the liberal she says we need a deal in order, to make this happen she mentioned that Parliament. Just isn't ready for a virtual, of Parliament that's something we hear from Andrew Shearer time and time again and, we do know that the government asked. The speaker to look into this process but that it's something that would take a bit of time to establish I, think, anybody who has been on a work conference, call and perhaps recognized, by why anybody, who's been watching any of the parliamentary, committees certainly there are some technical difficulties, that make accountability. Challenging, at the same time the public health concern here is a big one I should also note that Candice Bergen though you, know you heard the prime minister say some parties want four or five days a week I don't think anyone is actually asking for five days Candice, Bergen specifically. Tweeting, that what they'd like to see the government do is three days a week 90-minute. Sessions, she. Asks that she says that would be with a limited, number of MPs I think that's also important, to flag that nobody, seems, to want a situation where, all 338. MPs are back she, asks why that, would be too much I think we heard some of that answer from the prime minister as he suggests that it is a, public. Safety a too much of a health risk so the negotiations. Continue. Behind the scenes not clear whether or not what happened, just. Now the comments, by the Prime Minister are going to move, the discussion along. I think we're gonna have to keep watching. Our email rosemary yeah I think, you're right okay the, other bit of big news and this concerns everyone of course the canada-us border yes. So, you know a lot of Canadians may say hey, listen status, quo this is just another 30-day, extension, but.
It's, Really interesting to watch what's been happening day in and day out with these conversations these. Questions that the the Prime Minister is being asked by the media because repeatedly. Reporters. Asked him to acknowledge what is in many ways I think obvious. To a lot of Canadians particularly, if you look at what's happening let's say in New York State right now they. Say sir is it, not apparent, that the United States poses an enormous risk, to us and the Prime Minister just does not want to acknowledge. That, however self-evident. It might be. Perhaps. And. I don't want to speculate about what's going on in the Prime Minister's mind, but obviously there's this question of whether or not he might provoke the United States and we have seen the government sort of, lurching. Around, a couple of times over the course of this outbreak as they try to deal with unexpected news coming from the United States first there was that report of, the possibility, of the u.s. putting troops on the border there, was also this question of whether or not Donald Trump was going to prevent 3m from sending those much-needed. N95. Masks, to Canada, so this status, quo news undoubtedly, a relief, to government officials in Canada I think, it was also interesting towards the end of the conversation rosemary, the Prime Minister said something to the effect of the deal with the United States that it was undoubtedly going to be many more weeks now he noted that this deal extends, for another 30, days not, clear whether he was suggesting an, extension, beyond, that as well whether or not that's something Canadians, will be seeking of course we know things change so much in the course of a day who, knows where we're gonna be in 30 days but, certainly. I'm sure really for the Liberals that they have, pushed. That particular, issue back for another 30 days yeah, okay Catherine that's great thank you I will we'll come back to you if you don't mind I'll put you on standby I will just also mention we, talked about before the prime minister spoke now the requirement to wear masks, if you are getting. On a plane the Prime Minister making it very clear, that, he still doesn't want you to be traveling, that non-essential, travel should not be happening but if you are required, for some sort of reason to get on a plane you do have to know wear. A mask okay the other substance, of the announcement, though was, the, decision to allow, 306. Million, dollars, in loans, and some non-refundable. Payments. To, indigenous, small, and medium-sized businesses, this, is another sector, obviously that's been hard hit by Kovac 19 we saw the government try, to get money to particular, sectors yesterday a bit of a continuation of, that today if I'm not mistaken there's something like 6,000. Indigenous. Businesses, across this country, Tabitha bull is the president and CEO of the Canadian Council for Aboriginal, business and she joins me from Toronto good to see you Tabitha, you. Too thanks for having me yes so this is. How. Needed was this going to be was there a real desire, for additional, money for specifically. Indigenous, businesses. Absolutely. There are actually over, 50,000, indigenous businesses across Canada, and about. 99 percent of those are small medium enterprises. Both. Merged around March 20th we sent a letter actually to the, prime minister in the coalbed cabinet along with a number, of our friends, including. The National Aboriginal capital, corporations, which the prime minister mentioned today. Highlighting. That a number of small medium enterprises very, low number of those actually, access, financing, through traditional financial institutions so, we wanted to ensure that was a way that small. Media enterprises could. Access, some of the same liquidity, in capital that was going. Out through the b-pack and through the community emergency, business account this, is a much needed and welcome, announcement so, this is this, is because a lot of indigenous, companies. Use indigenous, institutions banking. Institutions, which primarily so this will go directly to, those instead, of a traditional, bank as you say, that's. Right and you know a number of indigenous businesses, are also about, 65% of them are financed, through their, own personal savings, or through personal, loans so. They're not an existing client of a financial institution and, the Seba is it's very clear is for existing clients in those institutions, so we, really needed another another, root for those businesses, to access some capital and liquidity the. The other thing that struck me from, what the prime minister said was and, this is something, that we're seeing throughout various, sectors frankly, through the pandemic is that many many. Of these businesses are owned and employed women indigenous women, can, you give us a picture of that and and how important, it is because I know it's hid other sectors hard to a lot of women in the service industry, for instance you.
Give Us a picture of that in terms of indigenous, businesses. So. We definitely see women, more, double. The, amount. Of women are innovating. And coming into the, indigenous entrepreneur. A lot of that is you know it helps for them to be able to have a flexible schedule not unlike women across the country but, a lot of the sectors that were hit initially, are more, sectors, where you would have a personal interaction so. Spa. And. Tourism. And those are sectors, where we see a lot of more women-owned businesses, so we have seen a higher, impact indigenous, women for, sure are. There are, there other things that are needed that was the other thing that struck me the prime minister said this is just the first step as we know these these policy, decisions that are getting made very very quickly and pushed out the door very quickly are sometimes. Not the final version is there anything else that you are looking for. Yeah. Definitely, you know we've been working very closely with the government on a number of the programs that are already, have. Already been established, you. Know I don't think it's intentional but there's a number of of, factors, in those programs that excludes, indigenous, businesses, so the wage subsidy as an example. Aboriginal. Economic development corporations who are a limited. Partnership with their community, but employ you, know up to eight hundred indigenous. People and a number of those organizations. They're currently excluded from the wage subsidy, just. By the way that they're living a partnership is set up so we're working very closely with the government to try to understand, that some. Of those businesses have laid off over. Half of their employees, and those are businesses who put money right back into programming, in the community, so we, need to ensure that they're, able to access that wage subsidy, I think. Additionally, is procurement. We have a number of indigenous business members that, are able to supply PPE. And able to pivot to ensure that they we can all fight covet 19 together and I'd. Really like to see some type of incentives that we can ensure that those indigenous businesses, have an opportunity, to be part of this fight, against kovin 19 particularly. When they can support loss of life in indigenous communities who are at a much higher risk for this pandemic you're talking about companies they're switching over their supply lines or their supply, chains to create different things that are needed like masks and that kind of thing yeah. Definitely, we have seen a couple of our indigenous business members who have pivoted to. Ethanol. And producing. Hand sanitizer, had a number of businesses to who have been able to access, masks. And you. Know another great business abre. Flex that has been, able to pivot to making gowns so we want to make sure that those businesses, have an opportunity, to be part of both the federal supply chain but also to support directly to communities, ok. Tabitha good of you to make the time for us on this Saturday do appreciate it very much, thanks. Very much ok stay well alright. And that is courses the prime ministers and substantive. Announcement, around financial aid today 306, million dollars of loans. Or non repayable, funds. That to go to indigenous, specific. Businesses, of which there are many across this country I want, to go now to Quebec, to get a picture of how things are unfolding, in that province it of course one of the hardest hit places in, this country not.
Only In long-term care centers, but across, the province but, we have seen of course the outbreak in long-term care centers, and province particularly. Hard-hit just like it is in Ontario, so let's go to the CBC's Matt d'amour he's, in Montreal, and maybe let's start on that point. That. Because I do know the premier was asked about that yesterday, and had some pretty frank, comments, are on his. Assessment or the evaluation, the evaluation of, his own government in dealing with this. Yeah. Really, what we heard yesterday from Quebec. Premier Klaus when ago was kind of a Mia culpa about how the, government of Quebec has handled, the situation and long-term care facilities, during, the kovat 19 pandemic. So. Much so that the the government actually asked, for assistance from the federal government, to get Canadian. Armed Forces members, to. Come into the province and to help, out in some of these facilities and that's actually starting today. They're gonna be about a hundred and twenty five Armed. Forces members we're going to be deployed in Quebec to help in these facilities we. Heard from the Canadian Armed Forces that, that is starting. At a specific, long-term. Care facility in Montreal, in. Fact by, noon people. Should be in that facility and we're talking about nursing. Officers, technicians. And other support staff we're going to be going in there to try to help out now premier Legault essentially, said that there is a deteriorating. Situation in. These, long-term care facilities, in fact more. Than half of the deaths recorded in, Quebec attributable. To kovat 19 have happened in, these long-term, care, facilities, now, the premier said that his, government should have tackled. The situation, in, these long-term care facilities, sooner. Especially, this issue of chronic understaffing and, he said that before, this pandemic the government should have acted, quicker on trying to get higher, salaries, in these places to deal with the chronic over snap I got mad I'm sorry I gotta let you go cuz I'm just gonna end the special on the main Network thank you for that Matt do more in in Montreal you can watch us on cbc news network. Okay. We are back welcome to our CBC News special coverage live from Ottawa I'm rosemary, Barton thanks for joining us on CBC News Network we're streaming around the world on our app and cbc.ca. We. Are standing by at this hour for the daily briefing, from federal cabinet ministers, and public health officials just. Last hour the prime minister gave his own update, he. Did a reveal, that his government and the United States have, agreed to keep the border closed, to non-essential, travel for, another 30, days that was set to expire at the beginning of next week so, an important, move there by the federal government to keep travel, restricted, and keep that border, really.
Restricted, To only essential. Only. Essential workers going back and forth for instance he also announced some additional funding, to help indigenous, owned businesses. That. News comes as parts of Canada have begun to address the possibility, of easing. Restrictions on. Physical distancing, British Columbia, says, it hopes to potentially. Start relaxing some, of those rules next, month the, City of Toronto today, is holding, some talks, about laying at a potential, timeline for, its reopening, even though it is still many weeks away from allowing, that to happen this is all in the planning stages the, prime minister of course has says that, it will be weeks till, before. Canadians will be able to go back to some sort of sense of normal, life even if that just includes going to the park for instance, Kovach 19 continues, to kill Canadians, every day particularly, as we know in Ontario, and Quebec long-term, care homes about half of the deaths in this, country attributed. To what. Is happening in, in those places the, severe outbreaks, and the, inability to contain, or move people, from long-term care centers all, right as, we wait for this briefing to get started I'll bring in the CBC's Catherine Cullen she is standing by in. Ottawa I'm just trying to think was there anything else there from the prime minister that stood out other than the border which is which, was hugely significant, in terms of public health given as we were talking about the. Fact that that things are very tough and you know what I'm gonna have to come back to you because I see that the president, of the Treasury Johnny Chico is speaking so let's go, now to that press conference. Test. For over five. Hundred and seven, thousand. People with. Six, percent confirmed, cases. Potent, all the you know the dr. tom key. On. Behalf of dr. Tim Canada's. Chief Public Health Officer I will begin with, the usual, daily, update on the number of coping 19 cases in Canada there. Are now 30. 1884. Cases, including. 1309. Deaths, five. Hundred and seven thousand, tests, have been completed, with. Six percent, confirmed positive. Dr.. Tom said that there is some cause for. Cautious. Optimism. Coming. From the data this. Still holds true, but. We must remain vigilant, stay. Focused, and keep, our eyes on the ultimate, goal which. Is limiting, the spread of this terrible, virus to, protect our families, our, friends and, our fellow Canadians. Know. Certain occasionally be lipedema. Some. Parts of the country will experience, the epidemic, slowing down earlier, than, other parts of the country but, no matter where you live in the country. Everyone. Must remember to keep doing the things that are helping to stop the transmission of, copán 19 in our communities, this. Includes. Washing, your hands frequently. Practicing. Physical distancing. And, staying. Home as much, as possible. Unless. We all remain, diligent in, maintaining, these very good new habits, new, outbreaks. Can, be sparked, anywhere. At. Any time. We. Will experience, the epidemic. Slowing, down earlier. Than, others but. No matter where we live in our country, everyone. Must remember to keep doing the things that are helping to slow down and then to stop the transmission in. Our communities. This. Includes wash. Our hands, frequently. Physical. Distancing, from one, another and staying. Home as much as possible, unless. We all remain diligent in. Maintaining. Our new habits new, outbreaks. Can, be sparked, anywhere. At, any time. Remember. As doctors Tom also, said this. Is not a sprint this, is a marathon. We. Need to keep doing and keep. Doing. This and can write things and keep, being strong all together. Asam, neutralizer. All set keys. We. Will get through this together. Let's. Take care of each other and keep. Hope. And. Now, an, update on, the Canada emergency response benefit, as we. Know the, Canada emergency response benefit, or serve, is. Helping. Millions, of Canadians.
And, Families, who are facing financial, hardship, as, of, April 16th. 6.4. Applications. Had been filed, for. A total, of 7.9. Million. Applications. Many. Of which have already been processed I'd a very. Quick update on, the important, Canada emergency. Response benefit, which, is helping. Millions of Canadians, workers. And families go through the very, difficult, economic, times, of the. Crisis, we. As. Of April 8 as of April 16th, we, have received a total of, 7.9. Million. Applications. From. 6.4. Million different, applicants, six. Of these. 7.9. Million applications. 7.6. Million have, already been, treated. Which. Was really - also that company. Here. With me today is. Mark. Miller Miller, minister of indigenous, services, also. With us today dr., Wong. Mr.. Mark Miller who is minister, of indigenous, services, and of. Dr. Wong so. I would first turn to dr.. Mr. Miller to mock and then to dr. Wong Mark. Messier. Eve Thank. You Joey, good. Afternoon. Sagal. Module. I, want. To start, by saying that over the last few. Weeks indigenous, communities have. Taken, many. Positive, measures to protect their populations, in the face of kovat 19 I want to recognize their. Important, work and the, strength that they've shown to. The First Nation, in wheat and maytee leaders, elders, and youth, your continued, leadership and, insight, is integral, to ensuring, that we advance preparedness. Planning. And supports, that, meets actual, community needs and protects. The most vulnerable, as. We are all focused on the public health response that. Will save lives. In. Addition, to that previously, announced 305 million, dollars, in funding to address immediate, needs and help. Indigenous communities prepare and react, to, the spread of this virus this, morning the prime minister announced. 306, point, eight million dollars for, indigenous businesses, as we. Recognize their unique needs. These. Businesses, are the backbones, of communities, across this country and they, are integral to the vibrancy of the indigenous kaanum economy, and the, Canadian economy while. Larger indigenous, businesses may already be clients of mainstream. Banks we recognize, that smaller indigenous. Businesses, may be disproportionately. Affected, by this unprecedented. And, unique, situation, these businesses. May. And are already facing unique, challenges, such as being in rural, or remote locations. And having. Less, access to capital the. Emergency, funds announced, today will be provided, to indigenous. Businesses, through the 59, aboriginal financial, institutions, enable, them enabling, them to keep supporting the. Thousands, of small and medium. First Nations Inuit, and
2020-04-22