Summary of the Prime Minister's news conference April 1

1 April 2020

CEO, Elizabeth Mulholland summarizes government measures being taken in response to COVID-19 to support people living on low-incomes and those that serve them. Read the latest update from the Prime Minister's Office, April 1.

Happy Sikh Heritage Month.

Thank you to the people on the front line – farmers and truckers, people delivering air cargo, nurses and doctors. You’re protecting our health and the health of our families. Your government is there for you. And we all say thank you.

Update on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy

Later today, Ministers Morneau, Ng and Bains will provide an update on the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy.

It will be available to businesses of all sizes (including charities and non-profits) that are not publicly funded and have seen a 30%+ decline in gross revenues.

Applications will be open soon through the CRA.

This money is for workers. Employers will have to attest they’re doing everything they can to pay remaining 25% of wages.

There will be severe penalties for anyone trying to take advantage of this system

Update on Canada Emergency Response Benefit

Canadians can start applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) on April 6.

Individuals receiving the wage subsidy from their employer can’t collect the CERB

If you have already applied through EI, you don’t need to apply.

If you can’t apply online, call the Canada Revenue Agency for help over the phone. By mail, you’ll get your cheque within 10 days.

After applying, to keep getting this benefit, check in every month to say that you are still out of work.

Ministers Duclos and Qualtrough to provide more details more details on this process later today.

Recall of Parliament

We have a plan to protect jobs, help those laid off, and support businesses with cash flow, but we’re not done.

PM has asked House leader to reach out to other parties about bringing back Parliament. This must be a Team Canada effort.

Reminder that we all have to do our part

But the government alone cannot win this fight.

We all have a role to play, a collective responsibility.

Listen to public health rules. Stay home. Be smart about what you do and the choices you make.

How well we do this right now determines where our country will be in two weeks or in two months.

If you do not follow public health guidelines, you’re putting others at risk.

We all have a moral obligation to remain home and to take care of each other.

We will get through this by working together and remaining true to our values as Canadians.