COVID-19 Update for May 16, 2020 – 12:05pm
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau opened with “encouraging news” at his daily briefing, announcing that Health Canada has approved the first Canadian trials of a COVID-19 vaccine. He also announced new emergency aid programs including additional funding for the Canadian Red Cross.
Vaccine Trials
While cautioning that a vaccine will take time, Trudeau was optimistic that clinical trials of a potential COVID-19 vaccine at the Canadian Centre for Vaccinology at Dalhousie University will ideally result in the vaccine being produced and distributed here in Canada.
Emergency Aid
Adding to emergency funding already in place, the Prime Minister announced new aid programs, including:
- $100 million for the Canadian Red Cross, which Trudeau acknowledged is facing increased demand for its services at a time of fewer volunteers and declining donations. The new funding aims to help the Red Cross deal with COVID-19 responses as well as preparing for flood and wildfire relief efforts.
- $15 million to support women’s entrepreneurship.
Trudeau also indicated that an increase to the Canada Child Benefit is coming as of July 20 – beyond the usual hike to recognize cost of living increases.
No Ontario Update Today
Premier Doug Ford is not scheduled to provide a briefing today and neither he nor Prime Minister Trudeau have briefings scheduled for Sunday or Monday.
Barring any other major developments, this will be Enterprise’s only update this weekend.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team