COVID-19 Update for May 19, 2020 – 12:30pm
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced eligibility expansion for the Canada Emergency Business Account as well as an extension on the agreement between the U.S. and Canada to keep their borders closed to non-essential travel.
Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA)
Trudeau announced that his government will be expanding the eligibility criteria for the Canada Emergency Business Account to include businesses that are sole proprietors receiving income directly from their businesses, businesses that rely on contractors and family-owned corporations that pay employees through dividends rather than payroll. “Business like yours are the backbone of the economy and the life blood of our communities and whether it’s through CEBA or wage subsidy, we are in your corner,” said Trudeau.
You can read more about the expanded eligibility criteria here.
U.S Canada Border Closure Extended
The Prime Minister noted that the Federal government has reached an agreement between Canada and the United States to keep the border closed to all non-essential travel until June 21, even as parts of both countries begin gradually re-opening. “This is an important decision which will protect the citizens from both sides of the border,” said Trudeau.
Royal Air Force Snowbirds Plane Crash
Commenting on the RAF Snowbirds plane crash in Kamloops on Sunday, Trudeau paid a special tribute to Captain Jennifer Casey who was killed and Captain Richard McDougall who was seriously injured. The Prime Minister emphasized that this has been an extremely difficult few weeks for the members of the Canadian Armed Forces. “Our women and men have always been there for us, serving overseas to defend the values we hold dear, working here at home to care for our seniors, and lifting our spirits with flyovers,” he said. “To everyone who proudly wears the maple leaf – thank you. You do your country proud today and every day.”
Update on PPE
The Prime Minister also noted that in recent weeks his government has doubled the inventory of surgical masks and face shields and is expecting hundreds of thousands of hospital gowns, face shields and swabs to be delivered to the provinces and territories in the coming weeks. The government has also received orders for ventilators from an American company called ZOLL Medical and has secured 15 contracts from across the country to manufacture hospital gowns. New inventory for hospital gowns is expected to be released from Montreal company Samuelsohn soon.
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