PM promises changes to federal wage subsidy program

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) — The prime minister is promising more support for businesses dealing with the fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Justin Trudeau said Friday that in the coming days the federal government will announce changes to the wage subsidy program, to ensure it doesn’t become a barrier for businesses that are growing as provinces start to reopening more parts of their economies.

“We don’t want people who get close to that 70 per cent of business’ usual mark to have to slow down and not grow because, if they lose that wage subsidy, they are in big trouble,” he added.

“That’s why we’re looking at modifying it.”

He didn’t explain further.

Trudeau was speaking at a brewery that accessed the federal wage subsidy and other supports.

He also said the military is starting to transition out of long-term-care facilities in Ontario and Quebec after horrid conditions prompted the provinces to request help.

RELATED: Provinces want flexibility on using $14B in federal transfer funds: Moe

Trudeau added premiers are still in disagreement regarding how to disperse $14 million the federal government has promised to transfer to municipalities.

The prime minister has said the offer includes money for personal protective equipment, up to 10 days of paid sick leave for workers without benefits, and support for transit and community programs in municipalities.

Saskatchewan’s premier has said he and other provincial leaders have asked Ottawa for more flexibility.

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