Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is laying it on the line for those people who are ignoring their calls to social distance and keep away from others.
Trudeau says it is Canadians duty to keep two meters between yourself and others, avoid groups, stay home as much as possible.
“If you choose to ignore this advice, you choose to get together with people or go to crowded places, you aren’t just putting yourself at risk, you are putting our nurses and doctors at risk, seniors, and those who are stocking shelves at local grocery stores,” Trudeau stressed.
“Enough is enough, go home and stay home,” Trudeau adds.
Trudeau told media that people need to get the message and every single Canadian has to do their part in helping to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The Prime Minister also shared the federal government is helping to develop and produce vaccines and treatments for coronavirus. The federal government announced $275 million for coronavirus research and medical countermeasures are part of the Government of Canada’s more than $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund. The funding will be used to advance projects that are already underway by university researchers and others to respond to COVID-19, and ensure a domestic supply of potential vaccines.
Trudeau also said the federal government will provide other programs to support farmers that are facing financial impacts during the pandemic.
Farm Credit Canada will receive support from the Government of Canada that will allow for an additional $5 billion in lending capacity to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. This will offer increased flexibility to farmers who face cash flow issues and to processors who are impacted by lost sales, helping them remain financially strong during this difficult time.
In addition, all eligible farmers who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program loan due on or before April 30 will receive a Stay of Default, allowing them an additional six months to repay the loan. This important measure, which represents $173 million in deferred loans, will help keep more money in farmers’ pockets during these critical months.
The Stay of Default will also provide farmers with the flexibility they need to manage their cash flow when facing lower prices or reduced marketing opportunities. Applicable farmers who still have interest-free loans outstanding will have the opportunity to apply for an additional $100,000 interest-free portion for 2020-2021, as long as their total APP advances remain under the $1 million cap.
