A new rent relief package to help small businesses impacted by the coronavirus has been unveiled by the federal government.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the loan program on Friday.
“We’ve reached agreements with all provinces and territories to lower rent by 75 per cent for small businesses that have been strongly affected by COVID-19 for April, May and June,” he said.
Trudeau said small businesses paying less than $50,000 a month on rent will be eligible for the support.
“We will also be there for non-profits and charitable organizations that are struggling right now. We will also have more to say in the coming days about rent support for larger businesses,” he said.
Local business owners have made a plea for help because of shutdowns or a drop in revenue due to the coronavirus.
With files from Mike Ebbeling.
