Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (File photo by Maureen Revait, Blackburn Media)Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. (File photo by Maureen Revait, Blackburn Media)
Windsor

Parliament to resume Tuesday to pass emergency financial supports

Some MPs will return to Ottawa Tuesday to pass an 82-billion dollar economic stimulus package to help individual Canadians and businesses weather the storm caused by COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the resumption of Parliament Sunday morning from outside his residence after reaching an agreement with the opposition parties.

The bill will be introduced at noon.

He emphasized the economic stimulus package is just the initial phase of government support during the pandemic, and Canadians should anticipate more measures.

Denmark has taken the rare step of freezing its economy. So long as employers do not layoff workers, it will pay 75 per cent of employee salaries. The country argues their economy will rebound faster if employers do not have to go through the process of rehiring workers.

Trudeau said a freeze on the economy is on the table too.

"We have not ruled out anything," he insisted. "We are continuing to talk about next steps, looking at best practices from around the world."

As for companies looking to retool their plants to produce medical equipment, Trudeau offered assurances the government will buy those products.

He expressed confidence Canada will be able to produce what Canadians need.

"We will ensure the equipment is available for those who need it right across the country," he said.

While politicians and health officials repeatedly warn Canadians to stay home, wash their hands, and self-isolate, it is clear some are not heeding the warning. Over the past week, many have commented on photos on social media of people crowding beaches in Florida and elsewhere.

Still, the federal government is not prepared to declare the Emergency Measures Act just yet.

"The federal Emergencies Act is a significant step that can and should be taken when we've exhausted all other steps at other levels of government," Trudeau said. "When the legislation and regulations available to the federal government are insufficient to respond to the situation at hand. We will continue to look at if it's necessary."

As for the nation's children, Trudeau had a special message for them.

"All of a sudden, you've heard you can't go on playdates or have sleepovers. Your playgrounds and schools have closed, and your March Break was certainly different than what you'd hoped for," he said. "I know this is a big change, but we have to do this, not just for ourselves, but for our grandparents, for our nurses, our doctors and everyone working at our hospitals. And, you kids are helping a lot."

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