Feds provide $350M for nonprofits to continue helping vulnerable Canadians
While the lockdowns, social and physical distancing measures are an adjustment for most of us, the pandemic is worsening the inequalities for all vulnerable Canadians. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau introduced $350M in funding for the organizations and nonprofits who help the homeless, young people without jobs, single-parent families and seniors.
“Well before the pandemic upset our lives, charities were there for our communities. They’re essential organizations for the most vulnerable Canadians and their mission in the midst of this pandemic doesn’t change,” said Trudeau.
The emergency community support fund will go to local organizations but also national organizations. “This is so they can adapt to the new realities and difficulties brought on by this pandemic,” said Trudeau. Larger, national organizations like the United Way and Red Cross will distribute funding to their own organizations.
The funding will go towards increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medication and transportation services, like accompanying or driving seniors or persons with disabilities to appointments.
Two cargo planes arrive from china, empty
Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer asked the Prime Minister during Monday’s question period about two cargo planes ( with PPE ) arriving from China, empty.
Trudeau was asked during his media briefing Tuesday what happened? Trudeau says there was one plane for Canada and one for a specific province.
The Prime Minister says there are huge delays and strict limits as to how long the aircraft can stay in China. “Unfortunately the planes had to take off without having received their cargo. But we continue to work tirelessly to get that equipment. We’ve received a great deal of equipment over the last few days. Up to now, we’ve been able to respond to the need of provinces,” said Trudeau.
Calculate your subsidy amount
Trudeau talked about a new calculator on the CRA website that will be launching today to help businesses determine what subsidy will cover them. Applications can be submitted as of Monday, April 27.
When you apply for the Canada Employment Wage Subsidy (CEWS), you will be asked to enter the number of eligible employees and gross payroll. The calculator can determine these amounts and preview your subsidy claim. Before you calculate your subsidy, make sure you are eligible to apply.
Canadian caseload, tests and deaths
To date, 565,931 Canadians have been tested for Covid-19. Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Theresa Tam says there are 37,374 cases in Canada. Dr. Tam reported 1,728 deaths on Tuesday.
“There is no doubt our sacrifices and everyday inconveniences have prevented an explosive outbreak in Canada like the ones that have overwhelmed health care systems in Italy, Spain and New York. This tells us we can’t let out guard down,” said Tam.
We’ve prevented an explosive outbreak in Canada.
Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s top doctor
Dr. Tam was very cautionary about when Canadians can return to normalcy, saying we need a few weeks to see how it works for other countries – who were ahead of Canada in dealing with Covid-19.
Meat prices could go up after outbreak in Alberta
While a domestic shortage isn’t expected by Canadian officials, the price of meat could go up now after a very large processing plant in Alberta shut itself down following a COVID-19 outbreak.
“We are not, at this point, anticipating shortages of beef, but prices might go up. We will, of course, be monitoring that very, very carefully,” said Prime Minister Trudeau.
A Cargill plant south of Calgary is linked to 484 confirmed cases of Covid-19. The company announced Monday it will shut down temporarily after one worker there died. That plant has over one-third of Canada’s beef-processing capacity.
