Restrictions at the Canadian-U.S. border will remain in place for a little longer.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Saturday that Canada and the United States have agreed to extend the existing border restrictions that are currently in place between the two countries.
“This is an important decision that will protect citizens on both sides of the border safe,” Trudeau said. “It’s another example of the excellent collaboration between our two countries.”
Trudeau also announced that the government will be allocating $306 million to help First Nations businesses.
“This will allow them to get an interest-free short term loan and non-refundable contributions so that they can get through this crisis and rebound afterwards,” he said. “The investments announced today will help thousands of businesses to hold the line until things get better, including many businesses that are led by indigenous women.”
The money will available through aboriginal financial institutions and administered through the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association, said Trudeau.
During Saturday’s address, Trudeau said another two planeloads of N95 masks have arrived in Canada, adding that more medical supplies are on their way into the country. He also said face shields produced by a Toronto company are going to be ready for use by health care professionals.
“It will get easier but until it does, we need to be prepared to persevere and that includes ensures that our front line workers have the equipment and tools they need to do their jobs and stay safe,” said Trudeau.
The Prime Minister also urged people to stay at home as the pandemic continues.
“These aren’t normal times,” he said. “We are living through an unprecedented public health emergency and we need to keep responding accordingly. So even as the weather gets nicer and even in the weeks to come as we start seeing hopeful news, we can’t let up.”
The new measures come a day after Trudeau announced billions in various support measures including billions in support for small businesses, startups, and those that work in the arts, culture, and sports sectors.
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