Please note that Julie and Peter are included in the top send line again today.

 

The PM has just concluded his daily briefing.  Here is what he announced:

- $306 million + support for Indigenous businesses; interest free and non-repayable contributions

- Canada/US border will be closed for a further 30 days

 

The interesting comments actually came today during the question and answer component with the media.  A Global TV reporter made me very happy - she said to the PM that small businesses have been forced to close but are still expected to make all of their bill payments so what is happening with the Emergency Rent Support program that the PM referenced earlier in the week.  The PM stated that he had discussed this issue with the Premiers during his Thursday night call and they're still looking at it. He said again that it has to be a collaborative negotiation as the Provinces oversee the issue of landlords and tenants and rent.  Another reporter stated that most of the proposals to assist small businesses immediately ie. rent relief are coming from members of the opposition and should the PM not be working more closely with them.  The PM said that they are working closely with the opposition parties.

 

So Julie and Peter, today is April 18th that means that including today there are 13 days until May 1st and once again our small businesses and landlords will be facing the challenge of rent payments.  The issue of rent relief has become the "hot potato" being tossed back and forth between the Feds and the Province.  Here's what I'm wondering:

- Julie, are you able to speak with Ministers Ng and Morneau to urge quicker movement on the collaboration with Premier Ford on this rent relief issue.  Only 13 days left until May.

- Peter, correct me if I'm wrong but, we really haven't seen your leader, Andrea Horwath, speaking up on this issue.  Small businesses have been working so very hard to get their message out to the government and to the media - that work has been unrelenting - but we really haven't seen your leader or your party's Federal leader Jagmeet Singh saying much.  Given that in today's Q&A the media brought up the fact that opposition parties have brought forward workable plans perhaps now is the time to hear more from Andrea and Jagmeet in the media. 

 

Thanks,

Susan