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Discussing deal with opposition

Canada-U.S. border closure extended; PM announces funding for Indigenous businesses

Apr 18, 2020 | 9:14 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began his daily address to the nation Saturday with news of an extension of the closure of the Canada-U.S border to non-essential travel.

“Canada and the United States have agreed to extend, by another 30 days, the border measures that are currently in place. This is an important decision and one that will keep people on both sides of the border safe,” stated Trudeau.

The PM also announced $306 million for Indigenous businesses to allow them to get interest-free loans and non-repayable contributions through financial institutions and administered by the National Aboriginal Capital Corporations Association.

“This is only a first step. Very soon we will be announcing other measures to help Indigenous businesses and their employees,” said Trudeau.

Trudeau also talked about new medical supplies arriving daily in Canada including two planes with N95 masks and coveralls.

He urged Canadians to continue to follow the safety guidelines.

“This weekend please stay home and we will get through this.”

During media questions, Trudeau said his government continues to discuss a method to hold Parliament sessions to debate the minority Liberal’s programs that are being unveiled on a daily basis during the pandemic.

At this point, the Opposition Conservatives want to meet in person four days a week in the House of Commons but Trudeau is pushing for one day a week of virtual meetings with all 338 MP’s.

The parties are working on an agreement that would prevent all the MP’s and their staff from having to be in Ottawa Monday.

“Obviously that is not something from a public health standpoint we should want to see happening,” said Trudeau.

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