Covid-19 Update – March 27, 2020

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

“Earlier this week, Conservatives asked the government to significantly increase the wage subsidy, to provide help with the GST remittance and to backstop banks that extend loans to small businesses. I have been hearing from small businesses in our riding that the federal governments 10% wage subsidy is just not enough to keep employees on,” said MP Arnold Viersen. “Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister indicates that the government listened. This is good news for small businesses and workers across Peace River – Westlock.”

National

Total Canadian cases: 4,622.
Over 161,603 Canadians have been tested for COVID-19
NEW – Federal Government announces new measures for small/medium businesses:
- Wage subsidy for small & medium sized businesses increased to 75% up from 10% retroactive to March 15.
- Backstopping banks that offer $40,000 government-guaranteed loans interest-free for the first year to small businesses.
- HST and GST payments are being deferred until June, giving businesses more time to make their payments.
NEW – The CFIB released a summary of the federal support programs for small businesses during COVID-19 crisis. [Does not include today’s announcement]
NEW – The Quarantine Act invoked by federal government on March 25 imposes a mandatory two-week isolation period for Canadians returning to Canada.
NEW – Call to Canadian manufacturers & businesses to help combat Covid-19

All national updates can be found at: www.Canada.ca/coronavirus

Alberta

Total cases in Alberta: 486, including 67 new cases of COVID-19.
26 cases in the North zone.
Over 36,000 Albertans have been tested for COVID-19.
NEW – Alberta’s Emergency isolation support open for online applications.
NEW – Alberta peace and police officers will be able to issue fines of up to $1,000 to those violating public health orders, including those not adhering to self-isolation.

All Alberta updates can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

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