Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new federal government assistance program, Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program.  While full details have not yet been released, Trudeau said that this program will provide support for small businesses to meet rent dues and that the federal government will be collaborating with the provinces to set it up.  The support would available for April, May and June.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau shined more light on the program, saying the government would be offering loans, including forgivable loans to commercial landlords who offer rent reductions to businesses.

In addition, Trudeau also announced that the Canada Emergency Business Account will now be open to businesses that spent between $20,000 and $1.5 million in total payroll in 2019.