Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced a $19 billion investment that would help provinces and territories safely restart their economy. The money would also help municipalities get back on their feet.
“The investments announced today will help ensure a safe restart of our economy over the next six to eight months,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. The funding will be aimed at seven different areas including: enhanced testing capacity, health care, support for vulnerable Canadians, and funding to help municipalities with costs related to making public spaces safe.
“As we continue to deal with the impacts of the virus, we are committed to working with the provinces and territories to provide the support they need to help Canadians make it through this crisis,” Trudeau said. The provinces and territories would have to outline a plan for their share of the funding.
Ontario will be getting $7 billion in funding. “This historic agreement proves what we can do as a nation when we stand united,” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said. Ontario’s big cities have been leading a charge for more federal aid. They applauded the new funding. “In providing this emergency funding, which includes operating support for municipalities, the provincial and federal governments have demonstrated that they understand the fiscal realities we face as we face as a result of this extraordinarily challenging public health crisis” Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie said. The province has not yet decided on how to divide the money.
