Update:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government will lower rent for small and medium-sized businesses by 75 per cent during the months of April, May and June under the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program.
Businesses with monthly rents of $50,000 or less that have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis will be eligible for the program.
An agreement reached with all provinces and territories will see the federal government covering 50 per cent of monthly rent, with the property owners absorbing 25 per cent.
The prime minister also announced that a conversation about the gradual re-opening of parts of the economy will take place with premiers Friday.
Original story:
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is scheduled to brief Canadians at 11:15 a.m. on COVID-19 in what has become his daily address from Rideau Cottage.
Village Media will carry the livestream.
