CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Hello everyone.

No matter who you are, the last few months will have changed your daily routine in ways big and small.

Canadians in every sector have faced challenges and tough choices at work.

And that includes people at research institutes, who are making the discoveries that keep us safe and healthy.

Science and research is our door to a brighter future, and that has never been clearer.   

But because of the pandemic, many labs have closed, or are at risk of imminently closing.

So, understandably, people are worried about their jobs and their future.

So today, we are announcing $450 million to help researchers and research institutions bridge to better times.

For universities and affiliated research institutes that have been affected by this pandemic, we will provide temporary support on wages.

By delivering this money through federal granting agencies, we will get help out as quickly as possible to the people who need it. 

Canada is lucky to have some of the best researchers in the world.

Every day, they make discoveries that keep us safe and healthy.

So we need to support them.

Far too many Canadians have lost their jobs because of COVID-19.

As our economy gradually reopens, wherever we can do so safely, we need you back.

We need you in your job, on your team, bringing life into our communities and our economy.

That’s exactly why we brought in the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy back in March.

Because, wherever possible, we wanted to keep you connected to the job you love, and to the workplace where you contribute every day.

When we launched this program, I talked about the neighbourhood spots it would support – the local restaurant, the salon, the gym – that had been forced to close, or seen business dry up.

Well, today, a lot of these places are looking towards reopening.

And they need to be able to bring back workers, and even hire more, as this happens. 

So this morning, I can confirm that we will extend the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy by another three months, to the end of August.

If you are a business owner preparing to reopen, this benefit will be there for you and your staff.

Business owners: Please take confidence from this announcement.

You now have some runway to catch your breath as you get restarted.

So please, bring back your employees.

Going forward, we need to make sure this program keeps working for people.

That it keeps encouraging employers to rehire staff, and even expand where possible.

So, over the next month, we’ll work with business and labour stakeholders on any adjustments that might be needed.

One of the things we’ll be looking at is the 30 per cent revenue decline threshold for eligibility.

As businesses start up, needing a decline shouldn’t be a barrier to growth.

I know we’ll figure out solutions where needed, while continuing to support employers and employees.

Because that’s who this is all about. 

If you’re a business owner, if you’re a worker – we’re here for you, now and throughout the summer.

At the same time, we’ve also broadened eligibility for this benefit.

Minister Morneau will have more details shortly, but these changes will get even more people back on the job.   

So to business owners who haven’t applied yet, go online and do so.

The help is there for you.

Last March, we anticipated more support for parents and workers, for students and seniors, for the hardest hit industries and for small businesses.

And today we are following through on our commitments.

Today kicks off this year’s hiring period for Canada Summer Jobs.

The first set of job postings are up on the Job Bank website, and thousands more will be posted over the coming weeks.

If you’re a student or recent grad, go to jobbank.gc.ca, that’s jobbank.gc.ca, or download the Job Bank app to check it out.

And tell your friends about it, too, if they don’t already know.

There are lots of opportunities available.

These placements mean a paycheque and valuable experience, in jobs that are key to our fight against COVID-19.

Of course, no one program can single-handedly solve the fact that there are fewer jobs out there because of the pandemic.

So, for students and recent grads who still need help, starting today, you can apply for the Canada Emergency Student Benefit.

Go to canada.ca to sign up.

For parents who receive the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and people who get the GST/HST credit, we also have more news to share today.  

Although everyone should do their best to file their taxes in time for the new June 1 deadline, your benefits won’t automatically be cut off if for some reason you miss that date.

Your CCB and GST/HST benefits will continue until the end of September.

But be sure in order to keep getting them, you need to file your taxes as soon as you can, so there’s enough time for the paperwork to be processed and you’ll be able to continue receiving those benefits beyond September.

This is a challenging time for everyone.

By working together and being there for one another, we’ll get through this.

Thank you.