"More stringent measures" could be in place if Canadians don't stay home: Trudeau
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau today said the House of Commons will pass emergency legislation to provide Canadians with financial aid this afternoon, and repeated his message to stay home.
According to the prime minister, the legislation will make sure “Canadians are getting the support they need during these challenging times.”
During his daily update from Rideau Cottage, the prime minister said that whatever your situation may be, the government will help.
“I want to make it very clear, I believe in our democratic institutions. All of us in parliament must work together.”
Trudeau continues his pleas for everyone to stay home, and for Canadians to do their part in flattening the curve.
This, especially for those who have travelled, adding nearly one million Canadians returned home this past week.
“We will put more stringent measures in place if people do not follow this,” said the prime minister. “The decisions you make have serious consequences not just on the community but the entire country.”
“Do it for healthcare workers who we can’t afford to lose during the biggest public health crisis our country has ever seen,” he reiterated. “If our nurses and doctors have COVID-19, they can’t help you or loved ones.”
In an emergency situation, Trudeau said that all options are on the table to do what is necessary, and that the Federal Emergency Act is a last resort.
He said that most provinces and territories brought in their own emergencies act to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.
On Monday, Trudeau continued to urge Canadians to stay home.
“Enough is enough,” said Trudeau. “Go home and stay home… We can’t afford to stop now.”
He said that physical distancing is the best way to keep everyone safe.
“If you choose to ignore advice, you are putting yourself at risk and others too,” Trudeau said. “Canadians must do their part to keep us all safe.”
The House of Commons is being recalled on Tuesday at noon Eastern Time “so we can pass emergency legislation that will put our plan into motion,” Trudeau said over the weekend.
At the time, Trudeau wouldn’t explicitly say whether Ottawa will invoke the Emergency Measures Act, only saying that the government is “looking at all tools that may be needed to keep Canadians safe.”
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