Why Canada introduces targeted support for Black, indigenous entrepreneurs ─Trudeau

*As you celebrate with your family and friends virtually… know that we’ll continue to be here for you in 2021, says Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

In view of the damaging impacts of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on the citizenry in the North American country, Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, has explained how his administration has been working hard to help the citizens, business owners and entrepreneurs towards ensuring that they have the support they need.

The Prime Minister in a statement to mark the New Year January 1, 2021, made available to ConsumerConnect noted that the past 12 months have been challenging “for you, for your business, for your employees, and for people right across the country.”

He recalled “this year has been challenging for many of us. We have experienced a global pandemic that has threatened our health, our economy, and our very way of life. We have seen acts of senseless violence that have devastating impacts on our communities.

“And, we have heard heartbreaking stories and calls for justice from racialised Canadians and Indigenous peoples, demanding that we act now to address racism, discrimination, and injustices in our country.”

“Through the mental, physical, and financial toll of these past 12 months, we have also seen Canadians show strength, resilience, and a willingness to work together.

He disclosed that communities have taken steps to support their most vulnerable, families and businesses have made sacrifices to keep others safe, and people from coast to coast have fought for a better, fairer future for everyone.

Trudeau said: “Our government has been working hard to help you, and to make sure you have the support you need.

“We’ve created the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy to help you keep your workers on the payroll, and we’ve launched the Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy to help you keep your doors open.”

According to him, the government has established the Canada Emergency Business Account programme to help the citizenry to cover their other expenses.

Trudeau stated: “We’ve also introduced targeted support for Black and Indigenous business owners and entrepreneurs, as well as support for organisations and workers in sectors have that have been particularly hard hit by the pandemic.

“That support isn’t ending just because this year is. So, as you celebrate with your family and friends virtually tonight, know that we’ll continue to be here for you in 2021.”

“This year has been challenging for many of us. We have experienced a global pandemic that has threatened our health, our economy, and our very way of life.

“We have seen acts of senseless violence that have devastating impacts on our communities.

“And, we have heard heartbreaking stories and calls for justice from racialised Canadians and Indigenous peoples, demanding that we act now to address racism, discrimination, and injustices in our country.

He noted that “through the mental, physical, and financial toll of these past 12 months, we have also seen Canadians show strength, resilience, and a willingness to work together.

“Communities have taken steps to support their most vulnerable, families and businesses have made sacrifices to keep others safe, and people from coast to coast to coast have fought for a better, fairer future for everyone.”

“We will also keep doing what it takes, for as long as it takes, to support people and businesses through the crisis.

“Businesses, entrepreneurs, workers, and all Canadians have shown incredible resilience and resolve throughout the many challenges they have faced this year. And we have taken action to have people’s backs every step of the way.

“I also express my gratitude to those working on the front lines of the pandemic, who put the interests of their neighbours, their communities, and their country ahead of their own every day.

Trudeau as well noted that “the pandemic has shown us what we can accomplish and overcome when we all work together toward shared goals and values. Now, as we look to the opportunities that await us in 2021, let us all continue to build a Canada that is stronger, fairer, and more equitable for everyone.”