The Senate finance committee says significant gaps remain in the federal government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, despite efforts to adjust and improve emergency support programs rolled out over the previous several months. Expanding support programs for businessesThe committee report found that while programs like the wage subsidy have provided vital support to many businesses, many companies in need remain ineligible. "The take-up of the [wage subsidy] has been much lower than expected, possibly because the eligibility threshold has been set too high," the committee noted. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Monday the Canada emergency wage subsidy would be extended into December and that details would be forthcoming later in the week. Parliamentarians have been meeting as part of a special COVID-19 committee four times a week in the Commons, with a small number of MPs in the chamber and the others participating virtually.

Source: CBC News July 14, 2020 13:57 UTC