By Chris Brown

Trudeau announces reopening of national parks in June

May 14, 2020 | 10:02 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced some national parks will reopen on as the summer season gets into full swing.

National parks and historic sites will remain closed through the May long weekend, but Trudeau said they’ll open soon after.

“As of the beginning of June, some national parks will be reopening so that people in the area can use trails and green spaces where physical distancing is possible,” he said.

Details on which parks will be reopening then will come out in the coming weeks, said Trudeau, adding the government will try to align the reopenings with local and provincial plans.

Trudeau said all levels of government and industry will work together to find solutions for workers who can’t go back to work because of childcare concerns or are nervous for their safety.

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“We’re figuring this out step by step as we move forward as we get into the next phases of this. But every step of the way our focus is going to be on keeping people safe, first and foremost,” he said.

Trudeau also announced help for fisheries during his daily address outside Rideau Cottage.

A $470 million investment will help fish harvesters, including the Fish Harvesters Benefit for any harvester expecting a 25 per cent drop in income this season. The government will cover 75 per cent of the losses, up to about $10,000.

The government has also introduced non-repayable grants of up to $10,000 for harvesters who own their own business. The government will also change the rules so that fish harvesters will be able to apply for employment insurance based on the earnings of previous years.

Trudeau also announced a $100 million Agriculture and Food Business Solution Fund to help agribusiness companies facing financial strain.

Trudeau said that all Canadians have the backs of those in the industries and urged people to show that support by buying Canadian.

He also announced extra support for students in First Nations, Metis and Inuit communities and for women and children fleeing domestic violence in Indigenous communities and the establishment of the Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence at McMaster University to aid Canada’s veterans.