OTTAWA –(CTV New), Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government is making changes to the $1,000 sickness benefit, closing a loophole to make sure anyone who travels for non-essential reasons will not be able to access it to cover the cost of their quarantine upon return to Canada.
During his first Rideau Cottage address of 2021, Trudeau condemned those who travelled internationally over the holiday season. His office has confirmed to CTV News that the prime minister has not travelled and spent the holidays at home with his family.
“No one should be vacationing abroad right now,” Trudeau said, vowing more details soon about how the government will ensure those claiming this COVID-19 benefit are eligible.
“So many people gave up so much more than just a vacation over the holidays. There’s a reason so many Canadians made those tough, but responsible decisions. There’s a reason so many Canadians did their part. It was for the people around them,” he said.
