Prime Minister Justin Trudeau isn’t saying when his government will provide a budget or fiscal update, citing economic uncertainty around COVID-19.

The government’s first budget since the fall election wasn’t delivered in late March as originally planned when the House of Commons went on an extended hiatus as a result of the pandemic.

Trudeau says the government is having difficulty determining what’s going to happen to the economy over the next few weeks, let alone the next year.

He says the government will look for ways to keep taxpayers apprised of spending.

Photo credit: Canadian Press

Trudeau made the comments this morning after saying that seasonal and tourism companies that don’t qualify for other federal programs can get funding through regional development agencies.

He also says that students will be able to begin applying Friday for a new emergency benefit.

The Canada Emergency Student Benefit will provide students $1,250 per month for up to four months, with an extra $750 for students with disabilities or dependents.

Trudeau says students should preemptively create an account with the Canada Revenue Agency.