Mr. Ste-Marie, you're absolutely right. There must be a balance between the health crisis issue and the government's response. We're currently hearing that assistance programs will be extended until June. However, if there are no festivals this summer, at the very least, the hardest hit businesses will require assistance.
That's why we're working with the Coalition of Hardest Hit Businesses. Some 3% to 5% of businesses are still really struggling, including festival and event organizations, hotels and other businesses. These businesses must be assisted on a priority basis, even if it means adjusting the government assistance. The model doesn't need to be one size fits all. Some businesses are harder hit than others. This must be acknowledged. Programs must be designed to take this reality into account.
I believe that the emergency wage subsidy may be needed well past June 2021, perhaps for a few specific sectors and businesses that we could focus on together. Festivals and events are an obvious example.