Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act  Mr. Speaker, I think we should start thinking about making many of the programs we are contemplating now as things to move forward with in a future that is better than the past. We do not want to go back to normal; we want to go forward to something better, a system and social programs that allow us to take better care of each another, and in that, the idea of waiving student interest is something we should absolutely do.

Canada Emergency Student Benefit Act  Mr. Speaker, from the beginning of this crisis, New Democrats have said there are three things that Canadians need. They need to have the money to be able to pay their bills, the confidence that they will have a job to return to and a safe place to live. Throughout this crisis, we have seen that the government has acted too slowly and, in many cases, with too little to help Canadians get through this crisis.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, the New Democrats worked to bring changes to the Canada emergency response benefit to get guarantees for people who were not eligible. The government said it would make the changes. However, I have a simple solution. Can the government amend the criteria so that people who need the CERB can simply give their name and gain access to resources?

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, that was not at all my question. I am saying that the current program, as it exists, has a whole list of criteria that are limiting people who need help right now. I have not asked to reduce the sum; I am asking if the government will commit to getting rid of its criteria with the existing program so that everyone who needs help can simply apply for that help and get it.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, I now want to touch on indigenous services and communities. We have heard a lot of concerns from indigenous communities about their lack of basic infrastructure, lack of basic human rights like clean drinking water and housing. On top of that, we are fast approaching the flood season, which means many people in many indigenous communities will have to be evacuated.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, my question for the government is concerning long-term care homes. We have seen deplorable conditions in long-term care homes. These are seniors who are often the most vulnerable in society. They are people who are not able to defend themselves and they are faced with horrible conditions.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, with all due respect, we have significant federal powers, and asking nicely simply is not working. Will the Prime Minister commit to using the powers we have to force banks to stop charging exorbitant interest rates on credit cards and personal loans? Will the Prime Minister ensure that we use our powers federally to get a pause on mortgage payments so we can get a pause on rent and help families out?

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, not a day passes without hearing a tragic story about a Canadian who is unable to pay his rent or mortgage. Although some assistance is available, it is not enough for many Canadians. Last week, experts before the Standing Committee on Finance were very clear: The government must do more to help people pay their rent.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, New Democrats have been calling on the Liberal government to help families that are struggling to pay their rent, as well as small businesses unable to pay their rent. It is encouraging to hear that the government is working with the province to deliver some relief for rent for commercial companies.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Chair, I am going to keep this question short, so I would respectfully ask that the Prime Minister also keep the response short. Because they are struggling as a result of COVID-19, 81% of Canadians believe that banks should be forced to lower their interest rates. There are powers that we have at the federal level that have express jurisdiction over banks.

COVID-19 Pandemic  Madam Speaker, I want to begin by talking about how the COVID-19 crisis has gripped this entire country. Coast to coast to coast, we are grappling with its impact. In the face of this really difficult challenge, I have been inspired by the courage, compassion and kindness of Canadians.

Shootings in Nova Scotia  Mr. Speaker, I want to express the sadness we all feel with respect to the senseless violence that took place yesterday in Nova Scotia. Every victim is a tremendous loss for their family and community. We remember RCMP Constable Heidi Stevenson, who lost her life protecting others.

Employment  Mr. Speaker, Camille, a student at the University of Montreal, did not accumulate enough hours to be eligible for employment insurance and she is not eligible for the Canada emergency response benefit, or CERB. She told us that she is scared, sad and disappointed. Is the Prime Minister prepared to say today that, if someone needs help, that person can have access to the CERB?

Employment  Mr. Speaker, the reality is far too many Canadians are falling through the cracks, in particular students. Summer jobs have disappeared, on-campus jobs have disappeared and students do not qualify for the CERB. Students are just one of many examples of people who are falling through the cracks because of the criteria.

Proceedings of the House and Committees  Mr. Speaker, I have a question for my colleague. I heard a lot of concerns about rent. Has the hon. member heard questions about the rent paid by SMEs?