Feds to extend commercial rent relief: report

OTTAWA — The Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance program will be extended through the month of September, sources have told the Globe & Mail, while the Trudeau government mulls possible reforms. Originally set to run through May, the program, which offers forgivable loans to landlords of small businesses, has already been extended twice. It has come under fire from tenants because it leaves the decision to apply up to landlords and takeup has been low. Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland would not confirm the extension but said “we’re going to have more to say about [rent relief] very soon.” Lobbyists for independent business are hopeful that means the government is open to changes.