Liberals will deliver a long-awaited update on the health of federal finances on Nov. 30: Chrystia Freeland

Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says the Liberals will deliver a long-awaited update on the health of federal finances on Nov. 30.

She made the announcement today in the House of Commons.

The Liberals had promised an update this fall on the federal deficit as part of a document that could also include the first steps toward a national child-care program.

The government has not tabled a budget for this fiscal year, but in July delivered what it called a ``fiscal snapshot'' that estimated the deficit was heading for a record of $343.2 billion.

Deputy PM announces businesses can start applying today for a new federal rent-relief program

Businesses can start applying today for a new federal rent-relief program.

The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy replaces an earlier program that saw little pickup because it relied on landlords to apply for help.

Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says it's a victory for small-business owners who have battled adversity throughout the pandemic.

The Canadian Federation of Independent Business welcomed the new program, but noted it doesn't help companies that would have qualified for the previous support, if only their landlords had chosen to apply.

Freeland says news about the vaccines is like some light in the end of the tunnel

As a COVID-19 surge is forcing a renewed lockdown in some parts of the country, some small businesses are complaining that their big box store competitors are allowed to remain open.

In Ottawa, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canadians can help by shopping locally where businesses remain open.