Canada will unveil a $27 billion aid package today to help overcome the effects of a worsening coronavirus outbreak that Ottawa says could last for months, a government source told Reuters.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will make an announcement this morning and then give the stage to Finance Minister Bill Morneau, said the source, who requested anonymity given the sensitivity of the situation.
News of the aid package was first reported by the Globe and Mail. Reuters revealed last week that Ottawa was considering aid worth up to $20 billion.
Morneau will unveil increased payments for people eligible for unemployment insurance and child benefits, and will push back deadlines for filing taxes, said the source, adding Ottawa was not yet ready to unveil support for major airlines such as Air Canada and WestJet.
LNG Canada, which is building a liquefied natural gas export terminal in British Columbia, said it was reducing staffing at the site by half (see related article here).
Trudeau told reporters he was examining whether to invoke the rarely-used 1988 Emergencies Act, which would allow Ottawa to override provinces and restrict the movement of people and goods.
He spoke after Ontario declared a state of emergency, banned gatherings of more than 50 people and ordered the closure of bars and restaurants. Ontario Premier Doug Ford committed C$300 million to boost the healthcare system.
British Columbia and Alberta were among the provinces that declared states of emergency. Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the declaration allows health authorities to ensure adequate staffing levels, for example, by cancelling scheduled vacations.
(Reuters)
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