Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Friday that a $14-billion 'safe restart agreement' to restart the economy has been placed before premiers for consideration. The federal proposal includes funding for personal protective equipment for healthcare workers and businesses, in addition to supports for child care, seniors, cities and muncipalities.
A plan to implement paid sick leave of up to 10 days is also part of the proposed restart agreement.
Trudeau also announced that the federal government is providing a one-time, non-taxable payment of up to $600 for eligible Canadians living with disabilities and introducing the National Workplace Accessibility Stream to help people find and retain jobs.
Five projects aimed at addressing accessibility issues in workplaces will also be rolled out as part of the aid package for people living with disbailities.
Statistics Canada reports a record high unemployment rate as the economy added 289,600 jobs in May, with businesses reopening amid easing public health restrictions.
In provincial news, Ontario reported 344 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, along with 15 deaths and 375 recoveries.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says Ottawa's $14-billion proposal to restart the economy "won't cut it," and hopes the proposal to premiers made this week is "just the start of the conversation."
Ford says $23 billion is required by the province to recover from the COVID-19 crisis.
In local news, dentists in Sault Ste. Marie will have to take additional precautions as open their doors to the public during the COVID-19 crisis. SooToday's Darren Taylor has that story.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health:
- 7,934 tested
- 21 positive
- 7,263 negative
- 650 pending
- 0 deceased
- 21 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 17 in Sault Ste. Marie and area, with evidence of community spread
- 1 in central and east Algoma
- 3 in Elliot Lake and area
- 0 in north Algoma
