Trudeau unveils massive funding for Canadians, economy

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced up to 82 billion Canadian dollars (56.45 billion U.S. dollars) as additional economic measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

"While we are taking a significant step today to help families get through these challenging times, our government is prepared to do more," Trudeau said from self-isolation at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa.

Out of the 82 billion Canadian dollars, 27 billion Canadian dollars will be in direct assistance to workers and families, and 55 billion Canadian dollars will be used in liquidity to businesses to help stabilize the country's economy.

"These are extraordinary times, our government is taking extraordinary measures," Trudeau added.

The massive fund is equal to three percent of Canadian GDP, according to CTV.

Trudeau also announced that the Canada-U.S. border will close to all non-essential travel, but shipments, trade and commerce will not be affected by the new restriction at the Canada-U.S. border.

The border is already closing Wednesday to most non-citizens, and international flights are being rerouted to four Canadian airports in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary, where enhanced screenings are happening and passengers returning to Canada are being instructed to enter a 14-day self-isolation, to lessen the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Trudeau and his federal cabinet are reportedly deliberating whether to invoke the Emergencies Act, which will grant his government sweeping powers to regulate the movement of people and goods within the country during a state of emergency.

The Canadian Parliament is expected to be recalled soon to pass whatever legislative measures the Trudeau government needs to take quick actions against the COVID-19 crisis.

As of Wednesday noon, there are 599 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Canada and five died.