OTTAWA _ Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government will spend up to $82 billion on measures to support the Canadian economy through the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money will come through a combination of direct supports for workers and businesses and tax deferrals.

Any Canadians who learn they owe taxes will now have until August 2020 to pay them.

The federal government is planning to boost the Canada Child Benefit to help parents cover the cost of child care or other impacts of having to at home.

Other measures include a GST credit for low-income Canadians, boosting support for shelters to help those escaping gender-based violence and a six-month moratorium on student loan repayments.

There will be an emergency care benefit for those for those who fall ill, need to self-isolate or have to take care of family member with COVID-19 but fail to qualify for employment insurance.

There will be an emergency support benefit for those who lose their jobs and don’t qualify for EI and this includes self-employed workers who have to close up shop.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is not keeping any options off the table.

Trudeau says his government is looking at using the Emergencies Act, but he recognizes that would be a major step he does not think is necessary today.

Trudeau gave this response when asked whether his government was looking at restricting travel within Canada.

(The Canadian Press)