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LIVE: Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announces $2,000-a-month COVID-19 job loss benefit

Will be updated . . .

Update:

The Prime Minister has announced a new benefit, the Canada Emergency Response Benefit, which will provide $2,000 a month for the next four months for those who lose their income because of COVID-19.

This new benefit replaces COVID-19 benefits announced last week.

Trudeau said it will apply to those who have lost their jobs, whether full-time, contract or self-employed.

It will also cover people who are sick, quarantined, or looking after someone sick. Parents at home looking after their kids will also be eligible.

Trudeau said those still employed, but not receiving income because of the crisis can also apply.

"An application portal should launch as quickly as possible," said Trudeau.

He said people should start receiving funds 10 days from applying.

Federal public servants are being reassigned from other departments to help deal with the claims.

Trudeau said the government will have more to say on wage subsidies in the coming days.

Original story:

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is to provide his daily update on the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Village Media will carry the livestream.