Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Friday that the federal government is extending the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy beyond June, in an effort to "kickstart the economy and boost job creation."
According to labour force data released Friday by Statistics Canada, nearly two million jobs were lost across the country in April due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The prime minister also announced the introduction of a new industry strategic council that will be tasked with looking at the impacts of COVID-19 on the Canadian economy.
The federal governent also pledged $500 million in funding for the culture sector Friday, which Trudeau says will assist artists, cultural organizations and athletes during the pandemic.
In provincial news, Ontario reported 477 new cases of COVID-19 Friday, along with 421 recoveries and 68 more deaths.
Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips says more details on the phases of re-opening the province's economy will be released in the near future, but wouldn't provide a timeline for when those details will be released to the public.
The province initially released its three-phase plan for re-opening Ontario's economy April 27.
In local news, Algoma Public Health has completed COVID-19 testing on all staff and residents at all area long-term care homes.
Local leadership says the three positive cases of COVID-19 at Maple View Extendicare are a 'sobering reminder that the fight continues' in a joint statement issued to the public by MP Terry Sheehan, MPP Ross Romano and Mayor Christian Provenzano Wednesday.
A virtual walk-in clinic has opened Ideal I.D.A. Drug Mart on Wellington Street East.
In the latest edition of Arts & Culture, SooToday looks at local music schools that are adapting to the COVID-19 pandemic by moving music lessons online.
A parade of vehicles led by Sault Search and Rescue visited retirement homes this week with positive messages for residents and front line workers.
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health:
- 4,891 tested
- 16 positive
- 2,876 negative
- 1,999 pending
- 0 deceased
- 13 resolved
Total confirmed cases by area of residence:
- 12 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
*** Three positive cases in Elliot Lake and area have been confirmed by Elliot Lake Family Health Team
Click here for a SooToday list of what's still open in the Sault.
