Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a $2.5 billion aid package for seniors Tuesday, which includes one-time top-ups to Old Age Security and the Guaranteed Income Supplment.
Here's a breakdown of the funding package from the federal government:
- Providing additional financial support of $2.5 billion for a one-time tax-free payment of $300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). This measure would give a total of $500 to individuals who are eligible to receive both the OAS and the GIS, and will help them cover increased costs caused by COVID-19.
- Expanding the New Horizons for Seniors Program with an additional investment of $20 million to support organizations that offer community-based projects that reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network.
- Temporarily extending GIS and Allowance payments if seniors’ 2019 income information has not been assessed. This will ensure that the most vulnerable seniors continue to receive their benefits when they need them the most. To avoid an interruption in benefits, seniors are encouraged to submit their 2019 income information as soon as possible and no later than by Oct. 1, 2020.
The federal government says the direct supports announced Tuesday is expected to assist 6.7 million seniors across Canada.
In other national news Tuesday, Canadian health officials could be missing out on important COVID-19 data due to antiquated ways of recording deaths in the country.
A new survey also suggests that going out in public is a stressful, anxiety-ridden ordeal for more than half of Canadians.
Premier Doug Ford says "more good news" will be announced Thursday when the province reveals its next steps in reopening Ontario's economy, which includes the opening of some low-risk, seasonal and essential workplaces.
Ontario Finance Minister Rod Phillips says the next steps will be in line with the first stage of the province's three-stage approach:
- opening select workplaces that can meet current public health guidelines
- allowing essential gatherings of a limited number of people
- opening some outdoor spaces
- continued protections for vulnerable populations
According the province's framework for reopening the economy, each stage will last for approximately two to four weeks in order to allow for monitoring of any impacts or potential resurgence of cases.
Ontario reported 361 new cases of COVID-19 Tuesday, along with 56 deaths and 260 recoveries.
In the latest edition of Following Up, salons and barbershops are among the businesses awaiting the green light to reopen from the province.
Tenants at Skyline Living properties around the city have been receiving donations of food, thanks to the efforts of volunteers.
In the latest edition of Helpers, SooToday speaks with a local entrepreneur who has teamed up with a Sault-based bike shop in order to deliver 50 bicycles to local children involved with Algoma’s Children’s Aid Society (CAS).
Here are the latest COVID-19 numbers from Algoma Public Health:
- 5,281 tested
- 16 positive
- 4,811 negative
- 454 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
Algoma Public Health states, “these numbers now include testing that was completed at long-term care homes (LTCH) in the Algoma district as part of the province’s one-time surveillance testing initiative. Staff and residents of all Algoma LTCHs have completed one-time surveillance testing.”
*** 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.
