WEST CARLETON – In a series of announcements related to COVID-19 today (July 27) the federal government announced funds to safely restart the economy, the Canadian Revenue Agency (CRA) offered debt and interest relief for those who owe tax dollars and the province committed to funding transportation needs for Ontario’s municipalities.

Today, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, minister of health, provided more details on funding provided by the federal government to support health priorities and address Canadians’ immediate needs. The Government of Canada will provide $4.28 billion to further expand testing and contact tracing capacity, and the associated data management and information sharing systems. This funding will ensure a national capacity to conduct 200,000 tests per day to help manage COVID-19 outbreaks over the coming year. Canada will also provide $7.5 billion towards personal protective equipment.

“The CRA is closely monitoring the COVID-19 situation and is committed to supporting Canadians throughout it,” CRA staff released in a statement. “The CRA understands individuals and businesses might be dealing with difficulties in meeting their financial obligations, including paying tax debts they may have incurred prior to the crisis.”

In addition to  measures already announced , the CRA is extending the payment deadline and applying relief to interest on existing debt.

The Ontario government, in partnership with the federal government, is providing up to $4 billion in urgently needed one-time assistance to Ontario’s 444 municipalities. This funding will help local governments maintain the critical services people rely on every day, including public transit, over the next six to eight months. Details on specific allocations will be provided in the coming weeks.

“This funding is part of the province’s made-in-Ontario plan for renewal, growth and economic recovery,” provincial staff released in a statement.