Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ottawa will send $4 billion to help top up the wages for essential workers in Canada during this pandemic

Speaking in Ottawa, he says Canadians who are going to work in the essential services are playing an important role while putting themselves at risk.

“Right now we’re finalizing the details with the last provinces and I want to underscore that this has been a truly collaborative effort,” Trudeau said. “Premiers from across the country all agree that we need to support our essential workers.”

He notes it will be up to the provinces and territories to determine who qualifies for the wage increase.

“But the bottom line is this, if you are risking your health to keep this country moving and you are making minimum wage, you deserve a raise,” said Trudeau. “We’re relying on these workers now more than ever and we will be there to support them.”

The federal money will cover three-quarters of the cost, with the provinces and territories covering the rest.