(CNN) The families of Canadian citizens or permanent residents killed in the downing of a passenger plane in Iran will receive $25,000 per victim from the Canadian government to help with immediate needs, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Friday.

The assistance, which could go toward funeral expenses and travel, will be delivered "in the coming days," Trudeau said.

"I want to be clear: We expect Iran to compensate these families," Trudeau told reporters at a news conference in Ottawa. "But I have met them (the families). They can't wait weeks. They need support now."

The announcement comes after Iran admitted last week that its military unintentionally shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight shortly after takeoff January 8 from Imam Khomeini Airport near Tehran.

Fifty-seven of the 176 people aboard the flight were Canadian, Trudeau's government has said.

Read More