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More signs that the spread of COVID-19 is slowing in Canada emerged on Wednesday, prompting further talk of easing the isolation measures that have proven economically crippling.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has already announced more than $100 billion in various forms of assistance, offered more financial supports on Wednesday.

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The money — a total of $9 billion — would go to students struggling to stay afloat but who have lacked access to previously announced emergency financial assistance. Students will receive $1,250 a month from May to August under the assistance, he said.

We want to make sure that you will be OK

“As young people what you’re going through matters,” Trudeau said. “We want to make sure that you will be OK.”

Student grants would be doubled for the coming academic year, the prime minister added.

In addition, the government said it would create 76,000 new summer jobs for young people in sectors that “need an extra hand.” The jobs would be in addition to those on offer through the government’s regular summer jobs program.