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OTTAWA — A sweeping federal economic stimulus package to combat the shock of COVID-19 is now to be unveiled Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says, and could soon be before an emergency sitting of Parliament to help get money to those who need it.

Speaking outside his Ottawa residence on the grounds of Rideau Hall, Trudeau said MPs and senators would likely be called back to quickly approve the emergency spending.

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He cited potential changes to the employment insurance program — the eligibility for which is set by Parliament — and other methods to get money into the pockets of Canadians.

Trudeau said the government is also planning changes to upcoming tax deadlines to provide more flexibility for businesses and taxpayers. Those details are expected later this week.

The government spending is likely to be significant — approximately $20 billion by the estimates of many economists, or one per cent of the value of the national economy.