Ontario introducing a $17-billion package to help address the COVID-19 pandemic

Ontario is introducing a $17-billion package to help address the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money is meant to support the province's health sector, people and businesses.

New spending includes a $1-billion pandemic contingency fund, nearly $1 billion more for hospitals, and $75 million for more personal protective equipment for front-line workers.

Measures also include a one-time payment for parents of $200 per child 12 years old and under, doubling payments for low-income seniors and suspending student loan payments for six months.

The plan includes both $7 billion in new spending and $10 billion in tax and other deferrals.