National

OTTAWA — The Liberals are repackaging two previously promised benefits for Canadians whose working lives are disrupted by COVID-19, a change that will almost double direct financial aid in the government's economic plan to $52 billion.

MONTREAL — Canadian hockey equipment manufacturer Bauer is offering to modify its production line to make protective visors for doctors, nurses and first responders.

OTTAWA — Parliament has passed sweeping legislation designed to blunt the economic impact COVID-19.

OTTAWA — Canada and its G7 allies grappled Wednesday with how to address a world that was already filled with security threats and festering conflicts well before COVID-19's accelerated spread.

OTTAWA — Canada will spend millions to help the world's most desperate people fight COVID-19 because it is in the country's long-term security interest as well as being the right thing to do, says International Development Minister Karina Gould.

ST. JOHN'S, N.L.

VANCOUVER — While panicked shoppers have been buying stores out of toilet paper and flour stocks, two tables have appeared on streets in the Vancouver area stacked with essential items and a sign that says "free.

TORONTO — As hospitals prepare for a surge of COVID-19 patients, one Toronto non-profit is offering subsidized accommodation to health-care workers so they can avoid exposing their families to the illness.

OTTAWA — An emergency federal bill to give the government billions of dollars to spend to help anxious workers, families and employers cope with COVID-19 is now law. Gov. Gen. Julie Payette signed the bill at 12:18 p.m.

TORONTO — A Toronto man's "appetite for violent sex" and his desire to experience it led him to strangle a young woman hours after they met, an Ontario judge said in sentencing him to life in prison.