The impact of COVID-19 on the Canadian economy is already being felt with massive layoffs from coast to coast.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reported that Service Canada has received an "unprecedented" and "historic" influx of calls regarding employment insurance this week. 

“We received over 500,000 applications so far this week, compared to just under 27,000 applications for the same week last year,” said Trudeau during his daily press conference. 

“I know people are anxious to get the help they deserve, and our government is working as fast as possible to support them. This is, of course, an unprecedented situation, and it’s putting a lot of pressure on our system, but we’re on it. Thousands of public servants are working around the clock to help you.”

According to Statistics Canada, the largest jobless claims for a whole month was 499,200 in 1957.

Canada has announced an $82-billion suite of measures to assist workers and businesses amid the pandemic.

The Liberals also already waived the one-week waiting period before benefits can be paid out for people unable to work because of illness.

The update this week also waives the requirement to provide the government with a medical certificate. 

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