The federal government has announced a package of measures to help Canadian businesses weather the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Finance Minister Bill Morneau says the government is making $10 billion dollars available to businesses through a credit facility program.

He says it was an effective tool during the 2008 financial crisis and will be again now.

Morneau says he’s also been in touch with the C-E-Os of the major banks, who told him they will “support businesses and individuals” with fairness and compassion during the outbreak.