The federal government is opening up the treasury to help post-secondary students. They have launched the $9-billion Canada Emergency Student Benefit.

It provides $1,250 a month for students from May to August, but payments could go to $1,750 a month if the student is providing care. It’s also there for students who do have a job but earn $1,000 a month or less.

Students who volunteer will be eligible for $1,000 to $5,000 through the Canada Student Service Grant.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the payments begin May 1 through the Canada Revenue Agency.

In addition, the federal government is going to create 76,000 jobs for young people in addition to the Canada Summer Jobs Program.

He says that could be a job in contact tracing or in the agriculture sector or other areas.

There is also money to extend scholarships, fellowships, and grants.