Canada's COVID-19 death toll climbed above 5,000 on Tuesday, becoming the 11^th country worldwide to hit the mark.

As the figures were announced, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said major reforms were needed to seniors' residences, where more than 80% of the victims lived.

Latest data from the U.S.-based Johns Hopkins University shows that Canada's fatalities stand at 5,118, a 4.3% rise from 4,906 on Monday.

Long-term care homes in Ontario and Quebec - the two most populous of the 10 provinces - have been particularly hard hit. Officials have detailed poor conditions in some residences, where employees earn just the minimum wage.

"We've seen heart-breaking tragedies in long-term care facilities and nursing homes right across the country - overworked staff, understaffed residences, grieving families," Trudeau told a daily briefing.

"There are serious underlying challenges facing these facilities and in the coming months the federal government will be there to help the provinces find lasting solutions."

Globally, COVID-19 infections have surpassed 4.2 million, with the death toll exceeding 287,000.

Officials earlier announced Ottawa would give seniors living on a fixed income a one-time payment ranging from C$300 ($215) to C$500 to deal with increased costs linked to the outbreak.

Seniors Minister Deb Schulte said the tax-free payments would help seniors who need money for food deliveries and other services. It will also aid those taking taxis to avoid using public transport.