By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

More medical equipment is on the way, says Trudeau

Mar 31, 2020 | 10:04 AM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Canada is ramping up the efforts to provide and stockpile necessary medical equipment as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

New agreements have been struck with and handful of Canadian companies to supply medical equipment such as ventilators, surgical masks and testing kits.

Procurement agreements have been made with Canadian companies Thornhill Medical, Medicom, and Spartan Bioscience related to portable ventilators, surgical masks, and rapid testing kits. The federal government has also signed letters of intent with five companies – Precision Biomonitoring, Fluid Energy Group Ltd., Irving Oil, Calko Group, and Stanfield’s – for them to make extra test kits, hand sanitizer, and protective apparel including masks and gowns.

“Personal protective equipment is essential to protect the health-care workers on the front line,” says Trudeau.

With demand for supplies expected to increase, Trudeau expects the additional supplies will become available in the coming weeks.

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Speaking outside Rideau Cottage, Trudeau says he is “incredibly, incredibly proud of Canadian companies, manufacturers and suppliers who are stepping up.”

Companies including Magna, General Motors, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Ford, Linamar, Shell, Suncor, Alibaba Group and The Home Depot have made moves to revamp their facilities, increase production capacity or donate supplies and equipment.

The government is also allocating $2 billion to purchase personal protective equipment for health care professionals.

Trudeau also reminded Canadians that they have role to play in reducing the spread of COVID-19.

That entirely depends on citizens being responsible in their choices.

On today’s news on the Trans Mountain pipeline expansion and potential COVID-19 concerns surrounding the worksite, Trudeau said, “I can assure you all Crown corporations are following all advice form public health officials.