By Chris Brown

Update from the PM

PM: Deal made for distribution of medical equipment and supplies, more help for food banks

Apr 3, 2020 | 9:39 AM

A deal has been reached for the distribution of medical equipment and supplies in Canada

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Amazon Canada will be responsible for distributing medical supplies and equipment such as masks, ventilators and test kits to the provinces and territories.

Trudeau also announced the government is providing $100 million to meet the urgent needs of the most vulnerable Canadians through community food banks. He praised those groups and individuals that are helping those who need it the most.

“We see you,” says Trudeau, “you are doing essential work for our most vulnerable.”

On help for the oil and gas sector, Trudeau said discussions continue on how to best help the industry, in particular in Alberta. He says he spoke with Premier Jason Kenney last night about it and pointed to the wage subsidy as measures that will help everyone.

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For those who have lost wage and need financial help immediately, the prime minister said the next quarterly GST rebate will come a month earlier, in April instead of May.

Continuing the face questions about the release of data and modelling on the spread, Trudeau says the government has released information each day and that national projections will be released in the coming days.

“We need to make sure the projections we will be releasing will be based on the most accurate information out there,” he says.

The first deployment of the military to assist with the crisis has taken place. At the request of the Quebec government the Canadian Armed Forces will be helping in isolated and remote communities.

The daily message of practising proper hand hygiene, self-isolation and safe physical distancing if people have to go outside was again a part of the address from outside Rideau Cottage.

“Ultimately it is Canadians’ own behaviour that will make the difference,” said Trudeau, adding he knows people will do the right thing because Canadians are always there for each other.

As of Friday morning, Canada has 11,732 confirmed cases, 15 probable cases and 152 deaths. There have been 268,154 Canadians tested.

In Alberta there are 968 cases and 13 deaths. A total of 57,097 Albertans have been tested.