March 31, 2020 1:08pm
Prime Minister Trudeau announced the federal government is spending $2 billion to buy personal protective equipment for frontline healthcare workers.
During his daily media briefing, Trudeau also announced the government is working with industries that are pivoting their production lines to produce much needed medical equipment.
Trudeau said the government has signed contracts with Thornhill Medical, Medicom, and Spartan Bioscience to manufacture equipment and supplies including portable ventilators, surgical masks, and rapid testing kits.
They have also signed letters of intent with Precision Biomonitoring, Fluid Energy Group Ltd., Irving Oil, Calko Group, and Stanfield’s to produce additional test kits, hand sanitizer, and protective apparel including masks and gowns.
“We know that the demand for critical equipment and supplies will grow in the coming weeks,” said Trudeau. “So we need a sustainable, stable supply of these products.”
While he expects to receive shipments in the coming weeks, Trudeau said how much medical equipment the country needs depends on its citizens.
“If you stay home and follow public health recommendations you can slow the spread,” he said. “That means fewer patients in our hospitals, fewer people to test, fewer ventilators to use on critical patients.”
The federal government is also making $50 million available for members of the Next Generation Manufacturing Supercluster to develop and scale-up new, in-demand technologies, equipment, and medical products, including technologies and products to test and treat Canadians.
As for allocating the resources, Trudeau told reporters that is not something that is decided at the cabinet table.
“We follow the direct advice of medical experts in terms of how to ensure that everyone, everywhere has the equipment they need,” he said.
