Canada’s prime minister says they are continuing to deliver the necessary personal protective equipment across the country to those who need it.
Justin Trudeau says they are working with suppliers around the world but acknowledged the importance of being resourceful within Canada.
“One of the best ways to ensure we have what we need is to make it right here at home. Our government has been working with Canadian manufacturers to make that happen,” he says.
The prime minister added that a Canadian company, retooled to produce face shields, is providing more than half of our supply.
Trudeau says they are now funding four Canadian companies working on breakthrough solutions in rapid testing for COVID-19
He says this is on top of the support they’ve already provided, including a testing kit manufacturing facility in Ontario.
Trudeau says the ‘Industry Strategy Council’ has been set up to take a look at the types of challenges industries face as we look to restart Canada’s economy.
He says it’s being led by Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, Navdeep Bains and chaired by Monique Leroux, a strong business leader with a distinguished career in Canadian finance.
“Minister Bains announced the council’s membership, nine business leaders from across the country who each represent a different pillar of our economy. This team will bring together government and industry as we pave our path forward,” he says.
Trudeau says this includes Desjardins, the first North American financial institution to become a part of this alliance with the United Kingdom.
The Council will hold regular virtual meetings every two weeks over the next 90 days.
