Prime Minister Justin Trudeau held a virtual meeting with Canada's premiers this evening about the pressing need for critical medical supplies in the face of an expected surge in COVID-19 cases and a global battle to secure life-saving equipment.
The call with provincial and territorial leaders took place as public health agencies across Canada scramble to prepare for a sharp rise in infected patients as they face shortages of ventilators, masks and personal protective equipment (PPE).
Alberta's Conservative premier, Jason Kenney, said everyone was focused on the same goal.
"Impressed by how [Canada] is coming together to fight this invisible enemy," he said on Twitter after the meeting. "I'm also moved by strong solidarity for Alberta's double whammy: the COVID recession [and] the energy price crash."
A Liberal source speaking on background told CBC News that some premiers offered to forgo their expected deliveries of personal protective equipment (PPE) in order to divert the supplies to provinces with a greater need. Premiers and the prime minister were also agreed that there is no need to enact the federal Emergencies Act.
In today's daily media briefing, Health Minister Patty Hajdu said a special advisory committee led by Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam and deputy ministers of health for the provinces and territories will determine what supplies go where.
She said she's encouraged by the level of collaboration to date.
"We need to see Canada pulling together — provinces and territories obviously preparing for their own particular scenarios, and their own particular surges, but also to be understanding that if product is needed across the country in an area where there is a surge, that they will be there to help their fellow Canadians," she said.
"And we have seen every indication that that's what's happening."
