COVID-19 Update for June 2, 2020 – 12:10pm
Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the federal government has signed a new contract for millions of syringes and supplies required to increase the national stockpile in preparation for a COVID-19 vaccine.
Update on PPE and Supplies
Trudeau noted that provinces and territories will need additional support to procure personal protective equipment (PPE) and vital supplies, and the federal government is working around the clock to secure sufficient inventory. This includes 100 million surgical masks, 40 million gloves and millions of syringes to ensure an adequate number are available once a vaccine is developed. “Working with suppliers from around the world is key to keeping Canadians safe, but at the end of the day, one of the best ways to ensure we have what we need is to make it right here at home,” Trudeau said.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the federal government is now funding four Canadian companies — Deep Biologics in Guelph, Nicoya Life Sciences in Kitchener, Fourien in Edmonton and Metabolic Insights in Kelowna — whose work can lead to breakthrough solutions for rapid COVID-19 testing.
Additionally, the government is supporting Precision Biomonitoring, an Ontario company that is setting up plants to manufacture test kits. Trudeau also promised that he will continue to work with the provinces and territories to ensure adequate supplies are available as the demand increases and as Canada re-opens its economy.
Industry Strategy Council
The Prime Minister also announced nine business leaders — representing different pillars of the economy from across the country — who will sit on the Industry Strategy Council. The Council was created to address various sectoral challenges and pressures business and industry will face as the Canadian economy slowly re-opens. “This team will bring government and industry together to meet and discuss regularly as we plan our path forward,” Trudeau said.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team