‘We can support you, and we will’: Feds announce $1-billion COVID-19 response fund

OTTAWA (NEWS 1130) – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has announced $1-billion in funding to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak and mitigate the risks to Canadians.

The funding package will include money to help make sure items like surgical masks and face shields are well stocked for health authorities, and also help provinces, workers, and businesses harmed by the outbreak.

In an effort to deal with the situation, Trudeau said the federal government has already taken a number of steps, including the appointment of a special committee to oversee the country’s response. He said Ottawa has also put in place screening measures at airports, increased testing at the national lab, invested in research, and “bolstered support for health services in Indigenous communities.”

Trudeau said Canada is well-positioned to deal with the spread of the new coronavirus. He noted the country has been fortunate so far, despite recording one death in B.C. related to the virus on Sunday, but added Canada needs to be prepared for all scenarios.

“The reality is that the number of people affected by the virus around the globe keeps climbing,” he told reporters. “We have not seen a drastic spike in the number of cases reported, but I know people across the country are worried. Worried about their health, worried about their aging parents, worried about the kind of impact this virus could have on their job, on their business.”

The fund will set aside $200-million to support the ongoing response to COVID-19, and will help ensure vital tools and equipment are stocked, increased services, and “continued public education efforts.”

Additionally, $275-million will be invested in research and medical countermeasures, Trudeau said.

The money will also help Canadian workers who are forced to isolate themselves due to the virus.

As part of the federal funding package, the Liberal government announced it would loosen restrictions on employment insurance for people who are off work due to illness.

“On the economic front, our government understands the disruptive impact the virus is having on businesses and workers. That’s why we will waive the mandatory one-week waiting period for employment insurance to kick in,” Trudeau explained, adding special measures will also help employers who have fallen on hard times because of the novel coronavirus.

“Let me be clear: No one should have to worry about their job if they have to be quarantined,” the prime minister said. “No employer should feel like they have to lay off a worker because of the virus. We can support you and we will.”

When asked how the federal government would make sure no one takes advantage of the changes, Trudeau said he has confidence in Canadians.

He also pointed out the change to employment insurance is a key measure to protect workers and reduce the risks associated with COVID-19.

Businesses feeling the impacts of the outbreak will also be able to “easily access credit to bridge to better times,” Trudeau said.

The novel coronavirus has infected more than 100,000 people globally, and forced mass quarantines as well as restrictions on public gatherings in some parts of the world.

Canada has yet to implement such drastic measures to try and slow the spread of the virus, which has infected close to 40 people across the country since the outbreak started.

Asked whether Canada would consider closing its borders like China and Italy have done, Trudeau said nothing would be ruled out, but added decisions would be made based on advice from experts.

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