“There are people who are talking about historical echoes, whether it was war time or the Great Depression, we’re focused on what we need to do right now,” says PM.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is invoking what he calls a “war-like effort” to refocus Canadian industry to fight the China Coronavirus Pandemic.
With increasing fears that there could be shortages of ventilators – which are essential to saving people stricken by the China Coronavirus – Trudeau is seeking to shift research towards fighting the Coronavirus, and retool industry to produce the equipment that we will need.
“There are people who are talking about historical echoes, whether it was war time or the Great Depression, we’re focused on what we need to do right now,” said Trudeau.
According to a recent report, “Talks had been ongoing between the federal government and industry representatives about how companies can pivot to producing equipment like ventilators, face masks, and sanitizer in anticipation that the outbreak worsens in Canada and hospitals need additional supplies.
But also, the government is working on agreements with industry to produce more diagnostic testing products and other disease tracking technology.”
Similar measures are underway in the United States, where US President Donald Trump has invoked the Defense Production Act, allowing industry to be retooled to “get ventilators and other important medical equipment to those who need it.”
Spencer Fernando
Photo – YouTube
