PM says Canada working with international community on COVID-19
Posted March 3, 2020 6:41 am.
Last Updated March 4, 2020 11:33 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HALIFAX — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the government is working with the international community to make sure it does everything that is necessary to ensure Canadians are kept safe from the novel coronavirus.
Trudeau says the risks in Canada remain low, but says people should take the same precautions that they do during flu season like frequent hand washing to help keep themselves safe.
He adds the Federal Finance Minister has been speaking with counterparts in the G-7 and G-20, “coordinating globally to try and make sure there is a lesser impact on the global economy.”
In fact, G-7 countries held a conference call in which they agreed to use all appropriate tools, including financial measures, to deal with the impacts of this outbreak. Soon after the call, the U.S. Federal Reserve announced it is cutting its benchmark interest rate by half-point to offset the virus impact.
The prime minister says he knows Canadian businesses and entrepreneurs will be impacted and his government will look at ways to help them if needed.
Trudeau adds Canada has been following the recommendations of the World Health Organization and he is confident provinces will be able to deliver health services to keep Canadians safe.
Health officials have recorded at least 27 cases in Canada so far, with Ontario reporting the highest number at 18.
The prime minister made the comments in Halifax where he announced funding to help young people find jobs.
Ottawa is spending $492 million through the Employment and Social Development’s Youth Employment and Skills Strategy program for more than 270 projects across Canada to help those facing barriers to employment.
