A traveller wearing face mask arrives at Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, Canada, March 16, 2020. (Photo by Liang Sen/Xinhua)
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday the Canadian Parliament will likely reconvene to pass emergency economic measures against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I have directed the House leader to engage with his counterparts to discuss a brief return of the House of Commons so that we can bring in emergency economic measures,” Trudeau told reporters at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, where he is currently in self-isolation.
Trudeau said the Emergency Measures Act will also be evaluated to ensure it fits the needs of the global coronavirus pandemic.
He hoped that all political parties and provincial leaders could work together. “Coordination at all levels and between all parties is vital.”
“Yesterday, our regular calls with all parliamentarians began, which the Public Health Agency of Canada is moderating. Right now, we must all work together,” Trudeau said.
He also urged Canadians to accept public health authorities’ advice to protect themselves and others amid the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the importance of social distancing at this time.
The Canadian government has put in place a national leadership contingency plan in place, if Trudeau becomes unable to fulfill duties.
In the event that the prime minister is unable to perform the functions of his office, Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland will become Canada’s acting prime minister, according to the official order issued by the Privy Council Office on March 13 when Trudeau’s office announced that his wife Sophie tested positive for COVID-19 and he began self-isolation.
The prime minister also praised Ontario’s decision to declare a state of emergency over the COVID-19 pandemic. “Ontario is taking the right steps to protect people and the healthcare system.”
Tuesday morning, Ontario Provincial Premier Doug Ford announced a state of emergency, calling the situation “unprecedented.”
“Right now, we need to do everything we can to slow the spread of COVID-19 in order to avoid overwhelming our health-care system,” Ford said.
Trudeau’s statement on Tuesday came one day after he announced Canada’s borders would be shut to most foreign travelers. The shutdown will come into effect on Wednesday, but exceptions will be made for aircrews, diplomats, immediate family members and US citizens.
As of Tuesday noon, there were 450 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Canada and five died.
