Prime Minister announces $2 billion for medical equipment

The federal government has announced new funding to provide more medical supplies for health care workers on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said at his national address Tuesday, $2 billion will be invested to purchase protective personal equipment for things like masks, face shields, gowns, ventilators, test kits, swabs and hand sanitizer.

Trudeau also announced contracts with three Canadian companies to produce health care supplies such as surgical masks and respirators

The companies are Thornhill Medical, MediCom and Spartan BioScience.

“We know the demand for medical equipment and supplies will grow in the coming weeks so we need a sustainable, stable supply of these products. That means making them at home, and we’re optimistic that they will be available in the coming weeks,” said Trudeau.

Canada has 7,734 cases of coronavirus as of 8 a.m. Tuesday, with 92 deaths.

B.C. has 970 cases with 19 deaths.