Trudeau announces more funding for online health care and child care benefit

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau used his national address on Sunday to make several funding announcements.

That included $240 million dollars for online health care services.

“We’re expanding existing online tools, creating more virtual platforms for mental care and for primary care,” stated Trudeau.

Part of the funding will allow more people to connect with doctors online through video conferencing, for times when people don’t need to see a doctor in person.

“If we can use apps to order dinner, and video chats to stay in touch with family, we can use Zoom technology to keep each other healthy,” said the Liberal leader.

Trudeau also announced $175 million to support the Vancouver company AbCellera for Covid research. The biotech firm specializes in antibody discovery.

The PM also announced more support for parents, with an extra $300 per child in this month’s child care benefit.

“This is money for whatever you need, whether it’s online tutoring or groceries,” stated Trudeau.

As part of media questions, Trudeau was asked speculation the coronavirus started in a Wuhan China lab but said “it’s still too early to draw conclusions” on that.

He said discussions will be needed the NHL about bringing players back to teams from other counties if play resumes, but said the players would have to follow the quarantine rules.

On the topic of making mask wearing mandatory, Trudeau said those types of decisions would be made by by various provinces or regions depending on the situation there, but he added: “I am certain we’ll see more people wearing masks,” such as on airplanes.

He also said a supply council is being formed to ensure a supply of personal protective equipment, with more details to be released later.