The federal government is launching a web-based portal to help connect buyers and sellers of protective equipment used to help slow the spread of COVID-19.
The online portal is also meant to help Canadians figure out what kind of gear they should think about wearing, or will have to wear, as they begin to return to work.
The federal government continues to increase the stores of personal protective equipment in Canada by purchasing from domestic and international suppliers.
They’ve placed orders for hundreds of millions of items, including gowns, gloves, masks and ventilators and say nearly 60 planeloads of supplies have arrived so far.
During a press conference outside of Rideau Cottage in Ottawa, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Tuesday that over the weekend a ship arrived in Vancouver carrying 160,000 litres of hand sanitizer.
He added that the government is expecting seven more ships of sanitizer in the coming days.
The Liberals also continue to sign contracts with Canadian companies retooling existing product lines to take on the production of items such as gowns and face shields.
“We’ve always known that Canada is home to some of the best innovators in the world and it has been great to see so many of them use their talent and know-how to help our communities during this crisis,” said the prime minister.
Trudeau said on Tuesday that after putting out a call to businesses for creative, made-in-Canada product prototypes to help with current and future outbreaks of COVID-19, the government received over 550 proposals in just two weeks.
Federal Procurement Minister Anita Anand added Tuesday morning that the current demand of PPE is being met but is expected to increase as economies reopen, and all levels of government are intent on making sure there are enough supplies for all.
With files to Canadian Press
Graham Cox
