Prime Minister Trudeau has promised that any incoming medical supplies from China would be checked for defects before being put into use after the Netherlands reported issues with their own shipment.
“We will be receiving equipment — masks and gloves and gowns — from China extremely shortly in the coming days,” said Trudeau.
“At the same time I can assure people that Health Canada has very strong procedures for evaluating (and) ensuring what we get is up to the necessary standards and there will be no corners cut on this one. We need to make sure that the equipment that our health-care workers rely on to keep them safe as they keep us safe is of a quality that is going to actually do the job.”
On Saturday, the Netherlands said it would recall 600,000 “unsatisfactory” face masks delivered from China to help fight the pandemic.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Health confirmed that they were in the process of retrieving the faulty masks after discovering they did not meet safety requirements.
“Part of this shipment had already been delivered to health-care providers,” the ministry told The Canadian Press.
“The remainder of this shipment was put on hold immediately and has not been distributed any further. A second test also proved that the face masks did not meet the required quality standards. It has now been decided to stop the use of this entire shipment.”
According to a report, the masks did not properly fit the faces of medical workers and they failed to block COVID-19 particles.
“When they were delivered to our hospital, I immediately rejected those masks… If those masks do not close properly, the virus particles can simply pass. We do not use them,” a hospital employee told NOS.
On March 28th, the Chinese embassy in Ottawa announced on Twitter that the Bank of China would be donating thousands of items in medical equipment to Canada.
Among the protective gear was 30,000 medical masks, 10,000 sets of protective clothing, 10,000 goggles, 50,000 pairs of gloves, as well as N95 masks.
On March 27, Bank of China donates medical supplies (including 30000 medical masks, 10000 sets of protective clothing, 10000 goggles and 50000 pairs of gloves, followed by N95 medical masks) to Canada fighting against COVID-19. We are together! pic.twitter.com/47VlWPlQyG
Canada’s foreign minister shared propaganda lauding China for its supposed generosity in giving medical supplies to Canada, though he neglected to mention the millions of dollars worth of defective masks and testing kits the Chinese government has sent around the world. He also didn’t mention how China’s negligence unleashed the virus around the world in the first place.
True North’s Andrew Lawton talks about China’s evil and the world’s refusal to call it out.
Also, snitch lines, rationed healthcare, and the Conservative Party of Canada (finally) canceling its leadership race.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will continue to seek a seat on the UN Security Council despite the global coronavirus pandemic.
According to Foreign Affairs Minister François-Philippe Champagne and International Development Minister Karina Gould, Canada’s campaign for the seat will continue as planned.
Both Gould and Champagne claimed that Trudeau’s response to the coronavirus has raised Canada’s profile abroad.
“Canada has been chairing or organizing a number of calls with G7 countries. [Canada has] a voice that is much needed in the world where we need to co-operate, coordinate and work together. I think Canada brings something unique to the table,” said Champagne after a meeting with G7 ministers.
Trudeau earmarked $50 million in response to a foreign aid appeal by the UN for $2 billion to help fight the coronavirus abroad.
“Canada absolutely has to protect our own citizens, but part of protecting our own citizens is being part of that global response,” said Gould about the international aid.
“We absolutely need to be thinking about the world’s poorest and most vulnerable because if we’re not thinking about them, we’re also putting ourselves at risk.”
Early in 2020, Trudeau travelled to Africa and Germany to rally support for Canada’s place at the Security Council.
Among those courted by the prime minister while campaigning abroad was Senegalese President Macky Sall.
Trudeau was able to secure Senegal’s vote in the UN, despite the country’s abysmal human rights record.
During the trip, Sall defended the fact that his country criminalizes homosexual acts, claiming that it has nothing to do with homophobia.
“The laws of our country obey rules that are the condensation of our cultural and civilizing values. This has nothing to do with homophobia. Whoever has the sexual orientation of their choice is not the target of exclusion,” said Sall.
While in Germany, Trudeau was also photographed bowing before Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif despite the country’s role in killing 57 Canadians after shooting down an airliner.
“I went by to impress upon the foreign minister of Iran how important it is that we work together,” said Trudeau about the interaction.
Are we massively over-reacting to the threat of the coronavirus? New evidence suggests we very well could be.
Epidemiologist Neil Ferguson of Imperial College London has been advising the U.K. government on the coronavirus and has led the global effort to “flatten the curve” by social distancing and shelter-in-place orders.
Ferguson and his team created a model that projected 2.2 million people in the United States and half a million people in the United Kingdom would die from COVID-19 if no action was taken.
Ferguson’s model aligns with WHO estimates that the coronavirus mortality rate is 3.4%. But, it turns out, Ferguson was off by an order of magnitude.
Ferguson stated this week that U.K. hospitals were well positioned to meet the demand for coronavirus cases. His latest revised model, based on new social distancing measures, estimates 20,000 people in the U.K. will likely die from the disease.
A team of epidemiologists at Oxford University who were critical of Ferguson’s model released their own study, which suggests that half of the population in the U.K. may have already been infected by the coronavirus.
While the virus is indeed highly contagious and transmissible, they argue, it may be far less lethal than previously believed.
This view was echoed by Stanford University professors of medicine Dr. Bendavid and Dr. Bhattacharya, who argued in the Wall Street Journal that the true fatality rate is much lower than assumed because of a lack of testing.
What if the overwhelming majority of those who contract coronavirus never even get tested because their symptoms are mild or non-existent?
The Stanford professors urge governments to focus efforts on protecting older and more vulnerable population groups and boosting resources like ICU beds and ventilators at hospitals. But they question the wisdom of universal lockdowns and conclude it “may not be worth the costs it imposes on the economy, community and individual mental and physical health.”
Another Stanford professor, Nobel Prize winner Michael Levitt, created a model that accurately predicted the number of cases and deaths in China. He believes this crisis will be behind us in a few short weeks.
We should, of course, take all of these studies with a grain of salt. The reality is there is no consensus among the so-called experts.
In other words, the science is not yet settled on coronavirus. That is why the Trudeau government’s daily assurances that their policy is based on “science and evidence” doesn’t add up.
Which science and whose evidence?
For six weeks, politicians across Canada downplayed the risk of coronavirus and assured Canadians there was nothing to worry about — apart from unsubstantiated claims of a rise in racism and xenophobia against Chinese people.
The Trudeau government defended open borders, allowed unchecked travel from China, and even praised the Chinese Communist dictatorship for its “outstanding leadership in the fight against the epidemic.”
Government inaction allowed the coronavirus to spread to every corner of our country.
Now that it’s too late to contain the virus, our governments are overcompensating by imposing draconian measures to close businesses and force workers to stay at home.
As a result, more than a million Canadians applied for EI last week, 45% of young Canadians aged 18 to 24 have been laid off and half of all Albertan households have experienced work loss.
Public health is incredibly important, but it isn’t the only thing to consider. A University of Calgary study found that for every percent increase in the unemployment rate, the suicide rate increased by 2.8%.
Canada’s unemployment rate just jumped from 5.8% up to 13.9% in one week.
Before we further destroy the economy and cause endless misery and suffering as Canadian businesses fail and families lose their homes, we should make sure the so-called experts we’re relying on have thoroughly double-checked their work.
As the number of cases of COVID-19 continues to grow across Canada, it’s important that Canadians know where to seek advice and get tested if necessary.
Each province has their own testing procedures, and at this time most provinces only ask that those who have recently travelled and have symptoms of COVID-19 get tested. Those who have been exposed to someone known to have COVID-19 should also seek out medical advice.
Most provinces have simple self-assessment tests online. These provinces are recommending the public complete these assessments before they pursue medical advice.
In the event you are experiencing the more extreme symptoms of COVID-19, including severe difficulty breathing, chest pains and confusion you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room immediately. All provinces and territories are requesting that you call ahead and explain that you may have contracted COVID-19.
It is extremely important that you isolate yourself if you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19. Do not go to your doctor or a hospital before calling the appropriate number in your province.
Symptoms of COVID-19
According to Health Canada, the symptoms of COVID-19 include cough, fever, difficulty breathing, and pneumonia. Additional symptoms may include chest pains, confusion, lethargy and sore throat.
It may take up to 14 days after contracting COVID-19 before any symptoms appear. Anyone who has travelled internationally is required to self-isolate for 14 days upon arrival. Some provinces have introduced fines for individuals who fail to self-isolate.
For non-medical information on COVID-19 call 1-888-268-4319.
British Columbia is not recommending most people get tested for COVID-19. Currently people who have developed symptoms of COVID-19 and meet one of the following categories are required to get testing:
Hospitalized, or likely to be hospitalized
Health Care Workers
Residents of long-term care facilities
Part of an investigation of a cluster or outbreak
If you develop mild symptoms of COVID-19 remain in self-isolation. If your condition worsens, call your regular physician or BC HealthLink at 811. A medical professional may require you to get tested depending on your situation.
To be tested voluntarily in Alberta you must have recently travelled abroad and have since developed the symptoms of COVID-19. Those who have been near a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and have since developed symptoms should also seek testing.
To access testing you can call Health Link at 811 or send your contact information to Health Link via the self-assessment tool and a medical professional will determine if you require testing.
In Saskatchewan you do not need to be tested for COVID-19 unless you have not travelled outside Canada or had contact with someone diagnosed as having COVID-19.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 and have travelled abroad recently call HealthLine at 811, or alternatively at 1-204-788-8200 or 1-888-315-9257. A medical professional at Healthline will determine if you require testing.
To be tested voluntarily in Manitoba you must have recently travelled abroad and have since developed the symptoms of COVID-19. Those who have been near a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and have since developed symptoms should also seek testing.
To access testing you can call Health Links-Info Santé at 1-888-315-925 and a medical professional will determine if you require testing.
To be tested voluntarily in Ontario you must have recently travelled abroad and have since developed the symptoms of COVID-19. Those who have been near a person diagnosed with COVID-19 and have since developed symptoms should also seek testing.
Anyone in Ontario who is experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to contact their primary care provider or Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 to receive medical advice. If testing is advisable you will be directed to the nearest testing location.
Quebec
Quebec does not offer an online self-assessment tool at this time.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 or believe you were exposed to COVID-19 you are asked to call one of the following numbers:
418-644-4545 in the Québec City region,
514-644-4545 in the Montréal area,
450-644-4545 in the Montérégie region,
819-644-4545 in the Outaouais region
1-877-644-4545 (toll free) elsewhere in Québec.
A walk-in clinic has been set up in Montreal for those who would like to get tested for COVID-19. In order to get tested you will have to either have the symptoms of COVID-19, been in contact with a known COVID-19 carrier or have travelled abroad since March 1.
If you are experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 and would like to get tested you are asked to make a virtual appointment with your primary care provider or call Tele-Care at 811. New Brunswickers are asked to complete the self-assessment tool before calling 811 or their provider.
A medical professional will determine if you require testing.
To be tested voluntarily in Nova Scotia you will have shown the symptoms of COVID-19 after travelling abroad or being in contact with someone diagnosed with the virus. Complete the self-assessment tool and call 811 if recommended and a medical professional will determine if you require testing.
If testing is advisable you will be directed to the nearest testing location.
Testing is currently focused on those who have recently travelled or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Complete the self-assessment tool and call 811 if recommended to arrange testing.
For general inquiries about COVID-19 call 1-800-958-6400.
Testing is limited to those who have traveled outside Newfoundland and Labrador in the past 14 days and have since developed symptoms of COVID-19. Call 811 if recommended by the self-assessment tool to arrange testing.
Anyone with questions specifically surrounding self-isolation are asked to call the Canadian Red Cross COVID-19 helpline at 1-800-863-6582.
Testing is currently focused on those who have recently travelled or had contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19. Complete the self-assessment tool and call 811 if recommended to arrange testing.
Northwest Territories
Northwest Territories does not offer an online self-assessment tool at this time.
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of COVID-19 are asked to call one of the following numbers:
Yellowknife: 867-767-9120
Inuvik: 867-490-2225
Fort Smith: 867-872-6219
Hay River: 867-874-7201
For General Questions about COVID-19 you can contact [email protected].
Nunavut
Nunavut does not offer an online self-assessment tool at this time.
Starting on March 24 only Nunavut residents and critical workers are allowed into the territory. Residents will have to provide proof of residency to be allowed to fly into Nunavut.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have travelled out of Nunavut recently are asked to call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-888-975-8601 and a medical professional will determine if testing is required.
As coronavirus news stories dominate the headlines, it’s fair to say that climate change seems to have been knocked off its perch.
Well, until social media exploded with comments saying former Green Party leader Elizabeth May demanded a price from the Prime Minister for her support for his minority government in the $82 billion stimulus bill.
According to the discussions on social media, May apparently demanded that Trudeau keep the 50% carbon tax April 1st increase in return for her support for the Liberal’s initiative. Trudeau agreed and then got, as well, the support from the Bloc Quebecois. Rather unsurprisingly I might add.
Now, political deals are de rigueur and we will likely never know for sure what was discussed to get the support of the Green Party. But they did get it and shortly after Trudeau said the April 1st increase in the carbon tax would occur despite the stimulus spending bill.
So, they are going to give Canadians some money to make up for lost wages for many but then increase a tax and minimize the positive effect of that money.
Well, that sure makes sense – to a Liberal but not to anyone else.
The Prime Minister giveth with one hand and taketh with the other.
The logic of these enviro-loonies, if there ever was any, is long gone and never to return.
The Trudeau government has wedded themselves to the mantra of climate change and the carbon tax is a significant piece of that. Although at his latest coronavirus press conference given from the stoop of Rideau Cottage, the Prime Minister would not call it a tax when asked the question. No, it was “a price on pollution.”
The Trudeau government is married to the whole “the science is settled” dogma. When in fact it isn’t and not by a long shot.
Consider the words of Dr. Patrick Michaels, a past president of the American Association of State Climatologists and a contributing author to the UN’s IPCC report which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. “The rates of warming, on multiple time scales, have now invalidated the suite of IPCC climate models. No, the science is not settled.”
Or the comments of Dr. Murry Salby, an American atmospheric scientist who said, “I have an involuntary gag reflex whenever someone says the science is settled. Anyone who thinks the science is settled on this topic is in fantasia.”
Well, that’s where the Prime Minister is, in fantasia.
He wants to believe in his fantasy about man-made global warming or climate change as it has been called when the global warming predictions failed to materialize. Yet, he believes this nonsense that he has imposed a “cost on pollution” on Canadians and it will increase by 50% on April 1st and there is precious little we can do about it.
The Prime Minister is wrong in all of this and is even more wrong to carve it into government policy and penalize Canadians for heating their homes or taking their kids to the hockey arena or soccer field.
I will leave the final word in this discussion to Dr. Willem de Lange, Senior Lecturer, Earth Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering at the University of Waikato in New Zealand. “In 1996 the IPCC listed me as one of approximately 3000 “scientists” who agreed that there was a discernible human influence on climate. I didn’t. There is no evidence to support the hypothesis that runaway catastrophic climate change is due to human activities.”
Think about that as Justin Trudeau raises your cost to purchase gasoline for your car or heating oil or natural gas to heat your home.
Any pretence that he is standing up for Canadians is masked by his own flawed ideology.
In order to enforce social distancing efforts and mitigate the spread of coronavirus, some public voices are suggesting we must trade in our civil liberties, and that snitch lines, arrests, and cell phone tracking should be introduced or ramped up.
True North’s Lindsay Shepherd warns that we should be wary of the calls to limit our freedoms during the pandemic.
Last month, public health officials and politicians likewise parroted talking points about how flight restrictions and border controls don’t work and masks are ineffective.
Weeks later, we were scrambling to shut our borders and are now desperately trying to make up for a shortage in masks and other personal protective equipment for healthcare workers.
Imagine going from calling those who first sounded the alarm racist to not letting families play alone on a sports field.
