Trudeau to talk to Trump about COVID masks after White House bars export
Original Publication Date: April 4, 2020 2:27AM
Publication Updated: April 18, 2025 4:00PM
OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he plans to talk to U.S. President Donald Trump about White House orders to Minnesota-based 3M to stop exporting its surgical-grade face masks.
Trudeau says he is not looking at measures that are retaliatory or punitive.
Rather, he says the countries can come up with a diplomatic solution.
Much of the pulp for the masks that protect against COVID-19 spread comes from a mill in Nanaimo, B.C.
He says his message to Trump in the coming days will be that working together benefits both countries.
Meanwhile, the Canadian government is giving more financial support aimed at helping the most vulnerable survive the COVID-19 pandemic.
Trudeau announced $40 million for Women and Gender Equality Canada, with up to $30 million to address immediate needs of shelters and sexual assault centres.
Another $10 million will go to Indigenous Services Canada's network of 46 emergency shelters.
The government also says $157.5 million will address the needs of Canadians experiencing homelessness.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 4, 2020.
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