PPE Procurement and Industry Strategy Council Update

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau provided an update on federal Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) procurement. Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has received more than 100 million surgical masks and 40 million gloves. The government is also stockpiling syringes to be ready should an effective vaccine be discovered.

At the same time, the federal government is working with Canadian companies to retool domestic production for PPE and medical supplies. Also, the Prime Minister announced that four Canadian companies have received funding to develop rapid COVID-19 testing in Canada.

As the economy re-opens, the demand for PPE will increase, necessitating ongoing efforts to manufacture and procure PPE.

Industry Strategy Council‍

Today, the Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry unveiled the members of the Industry Strategy Council. The Committee will act as an advisory board to assess the impact of COVID-19 on Canada’s economy.

The Council will hold virtual meetings every two weeks over the next 90 days. The members include:

• Monique Leroux, Chair
• Dr. Mona Nemer, Canada’s Chief Science Advisor
• Murad Al-Katib, President and Chief Executive Officer, AGT Food and Ingredients – Agri-food sector
• John Baker, M.S.C., President and Chief Executive Officer, D2L Corporation – Digital Industries sector
• Rhonda Barnet, President and Chief Operating Officer, AVIT Manufacturing – Advanced Manufacturing sector
• Paviter Binning, President, Wittington Investments, Limited – Retail sector
• Ben Cowan-Dewar, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Cabot Links – Tourism & Hospitality sector
• Karimah Es Sabar, Chief Executive Officer and Partner, Quark Venture – Health & Biosciences sector
• Karen Hamberg, Vice President of External Affairs and Sustainability, Westport Fuel Systems Inc. – Clean Technology sector
• Mark Little, President and Chief Executive Officer, Suncor Energy Inc. – Resources of the Future sector
• Sylvie Vachon, President and Chief Executive Officer, Montreal Port Authority – Transportation sector

In addition, the existing Economic Strategy Tables will receive a renewed mandate as part of the government’s Innovation and Skills Plan.

Federal Engagement‍

Consult the Sussex COVID-19 Guide for information on supports made available across the Federal, Provincial and Municipal Governments.

As the details of the programs announced today become available, let Sussex help connect you with the right people in government to help your organization get through these extraordinary times.

Please reach out to your Sussex representative directly or to a member of the Federal Government Relations Team.