The Canadian federal government seems optimistic that U.S. President Trump and American administration may soften their tone regarding exporting medical supplies including much needed asks with their northern neighbours.
In his Saturday briefing, Trudeau said the feds are engaging in “constructive discussions” with the U.S. to continue the mutually beneficial sharing of needed goods and services across the Canada-US border.
Trudeau echoed earlier sentiments that cutting off supplies to Canada could hurt the U.S. as much as it hurts anyone else but said Canada won’t seek ‘retaliatory measures’ like blocking health care workers from travelling across the American border.
“We know it is in both of our interests to continue to work collaboratively and co-operatively,” said the PM.
Trudeau added that Canada will receive millions of masks arriving by a chartered cargo flight in the next 48 hours.
U.S. President Trump enacted the Defence Production Act, boosting the production of critically needed goods and equipment while cutting off the supply chain elsewhere. That included orders for American-based manufacturers 3M to stop sending masks to other countries including Canada and Latin America.
Although raw numbers haven’t been provided, 3M is said to supply a “substantial” amount of Canada’s supply.
