CONSERVATIVE Party Leader Andrew Scheer, Leader of the Official Opposition, on Thursday slammed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on the government’s decision to send personal protective equipment overseas during the COVID-19 outbreak.

In a statement, Scheer said: “Today’s news is outrageous.  Justin Trudeau needs to explain why he sent 50,118 face shields, 1,101 masks, 1,820 goggles, 36,425 medical coveralls, 200,000 nitrile gloves and 3,000 aprons from Canada’s own government reserves overseas in February.
 
“The government was repeatedly warned by medical experts and the World Health Organization to prepare for a COVID-19 outbreak.  Now doctors and nurses across the country are facing urgent shortages of critical supplies.  The Canadian Medical Association has reported that its members are even having to consider using expired items.  No front-line healthcare worker should be put at risk because of a lack of personal protective equipment.”

Scheer said Trudeau must immediately explain to Canadians: 

• What impact this decision has on Canada’s reserve of critical personal protective equipment?
• How is the government going to immediately address the shortage of personal protective equipment to ensure that our front-line healthcare workers have the supplies they need to fight COVID-19?
• When can hospitals and front-line healthcare workers expect to receive critical supplies?

 
Scheer added: “Since the beginning of this crisis, Conservatives have been focused on Canadians and getting them the support they desperately need. We are working hard to hold the government to account and will continue to ask tough questions about the government’s response to COVID-19. Protecting the health and safety of Canadians will remain our top priority.”