Readout
Today, the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, held her second teleconference with provincial and territorial Finance Ministers.
During the call, the Deputy Prime Minister acknowledged that the second wave of the virus is already underway in many provinces and that, together, we have the ability to get the second wave under control. The Deputy Prime Minister reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to support Canadians, Canadian businesses, and provinces and territories. This includes investments, through the Safe Restart Agreement, to enhance testing and tracing capacity and to secure a reliable source of personal protective equipment, and, through the Safe Return to Class Fund, investments to help protect the health and safety of students and staff members.
The Deputy Prime Minister also discussed the government's plan, as detailed in the Speech from the Throne, to manage the pandemic over the coming months, including:
- financial support to Canadians and businesses who continue to struggle financially due to the pandemic;
- investment in vaccines, therapeutics, and testing;
- national childcare investments; as well as
- reconstruction efforts towards a stronger more resilient Canada.
The Deputy Prime Minister emphasized her commitment to preserving Canada's reputation for sound fiscal management and that the best economic policy continues to be supporting a strong public health policy. All Ministers again pledged their support for continued unity and closely coordinated efforts moving forward.
