-----  Preparing for the second wave 

 

As our economy starts to reopen, the health and safety of Canadians is our number one priority. So the Government of Canada is putting the right tools in place before a potential second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic hits.

We have negotiated a Safe Restart Agreement with the provinces and territories that will invest $19 billion to protect and ensure Canadians  that they can safely return to work.  This Agreement bolsters the capacity of the provinces and territories to conduct contact tracing and testing, with a goal of up to 200,000 tests a day across the country. This is vital to contain future outbreaks quickly, before they spread.

To protect seniors in long-term care homes, we are funding infection prevention measures and expanding eligibility for federal infrastructure funds so long-term care facilities can be modernized and renovated.

We have set up a contingency reserve of personal protective equipment so front line and essential workers have the protection they need.

The Agreement also makes a significant investment to ensure sufficient and safe childcare is available; parents will feel confident in returning to work.

The federal government is creating a temporary national sick leave program so no one feels pressured to go to work when sick. The program will provide 10 days of paid sick leave to workers who do not already qualify through their employers to stay home and get well.

Deb Schulte, Canada’s Minister of Seniors

Ottawa