When the prime minister, premiers and territorial leaders hold their weekly, virtual conference call today, Justin Trudeau says they’ll be discussing the re-opening of parts of the economy.
”Some regions (of the country) have been hit harder than others during this pandemic. We’re a federation so we have to adapt our response to the realities and challenges of each province and territory,” said Trudeau.
”But I want to be clear that getting back to normal will not happen overnight.”
The prime minister adds it’s going to take time and won’t be ”as simple or easy as flipping a switch.”
The prime minister says Ottawa, the provinces and territories will work to establish principles and guidelines to begin opening the economy ”safely.”
Saskatchewan released its plan to gradually restart its economy Thursday.
New Brunswick outlined its four-phase plan today.
Ontario and Quebec will announce the frameworks to restart their economies next week.
Meanwhile, the tragedy at under-staffed long-term care homes, where more than half of deaths from COVID-19 have taken place, is also expected to be discussed during the first ministers’ conference call.
Trudeau has promised Ottawa would top up the salaries of front-line workers but said it would need to be done in consultation with the provinces and territories.