Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is warning Canadians that if he has to introduce additional measures to keep people at home to stop the spread of COVID-19, he will.
Speaking from isolation outside Rideau Cottage on Monday, Trudeau stressed physical distancing -- keeping two metres between yourself and other people -- is the single best way to keep each other safe during the pandemic. He sternly reminded everyone who chooses to ignore advice from public health officials and gather in crowds or public places that they are not only risking their safety, but the safety of others.
"We have all seen the pictures online of people who seem to think they are invincible. Well you're not," said Trudeau. "Enough is enough. Go home and stay home. This is what we all need to be doing and we're going to make sure this happens, whether by educating people more on the risks or by enforcing the rules if that's needed. Nothing that could help is off the table."
In order to ensure Canadians are properly educated about the dangers associated with COVID-19, the federal government has launched a $30 million multi-media advertising campaign. The ads will feature trusted faces from Canada's health community and cultural sector, sharing recommendations aimed at keeping everyone safe.
"Not having heard this message won't be an excuse. We are reaching everyone," said Trudeau. "Listening is your duty and staying home is your way to serve."
Trudeau commended the decision by the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canadian Paralympic Committee not to send athletes to this summer's Olympics in Tokyo.
"I know this is heartbreaking for so many people... But this was absolutely the right call and everyone should follow their lead," said Trudeau.
In an effort to better support farmers, producers within the agri-food business, and food processors, Trudeau announced $5 billion in lending capacity through Farm Credit Canada and a six-month extension on loan repayments.
Trudeau acknowledged these are hard times and thanked those in the food sector working to keep Canadians fed.
It was also announced that the federal government will be investing $192 million for the development and production of a vaccine and treatment for COVID-19.
"We will be signing an agreement with Vancouver-based AbCellera to support their work on drugs to prevent and treat COVID-19. We are also working with Quebec City-based Medicago for vaccine testing and production," said Trudeau. "At the same time, we are providing funding for the University of Saskatchewan's vaccine and infectious disease organization for the development and clinical trials."
Money will also be spent on mass production of promising COVID-19 treatments from the National Research Council of Canada's facility in Montreal.
"These are critical steps... We have to remember that vaccines won't be ready overnight. They will take months to develop and test," added Trudeau. "So while that is happening we need to work to mitigate the impacts of this virus."
Trudeau said he will be speaking with the country's premiers about the Federal Emergencies Act at a meeting scheduled for Monday evening. He will be clarifying with the premiers what tools each level of government has and where more can be done to stop the spread of the virus.