Hello everyone.

Today, I want to update you all on three key elements of our fight against COVID-19: modelling, testing, and vaccines.

Let me start with modelling.

This morning, Dr. Tam and Dr. Njoo presented new models that show the potential spread of the virus over the next few weeks.

The reality is that right now hospitalizations are still on the rise in many provinces.

While vaccine doses are being delivered every week, we need to keep reducing in-person contacts.

For the moment, that’s the only way to get these numbers down.  

Since yesterday, Ontario is now under a stay-at-home order.

This is the kind of tough but necessary decision that provincial governments are having to make.

I spoke with Premier Ford directly on Wednesday.

I told him, as always, the federal government is here to help.

We talked about rapid testing and the role that that could play in keeping these numbers down.

We also, of course, let him know that federal help is available wherever needed, including and especially for long-term care homes.

The outbreaks happening in long-term care homes in Ontario and across the country are not only incredibly concerning – they’re also tragic.

Our parents and grandparents built this country.

They raised us.

And they deserve so much better.

And it is vital that we continue to get vaccines to vulnerable people as quickly as we can.

And that’s exactly what we’re focused on.

But remember – no one is invincible.

Even if you’re young and healthy, this virus can be dangerous.

That’s why we all have to keep doing our part.

We’re also constantly monitoring variants of COVID-19 with governments across the country, including the concerning Brazil variant.

We’re doing whatever it takes to protect Canadians including looking at banning certain flights if necessary.

Decisions must be based on public health guidance.

And as always, our Ministers are actively leaning in on this and talking to experts to reach a determination without delay.

We will continue to keep Canadians informed of any new decisions we take.  

To people in Ontario now under the stay-at-home order:

I know this isn’t how you wanted to start the new year.

It probably feels like a déjà vu all over again from 2020.

This won’t last forever.

But for now, we have to buckle down.

This is our best way through in the coming weeks of winter.

We’ve seen the kind of impossible choices hospitals in other countries had to face when they become overwhelmed.

Deciding who gets an ICU bed and who doesn’t — well that’s not where we want to be.

So please, keep following public health guidelines and stay safe.

In Quebec as well, it’s important that people continue to follow public health guidelines to reduce the number of cases and bring down the hospitalization rates.

As you know, the impact of the pandemic reaches far beyond just those who test positive.

When COVID-19 puts too much pressure on hospitals, the entire system suffers.

We’ve all learned a new word: “ramping down.”

Thousands of surgeries are being delayed.

Screening for some cancers is slower, putting other lives at risk.

Health care workers are exhausted and are having to make extremely difficult decisions.

I know that it’s hard and that the measures are strict, but while we continue to vaccinate vulnerable people, it’s crucial that we stop this second wave.

Since the beginning, our response to the pandemic has been based on science and the best data available.

But on Wednesday, during the virtual Cabinet retreat, various experts came to give us an update, including Dr. Tam, Dr. Nemer, the President of the Public Health Agency of Canada, and both co-chairs of the national vaccine task force.

This morning, the Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel published its first report.

I would like to start by thanking both of the co-chairs, Sue Paish and Dr. Irfan Dhalla, and all the other members of the Panel.

Since the fall, we’ve delivered over 14 million rapid tests to the provinces and territories. The Panel’s report this morning makes recommendations so that these tests are used effectively and in the best possible way.

Screening at high-risk locations such as long-term care centres, schools, and various workplaces is key to our response against COVID‑19.

The Testing and Screening Expert Advisory Panel published their first report this morning.

In it, they laid out evidence-informed advice on science and policy for COVID-19 testing and screening.

The Panel has identified four priority areas of action to reduce the spread of the virus, protect Canada’s most vulnerable, and limit the impact of the disease on the health care system and on the economy.

So far, we’ve sent more than 14 million rapid tests to the provinces and territories, with more on the way.

Effective testing and screening is key to stopping COVID-19 transmission and limiting outbreaks in long-term care settings, schools, workplaces, and other high-risk locales.

We all have to work together to use these rapid tests to slow the spread of the virus.

Today, I also want to talk about where we are with vaccines.

On Tuesday, I announced that we reached an agreement with Pfizer to buy an additional 20 million doses of their vaccine.

Yesterday, Major-General Fortin confirmed that, as of today, almost a million vaccine doses have been delivered to the provinces and territories.

We’re working day in and day out to get vaccines delivered as quickly as possible.

Shipments have largely been ahead of schedule so far.

But with an undertaking this historic, it’s only to be expected that there will be a few bumps along the way.

Earlier this morning, Minister Anand talked about her conversation with Pfizer Canada, regarding impacts to vaccine production.

Due to work to expand one of the company’s manufacturing facilities, deliveries to all countries receiving Pfizer doses made at the European facility will be temporarily reduced.

This includes Canada.

I want to be very clear: this does not impact our goal to have enough vaccines available by September for every Canadian who wants one.   

It also will not change our second quarter goals.

Canada must still get ready for the “ramp up” phase in Q2.

This kind of issue is out of our hands and that’s why we pursued an aggressive procurement strategy in the first place.

Canada has one of the most diverse vaccine portfolios in the world and we secured the largest number of doses per capita of any country.

We have seven bilateral agreements to ensure flexibility when it comes to supply chains.

And like I said, this situation with Pfizer is temporary.

This week alone, we delivered 380,000 doses of vaccine to the provinces and territories, with more deliveries on the way.

We’re doing everything we can to deliver as many vaccine doses as possible, as quickly as possible.

And throughout this process, it’s normal to run into unforeseen situations.

This morning, Minister Anand explained that there will be a delay in the delivery of the Pfizer vaccine that impacts all countries receiving doses made at their European facility, including Canada.

I want to be very clear: this does not impact our goal to have enough vaccines available by September for every Canadian who wants one.

It also won’t affect our “ramp up” phase in Q2.

It’s a situation that’s beyond our control.

But remember that’s why Canada has secured the largest number of doses per capita of any country.

And our agreements with seven vaccine manufacturers and developers ensures that we have flexibility when it comes to supply chains.

By September, you will all be able to get your vaccine.

I know it’s been a tough 11 months.

But no matter how much longer this crisis lasts, no matter where you live, we’ve got your back.

Yesterday, a request for additional support was approved by the federal government for Nain in Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Canadian Rangers will help with the vaccination effort, as many vulnerable and elderly people in the community need help getting to and from the vaccination site.

In Ontario, we approved an extension for the Canadian Red Cross until March 31^st to continue supporting isolation and recovery centres for temporary foreign workers in the Windsor-Essex region.  

And in Manitoba, an extension has also been approved so that the Canadian Red Cross can provide general support, as well as support to personal care homes until March 31^st. 

Far too many families are facing the heartbreaking realities of what’s happening in care homes across the country.

This is a crisis we all need to work together on.

As we have from the very beginning, the federal government will always be there when it’s needed most.

Before I wrap it up for today, I also want to take a minute to talk about housing.

With rising homelessness and housing needs, the COVID-19 crisis has made it clear that affordable housing will be key to Canada’s recovery.

Everyone deserves a safe and affordable place to call home.

In September, we announced an investment of $1 billion through the Rapid Housing Initiative.

Today, we can announce the details of the over $203 million that was allocated for Toronto.

The city will be starting 7 projects to create more than 500 new affordable homes.

These will be prioritized for people experiencing homelessness.

Of the total number of new homes, 20% will also be prioritized for Indigenous communities, and 20% for women and girls.

That takes us to nearly half of the new units that will go to people who are especially vulnerable when it comes to housing.

Earlier this week, Minister Hussen also announced an additional federal investment of nearly $40 million to increase and extend emergency measures to help people experiencing homelessness in Quebec.

This additional funding comes from the funds we announced in September under the Reaching Home Program.

COVID-19 has serious implications for people experiencing homelessness who have to deal with the cold and all sorts of hardships.

Every Canadian deserves a safe and affordable place to call home, and we will continue to work together to build an inclusive Canada that leaves no one behind.

As always, together, we will build a better world.

Thank you very much.