Prime Minister Justin Trudeau led a united call for global co-operation at a major United Nations meeting Thursday aimed at mitigating the devastating social and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The conference came as Canada is competing for one of two non-permanent seats on the UN Security Council next month against Norway and Ireland. Canada is running on a platform of trying to help rebuild the post-pandemic world.
Trudeau co-hosted the meeting with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, and opened the hours-long videoconference by affirming support for the international institutions that need to lead the recovery.
“And for the global economy to recover, and for our domestic economies to bounce back, we need a global, co-ordinated plan,” Trudeau said.
“Our citizens need to have confidence in international institutions that leave no one behind and are capable of overcoming global challenges.”
More than 50 heads of state and government participated, including Germany’s Angela Merkel, France’s Emmanuel Macron, and Britain’s Boris Johnson, along with representatives of the World Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the private sector.
U.S. President Donald Trump did not take part. Trump has argued that wise leaders put the interests of their own countries first.
One by one, Merkel, Macron, Johnson and the president of the European Commission, as well as the prime ministers of Norway and Ireland — among others — thrashed Trump’s go-it-alone approach without mentioning his name. They defended the World Health Organization, which Trump has defunded, and the Paris agreement on climate change, from which Trump is withdrawing.
Merkel reminded the gathering that Germany has trumpeted climate change during its past G7 presidency. Trump is hosting the G7 summit this year.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen noted the pandemic might push some countries to focus on their own needs.
“This is wrong. We have to work together, and for each other.”
Macron, who has never shied away from criticizing Trump, said the “collective action” of the world’s multilateral system is crucial.
“No single country can find a solution to this crisis. There can be no isolated solution. We have to address issues collectively, such as health, the environment, justice,” said Macron.
“The price is paid by all; the solution must be found by all.”
Johnson, sometimes viewed a kindred political spirit of Trump’s, said all countries are striving to protect their people, as they should. But he added: “Yet no single country hold the keys to victory against our invisible enemy. If we are to defeat COVID-19, achieve a global recovery, and avoid a future pandemic, then we must work together across borders.”
Ireland and Norway, Canada’s rivals for the two temporary seats on the security council, echoed the sentiment.
“This is no time to seek confrontation and to look inward,” said Norway’s Prime Minister Erna Solberg.
“Let us use this moment to ensure more global co-operation in order to build back a healthier, greener, fairer, gender-equal and sustainable world.”
The subtext of the looming Security Council vote was also on display. Trudeau has been courting the support of various large voting blocs in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean because European countries are expected to rally around Norway and Ireland.
Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the current chair of the 20-country Caribbean Community, thanked Trudeau for his remarks, but laid down a clear marker for him and others.
“I hope that this high-level session will not simply be the record of glorious speeches but will trigger action that is needed badly.”
Unless countries come together now to co-ordinate a recovery plan, the UN estimates the pandemic could slash nearly US$8.5 trillion from the world economy over the next two years, forcing 34.3 million people into extreme poverty this year and potentially 130 million more over the course of the decade.
“This is our chance to begin a conversation on how we can emerge from this truly global crisis as a stronger and more cohesive world — one that creates growth for everyone, addresses inequality, and cares for the most vulnerable,” Trudeau said Thursday.
“Canada is ready to do our part, as we help bring the world together in the fight against COVID-19.”
In a release about the event, the UN said all countries face economic strain due to the pandemic, particularly developing countries which were already in “debt distress” before the crisis and can’t afford to cushion the blow for their citizens or to undertake fiscal stimulus measures.
The conference is addressing “six urgent areas of action” to mobilize the financing needed for a global recovery.
Those six areas include:
— Expanding liquidity in the global economy and maintaining financial stability.
— Addressing debt vulnerability for developing countries “to save lives and livelihoods for billions of people around the world.”
— Involving private sector creditors in recovery plans.
— Enhancing external financing for inclusive growth and job creation.
— Preventing illicit offshore financial holdings and money laundering that siphons off trillions of dollars needed for rebuilding economies.
— Aligning recovery policies with sustainable development goals.
The conference aims to create a discussion group in each of the six areas, with the goal of providing concrete proposals by mid-July.
“Despite all the technological and scientific advances of recent decades, we are in an unprecedented human crisis because of a microscopic virus,” said Guterres.
“We need to respond with unity and solidarity.”
Earlier this week, Trudeau argued that ensuring poorer countries survive the crisis is not just the right thing to do, it’s in Canada’s own self-interest.
He says Canadian jobs and businesses depend on stable and productive economies in other countries, so it matters how other nations weather the COVID-19 storm.
The conference will address six urgent areas of action to mobilize the financing needed for a global recovery, including expanding liquidity in the global economy and maintaining financial stability and involving private-sector creditors in recovery plans.
– The Canadian Press
Today’s top headlines:
- Ontario to take control of five long-term care homes after military report citing neglect, abuse
- At least 47 children in Canada investigated for inflammatory syndrome linked to COVID-19
- Ventilator supplies to grow in Canada while need shifts to developing world
- Trudeau says ‘significant’ health questions remain about in-person G7 meeting
National news
- B.C. takes precautions as it moves to restart in-person court hearings
- Quebec records 74 new COVID-19 deaths; courthouses to reopen gradually
- Manitoba government launches online tool to help students find summer jobs
- New Brunswick legislature adjourned as new COVID-19 cases reported in province
- Nova Scotia reports two new cases of COVID-19 as economy poised to reopen
- Ontario reports 383 new COVID-19 cases, 34 more deaths
- Ottawa’s offer of help on sick leave, long-term care gets mixed provincial reaction
- Municipalities in dire financial situations
- Chief says Manitoba First Nation will hold annual powwow even if provincial orders limit size of public gatherings
International news
- South Korea reports spike in coronavirus cases, prompting concerns of a second wave
- India grapples with heat wave, locusts as authorities prepare to ease coronavirus lockdown
- With zero pandemic deaths, Vietnam sets the standard for COVID-19 fight
- Reopening of religious gatherings sparks an uproar in South Africa
What is the reopening plan in my province? A guide
5 p.m. EDT
B.C. takes precautions as it moves to restart in-person court hearings
Courthouses and courtrooms around British Columbia are being assessed to ensure they meet health and safety requirements as the province moves to resume in-person hearings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attorney General David Eby says in a news release the assessments will determine what physical distancing and hygiene measures are necessary to prevent transmission of the virus as required by the provincial health officer.
He says each courthouse is different but it will mean disinfecting courtrooms after use and marking floors with lines to indicate distances at registries and inside elevators, washrooms and courtrooms.
The work is taking place now and the government says the expectation is a limited number of courtrooms will be available for in-person hearings within a few weeks.
The government has also been working on using technology to expand virtual hearings.
A statement from the B.C. Crown Council Association says the pandemic hasn’t stopped the justice system from operating and prosecutors are making substantial efforts to review each case that is before the courts.
- Canadian Press
1 p.m. EDT
Manitoba government launches online tool to help students find summer jobs
The Manitoba government is launching a website to help students find summer jobs.
Employers will be able to post summer jobs on the site, and students will be able to browse listings and apply for ones that interest them.
Premier Brian Pallister says the website will make it easier for students to find work while the economy is suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The government has already announced wage subsidies of $7 an hour for businesses that hire students this summer.
Pallister says that, so far, 793 employers offering more than 1,800 positions have responded to the program.
- Canadian Press
12:35 p.m. EDT
New Brunswick legislature adjourned as new COVID-19 cases reported in province
A new COVID-19 outbreak in New Brunswick has forced the provincial legislature to adjourn only two days after it resumed sitting.
The abrupt decision came Thursday, a day after officials confirmed a health-care worker who had travelled outside New Brunswick and did not self-isolate upon return had infected at least two other people in the Campbellton area.
Campbellton is in northern New Brunswick, near the Quebec border.
Premier Blaine Higgs said the health-care worker had been in contact with “multiple patients” over a two-week period following their return to New Brunswick.
Last week, the province moved to the yellow phase of its COVID-19 recovery plan, allowing larger groups of people to meet and the opening of more businesses and services.
The province’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell, says the Campbellton area will now have to take a step backwards to the orange level, which means a return to tighter restrictions on physical distancing.
- Canadian Press
11:15 a.m. EDT
Nova Scotia reports two new cases of COVID-19 as economy poised to reopen
Nova Scotia is reporting two new cases of COVID-19.
That brings the province’s total number of confirmed cases to 1,055, which includes 59 deaths since the pandemic arrived in March.
The Northwood long-term care home in Halifax — the site of the worst outbreak in the province — has 16 active cases among 12 residents and four staff members.
Eight individuals were being treated in hospital Thursday, three of them in intensive care — but 977 people have recovered from the viral infection.
On Wednesday, Nova Scotia announced it would begin reopening its economy on June 5 by lifting restrictions on businesses that have an approved plan to comply with public health protocols.
The list of businesses that can reopen includes restaurant dining rooms, bars, wineries, distilleries, taprooms, hair salons, barbershops, spas, nail salons, tattoo parlours, gyms, yoga studios and climbing centres.
- Canadian Press
10:50 a.m. EDT
Ontario reports 383 new COVID-19 cases, 34 more deaths
Ontario is reporting 383 new cases of COVID-19 today, and 34 more deaths.
The new cases represent a jump after several consecutive days of fewer than 300 new cases.
It brings the provincial total to 26,866, an increase of 1.4 per cent over the previous day. The total includes 2,189 deaths and 20,673 resolved cases.
The number of tests reported also jumped to 17,615, from 15,133 the previous day.
Meanwhile, Ontario’s fiscal watchdog says the government’s $17-billion pandemic action plan actually provides just $13.5-billion in COVID-19 support.
The Financial Accountability Officer says the package includes $3.5-billion in new health sector spending and electricity price mitigation that is not directly related to pandemic response.
- Canadian Press
4 a.m. EDT
Ottawa’s offer of help on sick leave, long-term care gets mixed provincial reaction
The Team Canada spirit that has prevailed among first ministers during the COVID-19 crisis will be put to the test today as Justin Trudeau broaches with premiers two topics that fall squarely within provincial jurisdiction: the operation of long-term care homes and paid sick leave for workers.
The prime minister has promised federal support in both areas but his offer has met with a mixed reaction from provincial and territorial leaders.
He has also promised to raise the issues tonight, when he conducts his eleventh first ministers’ conference call.
So far, those calls have been notable for their collegial, collaborative spirit as prime minister and premiers all work as one to cushion the impact of the deadly pandemic on Canadians’ health and the country’s economy.
But there are signs that team spirit may be starting to give way to the usual regional tensions and jurisdictional spats that have historically bedevilled federal-provincial relations in Canada.
Quebec Premier Francois Legault, whose province has always jealously guarded its jurisdiction against perceived federal intrusions, is lukewarm about Trudeau’s promise to ensure 10 days of paid sick leave for workers who fall ill with COVID-19 or are required to go into quarantine after exposure.
– The Canadian Press
2:30 a.m. EDT
Municipalities in dire financial situations
Municipalities say their request for financial help during the COVID-19 pandemic has thus far gone unanswered.
And some say they worry they’re stuck in the middle of a stand-off between the federal and Ontario governments over an aid package for hard-hit civic services.
Cam Guthrie, the mayor of Guelph who also serves as the chairman of the Large Urban Mayors’ Caucus of Ontario, says municipalities across the province issued the plea to the province and federal government a month ago.
They say they’ve found themselves in dire financial situations.
Because municipalities in Ontario aren’t allowed to run deficits by law, Guthrie says they’re laying off thousands of staff and contemplating deep service cuts if they cannot secure funding from both levels of government.
That’s putting transit and other services on the chopping block.
A spokeswoman for Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland says the federal government is eager to hear from provinces and territories about how they can help municipalities.
And a spokeswoman for Ontario’s Municipal Affairs Minister Steve Clark says the province plans to raise the issue of municipal support during a conference call with the federal government today.
- The Canadian Press
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