Health committee  I'll say that we work very closely with the Canadian transportation association and other trucking organizations to be able to do what we can to ensure that truckers, the essential workers who are carrying goods across borders, are in fact kept safe. In fact, that work includes r

Health committee  Again, Mr. Chair, I think with the constant dialogue that we have with truckers, whether it's border agencies that carry out that work, I would leave that question to the CBSA, but we definitely have that ongoing work. We also work closely with provinces and territories to gather

Health committee  For the answer to that question, Mr. Chair, I'm going to turn to one of my colleagues, if that's okay. Mr. Robinson or Ms. Nixon may know the answer to that question.

Health committee  Mr. Chair, we know that aviation networks can play a role in the global importation of emerging infectious diseases. For the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic, 24 countries had officially reported cases by the first week of February 2020. The first cases in these countries all had travel

Health committee  I would say that the global best practices that are under way have a significant impact on shaping our Canadian response. For the aviation sector in particular, the best practices that have been identified through either the European Union Aviation Safety Agency or the Internatio

Health committee  Intercity rail passengers are governed by Transport Canada. VIA Rail just announced that passengers will be wearing masks. We also put in mandatory health checks. Questions are being asked of all rail passengers before they take a train within Canada. That was put in some time ag

Health committee  Mr. Chair, personal protective equipment has been provided across various sectors when companies have requested it. In terms of the other devices, Mr. Chair, I don't believe that's the case, but let me turn it over to any of my colleagues who may have a more precise answer, if th

Health committee  Mr. Chair, I don't have the minister's direct quote, but let me say that it's important to note that the aviation industry is already heavily regulated in Canada to ensure the strongest safety measures have been put in in order to protect travelling Canadians. We've put in additi

Health committee  Mr. Chair, I'll start with that answer, and then any of my colleagues may wish to provide additional information. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we have made stakeholder engagement a critical component of our response strategy. Along with the minister, Transport Canada of

Health committee  Canada relied significantly on advice from a number of organizations, including the International Civil Aviation Organization and others. The WHO no doubt factored prominently into our conversations with the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Health committee  Mr. Chair, that question also would be, I think, relevant to the Public Health Agency of Canada. As the science and the evidence evolved over time, we believed that taking the measure when we did was appropriate for the aviation sector at that time.

Health committee  Yes.

Health committee  My personal opinion, Mr. Chair, is less relevant. I'm not responsible for opening or closing the borders.

Health committee  Transport Canada, Mr. Chair, took a number of measures. I outlined a number of them in terms of the border. I would suggest that question be better directed to another government department.

Health committee  Thank you, Mr. Chair. Thank you to the committee for inviting us here today. I'd like to begin by recognizing that the COVID-19 pandemic has created an unprecedented global crisis that is significantly impacting all aspects of the Canadian transportation industry—travellers, s