The Commons health committee is under increasing pressure as questions arise on why China is still Canada’s main pandemic supplier, said Blacklock’s Reporter..“Why does the Canadian Association of PPE Manufacturers (CAPPEM) tell us the Trudeau government is back to buying most of their supplies from China?” asked opposition leader Erin O’Toole..“We need made-in-Canada supplies of personal protective equipment.”.O’Toole said MPs will hold an emergency health committee meeting investigating the COVID-19 management in Canada, though no date was set..CAPPEM President Barry Hunt explained in March 2020, the federal medical supply was insufficient at the start of the pandemic prompting substantial orders to Chinese suppliers..“The shelves are still being supplied from China,” said Hunt, angered China is still a “major player” providing supplies to Canadian schools and hospitals..“Federally our association has not had any procurement whatsoever. Zero. None. I’m surprised we have not had a phone call given they have set a deadline to use only Canadian suppliers.”.The House of Commons unanimously passed a motion mid-December requiring masks be supplied by domestic businesses only for use on.Parliament Hill and various federal locations..The boycott of Chinese-made masks will be enforced by month’s end, said commons speaker and MP, Anthony Rota..“House administration is in the process of implementing the decision of the House to ensure compliance no later than January 31,” said Rota..Federal figures show Chinese suppliers are currently holding large contracts for a range of COVID-19 protective equipment..State-run China National Pharmaceuticals Group was granted one contract worth $249.8 million of the total $553.4 million spent by the Department of Public Works on medical gloves..Out of $790.5 million federally purchased high-grade N95 masks, $249.8 million was outsourced to Chinese suppliers..“.January 2022 is not March 2021,”.said Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos..“We have made significant progress and we’re continuing to add resources and tools to help protect and support Canadians.”.Ewa Sudyk is a reporter with the Western Standard..esudyk@westernstandardonline.com
