Statement on joint international effort to ensure supply chain connectivity amid COVID-19 pandemic

March 25, 2020 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, today issued the following statement:

“The COVID-19 pandemic is a global challenge affecting the way businesses all over the world operate. Our efforts to control and mitigate the spread of the virus have resulted in travel restrictions and temporary border closures, and they could have further implications for Canadian businesses operating in the global marketplace.

“Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the Canadian economy. In these times of uncertainty, it is more important than ever that the Government of Canada take action to ensure Canadian companies are supported and protected so that our economy stays strong and Canadians remain healthy and safe.

“Today, Canada, alongside our international partners Australia, Brunei, Chile, Myanmar, New Zealand and Singapore, committed to facilitate the cross-border movement of goods, services and people by maintaining open and connected supply chains throughout the pandemic.

“Coordinating with our international partners is critical to ensuring that Canadian businesses of all sizes can continue to deliver essential goods to people and places that need them.”