Trudeau announces new restrictions against illegal immigrants, medical supply plan

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau addressed media outside of his Ottawa home once again, this time giving details surrounding the finalization of the Liberal Party's plan to boost production of medical supplies across the country.

Regarding illegal border crossings, though, Trudeau announced that Canada and the United States had come to a reciprocal arrangement, wherein irregular migrants attempting to cross at the Canada and US border illegally will be returned to the country of which they came.

"In regards to the agreement we just worked out with the Americans, we recognize that these are exceptional times, and someone who comes to the border to request asylum will be turned back to American authorities, as happens right now when someone comes to an official border crossing and requests asylum," said Trudeau.

"We turn them over to American authorities at the border where they are released almost immediately into the United States. They are for the most part people who are legally in the United States... We also have ensured that we are comfortable with this process, of being in line with Canada's values of the treatment of refugees and vulnerable people."

Trudeau also announced an initiative for Canadian companies to scale up production, for businesses who wanted to contribute to the fight against the COVID-19 virus. This includes, for example, shifting some auto parts facilities to medical supply facilities.

"This week, many businesses put their hand up and asked us what they can do. So today, we're announcing a new strategy that will make it easier for companies to help out during this critical time. We are launching Canada's plan to mobilize industry to fight COVID-19... This initiative will help companies that are already making things like masks ventilators and hand sanitizes to massively scale up production," said Trudeau.

When asked how companies would keep up with the demand, Trudeau said he was confident in their ability to push out products desperately needed in hospitals.

"Our health care professionals really need support, so our government will help these companies shift production from auto parts, to medical supplies."

Trudeau said that the Liberals were coming close to finalizing deals with a number of other companies.

Trudeau also revealed that the government has received over 500,000 applications for EI this week—a large jump from the typical 27,000 at this time last year.

Trudeau signed off by wishing those celebrating the Persian New Year, Nowruz, while encouraging them to stay home.