PM open to questioning other countries on COVID-19, but focus now on well-being of Canadians

OTTAWA – Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he’s open to eventually asking tough questions of countries, including China, on their involvement in the COVID-19 pandemic that’s sweeping the world.

Some countries are seeking an international and independent investigation of the coronavirus.

Trudeau has said it’s not time to point fingers, and says his immediate priority is to get past the crisis and make sure Canadians are safe.

“This is something that we need to pursue, but my priority right now and the priority for countries around the world needs to be doing everything we can to keep our people safe and make sure that we have the resources necessary to protect our citizens and get through this, and that will always be my focus.”

Trudeau also says the government is tightening foreign takeovers of vulnerable businesses such as those supplying essential medical supplies and sending those items overseas.

He says it will also be watching closely for predatory investors seeking to take advantage of the crisis to target important Canadian startups that may be facing a cash crunch.