Alberta is sending N95 masks, procedural masks, gloves, goggles and ventilators to B.C., Ontario and Quebec to help address demand in those provinces for personal protective equipment (PPE) and ventilators.
“Our first priority will always be Albertans,” Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro said.
“I ensure all Albertans that we will have ample supply. We are in a position both to keep Albertans safe and also ensure the Canadian healthcare system from coast to coast to coast are equipped to take on the challenges ahead,” Shandro said.
Alberta Premier Jason Kenney said the province should be proud to help out other provinces in their time of need.
“It is because of Albertans’ efforts to isolate and the incredible job being done by frontline health-care workers that we are in a position to support others during this crisis. We want all of our country to know that in both good times and bad, Alberta is there for Canada,” Kenney said.
- INTERACTIVE MAP: See the latest COVID-19 statistics across Canada by province/territory on our interactive map
In Canada, Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia are the provinces that have been most impacted by COVID-19. Quebec currently has more than 11,670 cases and 241 deaths, Ontario has more than 6,640 cases and 253 deaths, and British Columbia has more than 1,400 cases and 55 deaths.
Ontario will receive 250,000 N95 masks, 2.5 million procedural masks, 15 million gloves, 87,000 goggles and 50 ventilators.
Quebec will receive 250,000 N95 masks, 2 million procedural mask and 15 million gloves
British Columbia will receive 250,000 N95 masks.
Alberta will begin shipping these items next week, and is willing to provide more supplies to other provinces as the need arises and as supplies arrive in our province.
Recent COVID-19 modelling projections indicate the most probable scenario for Alberta is the virus will reach its peak mid-May. An estimated 820 people could require hospitalization during the peak period, with more than a quarter requiring critical care. Based on that modeling, with current supply stockpiles and more shipments on the way, Alberta will retain enough of each of the PPE items to maintain an adequate supply of each.
“Our team of Alberta health experts is very confident in our modelling data and our expected need for PPE and ventilators. I assure all Albertans that we have ample supply. We are in a position both to keep Albertans safe and to help ensure Canadian health care systems from coast to coast are equipped to take on the challenges ahead,” Shandro said
It is expected the ventilators will remain in Ontario until the peak of the COVID-19 outbreak has passed.
Alberta is currently in the process of doubling its ventilator supply by the end of April to ensure the health care system has the capacity to support provincial response.
