Ontario to Protect Supply Chains on Masks, Ventilators, and Swabs

Ontario will protect the province’s supply chain to make sure essential goods and services are available to fight against COVID-19.

“COVID-19 is impacting supply chains across Canada, and around the world,” said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “That’s why we are proclaiming the Supply Chain Management Act to make sure we can deploy critical supplies, equipment and services to where they are needed most.”  Goods protected include ventilators, masks and swabs.

These regulations will enable the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and the Ministry of Health to centrally manage public sector supply chains. It will allow the collection of key data on inventories, orders and supply constraints and the development of a virtual inventory tool so that demand for crucial supplies are visible and trackable. With these measures in place, the government can prioritize buying what is needed most, deploying them, and allocating them on a priority basis to support the delivery of essential services to Ontarians.

“Ontario is implementing critical and necessary measures to ensure that we are able to protect the health and well-being of Ontarians,” said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. “This includes working with innovators and businesses across the province who can supply emergency products and cutting-edge solutions to support ongoing efforts to contain COVID-19.”

Support will also be available to other public entities, such as publicly funded social service agencies and municipalities if they choose to participate.