Government has no plans to bring back federal mask mandate, Trudeau says | 24CA News

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says his authorities shouldn’t be taking a look at bringing again a federal masks mandate. 

The federal authorities ended obligatory masking for federally regulated industries, akin to air and prepare transportation, in October 2022 — nevertheless it nonetheless encourages masking in public indoor settings.

Some well being specialists have been calling for a return to obligatory masking as hospital emergency rooms cope with a surge of viral infections, together with COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In a year-end interview with 24CA News Chief Political Correspondent Rosemary Barton, Trudeau mentioned a federal masks mandate alone would have little impact in comparison with public well being measures the provinces may introduce.

“The federal mask mandate was on federally-regulated industries. That is, particularly, planes and trains and those sorts of things,” Trudeau mentioned.

“Most of the experiences in people’s lives, whether it’s in a grocery store or going to their workplaces, are regulated by the provinces.”

Trudeau mentioned it is lower than him to resolve whether or not to convey again a federal masks mandate.

“That’s not my decision to make. That is based on the best recommendations of our public health authorities and our health officials,” Trudeau mentioned.

“They are not recommending at this time that the federal government move forward.”

The full interview will air on CBC Television on Sunday at 11:30 a.m.

Watch: Trudeau says he has no plans to convey again federal masks mandate:

Some nations, such because the United States, are offering free masks to the general public in an effort to encourage masking.

In a November 2022 news convention, chief public well being officer Dr. Theresa Tam inspired masking — however did not point out that federal authorities has any plans to introduce a mandate.

“I think it’s an interesting and important consideration. It depends on what the reasons are for people maybe not wearing masks at this point,” Tam mentioned.

24CA News Special: A Year-End Interview with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will air on CBC Television on Sunday at 11:30 a.m. (12:00 p.m. NT).