Joint investment for made-in-Canada N95 respirators

BROCKVILLE, Ont. – Every day, front line healthcare workers across the country put their health at risk as they work hard to fight COVID-19 and care for their fellow Canadians. These real-life heroes need the right protective equipment to keep themselves, their patients, and their families safe. That’s why the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are taking steps to guarantee a secure, made-in-Canada supply of medical equipment to protect their health and safety.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, and the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, have announced an agreement between the Government of Canada, the Government of Ontario and 3M Canada on a joint investment to expand a manufacturing facility for N95 respirators in Brockville, Ontario.

3M Canada’s proposal was selected from more than 500 proposals on N95 respirators received and reviewed by the government.

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario are supporting 3M’s capital investment by contributing $23.33 million each. The facility will produce 25 million N95 respirators for the Government of Canada and 25 million for the Government of Ontario per year over five years. This will provide 50 million N95 respirators annually to help healthcare workers, first responders and other essential workers with the equipment they need to continue their vital work.

N95 respirators are one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the health and safety of front line healthcare workers and mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

The health and safety of all Canadians remain the top priority of the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario. As we gradually and safely re-start the economy, we will continue to work with Canadian industry and make strategic investments to support our healthcare workers and make our country more resilient to possible future waves of the virus.

“From the beginning of this pandemic, Canada’s front line healthcare workers have worked tirelessly to keep Canadians safe and healthy,” said the Hon. Navdeep Bains (pictured), Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry. “By partnering with 3M Canada, we’re securing a made-in-Canada supply of essential life-saving equipment and ensuring our healthcare workers have the protective equipment they need to continue their incredible efforts, and to do their job safely.”

“As a province and as a country, we have turned our manufacturing might towards fighting against COVID-19 and encouraging businesses to step up and produce the life-saving personal protective equipment and critical health supplies we need,” said the Hon. Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario. “We are proud to stand with our federal partners and invest in 3M’s new manufacturing facility for N95 respirators. It will create jobs and contribute to our economic recovery, but more importantly, it will protect our front line healthcare workers throughout the pandemic and beyond.”

The first deliveries of N95 respirators produced as a result of this investment will begin in early 2021 to meet current demand for front line healthcare workers.