Let's prepare for the next pandemic, feds urge

A federal official says the COVID-19 pandemic has demonstrated an urgent need for fortified North American supply chains.

Michael Grant, assistant deputy minister for the Americas with Global Affairs Canada, says it's time to consider a "Fortress North America" approach.

Grant is taking part in a Wilson Center forum today with U.S. and Mexican officials about the effort to reset the trilateral relationship.

He says it's vital for all three countries to learn the lessons from the pandemic so they are better prepared for the next one.

Canada ran short last year of personal protective equipment like face masks, thanks in part to former president Donald Trump's ban on exports.

President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have made resilient supply chains a key component of their new "road map" towards a renewed Canada-U.S. relationship.