Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has held the 31st call with Canada’s provincial and territorial premiers to discuss their shared response to the global COVID-19 pandemic.

The Prime Minister began the meeting talking about the disturbing increase of antisemitism and acts of hate, including discrimination against Arab-Canadians, across Canada. He stressed the need to combat antisemitism and all forms of discrimination and to celebrate diversity.

First Ministers continued their discussions on the COVID-19 situation, noting that while case numbers are steadily declining across the country, some jurisdictions continue to face pressures on their health care systems.

On the vaccine rollout, Trudeau said that Canada is on track to meet its target of ensuring that every eligible Canadian has access to a vaccine by Canada Day and can be fully vaccinated by September.

The Prime Minister also gave a brief update on the border, noting that the Orders in Council restricting non-essential international travel have been renewed until June 21, as well as restrictions for passengers arriving from India and Pakistan. The Prime Minister noted that positivity rates among international travellers have declined substantially as a result of recent measures.

The First Ministers discussed how to safely reopen the economy. They talked about next steps to adjust border measures when it is safe to do so. A broad consensus emerged on collaborative efforts to develop a proof of vaccine credential to enable international travel.

They also discussed the preliminary results of a review released by the U.S. Department of Commerce on softwood lumber duties. They noted that the results are unjustified, particularly in the current context of unprecedentedly high lumber prices. The Prime Minister confirmed that Canada will continue to vigorously defend Canada’s lumber industry.