OSHAWA, Ont. (May 26, 2020) — The Government of Canada today contracted General Motors of Canada to provide 10 million face masks over the next year with production to begin immediately. GM Canada will manufacture the face masks at cost at its Oshawa Operations for the Public Health Agency of Canada. GM Canada received its Medical Device Establishment License on April 22 and the company built and installed the mask making machinery, sourced materials and trained its workers in approximately one month.

Scott Bell, GM Canada president and managing director said, “This is one of the proudest moments in our history to be able to step-up and support all Canadians during this challenging time. With the support and collaboration of the Government of Canada, we will start production in Oshawa today and deliver ten million face masks to the Public Health Agency of Canada over the next year.”

The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Industry, Science and Innovation said, “Collaboration between government, industry and labour leaders is essential to create economic opportunities for Canadians, while keeping health and safety a top priority. I am incredibly proud of the way Canadian industry has been stepping up to meet Canada’s needs – and General Motors is an excellent example. By retooling a portion of their Oshawa plant, GM is strengthening Canada’s domestic supply for personal protective equipment and contributing to the health of Canadian workers and their families. I am thrilled to announce our signing of this contract to purchase 10,000,000 face masks from GM.”