Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks with Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern

Yesterday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke with the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Jacinda Ardern, to exchange views on their respective national measures to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Minister Ardern updated each other on the status of pandemic response in their respective countries. They discussed the health and social effects of the pandemic and shared information on steps taken to prevent the spread of the virus and protect the health and safety of their citizens. They also discussed critical strategies to support their national economies. Both leaders affirmed the need to keep supply chains functioning, particularly with respect to vital medical supplies.

The two leaders reaffirmed the importance of international coordination to promote global economic stability in the face of this health crisis. They also discussed the need to support the developing world as it fights the COVID-19 pandemic.

Prime Minister Ardern congratulated Prime Minister Trudeau on the decision to ban 1,500 types of assault weapons in Canada.

The prime ministers agreed to stay in close contact on these issues as the situation evolved.

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global challenge. The Government of Canada is working closely with local, provincial, territorial, and international partners to minimize its health, economic, and social impacts in Canada and around the world.