Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada needs to do a better job protecting seniors, especially in care homes.

At his daily briefing, the prime minister was responding to reports of the military finding sub-standard conditions, re-using equipment without sanitizing and a general lack of cleanliness, particularly in Ontario.

“We need to make sure that in Canada there is a better job of supporting our seniors, particularly in long-term care centres,” stated Trudeau on Wednesday from Ottawa.

“We are there to help and we have offered to help the provinces. We will of course always respect provincial jurisdictions, but we will be a part of those conversations.”

Trudeau said a national effort to improve care is needed after the pandemic eases.

On the topic of a four-day work week, Trudeau said that could be a possibility in a post-COVID-19 world. He was asked if he’d follow the lead of New Zealand, which is floating the idea.

“I look forward to hearing a wide range of suggestions. But right now, we are very much focused on getting through this particular crisis,” he added.

“We’ll have plenty of time to talk about creative ideas moving forward. But I’m not going to speculate on what any of them might be.”

Trudeau also doused speculation of an early election to let Canadians have a say on government spending during the pandemic, adding that with a minority government, that’s up to Parliament.

(CJGX)