The Prime Minister used a cafe in Quebec as a backdrop for his COVID-19 update.

Justin Trudeau says he held his 14th first ministers conference call with provincial and territorial leaders Thursday night.

“We talked about the government’s proposal to provide $14 billion to address critical needs across the country over the coming six months,” Trudeau said. “This is money used to offer more child-care spaces, increase testing and contact tracing, and keep people safe on the job.”

Trudeau was asked what the delay was in getting the money to the provinces.

“The discussions and negotiations are continuing, but I’m very hopeful that we’re going to be able to start bringing forward some good news for certain areas very soon.”

Trudeau also used his COVID-19 update at a Quebec cafe to addressed the issue of two Canadians detained in China, who have now been charged with alleged espionage.

The Prime Minister called the move “disappointing”.

“We have continued to express our disappointment with the Chinese decision (and) with the Chinese detention of these two Canadians,” Trudeau said/ “We will continue to advocate for their release for their return to Canada.”

Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor were arrested in late 2018 on state security charges, after Canadian authorities arrested Huawei Technologies Co’s chief financial officer, Meng Wanzhou.

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