Foreign Affairs Minister Francois-Phillipe Champagne. (CPAC)
François-Philippe Champagne has a simple message for Canadians still abroad; Ottawa is working to get you home.
Minister of Foreign Affairs says he fully understands the anxiety, has read the messages and understands the desire to come home.
“We are working literally around the clock,” says Champagne, “…and doing everything we can to bring you home as quickly as possible.”
He adds that despite their very best efforts, it will most likely not be possible to ensure the safe return of everyone who wants to come home.
“For those Canadians abroad who are watching us in the meantime, please continue to follow the recommendations of local health authorities and take precautions necessary to protect your health and safety. We will assist you in every way we can.”
With more Canadians are returning home from abroad every day, which will soon include those from cruise ships in Florida, Champagne reminds everyone that once you land back on Canadian soil you must self-isolate.
“Canadians returning home are all looking forward to being reunited with their families and loved ones. But before they can do that, I want to take this opportunity to remind them of their obligation to self-isolate for 14 days. This is the law, full stop.”
Champagne adds that our ability to overcome COVID-19 depends on everyone behaving responsibly, and that means when you get back home you cannot stop anywhere, even the grocery store, before going into isolation
