Words to remember: Canadian newsmakers have their say on COVID-19

A look at some of the top quotes from across Canada on Friday in relation to COVID-19:

“We’re in it for the long haul. It’s not going to be days and weeks, it’s definitely months. Many months.”

— Dr. Howard Njoo, Canada’s deputy chief public health officer.

“A firefighter has never been criticized for using too much water.”

— Bank of Canada governor Stephen Poloz after another unscheduled rate cut.

“It’s a tragic loss. It’s a Manitoban that we lost and our hearts go out to their friends and family. But this is our time to act now. To stay home if you can, practice good social distancing, wash your hands … all Manitobans have a role to limit days like this.”

— Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief public health officer after the province’s first COVID-19 death.

“I don’t think we can just step into playoffs and Game 1 (have) Calgary come to Edmonton and have guys just run around killing each other (when we) haven’t played a game in two months.”

— Oilers captain Connor McDavid on a suggestion the NHL should go right into the playoffs if play resumes, which would result in an Edmonton-Calgary Flames series.

“We’re going to do whatever it takes to support Canadians. We’re always going to responsibly look at what these programs cost, but that is not the key issue right now. We’ve got literally millions of people who are worried about whether they’re going to have the money to support their families in the coming weeks.”

— Finance Minister Bill Morneau.

“We are preparing for every scenario. … We are preparing for Italy.”

— Helen Angus, Ontario’s deputy health minister.

“Trust no one. Verify every piece of information you see before you actually go ahead and proceed with your action.”

— Chandra Majumdar, EY Canada cyber security expert, with advice for those working remotely from home.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 27, 2020.

The Canadian Press