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

A look at some of the top quotes from Sunday on COVID-19 in Canada:

“This is the challenge of our generation, and each and every one of us has a role to play. When we come out of this — and we will come out of this — we will all take pride in the sacrifices we’ve made to protect each other and to protect the country we love.” — Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

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“We are, in the shelter sector, forgotten about when it comes to personal protective equipment. We have had some donations and for that I’m eternally grateful, but we haven’t become the cause celebre of any movie star or any famous hockey player yet.” — Patricia Mueller, CEO of Homes First Society, which operates shelters in Toronto for people who are homeless or struggling with addiction.

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“We’re good, we’re healthy, so we decided let’s take care of the people in the community that we see on a daily basis who can’t go to the grocery store, or get meals.” — Renee Lavallee, the co-owner of a popular Halifax area restaurant now making meals for those most in need.

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“COVID-19 is going to do far greater damage to national security than terrorism ever did.” — Security-and-intelligence expert Wesley Wark, a visiting professor at the University of Ottawa’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs.

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“My problem is with the screening that goes on with those truckers, they are basically on an honour system. Even though 95 per cent of them are honourable, there’s always those that aren’t. So, I am worried that that is going to be a continual source of infection.” — Jim Willett, mayor of Coutts, Alta., which sits next to one of the busiest United States border crossings in Western Canada.

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“It’s a time to look forward, not behind. I think it’s timely to think ahead. Yes we’re faced with another global health challenge, but every day will be a little better than the day before. We’re looking forward.” — Darrell Fox, Terry Fox’s brother, on the 40th anniversary of the start of the Marathon of Hope.

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“The best thing to do is to take the black boxes out of Iran to a third country like France. We don’t want to risk anybody’s life right now and Canada can send the experts after they are sure nobody is at risk. This is a game Iran plays and I’m sure they are trying to put the ball in other countries’ court to buy some time.” Toronto dentist Hamed Esmaeilion, whose daughter and wife were among 176 killed when the Iranian military shot down Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 on Jan. 8. Canadian authorities are blaming travel restrictions related to COVID-19 for a request that Iran hold off on downloading the flight recorders.

The Canadian Press