(June 2, 2021) – Paul Dinn, PC Opposition Shadow Minister of Health and MHA for Topsail-Paradise, says he’s shocked to learn that this province received 100,000 counterfeit N95 masks – some of which were used in the healthcare system.

Documents revealed through access to information show a local supplier purchased 100,560 masks to supply to the provincial government. While the supplier received certification that the masks were genuine, on December 18 3M issued a notice about the counterfeits.

The counterfeits passed government occupational health and safety inspection in October 2020 and entered circulation in the healthcare system in November 2020.

“How on earth could these masks have passed inspection? The documents state the masks were bigger and of lower quality material than their legitimate counterparts,” said Dinn.

“The heroes serving on the frontline of our healthcare system need to know they’re being supplied with top-quality materials. This is a clear government failure, in the middle of a global pandemic.”

According to documents, it wasn’t until January 6 that officials with government became aware of the counterfeits. The documents show a number of masks were unaccounted for, presumably used by
healthcare workers.

Only after the issue was identified were the masks re-inspected and found to be faulty.

“Why did it take so long to identify and solve this issue? It took government almost three weeks to act on the 3M notification. This is unacceptable and a failure by government to protect those tasked with
protecting the province from COVID-19,” said Dinn.

“The counterfeit masks that did make it into circulation likely increased the risk of exposure to COVID-19 for frontline healthcare workers. I’m concerned about whether other counterfeit items have slipped through the cracks of government oversight.”

Supporting ATIPPA documents

Contacts:

Bradley Russell

Director of Digital Strategy

(p) 709-729-3668

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