With files from James Moore
Ontario finance minister Rod Phillips isn't dismissing the idea of some sort of economic reserve fund in his upcoming budget, due to the effects of COVID-19.
"Certainly issues around supply chains, issues around tourism and finally issues around consumer confidence are all things that we've been monitoring closely," he said Wednesday.
Provincial finance ministers took part in a conference call with federal minister Bill Morneau the same day, as the prime minister's new committee on the coronavirus response held its first meeting.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland chaired it, although no firm plans were set yet.
"An economic impact is certainly felt in the global economy and is beginning to be felt in Canada and that's one of the things we need to turn out attention to," she said. "So I would just say about that, watch this space."
Phillips said it's too soon to say what position Ontario might be in should a major outbreak occur, saying the main priority is public health.
"We are waiting to make sure that we know what the impacts are, they differ by region," he said.
Phillips will table his first budget as finance minister on March 25th, taking over for Vic Fedeli who was moved to a different role after the Ford Government's cabinet shuffle this past summer.
"This is an evolving issue and we all know what the date of the budget is, so we'll save that," he said.