3M pushes back against Trump administration's request to stop exporting US-made N95 respiratory masks to Canada, Latin America. Minnesota-based company warns of 'significant humanitarian implications,' says if other countries retaliate, fewer masks would be available for US. 
More @CBCNews: 3M, a major medical device maker, warns that White House directive to stop exporting N95 respirator masks to Canada and elsewhere could backfire, and actually result in fewer masks being available for Americans if other countries retaliate. cbc.ca/1.5520326
UPDATE: A new statement from 3M Canada, based in London, Ont., says: 'We are currently reviewing the specific details of the executive memorandum and looking at every possible way to meet domestic needs for Canada.' Full statement:
Asked about the U.S. blocking shipments of 3M's N95 masks to Canada, Justin Trudeau says it would be a 'mistake' for either country to limit trade access. He says Canada is working closely with the U.S. and will be following up about equipment shipping 'concerns.'
Justin Trudeau says 3M has indicated how important it is to continue delivering essential goods to Canada. 'It could end up hurting Americans. That's the point we've been making directly for many days now.' He says Canada is 'confident' it will receive necessary equipment.
Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland responds to a question about the U.S. blocking shipments of 3M N95 masks. She says each minister is in touch with their U.S. counterpart about the issue: 'We're just going to pull out all the stops on this one.'
Ontario Premier Doug Ford says he told US Trade Ambassador Robert Lighthizer he was 'disappointed' at Trump's order to stop exporting N95 masks to Canada. Repeats vow to ramp up production in Ontario, says he never wants Canada to be vulnerable again on medical supply needs.
U.S. President Donald Trump says he's signing a Defense Production Act directive to stop the export of masks and other medical equipment. Comes after Canadian government officials said today they were pressing the U.S. not to block shipments of N95 masks to Canada.
From CBC's Katie Simpson: A source with direct knowledge of the situation says Canada is (obviously) watching this briefing. Says they will be taking the same approach on this challenge as they have with other Canada/US concerns over the past four years.
