Toronto: The premier of a Canadian province that sheltered thousands of stranded American airline passengers after the 9/11 attacks questioned the humanity of US President Donald Trump on Sunday after Trump banned the export of N95 protective masks to Canada.

The conservative leader of another province compared it to one family member feasting while letting another one starve. And yet another premier said it reminded him of 1939 and 1940, when Canada was part of the fight against global fascism while the United States sat out the first years.

Under the decision the masks can no longer be exported to Canada from the US. Credit:AP

Canadians across the country expressed hurt and disappointment that their neighbour and longstanding ally is blocking shipments of the masks from the United States to ensure they are available in the US during the coronavirus pandemic. Canadian health care workers - like those in the US - are in dire need of the masks that provide more protection against the virus that causes COVID-19.

Newfoundland Premier Dwight Ball said one of the great lessons in humanity is that in times of crisis you don't stop being human.