Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave a rare address to the nation on Wednesday, urging Canadians to change their behaviour amid the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the country.

"In our four biggest provinces, the second wave isn't just starting; it's already underway," Trudeau said in the speech. "We're on the brink of a fall that could be much worse than the spring."

Case in point? In March, the daily COVID-19 case count across Canada was somewhere around 45; yesterday, the country had well over 1,000 new cases.

"It's all too likely we won't be gathering for Thanksgiving, but we still have a shot at Christmas," Trudeau added.

"In our four biggest provinces, the second wave isn’t just starting, it’s already underway," says PM Justin Trudeau in address to Canadians#cdnpoli #COVID19 pic.twitter.com/tTf1wczVU4

— CPAC (@CPAC_TV) September 23, 2020

He urged Canadians to get their flu shot this autumn, in addition to restricting their social circles, wearing masks and downloading the COVID alert app.

"Nobody is invincible," he said in French.

Trudeau also reiterated several points that were made in the Liberal government's Speech to the Throne this afternoon, touching on the extension of CEBA, national childcare, universal pharmacare and fighting systemic racism.

The Prime Minister finished by reminding Canadians that we're facing an uphill — but manageable — battle.

"There are many days to go before we get to the other side of this," Trudeau said. "But there are also many of us to get us there, so long as we each remember to do our part."