(SOURCE: Pixabay)

As respiratory illnesses surge in children across the country, hospitals are grappling with the influx of patients.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh wants an emergency debate in the House of Commons about the “urging and escalating” situation.

Just last week CHEO, the children’s hospital in Ottawa had to call in the Red Cross for help.

The Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary is using a heated trailer as an overflow waiting room.

Singh has been calling for more federal action to deal with the crisis and for Prime Minister Trudeau to meet with premiers to find a solution.