â–º Listen Live

Trudeau announces $1.1-billion for COVID-19 research and development

Ottawa is putting $1.1-billion towards research and development over COVID-19.

In his daily address, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the funding will go towards working on a vaccine, clinical trials and expanded testing.

The announcement includes $115-million for research into vaccines and treatments, $662-million for clinical trials and $350-million for national testing and modelling.

Trudeau says “testing is key”, and while Canada has reached 20-thousand tests for the virus being done on a daily basis, he says testing needs to be expanded before the country can be reopened.

The creation of a “COVID-19 immunity task force”, which will include a series of Canada’s top doctors, was also announced.

Trudeau says the task force will focus on blood testing to track and understand immunity to COVID-19.

Trudeau also announced that requests from Ontario and Quebec to send military members to help at long-term care homes in the province has been approved.

However, Trudeau says calling in the military to assist in long term-care homes isn’t a long term solution, adding “We shouldn’t have soldiers taking care of seniors.”

When asked about a hateful attack on an elderly Asian man in Vancouver, and other similar incidents across the country, Trudeau says “intolerance and racism have no place in our country.”

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Cold Lake council offering 1,000 free kids tickets for RCMP Musical Ride

The RCMP Musical Ride is coming to Cold Lake on July 24 and the city is making it easier for families to attend by giving up to 1,000 free children's tickets. 

Cold Lake adjusts sponsorship for RCMP charity golf tournament

During the June 24th council meeting, Cold Lake city council approved a request to move $3,500 sponsorship grant for the upcoming RCMP Charity Golf Tournament after the original sponsorship level became unavailable. 

Safety upgrades pushed for St. Brides intersection following deadly crash

St. Paul councillor is calling for safety improvements at the St. Brides intersection following a deadly crash in April that claimed three lives. 

Two arrested after firearm and drug seized in Elk Point

Two people are facing firearm and drug-related charges after Elk Point RCMP stopped a vehicle on the mourning of June 19.

Heat warning issued for the Lakeland region

Environment Canada has issued a heat warning for the Lakeland, with daytime highs expected to reach 29°C and overnight lows near 14°C for the next two days.
- Advertisement -