Canada's Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, has announced that COVID-19 vaccine developer Moderna will build a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Quebec to deliver made-in-Canada vaccines.
The announcement was made on Friday, which when completed, this new facility will be able to produce up to 100 million mRNA vaccine doses annually and will also create hundreds of good jobs.
According to Prime Minister, "the Government of Canada’s top priority has remained protecting the health and safety of all Canadians, while since the beginning of the pandemic, we worked hard to secure life-saving personal protective equipment.
"Invest in health care system, ensure everyone could get vaccinated. While continue to strengthen capacity to develop made-in-Canada vaccines so we can keep Canadians healthy now and into the future, creating good jobs".
The Prime Minister made it known that construction is set to start this year and the facility is expected to be operational in 2024 at the earliest, subject to planning and regulatory approvals.
"In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, the facility is expected to be able to produce vaccines for other respiratory diseases, such as influenza pending their ongoing development by Moderna and approval by Health Canada".
He noted that strengthening the biomanufacturing and life sciences sector across the country will help re-establish Canada’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capability.
"Bring Canadian innovation to the front lines of tomorrow’s health solutions, and ensure we are better prepared for future health crises, all while growing the economy and creating good jobs", Trudeau said.
Canada's Prime Minister added that Today’s announcement means that Canadian workers and Canadian innovation will play a key role in keeping the communities safe now and in the future.
"It also means hundreds of new, well-paying jobs as we recover from this pandemic and build a better future for everyone.”
Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne said, "Today’s announcement is yet another example of our promise to Canadians to have their back throughout this pandemic and beyond.
"From the outset, we took short-term strategic actions with a long-term vision to ensure that Canada is well prepared for future pandemics while also strengthening our economy and creating good jobs for Canadians.
"Moderna establishing their operations here in Canada is a testimony to that vision and to Canada’s attractiveness as a place to invest and to innovate.”
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