By Veronica Beltran

money for vaccines and testing

$1.1 billion towards National Medical and Research Strategy

Apr 23, 2020 | 9:00 AM

OTTAWA—$1.1 billion is being allocated towards finding a vaccine and better understanding COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau began his daily address by wishing muslims across the country a good Ramadan, saying that it will be different this time around, with friends and families connecting via technology.

The $1.1 billion National Medical and Research Strategy is made up of three pillars, said Trudeau.

The first pillar is made up of $150 million for research into vaccines and treatments against COVID-19, this is on top of the previously announced funding.

The second pilar is $662 million on testing, once the vaccine has been created, money has to be spent on testing across the country.

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The last pilar is made up up $350 million specifically going towards expanding national testing and modelling of COVID-19. A COVID-19 Immunity Task Force made up of top health experts and scientists will be created to track and better understand the virus.

“Testing is key.” —Justin Trudeau

Trudeau mentioned that 20,000 COVID-19 tests are being done across Canada daily, but says the number will need to increase even further in order for Canadians to even begin thinking about going back to normal.

“We need to do better, because we are failing…the greatest generation.”—Justin Trudeau

Trudeau addressed the ongoing outbreaks at long-term care facilities across the country saying that we need to do better for elderly Canadians.

Quebec and Ontario have both asked for military help in their long-term care homes, which Trudeau says will be given to them.

“In Canada we shouldnt have soldiers taking care of seniors.”—Justin Trudeau

Lastly, the Prime Minister said that in the coming weeks and months we will have to think about this situation and how we can better serve our seniors.