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WATCH: Trudeau announces $175M investment in ‘promising’ COVID-19 research

Prime Minister presents funding promises for online health care, virus research, and child care
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Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosts a media conference on May 3 at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. (Screenshot)

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced another round of sizable federal investments on Sunday, targeted in particular to parents, mental and physical health resources, and COVID-19 research.

With a total bill of over $415 million dollars, this funding will not only finance what he described as “promising” solutions to the virus but support families as they wait for life to return to normal, as stated in his latest public address at Rideau Cottage in Ottawa. 

“When Canadian researchers have a solid lead, we need to make sure they can follow it up. That’s exactly what we have been doing over the last two months and we’re starting to see real results.” 

One of these teams is Vancouver-based biotech firm AbCellera Biologics Inc., which he said has managed to identify antibodies that could be used to treat COVID-19. 

With these results in mind, the government has decided to invest $175 million in the continuation of ongoing research and support human clinical trials beginning as early as July. 

In addition to this funding, Trudeau said that upwards of $240 million has been set aside to expand existing and create new virtual platforms for mental health and primary care. 

“Whether you are looking for strategies to manage stress, or support from a professional, this will be a resource for you,” he said, with specific content included for those of a marginalized community. 

The goal of these resources being to support the needs of Canadians from the safety of their homes and lessen the burden on existing medical infrastructure. 

Last but not least, Trudeau said every recipient of the Canada Child Benefit will be issued an additional $300 for every child in their care. No action is required on the part of the parent, he said and funding can be used for anything a family may need during this time of great upheaval. 

Watch the full address in the video below.


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Keira Ferguson, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

About the Author: Keira Ferguson, Local Journalism Initiative reporter

A graduate of both Laurentian University and Cambrian College, Keira Ferguson is a Local Journalism Initiative reporter, funded by the Government of Canada, at Sudbury.com.
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