Close X
Thursday, November 28, 2024
ADVT 
National

Ottawa budgets $5B to buy COVID-19 pharmaceuticals

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 03 Mar, 2021 07:15 PM
  • Ottawa budgets $5B to buy COVID-19 pharmaceuticals

The Public Health Agency of Canada expects to spend up to $5 billion on vaccines and other COVID-19 treatments.

Procurement Minister Anita Anand previously said vaccines alone would cost at least $1 billion but the specific contract costs are protected by confidentiality clauses with drug makers.

Federal budget documents show $5.3 billion was approved in December for COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, including the purchase of doses, research and development.

Last month $5 billion of that was shifted from the current fiscal year into 2021-22 because most of the vaccine doses Canada is buying aren't being delivered until after March 31, which is when the federal fiscal year ends.

Canada is guaranteed to buy more than 240 million doses of seven different vaccines if all are approved, with only 6.5 million doses expected before the end of March.

The Public Health Agency has not said specifically how much of the $5 billion is going to vaccines versus other COVID-19 medications.

MORE National ARTICLES

Vancouver home sales up 73% year-over-year: REBGV

Vancouver home sales up 73% year-over-year: REBGV
"The supply of listings for sale isn’t keeping up with the demand we’re seeing,” said Colette Gerber, REBGV's chair, in a release.

Vancouver home sales up 73% year-over-year: REBGV

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders
Henry and the province have said they are confident the health orders are in accordance with the law, including the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Churches challenge B.C. COVID-19 health orders

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days
With the additional supply from the newly approved AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India viral vector vaccine, combined with setting the second dose interval at 16 weeks, everyone moves up the line, meaning more people will be vaccinated more quickly.

1478 COVID19 cases over 3 days

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI
The AstraZeneca vaccine was authorized for use Friday on all adults, including seniors, but the National Advisory Committee on Immunization is concerned there is limited data on how well the vaccine will work in older populations.

AstraZeneca's vaccine not for seniors: NACI

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021
The changes, if passed, will come into effect on July 1 and are in addition to earlier protections introduced in 2018.

B.C. to extend rent freeze through 2021

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine
Liberal MP John McKay, the committee chairman, said Monday the hearing could take place this week but cautioned it would be a challenge to schedule witnesses in time.

MPs to examine safety of travellers in quarantine