Pfizer,Moderna agreements with Canada The federal government has entered into two agreements to secure millions of doses of potential COVID-19 vaccines.
Public Services and Procurement Minister Anita Anand announced that the Government of Canada has agreements with Pfizer and Moderna. Pfizer will supply its BNT162 mRNA-based vaccine candidate, while Moderna will provide its mRNA-1273 vaccine candidate.
All potential vaccines will require Health Canada regulatory approval prior to being used to vaccinate Canadians.
Public Services and Procurement Canada is also procuring the necessary equipment and supplies to manufacture and produce the vaccine in Canada, as well other supplies to ensure safe immunization such as syringes, alcohol swabs and gauze.
During a news conference in Toronto along with Science and Industry Minister Navdeep Bains, Anand said today's announcement marks "an important step forward." The agreements will ensure Canadians are "at the front of the line" when a vaccine is approved.
Vaccine development normally takes years, or decades, but scientific teams around the world are aiming to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus that causes COVID-19 in 12 to 18 months.
According to a news release, because active negotiations with other potential vaccine suppliers are underway, the government cannot disclose contract details.