‘Prevent, detect and treat’
Ontario’s Progressive Conservative government is moving forward with innovative research to prevent, detect and treat COVID-19.
As part of the government’s $20 million Ontario COVID-19 ‘Rapid Research Fund’, the plan is to focus on areas of research such as vaccine development, diagnostics, drug trials and development, and social sciences, as relayed today by premier Doug Ford et al.
Additionally, Ontario is leading Canada with 22 clinical trials investigating COVID-19 vaccines and treatments, according to a provincial government press release that was forwarded to Sault Business Matters.
Today’s announcement was made by aforementioned premier Doug Ford, deputy premier and minister of health Christine Elliott, and minister of colleges and universities Ross Romano.
Romano is also the Sault’s member of provincial parliament.
Premier Ford noted that, “Ontario is leading the nation in the battle to defeat this deadly virus. We have some of the most incredible researchers and innovators anywhere in the world right here in our province.
“There’s no reason why a new rapid testing method, vaccine or treatment can’t be found right here in Ontario. Our government is investing in some very promising research proposals, which have the potential to save lives and help us get back to a way of life that is as close to normal as possible,” Ford added.
Romano, meanwhile, noted that “researchers in Ontario represent some of the best and brightest in the country and we are tapping into their expertise to find Ontario-based solutions to treat the infection and stop the spread of the virus.
“Our government is encouraged by the ideas and solutions researchers have put forward to-date. These projects will support Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and help us make smart and effective decisions as we look ahead to the future,” added Romano.
Notably, many of Ontario’s research hospitals, universities, colleges and research institutes are leading Canada with their ground-breaking COVID-19 research projects.
To be sure, eleven of the 22 clinical trials that are being led by these institutions have already secured the necessary approvals by Health Canada to advance potential vaccines and therapeutics.
Ontario also has the largest share of the total 25 clinical trials approved by Health Canada in the country.