Canada still needs U.S. help with vaccines: PM

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says he's still counting on the United States to share some of its COVID-19 vaccine surplus with Canada.

Trudeau says the federal government is in close contact with the U.S. about procuring more doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine.

But just how many of an estimated 60 million doses might end up in Canada remains an open question — especially given a fresh wave of infections in India.

We’re giving an update on the COVID-19 pandemic, our vaccine rollout, and the steps we’re taking to keep you safe. Watch live for the latest details: https://t.co/94kppEmmtN

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) April 27, 2021

The White House says it will share some of the stockpile with India once the doses — 10 million in the coming weeks, 50 million more by the end of June — are cleared for export.

Happening Now: President Biden delivers remarks on the COVID-19 response. https://t.co/IxQxfmzvx3

— The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 27, 2021

Jeff Zients, the head of the White House COVID-19 task force, says the available doses will be shared "globally" when the time comes.

The U.S. has already provided Canada with 1.5 million AstraZeneca doses and President Joe Biden says he intends to help even more.