Federal funding for 100 new research projects

Efforts to boost Canada's ability to produce vaccines are among over 100 research projects receiving new federal money.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced $518 million Wednesday he says will support the work of nearly 1,000 researchers.

Research and science are critical to tackling the challenges of today and tomorrow - and that’s exactly why we’re announcing new investments in research projects and researchers across the country. Tune in now for the details: https://t.co/JRKj6bQNEd

— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) March 3, 2021

The projects receiving the cash also include ocean sensors to track climate change and setting up a digital archive to house records related to residential schools. The vaccine-related funding will be directed to the researchers from the Universite Laval-affiliated hospitals in Quebec City.

Their aim is to create a public vaccine production program that will help develop and test vaccines and launch related startup companies.

Frustration that Canada is reliant on foreign manufacturers to access the COVID-19 vaccine has led to calls to boost Canada's domestic capabilities.