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Trudeau announces $1.1B COVID-19 research strategy

The federal government plans to spend $1.1 billion on a three-pillar research strategy to address the COVID-19 pandemic.

The first part of the strategy is to develop a vaccine. Ottawa is investing $115 million for research into vaccines and treatments under development at hospitals and universities. That is on top of funding 96 projects across the country, including $998,840 invested in a vaccine project at Western University.

Once potential vaccines are found, another $662-million will support clinical trials.

"A vaccine is the long-term solution to this virus," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Thursday. "These drugs will take months to develop, test, fabricate and roll out."

The third pillar of the plan is to expand national testing and modelling. That will get $350 million.

Related story: Province pledges $20 million for COVID-19 vaccine research

A COVID-19 Immunity Task Force comprised of some of the country's top infectious disease experts, including Dr. Theresa Tam, will use blood testing to track and understand immunity to the virus.

"They'll be looking at key questions like, how many people beyond those we've already tested have had COVID-19, whether you're immune once you've had it, and if so, how long that lasts," explained Trudeau.

At least one million Canadians will be tested over the next two years.

In addition to developing and rolling out a vaccine, the research will also help determine which public health measures are most effective.

Across Canada, more than 20,000 people are tested for COVID-19, but Trudeau told reporters more testing is needed before social distancing measures are scaled back, and business can get back to normal.

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