The Canadian Government has said that the completion of Moderna’s new state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine manufacturing facility in Laval, Quebec, will produce up to 100 million made-in-Canada mRNA vaccine doses annually.
Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau who made this known at the Ground breaking of the vaccine facility on Monday, said the completion will also to hundreds create good, middle class jobs and build an economy that works for all Canadians.
He also took the opportunity to remind Canadians to keep up to date with their COVID-19 vaccinations, including getting booster shots when eligible to protect themselves and their loved ones.
While facility is expected to be completed in 2024 at the earliest. In addition to COVID-19 vaccines, it is expected to be able to produce vaccines for other respiratory diseases, such as influenza pending their ongoing development by Moderna and approval by Health Canada.
Trudeau recalled that during the pandemic, his govt worked hard to secure life-saving personal protective equipment, invest in the health care system, and ensure everyone eligible in Canada could get vaccinated.
“As we move forward, we will strengthen our biomanufacturing and life sciences sector to re-establish Canada’s domestic vaccine manufacturing capability, bring Canadian innovation to the front lines of tomorrow’s health solutions, and ensure we are better prepared for future health crises all while growing the economy and creating good jobs.
“COVID-19 vaccines saved lives and got Canadians back to doing the things they love. Breaking ground on this vaccine manufacturing facility is an important milestone toward ensuring that workers and Canadian innovation play a key role in keeping our communities safe building an economy that works for all Canadians”, the PM said.
Reacting to this groundbreaking vaccine facility, the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, François-Philippe Champagne said, “Today’s ground-breaking for Moderna’s facility in Laval brings us one step closer to seeing the future of vaccines being developed right here in Canada.
“With talented workers, researchers and students, Laval will play a key role in global health and health innovation. Moderna’s presence in Canada will strengthen our national biomanufacturing ecosystem, positioning the entire sector to continue to grow and to create even more jobs right across the country.”
Also, the Minister of Health, Jean- Yves Duclos said, “Staying up to date with vaccination continues to be one of the most effective ways to protect ourselves against serious illness, hospitalization, and death from COVID-19.
“By bolstering Canada’s domestic manufacturing capacity, we are strengthening domestic health security and pandemic preparedness through timely access to innovative, cutting-edge vaccines that help us save lives”, the Minister added.
The Co-founder and Moderna Chairman, Noubar Afeyan said, “Today marks another milestone for Moderna and our long-term strategic partnership with the Government of Canada to support pandemic preparedness.
“We are moving quickly to ensure local supply and manufacturing capabilities of mRNA vaccines for Canadians, with the goal of completing our manufacturing facility in Quebec by the end of 2024”, he said.