Thank you, Joanne.
Let me start by echoing the remarks of my co-chair. It is indeed a pleasure to be with you this afternoon.
When the joint vaccine task force started looking at biomanufacturing, we undertook that work by forming a joint biomanufacturing subcommittee consisting of members from both the vaccine task force and the therapeutics task force. The subcommittee was tasked with providing advice to the government in three different areas. Number one was to assess biomanufacturing projects proposed to the government under the strategic innovation fund, or SIF. So far, four of these projects have been announced, along with the NRC's Royalmount facility. Number two was to develop an overall strategy to increase Canada's biomanufacturing capability. Number three was to advise the government on other biomanufacturing matters related to securing COVID vaccines and therapeutics, including efforts to attract international vaccine candidates to manufacture some of their vaccines in Canada. So far, one of these projects has been announced.
The joint biomanufacturing subcommittee believes that strengthening Canada's biomanufacturing capacity is a key element of our COVID-19 response. This includes mobilizing and finding innovative uses for existing capacity, procuring needed equipment and inputs, expanding the existing capacity in a strategic and coordinated manner, putting in place the needed biologics capacity to meet Canada's longer-term needs, and pursuing international partnerships for longer-term sustainability of the sector.
In closing, I would say that it's truly been a privilege for us on the vaccine task force to apply our knowledge and experience to serve Canadians. We would be happy to answer any questions you might have related to the work of the vaccine task force.
Thank you.