Thank you, Madam Chair. I would like to thank all the witnesses.
Madam Chair, in February the Prime Minister stated that since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada has worked quickly to strengthen and expand Canada's capacity to manufacture safe and effective vaccine treatments and related supplies across the country. This includes investing in made-in-Canada products to protect Canadians from COVID-19 and ensuring that the country is well positioned to fight future pandemics here at home.
Today the Prime Minister announced that a Quebec-based company, Medicago, has applied to Health Canada for approval of a COVID vaccine.
I would like to know from the witnesses what additional policies and measures the Government of Canada should take to strengthen and expand the domestic capacity to manufacture safe and effective vaccines, treatments and related supplies, and how investments made today in made-in-Canada projects will protect Canadians against future pandemics. Are regional investments needed?
The floor is open to any of the witnesses who want to contribute.