Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced an investment of $240 million into online mental health services and other measures for virtual health care.
In his daily briefing, Trudeau also announced $175-million for COVID-19 research, specifically to Vancouver biotech firm AbCellera, which specializes in anitbody discovery. The Prime Minister said they have identified antibodies that could be used in drugs to treat the novel coronavirus. The investment will allow the company to continue its research as well as support clinical trials that could start as early as July.
Until then, Trudeau says we need to have a good supply of, among other things, masks and hand disinfectant, so a COVID-19 supply council will be tasked with finding innovative solutions to ensure that we always have those supplies.
A boost to the Canada Child Benefit was also announced with payments this month to include an extra 300 dollars per child.