Fortin says, a practice run next week will help get those involved comfortable with the intense requirements of the distribution of the vaccine

The head of Canada's COVID-19 vaccine distribution program says a practice run next week will help get those involved comfortable with the intense requirements of distributing a compound that has to be kept below minus-70 Celsius at all times.

Major General Dany Fortin says the military has been working with the government for months to prepare for eventual vaccine distribution, and Monday's dress rehearsal will involve officials from every province and territory.

He says by practicing now, everyone will be ready when the first doses begin arriving in January.

Health Canada has said it expects to approve Pfizer's vaccine candidate within the next 10 days.