17.44°C Vancouver

May 3, 2020 5:11 PM -

Feds investing in online health-care, Vancouver company studying COVID-19

Share On

The federal government is investing millions to boost online access to health services and to support a Vancouver biological company's research into treatment and prevention of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced the new funding during his daily news conference in Ottawa this morning as provinces across the country prepare to start re-opening on Monday.

The government is spending $240 million to boost access to online health services, including mental-health support and virtual access to doctors for primary care.

Ottawa is also providing $175 million to AbCellera Biologics Inc., which Trudeau says has shown promising signs of progress in identifying antibodies that could be used create a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19.

Trudeau also says Canada will work with its allies to get answers around the spread of the novel coronavirus that causes COVID-19 following unsubstantiated reports the virus leaked from a Chinese lab.

But the prime minister insists the immediate focus is on helping Canadians through the pandemic

Latest news

canada-india-begin-fifth-round-of-trade-talks-in-ottawa
CanadaOct 05, 2026

Canada-India Begin Fifth Round of Trade Talks in Ottawa

Canada and India have begun the fifth round of trade negotiations in Ottawa, with International Trade Minister Maninder Sidhu confirming that the talks got underway today. Sidhu highlighted the strength of India’s economy, saying it is growing at an annual rate of 7%. He also noted that India’s energy needs are expected to increase by up to 70% by 2035, adding that Canada could play an important role in meeting that demand. The chief negotiators from both countries are working to finalize a free trade agreement by the end of this year. The latest round of talks in Ottawa will continue unti
david-eby-vows-to-raise-millionaires-taxes-if-re-elected-as-b-c-premier
BCOct 05, 2026

David Eby Vows to Raise Millionaires’ Taxes If Re-Elected as B.C. Premier

B.C. NDP Leader David Eby, who is seeking another term as premier, has announced plans to raise taxes on millionaires if his party returns to power. Eby said the additional revenue would be used to help cover rising health-care costs. Under the proposal, the tax rate on annual income above $1 million would increase to 24.5 per cent from the current 20.5 per cent, a four-percentage-point increase. The NDP estimates the measure would generate about $1 billion in additional provincial revenue each year. The B.C. Conservatives have criticized the proposal, warning that higher taxes could drive doc
alberta-tourism-minister-visits-mexico-to-boost-tourism-and-strengthen-partnerships
AlbertaOct 05, 2026

Alberta Tourism Minister Visits Mexico to Boost Tourism and Strengthen Partnerships

Alberta Tourism Minister Andrew Boitchenko is visiting Mexico to promote the province and strengthen tourism partnerships with the country. Minister Boitchenko and representatives from Travel Alberta will hold meetings with airlines, travel trade partners and media organizations through Friday. Government officials say Mexico is a key international tourism market for Alberta. Mexican visitors spent approximately $51 million in Alberta in 2025. According to government data, the number of Mexican visitors to Canada is projected to increase by 40% by 2030, while visitor spending is expected to gr
CanadaOct 05, 2026

Former Air Canada Employee Parampal Sidhu’s Trial Begins in Canada’s $20M Gold Heist Case

The trial of former Air Canada employee Parampal Sidhu has begun at a Brampton court in the high-profile case involving the largest gold heist in Canadian history. The trial is expected to last two to three weeks. Sidhu faces charges of theft over $5,000 and conspiracy to commit an offence in connection with the case. The trial comes after prosecutors last month withdrew charges against two alleged suspects, Amit Jalota and jeweller Ali Raza, who was accused of purchasing some of the stolen gold. The gold heist took place on April 17, 2023, when nearly 400 kilograms of gold worth more than $20
b-c-election-ndp-fields-candidates-in-92-of-93-ridings-conservatives-contest-all-seats
BCOct 05, 2026

B.C. Election: NDP fields candidates in 92 of 93 ridings, Conservatives contest all seats

The names of candidates for the upcoming B.C. provincial election have been finalized, with the B.C. NDP failing to field candidates in all 93 ridings. The party has nominated candidates in 92 of the province’s 93 electoral districts. According to Elections B.C., the NDP failed to submit the required nomination documents within the deadline for Peace River North, leaving the party without a candidate in the riding. The B.C. Conservatives are the only party contesting all 93 ridings. Meanwhile, the B.C. Greens are running candidates in 73 ridings, Centre B.C. in 35, and One B.C. in 33. Electi

Related News