5.6°C Vancouver

Mar 15, 2021 5:33 PM -

Trudeau offers reassurance on AstraZeneca safety as European countries suspend use

Share On
trudeau-offers-reassurance-on-astrazeneca-safety-as-european-countries-suspend-use
Pharmacist Barbara Violo holds a vial of the Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine at the Junction Chemist, an independent pharmacy, in Toronto, Friday, March 12, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Health Canada is closely monitoring European reaction to a batch of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccines linked to possible side-effects.

France is suspending the use of the drug until at least tomorrow afternoon, when the European Medicines Agency will issue its recommendation on it.

Germany is also joining a growing list of European countries doing the same, following reports that some people developed blood clots after receiving the shot.

Trudeau says none of the doses Canada received from AstraZeneca were from the same batch, and he's urging everyone to get vaccinated as soon as possible.

Trudeau says he is confident in Health Canada's guarantee that vaccines it has approved in Canada are safe.

The PM says he will gladly take any vaccine that is offered to him, when the time comes.

Latest news

four-convicted-in-2023-east-vancouver-home-invasion-and-kidnapping
BCApr 09, 2026

Four convicted in 2023 East Vancouver home invasion and kidnapping

Four people have been convicted in connection with a violent home invasion and kidnapping that took place in East Vancouver on March 11, 2023, following a year-long investigation by the Vancouver Police Department. According to a Vancouver Police Department release, the case involved seven crime scenes and the abduction of four from a family home. Investigators say the victims were forced from the residence, driven the city, and held against their will for a period of time. Police arrested three suspects in April 2024 and forwarded charges to Crown counsel. Charges were later recommended again
surrey-3d-printed-firearms-lab-dismantled-one-arrested-police-say
BCApr 09, 2026

Surrey 3D-printed firearms lab dismantled, one arrested, police say

A man has been arrested after police say a clandestine firearms manufacturing operation involving 3D-printed weapons was dismantled in Surrey. According to a Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit of British Columbia news release, its Illegal Firearms Enforcement Team began investigating in March 2026 into a suspect believed to be producing 3D-printed firearms and sharing schematics online. Police said the activity falls under Section 102.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada, which addresses the distribution of computer data for illegal firearms manufacturing. Investigators identified a suspect
carney-says-canada-not-considering-sanctions-on-israel-after-lebanon-strikes
CanadaApr 09, 2026

Carney says Canada not considering sanctions on Israel after Lebanon strikes

Prime Minister Mark Carney says Canada is not considering sanctions against Israel following its latest military strikes in Lebanon, which came after a fragile ceasefire announcement in the Middle East. Carney said Thursday that while the ceasefire remains “very fragile,” Canada’s position is to support diplomatic efforts rather than impose punitive measures at this time. “The end of hostilities must include Lebanon,” he said, adding Canada will use its influence to encourage broader regional stability. The comments follow an announcement by Donald Trump of a two-week ceasefire with
homicide-investigators-probe-death-of-man-found-injured-in-surrey
BCApr 09, 2026

Homicide investigators probe death of man found injured in Surrey

A homicide investigation is underway after a man found gravely injured in Surrey on Wednesday night later died in hospital. According to a Surrey Police Service statement, officers were called at about 9:10 p.m. to the 9700 block of 134 Street for reports of an injured man. Paramedics attended and transported the man to hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police did not specify the nature of the injuries. Investigators said the case remains in its early stages, but initial information suggests the incident was isolated. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team has taken conduct of the in
WorldApr 09, 2026

Spain to reopen Tehran embassy after reported ceasefire; European officials raise concerns over violations

Spain says it will reopen its embassy in Tehran following a reported ceasefire between the United States and Iran, according to a statement from the country’s foreign minister. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares said the diplomatic mission would resume operations after the pause in hostilities. He also accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire and violating international law, though no independent verification of those claims was immediately available. Reactions from European officials have emerged alongside the announcement, reflecting broader concern about the situation in the r

Related News