Canada column for Sunday, Sept. 6/20
THE CANADIAN REPORT
By Jim Fox
The Canadian government has ordered 75-million doses of COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available from clinical trials.
The stockpile is enough vaccine to give at least two doses to every Canadian, said Procurement Minister Anita Anand.
As well, it is getting ready to receive a similar number of syringes, alcohol swabs and bandages, so Canada will not have to rely on foreign suppliers as before.
Quebec biopharmaceutical company Medicago has begun Canada’s first human vaccine trials and expects to have the initial results on 180 people by early fall.
Rather than pandemic panic buying, Canada is seeking a private company to take over the logistics of ordering, receiving, storing and distributing millions of face masks, respirators, surgical gowns and other personal protective equipment.
Previously Canada faced the “wild west” of trying to find and buy supplies and devices from around the world, said Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland.
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Even with the billions of dollars in government support, Canadians are getting back into the workforce after devastating job losses due to the pandemic.
Statistics Canada said the economy added 246,000 jobs in August, the fourth consecutive month of gains, after jobless claims soared in the March and April lockdowns.
The overall employment total is within 1.1 million of pre-pandemic levels with most gains in full-time work.
There are also 713,000 people working less than half their usual hours, falling from 2.5 million in April.
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News in brief:
- Anxious parents and teachers are wondering if their provinces’ plans and safeguards against the virus will be enough as schools are reopening across Canada. Ontario Premier Doug Ford said his province’s strategy that is “adaptable and flexible” is the best in Canada but he feels some children will get the virus. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his three children will be back in school this coming week.
- Two airline passengers were fined $1,000 for refusing to wear face masks on a WestJet flight. Transport Canada said these are the first fines for violating rules meant to prevent the spread of the pandemic. In British Columbia, a U.S. boater was fined $2,000 for entering Canadian waters and failing to follow COVID-19 quarantine measures and for not reporting to border agents.
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Facts and figures:
The Canadian dollar is higher at 76.54 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.306 Canadian before exchange fees.
The Bank of Canada’s key interest rate is unchanged at 0.25 percent while the prime lending rate is 2.45 percent.
Canadian stock markets are lower with the Toronto index at 16,218 points and the TSX Venture index 733 points.
The average price for gas in Canada is lower at $1.054 a liter (Canadian) or $4 for a U.S. gallon.
Lotto Max: (Sept. 1) 2, 9, 29, 30, 31, 35 and 37; bonus 19. (Aug. 28) 5, 8, 9 28, 32, 48 and 50; bonus 40.
Lotto 6/49: (Sept. 2) 1, 5, 15, 23, 25 and 31; bonus 40. (Aug. 29) 3, 13, 21, 24, 29 and 40; bonus 35.
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Regional briefs:
- The cancellation of the Canadian National Exhibition due to the risk of spreading the virus is a huge financial and emotional blow to Toronto. In business for 142 years, The Ex is an 18-day summer tradition and one of largest fairs in North America with 1.4-million visitors a year. It has an annual impact of $93 million on the city and employs more than 5,000 seasonal workers.
- The pandemic has forced the Vancouver Aquarium to close and lay off 200 staff members. The move is to save money after months of financial losses. Operator Ocean Wise Conservation Association said it costs $1 million a month to feed and care for the 70,000 animals. Specialized staff, such as veterinarians and biologists, will remain to care for the animals.
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Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com
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