Ottawa ‘Took a Risk’ When Investing $150M in Medicago Vaccine Factory: Official

The official says Ottawa didn’t know which vaccines would be authorized and no vaccine existed when contracts with suppliers were put in place.

A vial of a plant-derived COVID-19 vaccine candidate, developed by Medicago, is shown in Quebec City on July 13, 2020. The Canadian Press/HO, Medicago

The Department of Public Works has acknowledged the government “took a risk” when subsidizing a $150 million COVID-19 vaccine factory in then Health Minister Jean-Yves Duclos’ riding of Quebec City.

“We took a risk of putting contracts with various suppliers for enough vaccines for all Canadians,” said Joelle Paquette, director general of the public works department, as first reported by Blacklock’s Reporter.