TORONTO – NEWS — The Ontario government is investing $20 million to advance medical research and develop tools and resources to combat COVID-19 and other infectious diseases through the Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund. The government is calling on all of the province’s world-class research institutions, postsecondary institutions, and non-profit scientific partners to take action in the development of innovative solutions to track and defeat COVID-19.
The announcement was made today by Premier Doug Ford and Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities. The investment is part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.
“We have some of the best and brightest minds anywhere in the world right here in Ontario,” said Premier Ford. “Whether it’s developing a vaccine, using 3-D printers to make personal protective equipment or designing better portable ventilators, our brilliant researchers are leading the charge in the fight against COVID-19 and giving our frontline health care workers the tools and resources they need to deliver top-notch care for patients.”
Ontario’s postsecondary education sector and research community has already taken on a leadership role to combat COVID-19. Colleges and universities, research hospitals and institutes across the province have stepped up to support their local communities by donating lifesaving ventilators, personal protective equipment and conducting invaluable research on detection and treatment.
“Our province, our country and the entire world face an unprecedented situation, and the innovation and expertise of our research community is needed now more than ever,” said Minister Romano. “We need to continue mobilizing people and ideas and leveraging our top talent in this global effort to find a solution to this crisis and keep people safe.”
Ontario researchers are encouraged to submit proposals through the new Ontario Together website. This portal was established to locate or manufacture emergency products and identify immediate and innovative solutions to help support the province’s response to COVID-19. The website also includes an option for research institutions, in addition to individuals, corporations and other entities, to submit ideas about how to expand health care capacity and knowledge, better utilize artificial intelligence, and build Ontario’s current and future supply chain capacity. Research submissions through the Ontario Together portal will be accepted until April 24, 2020.
“When we launched Ontario Together on March 21st, our province’s medical technology and pharmaceutical companies quickly stepped up to offer made-in-Ontario solutions in the fight against COVID-19,” said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. “This incredible response demonstrates the strength of the Ontario Spirit in our business community and world-class manufacturing and life sciences sectors.”
The province is particularly interested in proposals that are highly feasible with achievable results within one year or a maximum of two years.
Premier Doug Ford will be joined by Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Merrilee Fullerton, Minister of Long-Term Care, to make an announcement.
| Date: | Saturday, April 18, 2020 |
| Time: | Remarks Scheduled for 1:00 p.m. |
