Challenge trials face too many ethical and logistical hurdles to go forward, experts say
The race to develop the COVID-19 vaccine, or a series of vaccines, is well underway and at the time of writing, three clinical trials are in phase three, with dozens more in phases one and two and in the pre-clinical stage. One Russian vaccine was even approved before phase three of testing. Developing a vaccine takes […]
How the pandemic has driven us to up our game in research and teaching
HAMILTON—Tragedy, suffering, and uncertainty have trailed in the wake of COVID-19, bringing social and economic turmoil, and hurting people everywhere. The pandemic is a grand challenge that threatens our safety and our very existence. This challenge is also a unique opportunity for universities to lead and innovate in ways that will benefit humankind well beyond […]
Liberal government must end COVID-19 vaccine secrecy
Canadians cannot fight COVID-19 in the dark. Experience has demonstrated that an effective pandemic response requires clear, transparent, and open communication from governments at all levels. This is essential for maintaining public confidence in recovery plans and the legitimacy of the institutions implementing them. Unfortunately, the Trudeau government has demonstrated a disturbing tendency to operate […]
Throne Speech represents a critical opportunity to tackle the challenges defining our generation
In a few short months, COVID has provided a snapshot of the types of disruptions to social and economic systems that experts warn are coming if global climate action is not urgently scaled up. It has also demonstrated how quickly political will and vast resources can be mobilized to respond to an imminent threat. Herein […]
Biotechnology Policy Briefing
Top doc cautions against getting ahead of review into Canada’s public health threat alert system
Canada’s chief public health officer says she will wait for the findings of an upcoming review before commenting on who bears responsibility for sidelining the country’s pandemic early warning system. Speaking to reporters in the afternoon of Sept. 11, Dr. Theresa Tam said she looks forward to the probe. “I know that there are managers […]
Linking science, health and policy more effectively: foresight for the next normal
OTTAWA—Hindsight is 20/20—or so they say today. But what happened to foresight? It’s Nov. 7, 2001. The place is Ottawa. The meeting is with health ministers and officials from Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the U.K., the U.S., and the EU. The topic is health security and bioterrorism—a few months following the events of […]
Donald Trump’s miracle vaccine
LONDON, U.K.—Nine of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies have just promised not to apply for regulatory approval for any new COVID-19 vaccine before it has gone through all three phases of clinical study. Why would they do such a thing? You’d be surprised if brain surgeons got together and promised not to operate while drunk, […]
Key chapter in Canada’s COVID story begins as kids return to school
OTTAWA—Yes, yes, the speech from the throne coming on Sept. 23 is fast approaching and we will see if, somehow, we get catapulted into an election. I still rate the odds of that slim, but 2020 has been the year when normal thinking does not apply. Speaking of normal, how intimate will it be for […]
Feds should focus on gauging ‘wariness’ of COVID measures, says strategist, after public opinion research spending dip in 2019-20
The Liberal government spent $11.3-million on public opinion research studies in the last year, but those efforts didn’t capture much of the public’s reaction to COVID-19 spending, and in turn, experts say Ottawa’s efforts should now shift to gauging Canadians’ evaluation of its relief efforts. The feds commissioned a total of 121 projects spanning 30 […]
