BREAKING: Ford announces ‘groundbreaking’ research projects, including coronavirus vaccine

In what premier Ford called a "groundbreaking" research project, the Ontario govermnet announced that they will be moving forward with research projects that include clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine.

"My friends, any of these are ground-breaking projects. They have the potential to be a game changer—not just for Ontario, but for Canada and the entire world,” the premier said.

"I want that vaccine to be discovered here in Ontario," said the premier. "There’s no reason why a new rapid testing method, vaccine or treatment can’t be found right here in Ontario. Our government is investing in some very promising research proposals, which have the potential to save lives and help us get back to a way of life that is as close to normal as possible."

Ford said that there were 15 "high quality and promising proposals" for the vaccine.

The proposals were submitted following the announcement of Ontario’s $20 million COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund.

"Our incredible scientific research and post-secondary community has stepped up in a big way,” Ford said.

Ross Romano, Ontario’s Minister of Colleges and Universities, also tipped his cap to the incredible work of Ontarians: "Researchers in Ontario represent some of the best and brightest in the country and we are tapping into their expertise to find Ontario-based solutions to treat the infection and stop the spread of the virus," Romano continued.

"Our government is encouraged by the ideas and solutions researchers have put forward to-date. These projects will support Ontario’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak and help us make smart and effective decisions as we look ahead to the future."