WINNIPEG – The province has committed to buy two million doses of a Canadian COVID-19 vaccine that’s in clinical trials. It would be manufactured in Winnipeg.

Premier Brian Pallister says the term sheet signed with Providence Therapeutics includes a best-price guarantee and hinges on the vaccine being approved for use in Canada. Providence expects that to happen in the fall.

Pallister calls it an insurance policy just in case Ottawa’s purchase of other vaccines doesn’t go as planned. There have already been delays in the delivery of those vaccines.

Manitoba NDP leader Wab Kinew says he supports the move because domestic vaccine production is needed in this country.