Corporate Responsibility

Pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca repeated its promise not to profit from a COVID-19 vaccine during the pandemic as it reported it was on track with late-stage trials for the treatment. Such promises were boosted by strong sales across its range of treatments during lockdown. Sales jumped by 14% to $12.6 billion in the first six months of 2020 and were helped by strong trading in new medicines, as well as cancer and respiratory medication.

“Not all heroes wear capes.”—It’s an expression often found on the internet. It, of course, refers to the fact that you don’t have to be Batwoman or Superman or whoever, to do some good in this world. During the Great Pandemic of 2020 of course this phrase is often used to describe those of us who provide healthcare on the front lines. Cleary, the physicians, nurses, first responders, PSWs, support staff, environmental services staff and many others who provide front line care during this historically difficult time are heroes.

When a Mississauga, Ontario-based pharmacist grew frustrated with the lack of hand sanitizers available to pharmacies during the early days of the pandemic, he decided to take matters into his own hands and create some himself.

The federal government's ongoing review about the good, bad and possibly ugly parts of its response to COVID-19 will feed into plans for an improved response to a potential second wave of the novel coronavirus, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Monday.

The Weeknd is dedicating $500,000 to hospitals battling COVID-19 in the neighbourhood where he grew up. The Scarborough singer, songwriter and record producer, born Abel Tesfaye, says he felt "it was important to give back to the community that raised me."

Canada contributed $300 million on Saturday towards the international fight against COVID-19, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined fellow leaders, activists and philanthropists in calling for a vaccine to be distributed to the world's neediest people. Trudeau announced the new funds in another virtual international fundraiser—this one sponsored by an organization, Global Citizen, that raised almost $9.5 billion in pledges.

CAE Inc. says its new medical ventilator has been certified by Health Canada and it will begin shipping. The Montreal-based company signed a contract with the federal government earlier this year to manufacture and supply 10,000 ventilators.