COVID-19 Update for July 17, 2020 – 2:15pm
Premier Doug Ford’s latest stop on his cross-province tour included the announcement of funding for COVID-19-related research projects. He also unveiled – not entirely related to the pandemic – measures to protect intellectual property.
COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund
Speaking at Kitchener’s Medical Innovation Xchange, Premier Ford announced funding for an additional 20 proposals submitted to the $20 million Ontario COVID-19 Rapid Research Fund. In May, 15 projects were greenlit, focusing on areas such as vaccine development, diagnostics, drug trials and development, and social sciences.
Intellectual Property Action Plan
Alongside Colleges and Universities Minister Ross Romano and Economic Development Minister Vic Fedeli, Ford unveiled the Intellectual Property Action Plan. Prioritizing IP generation, protection, and commercialization, Ford said the plan aims to ensure that intellectual property and its value stay in Ontario instead of being bought by the US or exported to other countries.
To provide advice on implementation, the government is creating the Special Implementation Team on Intellectual Property (SITIP), comprised of the IP experts who previously served on Ontario’s Expert Panel on Intellectual Property.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team