Mississauga asks COVID vaccine producer Moderna to set up new Canadian facility in the city

Mississauga | Ontario | COVID |

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Published August 13, 2021 at 4:18 pm

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The City of Mississauga, which already boasts a significant life sciences sector, has asked Moderna–a company that’s best-known for its mRNA COVID-19 vaccine–to set up its recently-announced Canadian facility in the city. 

The city’s request follows an announcement from the federal government that Moderna is planning to build a state-of-the-art mRNA vaccine production facility in Canada.

“As we continue to navigate the impacts of COVID-19 in our community, vaccines have never been so important. We would be honoured if Moderna considered Mississauga for their new Canadian facility,” said Mayor Bonnie Crombie in a statement. 

“With over 470 life sciences companies employing more than 25,000 people, Mississauga would be an ideal spot for Moderna to deliver on their promise of building transformative mRNA science.”

According to the City, Mississauga is the first and only municipality in Canada to have a comprehensive Life Sciences Cluster Strategy in place. According to the city’s website, Mississauga is the second-largest life sciences sector in Canada.

In the past 12 months, similar companies in the biomanufacturing sector have invested nearly $1 billion in Mississauga’s life sciences sector. Other life sciences companies that currently operate in the city include Baylis, General Electric, Roche, Abbott and Alcon. 

The City says life sciences businesses account for $2.7 billion (or 6.3 per cent) of Mississauga’s real GDP.

“With its vibrant life sciences industry, world-class talent and collaborative ecosystem, Mississauga is a natural choice for this investment,” said Trevor McPherson, President and CEO of the Mississauga Board of Trade, in a statement. 

“The Mississauga Board of Trade strongly encourages Moderna to join a great family of life sciences companies that drive advancement in this sector.”

Cover photo courtesy of The Canadian Press

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