Canada advances new Medical Countermeasures Laboratory Facility in Winnipeg

Drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is strengthening Canada’s capacity to respond to future public health emergencies through the development of a new medical countermeasures laboratory facility.

August 5, 2026 | Winnipeg, Manitoba | Public Health Agency of Canada

Drawing on lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, the Government of Canada is strengthening Canada's capacity to respond to future public health emergencies through the development of a new medical countermeasures laboratory facility. The facility will be co-located with the existing world-renowned National Microbiology Laboratory in Winnipeg, Manitoba and will expand Canada's capacity to develop vaccines, therapeutics, and diagnostic tools.

Today, the Honourable Terry Duguid, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, on behalf of the Honourable Marjorie Michel, Minister of Health, and the Honourable Joël Lightbound, Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant, has announced a $10.2 million contract to Architecture49 Inc., for architectural and engineering services for the medical countermeasures laboratory facility.

This work marks an important step forward in advancing the facility's design and delivery.

Expected to be completed in 2033, the new facility will support cutting-edge pre-clinical research and strengthen Canada's position in life sciences and global health innovation. It represents a significant, long-term investment that will enhance Canada's preparedness for future health emergencies, support the Winnipeg economy, and contribute to global health security.