COVID-19, authorities said.Since the virus was first detected, it has claimed 12,983 lives in Canada. Canada approves Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, will start administering ‘within days’ The new cases come as the federal government announced Health Canada has approved a COVID-19 vaccine from American pharmaceutical company Pfizer.“The availability of a safe and effective vaccine will reduce the spread and severity of COVID-19 disease and reduce its social and economic consequences,” Health Canada said on Wednesday, adding the data confirms the vaccine is roughly 95 per cent effective, and was “well tolerated” with no serious safety concerns.Maj.-Gen.