The federal government continued to be evasive yesterday about fledgling over the decision that whether it is still committed to building an $88-million HIV vaccine plant, issuing a statement that triggered questions officials wouldn't address.

"We're disappointed. We really did put in a lot of effort", White said, adding he hopes any change in plans won't mean the loss of the Gates Foundation money.

The federal government disapproved a bid by the Winnipeg-based International Centre for Infectious Diseases (ICID), which came as a shock to the consortium members.

However, till now there has been no word on who is the successful bidder.

"We are examining all options and will take the time needed to ensure the direction we take and the activities we choose to support yield the best possible results", wrote Nadia Mostafa, a spokesperson for the Public Health Agency of Canada.

Ted Hewitt, vice-president of research at the University of Western Ontario, who spearheaded the London bid revealed Wednesday the agency, was clearer last week when it mistakenly placed on its website a release saying the project had been cancelled.

The federal officials have conveyed to the government and the Gates Foundation, encouraging them to continue to work together, aiming to accelerate the development of a safe, effective, affordable and accessible HIV vaccine.