Robert Oliphant
Hon. Robert Oliphant
Member of Parliament for Don Valley West
March 2021 COVID-19 Update
March 1, 2021

Intro

Dear friends,

One year ago, our lives changed in ways few of us could imagine. The news of COVID-19 infections and deaths shook all of us. In the one year that has passed, too many people, especially senior citizens, have died. Others became ill with COVID-19, were hospitalized and recovered. While most Canadians have not been infected with COVID-19, we know or know of someone who was ill and perhaps has died.

However, in the span of one year, we have seen the research, development, manufacturing and distribution of vaccines to protect us against COVID-19 infection. It is nothing short of remarkable to have a vaccine for a novel coronavirus within a year of the first cases. I cannot recall a time when an effective vaccine to a new virus was developed with the dedication, cooperation and speed as the vaccines for COVID-19.

Our government has signed contracts with seven manufacturers of the COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers. The momentum of vaccine deliveries to Canada is such that it is very likely that everyone in Canada who wants a vaccine will have access to one by the end of September 2021.

I urge you to find out from the provincial and local authorities about receiving your vaccine, especially if you are over the age of 80 and living in a congregate setting or in your own home.

 

COVID-19 Vaccine Update

With the latest announcement of Health Canada’s approval of the single-dose Janssen vaccine, we now have four vaccines approved for use in Canada.

Pfizer has committed to delivering at least one million vaccines every week between March 22 and May 10.

With increased shipments of the Pfizer vaccine, we are on track to receive more than 8 million vaccines by the end of March. We will have more than enough vaccines for every Canadian who wants one by the end of September.

 

Where to Pre-Register for a COVID-19 Vaccine

Recently, local hospitals have stepped up to provide COVID-19 vaccinations to people over the age of 80 (born in 1941 or earlier), adults who receive home care, health care workers who are at risk and other vulnerable populations.

For residents of Don Valley West, I encourage you to pre-register for your COVID-19 vaccine if you are in any of these groups.

If you live closer to North York General Hospital, please visit: https://www.nygh.on.ca/test.php/covid19vaccination to pre-register.

If you life closer to Michael Garron Hospital, please visit: https://www.tehn.ca/ for more information.

 

COVID-19 Vaccinations at Pharmacies

There are participating pharmacies which are offering COVID-19 vaccines to people between the ages of 60 and 64 at 327 locations across Ontario.

Some of the locations in the vicinity of Don Valley West are:

 

A National Day of Observance 

Over the past year, nurses, doctors, technicians, paramedics, custodians and all other hospital and long-term care staff have worked under stressful and strained conditions. Many were infected with COVID-19 and several died.

Senior citizens in long-term care residences bore the brunt of the pandemic. Often, they died alone without family or friends present.

As we turn our minds to getting vaccinated, I ask that each of you think of the thousands of people who have died from COVID-19. We must honour their memory.

 

Wellness Together 

Over the course of 2020, people who were able to do so worked from home. Students learned online. Large in person gatherings of families and friends had to be postponed or cancelled. Social isolation increased.

In these circumstances, it is understandable that some people are feeling more anxious or worried.

Our government has launched Wellness Together Canada to make sure people have a way to reach out for support. None of us has to live with anxiety alone. I urge you to reach out to make sure your circle of family and friends are coping.

 

COVID-19 Financial Supports

Canada Recovery Benefit: The CRB provides financial support to employed and self employed people who are not covered by Employment Insurance (EI). Our government has announced a proposed extension to allow eligible recipients to apply for a total of 38 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Employment Insurance: We have proposed changes to EI to increase the maximum number of weeks so that eligible recipients could receive up to 50 weeks for claims between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit: This benefit provides income support to people who are unable to work because they are caring for a child under the age of 12 or a person who requires specialized care. This applies, for example, in cases where a school is closed because of COVID-19. We have proposed an extension of this benefit to allow eligible recipients to apply for a total of 39 weeks between September 27, 2020 and September 25, 2021.

Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP): This program will apply to the hardest hit sectors of our economy, including restaurants, hospitality and tourism. Under the HASCAP, businesses are offered low-interest loans from $25,000 to $1 million to cover operational cash flow requirements.

Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS): The CERS program is in place to assist with rent and mortgage payments of 65% of eligible expenses to eligible businesses. Our government has proposed extending this program until June 5, 2021.

 

Stay Vigilant Against COVID-19 

Although we appear to be heading towards brighter days, we cannot stop being vigilant about COVID-19.

Even after you have received a vaccine, please follow the COVID-19 safety protocols.

With variants of the virus emerging, now is not the time to stop physical distancing or wearing a mask.

 

Download the COVID App 

The COVID Alert app can let you know if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. The more people who use the app, the more useful it will be in protecting our loved ones and limiting further spread of infection.

The app does not collect any personal information or track your location; it uses your device’s Bluetooth to let you know if your device was in close proximity to the device of someone who reported testing positive for COVID-19.

Download the COVID Alert app for free from the App Store or the Google Play Store.

 

We’re here to help

Thank you for your continued goodwill and community spirit through this difficult time. Although we are working from home, my staff and I are making every effort to ensure Don Valley West remains a strong, vibrant community through this pandemic. If you have any concerns, questions, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me at [email protected] or call 416-467-7275.

All the best,

Rob

Main office - Toronto
1670 Bayview Avenue, Suite 310
Toronto, Ontario
M4G 3C2

Telephone:
416-467-7275

Fax:
416-467-8550
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Hill Office
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone:
613-992-2855

Fax:
613-995-1635
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