Robert Oliphant
Hon. Robert Oliphant
Member of Parliament for Don Valley West
April 2020 Update
April 9, 2021
 
 
Dear friends,
 
We are in the third wave of COVID-19 mainly because of the spread of variants of the initial virus. It is absolutely essential for every one of us to follow the public health directions about staying safe.
 
In situations where scientific and medical evidence evolves and develops rapidly, there is a great need for accurate information, for clear communication and for effective messages.
 
Many people have described the fight against COVID-19 as a war. The saying that "truth is the first casualty in a war" can reflect what happens in times of crisis when we are overloaded with ever changing information. I want you to have the most recent facts on the COVID-19 vaccines.
 
We can work together to reduce the spread of COVID-19 and its variants by making sure we adhere to the public health restrictions, by making sure that we get vaccinated, and by making sure that the information we disseminate is accurate.
 
Stay safe,
 
Rob
 
 
10 Million Vaccine Doses
 
 
 
As of April 9, 2021, the federal government has delivered over
10.5 million doses to the Provinces and Territories.
 
Our government will receive an additional
6 million vaccine doses by April 19, 2021. By June, we will receive more than
9.6 million vaccine doses from Pfizer alone.
 
We have provided the province of Ontario with over 4 million vaccine doses as of April 7.
 
 
 
Vaccine Approvals in Canada
 
 
Vaccines are approved for use in Canada through a process of independent review, completely separate from political intervention. While the Canadian government provided funds to ensure rapid development of effective vaccines by pharmaceutical companies, often in conjunction with universities and other partners, it followed an evidence-based process in the determination of the safety and efficacy of vaccines. Data based on clinical trials is presented to the agency responsible and guidance is then given to Health Canada regarding approvals. 
 
The purpose of a clinical trial is to establish whether a drug is safe and effective. Clinical trials are generally sponsored by drug companies or researchers. Health Canada is not a sponsor of clinical trials. As indicated above, in Canada, a sponsor of a clinical trial submits an application to Health Canada. In its review, Health Canada is bound by the provisions in Division 5, Food and Drug Regulations and by good clinical practice. This means that a clinical trial must show that the health of participants in the trial is protected, that the trial is administered by trained professionals, that the trial is reviewed by a Research Ethics Board and that all side effects are monitored and reported.
 
The development and approval of COVID-19 vaccines proceeded at a remarkable pace. This is because many of the clinical trials tested multiple vaccines, often in high risk areas. It also demonstrates the global participation of research networks and manufacturers around the world.
 
Because of the urgency posed by COVID-19, the Minister of Health, Patty Hajdu issued an Interim Order on May 23, 2020 respecting clinical trials for drugs for COVID-19. The Interim Order established additional safeguards for the conduct of clinical trials of
COVID-19 vaccines, including that the health and safety of participants in the trial would not be unduly impacted, that the trial is not contrary to the best interests of the participants and that the objectives of the trial were achievable.
 
To date a number of vaccines have been approved for use in Canada. Real world data (much larger sample size than a clinical trial) continues to be collected and the government will continue to offer direction on the safe use of vaccines based on data as it is received. Canadians can trust the system by which vaccines and drugs are approved, a system that is recognized as one of the best in the world.
 
 
Federal Government Procurement
of COVID-19 Vaccines
 
The federal government has invested over $1 billion to secure supplies of vaccines. These contracts ensure that Canada will receive 44 million Moderna vaccines and up to 76 million Pfizer vaccines in addition to vaccines from other manufacturers. We have also ordered 282 million syringes of varying sizes and additional supplies, such as needles, swabs and gauze.
 
To ensure the smooth delivery of vaccines and supplies to the provinces and territories, the federal government has purchased 600 freezers and 100 refrigerators, including freezers capable of reaching temperatures of -80 degrees Celsius.
 
 
City of Toronto Vaccination Sites
 
The City of Toronto continues its efforts to ensure that vaccines reach people in every part of our city. For more information on City of Toronto clinics, please consult:
 
https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-protect-yourself-others/covid-19-vaccines/
 
https://vaccineto.ca/landing
 
Please remember that no one is safe until all of us are safe.
 
 
Vaccines Work
 
Throughout history, we have witnessed the development, production and distribution of vaccines which have reduced or even eradicated many serious diseases and illnesses.
 
Many childhood illnesses, including those which were debilitating or caused death, have virtually disappeared from common occurrence because of vaccines.
 
Research and monitoring will continue on all of the approved COVID-19 vaccines well beyond the point where a significant part of Canada's population has been vaccinated.
 
COVID-19 has proven to be deadly in too many instances. Scientists and medical professionals are only starting to determine the long-term impacts on those people who have survived COVID-19.
 
COVID-19 vaccines allow a measure of protection against this terrible disease.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Period between Vaccine Doses
 
The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) is a national advisory committee of experts in the fields of pediatrics, infectious diseases, immunology, pharmacy, nursing, epidemiology, pharmacoeconomics, social science and public health.
 
NACI has been providing guidance on the use of vaccines currently or newly approved for use in Canada to the Government of Canada since 1964. It works with the Public Health Agency of Canada to provide ongoing and timely medical, scientific and public health advice.
 
NACI makes recommendations for the use of vaccines currently or newly approved for use in humans in Canada, including the identification of groups at risk for vaccine-preventable diseases for whom vaccination should be targeted.
 
On April 7, 2021, NACI released the following statement on the interval between the first and second dose of the COVID-19 vaccines:
 
"In the context of the ongoing pandemic, NACI recommends extending the time between the first and second dose of COVID-19 vaccines up to four months while vaccine supply is limited. Second doses should be offered as soon as possible after all eligible populations have been offered first doses, with priority given to those at highest risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 disease. With Canada’s expected vaccine supply, the interval between the first and second dose is expected to be less than four months. Jurisdictions may choose to shorten the time between the first and second dose in specific populations based on local rates of cases and what is known about where transmission is happening, local vaccine supply, their local methods of delivering vaccine and emerging evidence." 
 
For more information on NACI's statement, please refer to: https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/immunization/national-advisory-committee-on-immunization-naci/naci-summary-extended-dose-interval-statement-en.pdf
 
It is important to remember that the COVID-19 vaccines being administered in Canada are highly effective even after the first dose. This applies to older adults and to younger people. Because of the increasing number of people infected with COVID-19 variants, it is critical to vaccinate as many people as possible with the first dose. The more people who receive the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, the lower the risk of community spread of COVID-19 variants, hospitalization, and death.
 
In fact, the risk of virus mutations is higher when the number of people infected increases. By vaccinating as many people as possible with the first dose, we can prevent new infections, lower the number of admissions to ICUs, and prevent more people from dying of COVID-19.
 
 
COVID-19 Protection Measures
 
Even if you have received a vaccine, please follow the COVID-19 safety protocols. While evidence is still being gathered, vaccinated people may still carry the virus and infect those not yet vaccinated.
 
Because of the rising number of COVID-19 variant cases, now is not the time to stop physical distancing or wearing a mask.
 
 
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,
 
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