On track to meet Canada’s vaccination timeline
Happy New Year Centennial! Although this is certainly not the way we wanted to start 2021, the current stay-at-home order is a reminder of just how important following public health advice is. Taking appropriate action including wearing a mask, practising physical distancing, restricting non-essential trips, washing our hands, and downloading the COVID Alert app will lead to real results. These days may be difficult, but we can get through them – together.
Updates on COVID-19 Vaccines
While scientists around the world do important work to find vaccines for COVID-19, we’re making sure that Canadians will be able to get vaccinated as soon as possible. So far, Health Canada has authorized two vaccines for use in Canada.
As of January 7, we have distributed more than 548,950 vaccine doses to provinces and territories to deploy to Canadians. Updated information on vaccine distribution by province and territory will continue to be available on Health Canada’s website. We will continue to work with all partners to ensure that all Canadians will have access to vaccines, starting with the most vulnerable.
Due to work to expand its European manufacturing lines facility, production of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine was temporarily delayed. This delay in deliveries will have no impact on our long-term vaccination plan. By securing the most diverse portfolio of vaccines, with seven agreements, and the greatest number of doses per capita in the world, we remain on track to meet Canada’s vaccination timeline. We will have vaccines in Canada for everyone who chooses to be vaccinated by the end of September 2021.
Work for the 2021 Census
The Census Program has adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the 2021 Census of Population is conducted throughout the country in the best possible way, using a safe and secure approach.
To assist in the collection of the census, Statistics Canada is hiring approximately 32,000 people across the country. Census jobs are short-term positions, between March and July 2021, collecting census data from residents in our community. Candidates can apply online at www.census.gc.ca/jobs.
Planting 2 Billion Trees
Our government has a plan to plant 2 billion trees over 10 years, with an investment of $3.16 billion. Meeting this commitment will help Canada address climate change by reducing carbon pollution and is a key part of Canada’s efforts to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
There is no path to net-zero emissions that does not involve our forests. Planting trees is a natural climate solution that reduces emissions while providing other benefits such as improved air and water quality – particularly in urban settings – decreased risk of wildland fire to rural communities and support for biodiversity. It also provides spaces for recreational opportunities that improve quality of life and form part of our Canadian identity.
Although our constituency office remains closed to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, my team is ready to support you and your family with information about federal support programs and services. If we can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact my office at 416-283-1414 or gary.anand@parl.gc.ca