Dear Friends,

October was an action-filled month in Parliament. Not only did we survive our second confidence motion in as many weeks, we also introduced important legislation to help individuals and businesses bridge through the pandemic as we move into the winter and what will be a challenging period for many of us as we continue to confront the COVID-19 pandemic.

Important bills we introduced this month include legislation to Ban Conversion Therapy, update our Medical Assistance in Dying laws, modernize our Broadcasting Act to ensure fairness for Canadian creators, and proposing an inclusive Citizenship Oath that recognizes Indigenous peoples in Canada. Minister Wilkinson also brought forward the details of our proposed ban a single-use plastics. Our government is both addressing the immediate needs brought on by the Covid-19 pandemic and dealing with other issues that matter to you and people across the country.

The health challenges we are facing are real. I have heard from many of you who have taken up the call of public health officials to do your part and get a flu vaccine. I too am waiting to have my flu vaccine. First of all, thank you for doing your part. Second, I am working with my colleague, the Minister of Health to get to the bottom of what is going on with flu vaccines in Ontario. The Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) has deliver 85% of the flu vaccines ordered by the Government of Ontario, that’s 4.32 million doses so far. It is then the province’s responsibility to distribute those vaccines to citizens.

Our understanding is that as of October 26^th, Halton Public Health has receive 112,110 doses of the flu vaccine this year. This is 10% more than last year. Vaccines often arrive in waves, and Halton Public Health is continuing to process orders as they are submitted, expecting an additional 19,000 doses to arrive in the coming weeks. My office and I will do our best to continue to keep our residents informed on this issue as we know it is important to you.

I had the opportunity over the course of Small Business Week to visit a number of our excellent entrepreneurs who have pivoted their operations to continue to serve our incredible community. Please do your part to shop locally and support our local economy. I even had the chance to visit the Art Gallery of Burlington and pick up my 5^th Soup Bowl! See below for more info.

Just a quick reminder that today marks the beginning of Veterans’ Week in Burlington. And while we won’t all be gathering at the Cenotaph next week, I encourage you to buy your poppy either in person or virtually and support the good work of our Royal Canadian Legion. The Legion’s poppy campaign is vital to the remembrance day activities we hold each year to honour and pay tribute to the men and women who serve and served our nation so valiantly. You can watch the livestream of the ceremony at burlingtonlegion.com and on my Facebook page.

Thank you again to each of you for the important contribution you are making to keeping our community safe and healthy.

Sincerely,

Hon. Karina Gould
Member of Parliament
Burlington