Dear Friends, 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has been difficult for all of us, it has highlighted barriers that many individuals and sectors face disproportionately. 

This month, I hosted roundtables to discuss issues facing seniors and individuals living with disabilities. 

I heard from service providers and community advocates on how to continue building a community that is inclusive by design and that enables an environment of belonging for all Canadians. It was important to hear their perspectives as we work with the provinces and territories on improving supports for Canadians living with disabilities, create dignified employment opportunities, and support accessible spaces here in Burlington and across the country.

Seniors in our community have experienced unique health, social, and economic difficulties, exacerbated by COVID-19. Throughout the pandemic, the Government of Canada has continued to step up to support seniors. We reiterated that commitment in Budget 2021 with proposals and investments including the launch of the Age Well at Home initiative and raising OAS for those over 75.

Last week in Halton Region, we reached 64% of residents having received at least one dose. Starting today, May 31st, youth ages 12-17 who live or attend school in Halton will be eligible to book their COVID-19 vaccine. Starting June 2nd, adults 80 years and older will have the option to rebook their second dose to an earlier date. 

We are on track for all adult Canadians to receive their first dose by the end of June and their second dose by the end of September.

I know the relief and gratitude I feel every time I speak with someone in our community who has received their first shot. It gets us all one step closer to doing the things we love with the people we love.

It will be important to ensure that as the vaccine campaign ramps up, we must continue to follow public health measures so that we can get to a point where 75-80% (and higher!) of our population is vaccinated and we can safely reopen.

This has been an exceptionally hard year, but we are on track to get back to a more normal way of life. It is up to us: this is our shot. Let’s get vaccinated and keep following public health guidelines to overcome this pandemic.

For COVID-19 vaccine information from the federal government including vaccine deliveries, authorized vaccines, and more, click here. 

For COVID-19 vaccine information from the provincial government including Ontario's phased rollout, click here. 

For information on eligibility in Halton and booking an appointment, click here.