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January 15, 2021 – Federal government update on the COVID-19 pandemic
Here is an update on recent decisions and actions by the Canadian government in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canada’s vaccination objective unchanged
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that Canadians who wish to be vaccinated against COVID-19 will be so by September, despite the temporary delay in the delivery of doses from manufacturer Pfizer/BioNTech.
The manufacturer informed all countries receiving its vaccines from its European plants, including Canada, that there are temporary delays due to an expansion of its facilities.
The prime minister stated that this momentary delay will not affect vaccination projections for the second quarter nor the goal of full-scale vaccination by next September.
Mr. Trudeau reiterated that Canada has a vast portfolio of potential vaccines from seven different manufacturers, which gives it “a margin of manoeuvre.”
Critical situation in hospitals
Mr. Trudeau called on the population to persevere in respecting the health guidelines because “the second wave of the pandemic must be broken.”
He noted that there is too much pressure on hospitals and that health workers are worn out and having to make difficult decisions.
$40 million in assistance for the homeless
Mr. Trudeau also announced additional details about the $1-billion program announced last year to increase affordable housing in Canada, particularly in the context of the pandemic and its financial impact on families.
Some $40 million will be used in Québec to help the homeless under the “About Reaching Home” program.
“The pandemic is having serious repercussions for the homeless,” said Mr. Trudeau.