In the House with Patty Hajdu: Canada leads the world in vaccinated population

The first COVID-19 vaccine was approved for use in Canada on Dec. 9, 2020. It was a Wednesday. The first dose was administered to an 89-year-old woman in Québec the following Monday. More Canadians have received at least one dose than any country in the G7 or G20. Canada’s federal government has acted swiftly from the very beginning to secure vaccines for every Canadian who wants one, to protect our communities from COVID-19. 
 
To date, we have delivered almost 42.8 million vaccines to communities across Canada. Next week alone, we're expecting another 6.3 million. At the current rate of immunization, we can see the finish line with the majority of Canadians fully vaccinated by the end of July.
 
All of us have worked so hard to protect each other, and now the determination and planning of the government has allowed us a cautious sense of optimism. I can feel it too, hearts are lighter, and people are emerging from a long, long winter. There is hope on the horizon. We have to keep going and stay vigilant so that we don’t experience any surges that risk this growing safety. Many countries around the world are still in very difficult situations, with surging cases and tragic deaths. We have to continue to work with our international partners to protect all global citizens.
 
So let’s keep going. As we re-emerge after the hardest winter on record for many of us, let’s continue to protect each other by following the directions of our public health officials. And let’s get the job done! Get vaccinated when it’s your turn, get your second dose, and help people in your lives get vaccinated too. The vaccines are helping to slow the spread and save lives. Each one of us is protecting our communities and families.
 
Thank you again for the many ways you have sacrificed over the past many months. I do hope we see each other in person soon.
 
Patty Hajdu is the Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay-Superior North and Canada’s federal Minister of Health.