March 11, 2021 – Today, as we mark one year since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 to be a worldwide pandemic, we recognize the tragic toll that has been felt by all Canadians.
At least 22,335 Canadians have lost their lives due to this terrible and insidious virus. As we remember these tragic losses, and the impacts felt by the friends and family members who loved and cared for these individuals, we must honour their memory with action.
We must also recognize the incredible toll this past year has taken on our frontline healthcare workers. Our healthcare system has failed these dedicated workers, particularly those working in the long-term care sector. Now is the time for Canada to commit to ensuring our healthcare system can actually function as a system capable of responding to the needs of everyone equally, particularly Indigenous Peoples and others who have been marginalized for far too long.
The promise of spring and enhanced vaccination programs rolling out across the country have Canadians looking to the future with optimism. Yet even as we look ahead, we remember those who have suffered and who have lost their lives and we must all pledge to do better. Now is our chance to fix the mistakes of the past.
Paul-Émile Cloutier, President & CEO
HealthCareCAN
HealthCareCAN is the national voice of healthcare organizations and hospitals across Canada. We foster informed and continuous, results-oriented discovery and innovation across the continuum of healthcare.
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Media contact:
Alexandria Rowe
Communications and Member Services
ARowe@healthcarecan.ca
855-236-0213/613-241-8005 ext. 221 │ Cell: 613-220-1023
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