Canada marks national day of observance to commemorate those who died of COVID-19

By The Canadian Press, news staff

Canada will mark the one-year anniversary on Thursday of the World Health Organization declaring COVID-19 a global pandemic.

Earlier this week Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who is to deliver a statement in the House of Commons this morning, designated March 11 a national day of observance to commemorate those who have died.

The government has asked Canadians to think about those whose lives were claimed by the novel coronavirus, as well as the health-care and other essential workers who have been on the front lines.

Other politicians, including NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh and Quebec Premier Francois Legault, are also expected to speak about the devastating effect the virus has had on Canadians.


RELATED: Timeline: A year of pandemic life in Toronto


Premier Doug Ford took time to thank all essential workers in a video posted to social media on Thursday morning.

“In our darkest hours, you were there to shine a light and help your communities,” said Ford.

Ford also sent a message to small business owners in the province thanking them for the patience.

“I know you’re exhausted, mentally and physically, but I ask you to stay strong.”

Toronto mayor John Tory also released a near five-minute video message and also thanked the frontline workers while reflecting on the past year. Tory stressed that the arrival of vaccines means brighter days are ahead.

“Our city and our country should give us hope,” said Tory. “The inherent strengths of both will help us bounce back strongly.”

“Thank you for your cooperation during this long year, thank you for your caring and humanity, for your patience and sacrifice.”

Since the pandemic began, 2.5 million people around the world have died due to COVID-19, with more than 22,000 of them in Canada.

Health Canada has approved four COVID-19 vaccines so far and 1.5 per cent of the population has been fully vaccinated.

“More and more people are getting vaccinated every day,” Trudeau said at a news conference Tuesday. “That means more grandparents, health-care workers, and vulnerable people are now safe.

“Our top priority is to get you your shot as soon as possible. No one will be left behind.

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