Ford government investing $3.7M to help seniors, those with disabilities get to vaccination sites
Posted March 23, 2021 3:57 pm.
Last Updated March 23, 2021 6:02 pm.
The Ford government says it is investing $3.7 million as part of the new budget to help seniors and people with disabilities get their COVID-19 vaccinations in areas or regions where transportation is an obstacle.
Premier Doug Ford made the comments at Thorncliffe Park’s mass vaccination centre in Toronto; the latest clinic unveiled in the City.
Ford said it’s “critically important” to protect the province’s most vulnerable by getting them vaccinated as quickly as possible.
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“In our 2021 budget, we are providing funding to help people get to the vaccines or to bring the vaccines to them,” said Premier Ford.
“The health and safety of our seniors and people with disabilities is a top priority.”
Minister of Finance Peter Bethlenfalvy also announced that the province will release Ontario’s 2021 budget on Wednesday.
Canada’s Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said the Liberals will release the federal portion of the 2021 budget on April 19.
“At community centres, doctors’ offices, pharmacies, and hospitals across the province our health care workers are delivering vaccines that will help us get back to normal; that’s what hope looks like,” said Minister Bethlenfalvy.
“Tomorrow’s budget will prioritize funding to vaccinate every person who wants to be vaccinated, as soon as vaccine shipments arrive. Nothing will prevent us from getting the job done.”
NEW – finance minister Peter Bethanfalvy on tomorrow’s budget says “We’re definitely protecting and investing in peoples health” “The second piece is supporting jobs”
— Richard Southern (@RichardCityNews) March 23, 2021
The Ford government said officials will work with local communities and public health units to perform the service for seniors who need support ahead of vaccination.
More details will be available in the coming days, the Premier said.
This week, certain pharmacies and family physicians in some regions will be allowed to administer the Oxford-AstraZeneca shot to anyone 60 or older.
The pilot pharmacies are in Toronto, Windsor, and Kingston but these will eventually expand.
Premier Ford says both the AstraZeneca and Moderna vaccines will soon be available at select pharmacies in Peel Region.
As of early March, the province says over 80 percent of the long-term care residents are now fully immunized against COVID-19.
The province released more details about Phase 2 of its vaccine rollout on Monday.
It will begin in April and will start to see shots administered based on risk factors including age, neighbourhood, existing health conditions, and inability to work from home along with those aged 60 to 79.
