By MPP Tom Rakocevic
I want to wish a Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating. My wife and I are very happy to celebrate the holiday this year with our second child, a newborn baby boy. Children are such a blessing.
Our community is my lifelong home, and I want to take a moment to thank you for everything you have done during this pandemic.
We are home to one of the largest essential worker populations across our province. You have worked so hard and have been so resilient throughout the toughest of times. I thank you deeply.
I want to thank you all for every act of kindness during this pandemic. Whether it was just checking in on a neighbour or loved one, or a donation to those in need, you have made a difference.
To the many local organizations, associations, businesses, places of worship and more, you have been leaders in providing charity and working with our local health partners to help and protect our community. Know that you are appreciated.
Finally, I want to thank our incredible local health partners who have been at the forefront in the battle against COVID-19.
High rates of vaccination and sustained low case counts have always been touted as the light at the end of this tunnel.
This spring, when there were challenges in accessing vaccines, I spoke often at Queen’s Park on the need for equitable vaccine access.
I joined our incredible local health partners and we worked hard to obtain vaccines and quickly host and promote vaccine clinics in accessible locations throughout our community. Thanks to this work, we were one of the first communities in all of Ontario to vaccinate those 18-plus, and within short weeks we tripled the vaccination rates of many neighbourhoods. These efforts have led to over 300,000 local vaccinations and counting.
There have been many important lessons we have learned throughout this pandemic such as the need to better protect and support our seniors, and there is much work to be done.
Thank you again for all you do, and I know I can continue to count on you to work together for a better future for all.
As always, my office is here to help and we are just a phone call or email away.
To reach us by phone call: 416-743-7272
Or e-mail:
TRakocevic-CO@ndp.on.ca