Hello,
It’s looking like we can expect some great weather ahead, that is if you enjoy summer heatwaves. Be sure to stay cool and hydrated. I, for one, love the heat and it makes for a great start to the summer I will be spending in the riding. I certainly welcome the change of venue after the busy end of the session at Queen’s Park. Here’s hoping that I can meet more of you as public spaces reopen!
Vaccine Update
Next week, there will be pop-up vaccination clinics for residents of Sandy Hill and Overbrook. Proof of address will be required to access these two pop-ups:
Sandy Hill – Monday, June 7 and Tuesday, June 8
- Minto Sports Complex (uOttawa) – 9 am to 7 pm
Overbrook – McArthur – Tuesday, June 8 and Wednesday, June 9
- Overbrook Community Centre – 9 am to 7 pm
You can find more details about these pop-ups on the Ottawa Public Health website. I am thrilled with the work OPH is doing to reach residents in our neighbourhoods.
OPH has also announced that they will be contacting the thousands of residents over 80 years old who did not receive a second dose appointment when they received the first dose at a special Ottawa Public Health clinic in early March. These residents can rest assured that they will be fully vaccinated within 16 weeks of their first dose.
Further, as of 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 7, 2021, individuals turning ages 70 and over in 2021 who received their first dose of a vaccine on or before April 18, 2021, will be eligible to schedule an appointment to receive their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine at a mass immunization clinic through the provincial booking system and call centre. Please note that appointment availability is limited in Ottawa at the moment, but that slots will open as more vaccines become available. You can learn more about vaccines in Ottawa at this link.
Current COVID-19 Restrictions
This week, the government announced that all schools will continue to teach classes remotely for the remainder of the school year. I know that this was extremely disheartening news for many children and families as I felt it with my own children. Unfortunately, the government has not taken the necessary steps to make schools safer, so kids and families are paying the price for their inaction. I’m thinking of everyone affected by this news and will continue to call on the government to listen to the advice of experts and to have a strong plan for a safe return to schools in the Fall.
A reminder that outdoor gatherings of up to five people are now permitted where physical distancing of 2 metres can be maintained with people outside your household, with exceptions for caregivers and one other person from outside your household who lives alone. Many outdoor recreational amenities are also open. I hope that this allows everyone to get some much-needed outdoor time and sunshine. Visit this link for more information on current restrictions.
End of Session Update
The Legislature’s session has ended and I’m looking forward to continuing my work in Ottawa-Vanier. I hope that we will be able to see more of each other in the community as restrictions ease. On the last day of the session, I took a moment to recognize June as ALS Awareness Month and highlight the work and dedication of former Ottawa-Vanier MP Mauril Bélanger, who passed away from this terrible disease. You can watch my statement on this above.
I have been vocal over the past weeks on causes such as the need for a more equitable vaccine roll-out in our community, investing in making schools safer, adequate paid sick leave, accessible childcare, instituting the Long-Term Care Commission’s recommendations, and doing more to protect the environment. I’ve also spoken with Radio-Canada about my Private Member’s Bill on Equity Education that the government voted down. I want to assure residents of Ottawa-Vanier that I am always listening to the concerns on the ground. I am using every tool available at Queen’s Park to urge the government to bring forward better legislation to address the needs and respect the rights of residents in our community and across the province.
Take care,
Lucille