Hi there,

Vaccine Update
The work continues to get as many residents of Ottawa vaccinated as efficiently as possible. Our healthcare workers are doing incredible work! As of today, the following categories of people in Ottawa-Vanier are eligible for vaccines:

• First Nation, Inuit and Métis community members who are aged 50 and older.
• Residents who were born in or before 1941, or who are adult recipients of chronic home care, and who live in: 
  • Carson Groves-Carson Meadows
  • Lowertown
  • Manor Park
  • Overbrook – McArthur
  • Vanier North
  • Vanier South
• Residents from anywhere in the city who were born in or before 1931 (90 years old and older).

 The Provincial on-line booking portal becomes available on Monday for those wanting to book an appointment. For the most up to date information about distribution and how eligible persons can book appointments click here.

To make finding vaccine information a little easier, the City of Ottawa has created the COVID-19 Vaccine Update e-subscription. Sign up today and you’ll receive the latest updates on vaccine distribution in the city, delivered to your inbox.
 
Update from Queen’s Park
We’ve had a very busy few weeks at Queen’s Park, with debate mounting on a number of significant issues. Here are a few of the key issues I spoke to on your behalf.
 
Environmental Protection
There have been a lot of discussions lately around the government’s use of Ministerial Zoning Orders. These are directives that allow the government to decide how a parcel of land can be used, without the benefit of consultations or advice from experts. The government has used this extraordinary power extensively since being elected. While we can appreciate the need to expedite processes for development projects that are important to address needs related to COVID, it certainly seems that the government has also used this power to grant the approval of certain projects that were not in the interest of people of Ontario by being detrimental to the environment. You can read more on the issue here.
 
As the Critic for Environment, Conservation and Parks, and as the mother of four children that will be impacted by our failure to protect the environment, this issue has been top of mind for me. You can view my two questions to the government, as well as my remarks on Bill 257 on my website.
 
Francophonie
March is Mois de la Francophonie and it’s a time to celebrate our diverse Francophone culture and reflect on its resilience over the years. There are lots of virtual ways to get involved in the celebrations! Visit rvf.ca/en for more.
 
On Wednesday, I presented in the Legislative Assembly, a motion to request that the Franco-Ontarian flag be displayed permanently in the legislative chamber and on the grounds of Queen’s Park. Receiving unanimous consent for this motion is a victory for the recognition of Francophone contributions to the province of Ontario. This month was the perfect time to insist that Franco-Ontarian representation matters in Ontario. You can read my news release on Twitter.
 
I’ve also taken opportunities over the last few weeks to recognize the important Francophone institutions we have in Ottawa-Vanier, urge the government to improve access to services in French in Ontario, and push for action on the French teacher shortage in our school system. Take a look at my website to catch up on these discussions.
 
International Women’s Day
This past Monday was International Women’s Day. Being the mother of three courageous daughters and the daughter of an incredible woman, it was important for me to take the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women while looking towards what more needs to be done. Often coined the “she-cession,” the pandemic has had a disproportionate impact on women and I felt it was crucial that this be addressed. Watch my remarks on this below.
 
Thank you for keeping up with my updates!
 
Talk soon,
Lucille