Canada marking national day of observance for those who died of COVID-19

A year after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic, the government of Canada designated March 11 as a National Day of Observance to remember the more than 22,000 Canadians who have died from the virus.

By The Canadian Press

Posted March 11, 2021 4:00 am.

Last Updated March 11, 2021 5:56 pm.

Canada will mark the one-year anniversary 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.

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.

In a video posted on social media, Premier Doug Ford thanked all essential workers saying, “in our darkest hours, you were there to shine a light and help your communities.”

#TeamOntario, thank you for your hard work over the last year. In our darkest hours, you were there to shine a light and help your communities.

I know you’re exhausted, but please stay strong for a little while longer. The light at the end of the tunnel is growing brighter. pic.twitter.com/uNmxAE0GKX

— Doug Ford (@fordnation) March 11, 2021

Toronto Mayor John Tory also released a video message in which he thanked front-line workers and also stressed that the arrival of vaccines means brighter days are ahead.

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

Today, on the National Day of Observance, we recognize the immeasurable toll #COVID19 has had on Canadians. This day is an opportunity for us to mourn our losses, show gratitude for our frontline heroes and firm up our resolve to bring the pandemic to an end through vaccinations. pic.twitter.com/KVzgs4KbLL

— John Tory (@JohnTory) March 11, 2021

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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