Ontario needs certainty from the Federal government when the rollout of Covid-19 vaccines occurs.
That from Premier Doug Ford today who says the largest rollout in a generation will depend on how the Federal government works with the Provinces.
Ford says General Rick Hillier will provide a military precision to his task when he leads Ontario’s rollout.
Hillier says he will be at the ready as early as December 31st.
“We’re going to be ready to ensure that we receive it, that we distribute it, that we handle it appropriately,” said Hillier. “That the medical professionals who are going to ensure that the vaccinations occur are ready and equipped and that the public is aware of what’s going on and ready for what their role is to play to get vaccinated and get protected.”
Today Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the vaccines will be ready in the new year.
Ford says the sooner the vaccine arrives and is distributed, the sooner life will get back to normal.
The Covid-19 vaccines require special handling and storage, including in some cases the need for ultra-cold or freezer units to keep millions of doses at the right temperature.
The logistics will have to be well planned for people to get the vaccines in a prompt, equitable fashion.
For those reasons, Ontario says it needs the Federal government to share the volume and timing for when the province will receive its allocations.
As part of its initial work, Ontario’s Covid-19 task force will be guiding the development of an ethical framework, develop a logistical roadmap, and identify the key risks and mitigation strategies for the rollout of the program.
Additional members of the task force will be announced in the coming days.
https://twitter.com/celliottability/status/1332405036178092035
To watch the full November 27th Provincial Address, see below.
https://www.facebook.com/FordNationDougFord/videos/400831154603779
(Photo via Ford Nation Twitter Account)