Premier Doug Ford is paying tribute to General Rick Hillier’s leadership during Ontario’s vaccine rollout as the General’s term ends.
Over 2.1 million doses have been provided to Ontarians in the past four months, and Hillier says the Province is weeks in front of where they initially thought they’d be.
He also predicts a bright future for the vaccination program.
“I told the Premier I’m a call away if he needs anything more,” said Hillier. “But actually – I don’t think he will. We got the leadership in place – they’ll deliver on the vaccination rollout from here on in. And I still believe that by the first day of summer – June 2oth – given delivery of the vaccines, we will have a needle in the arm of every eligible person in Ontario who wants one.”
Hillier says that even by tomorrow we will have 2.2 million vaccines in the arms of Ontario residents.
“Implementing the COVID-19 immunization program required the kind of military leadership and precision that General Hillier is known for,” says Ford. “Through the collective efforts of General Hillier and our amazing task force we are now in a position to carry this battle forward to completion. Operation Remote Immunity was launched to protect the most vulnerable populations in the province. Mass vaccination sites, mobile and hospital clinics are up and running. Booking a vaccination appointment can now be done through our centralized online booking system and we have expanded access to vaccinations through pharmacies and primary care providers.”
Ford says Hillier is a master tactician and that his logistical expertise and insight have been critical in helping Ontario develop the vaccine distribution plan.