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Office of the Mayor and Council update
May 6, 2021


 

Join the "Stop The Big Sprawl" webinar tonight

 
 

I invite you to join me tonight at 7 p.m. at a free webinar by Environmental Defence Canada. 

The webinar will help us make a winning case for fixed urban boundaries in the Official Plan review now underway at the Region of Halton.

Between now and July 1, 2022, the provincial government is forcing every Greater Golden Horseshoe municipality to rush through a “Land Needs Assessment” and a “Municipal Comprehensive Review” it hopes will enrich rural land speculators by locking in 30 more years of outdated and environmentally  damaging residential, commercial and industrial sprawl.

In tonight’s webinar you’ll learn how we can push back hard and fast from an expert panel featuring Lynda Lukasik, PhD, co-founder and Executive Director of Environment Hamilton, Paul Shaker, MCIP, RPP a Principal and co-founder of Civicplan and Phil Pothen, J.D., M.L.A., Ontario Environment Program Manager with Environmental Defence.

Register now
 

 

New COVID-19 vaccination schedule for May

 
Halton Region has updated its COVID-19 vaccination schedule for the month of May, including new anticipated eligibility dates for all age-based groups.

“Halton Region is pleased to offer appointments to more residents, based on expected supply,” said Halton Regional Chair Gary Carr. “Our ability to expand to more eligible groups remains dependent on ongoing and predictable supplies from both the Provincial and Federal governments. We have capacity in our Vaccination Clinics to vaccinate double what we are doing now if more supply was available.”

Given ongoing vaccine supply constraints, in alignment with Provincial direction(external link), Halton Region has prioritized eligibility based on age and risk. Local public health evidence continues to show that people are more likely to become infected if they work outside of the home and age continues to be a predictor for severe illness, hospitalization and death.

The updated schedule includes new anticipated eligibility dates for residents 50+, 40+, 30+ and 16+. The plan will continue to rollout in priority sequence based on age and risk in the Halton community:



Residents who have an “at-risk health condition” can book their appointment when they fit into any of the eligibility groups listed in the schedule above (cannot work from home or general age groups). Residents with “highest and high-risk health conditions” or residents in Group 1 Essential Workers  have been eligible to book their appointments in Halton since April 16.

While anticipated eligibility dates are identified for all age-based groups, the plan is still contingent on vaccine supply from the Federal and Provincial Governments.

“Opening appointments for more residents will reduce transmission, severe illness and death and get us closer to achieving community protection,” said Dr. Hamidah Meghani, Halton Region Medical Officer of Health. “I encourage everyone to get vaccinated when it’s their turn. The best vaccine for you is the first one you are offered and the more people we are able to vaccinate each and every day, the closer we can get to returning to normal.”

Halton Region Public Health is reminding all residents to continue to adhere to public health measures, regardless of vaccination status. This includes staying home as much possible, only going out for essential reasons and only gathering indoors or outdoors with their households. When out in public for essential reasons (getting groceries or medicine, attending medical appointments or work) or enjoying outdoor activities, residents are reminded to wear a mask and keep a two-metre distance from anyone outside their households.

Read more 

Boardwalk on the Sixteen?



George Niblock, Oakville Lakeside Residents’ Association president, shares a vision for a raised boardwalk on the 16 Mile Creek south of Cornwall Rd.
Read his full vision
 

To see today’s updated COVID-19 statistics for Oakville from Halton’s Public Health Unit CLICK HERE
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Halton COVID case counts

There are currently 235 Active Cases in Oakville and 39 COVID-19 patients being cared for at OTMH (this number includes transfers from facilities outside of Halton Region).
 
Confirmed cases in Oakville increased by + 29 from 4806 to 4,835.
Confirmed cases in Halton increased by + 126 from 15,185 to 15,311.
 
There were + 31 new reported recoveries in Oakville from 4,673 to 4,704
There were + 144 new reported recoveries in Halton from 14,644 to 14,758   

Ontario is reporting 3,424 new cases today, bringing the total to 483,057. Of those, 440,467 are resolved with 8,213 deaths. Currently there are 1,964 patients in hospital, 877 of whom are in ICU with 600 of those on ventilators.

Comparing Halton to GTHA - Case Numbers

Source: Public Health Ontario
Halton COVID-19 Monitoring Dashboard
The indicators are based on the Ontario Public Health Unit Core Indicators for COVID-19 Monitoring, with targets adapted to the local Halton context and population. Together the indicators are intended to provide an overall snapshot of current local data on the COVID-19 pandemic, to keep the community informed and assist with local decision-making.

Canada COVID case counts

As of this morning Canada had reported 1,260,758 confirmed cases of COVID-19, with 81,072 considered active. A tally of deaths stands at 24,476.
 
As of early Thursday morning, more than 155.2 million cases of COVID-19 had been reported worldwide, according to Johns Hopkins University's COVID-19 tracking tool. The reported global death toll stood at more than 3.2 million.

COVID-19 vaccine tracker

Halton's COVID-19 vaccination program

COVID-19 vaccines for Ontario

Source: https://covid-19.ontario.ca/covid-19-vaccines-ontario

As of Thursday at 8:30 am CST, more than 14,714,846 doses of approved COVID-19 vaccines have been administered across Canada.

Oakville & Halton

Town of Oakville Announcements

Oakville receives Silver in the Bicycle Friendly Community Awards   

 


The Share the Road Cycling Coalition (STR) and the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) announced this week that Oakville joins Canmore, Collingwood, Cornwall, Markham and Thunder Bay with a silver designation in the Bicycle Friendly Community Awards.

Oakville is among 13 Canadian communities that have been awarded with a new or higher designation as a bicycle-friendly community. Four other communities garnered Bronze and three others received honourable mention. Oakville moves up from a Bronze designation awarded in 2013.

“We are pleased to receive this recognition. The silver designation builds on the success of the many cycling projects we’ve completed and have underway,” said Mayor Rob Burton. “Building a bicycle-friendly community is one more way we’re making a more livable Oakville and Canada’s most livable town.”

For more than a decade, STR has been running the Bicycle Friendly Communities award program, which provides communities with a comprehensive roadmap to evaluate current conditions for cycling, and guidance to foster safe bikeable communities for all ages and abilities. Bicycle Friendly Community award-winners are recognized for their investment in cycling master plans, infrastructure to address gaps in cycling networks, and educational and outreach programming for their residents.

The town’s Active Transportation Master Plan was introduced in 2009 and updated in 2017 and recommends an extensive network of facilities composed of on-road and off-road paths designed to respond to the needs of a range of active transportation users.

Along with secure bicycle parking facilities, tune-up stations, and bike-to-bus programs, Oakville currently has over 240 kilometres of on-road bike lanes and off-road cycling paths and is poised to initiate an additional 30 kilometres more in 2021.

The town is also a regular participant in Bike Month each June which promotes a variety of events and webinars to encourage cycling. Look for opportunities to get involved this June.
For more information about Oakville’s on- and off- road bike paths, maps and cycling activities, visit oakville.ca.

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'Always on edge': New COVID-19 outbreaks in Oakville and Burlington apartments, condos or townhouses leave 2 dead, several infected


COVID-19 outbreaks at multi-unit dwellings in Oakville and Burlington have killed two people and infected at least 10 people, according to Halton Region Thursday (May 6).

The latest data shows an outbreak declared at a multi-unit dwelling, which consists of cases in condo/apartment buildings and/or townhouse complexes, on May 5 in Burlington has infected at least one person, while an outbreak at a multi-unit dwelling in Oakville declared May 2 has left two dead and nine people infected.

Halton Region generally doesn't release the location of outbreaks in multi-unit dwellings.
Read the full story
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'Concern and frustration': These multiple areas in Halton region have COVID-19 positivity rates above the Ontario average


Multiple areas in Burlington and Milton have COVID-19 positivity rates that are above the Ontario average, according to a new report.

The Toronto-based research group ICES, which uses population-based health and social data to produce data on a broad range of health care issues, each week releases a list of GTA neighbourhoods with the highest positivity percentage, which are broken down by postal codes.
Read the full story
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Oakville rugby club scores big with Ontario Trillium Foundation grant

 

A nice financial handoff from the Ontario Trillium Foundation (OTF) is a welcome boost for the Crusaders Rugby Club of Oakville. The Crusaders received a $99,300 funding grant from the provincial agency that will help the local club deal with the impacts of COVID-19.
Read the full story
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Oakville and the Mississauga in the 19th Century

 
 
Professor Donald Smith, Professor Emeritus of History, shared this article first posted by the Oakville Historical Society.
Read the full story
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Ontario

Government of Ontario Announcements

Ontario Releases Draft Forest Biomass Action Plan


Plan will help create jobs and reduce waste by unlocking the potential of forest biomass

The Ontario government is promoting economic development and sustainable forest management by releasing a draft Forest Biomass Action Plan for public review and comment. Ontario’s action plan examines innovative uses of forest biomass: mill by-products and other wood matter with applications from heat and power generation to sustainable, low-carbon consumer products.

“In our forest sector strategy, our government committed to helping Ontario’s forest industry reach its full potential, through recovery and into the future,” said John Yakabuski, Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “By working with Indigenous partners and the forest sector, we have advanced that commitment with a proposal to unlock the potential of Ontario’s forest biomass.”

Developing a Forest Biomass Action Plan is a key commitment of Sustainable Growth: Ontario’s Forest Sector Strategy announced in August 2020. Following that announcement, the ministry convened a working group of more than a dozen members from the forest biomass supply chain to develop a draft action plan for public consultation.
The draft action plan outlines five objectives:
  • identifying pathways to markets for forest biomass
  • supporting demand for forest bioenergy and bioproducts
  • improving the business and regulatory environments for the use of forest biomass
  • supporting holistic, culturally relevant pathways for Indigenous community involvement in forest biomass value chains to support reconciliation between Indigenous communities and the Crown
  • communicating, collaborating and informing on forest biomass opportunities.

“Expanding the use of forest biomass is essential to the competitiveness of the forest industry and will further assist in meeting an increased demand for dimensional lumber and other wood products,” said Ian Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ontario Forest Industries Association. “This plan will create jobs and promote sustainable economic development, which OFIA and its member companies are deeply committed to. OFIA is pleased to see the government continue to make progress on the goals set out in the Forest Sector Strategy.”

“The continued sustainable development of the forest sector is vital to Ontario’s economy and many communities across the province,” said Minister Yakabuski. “This action plan sets out a path to new markets and local jobs – and it does so while improving our environmental stewardship.”

Consultation on the draft Forest Biomass Action Plan through the Environmental Registry will close June 21. Additional comments received will be considered as the government completes further consultations with Indigenous partners.

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Ontario Funding Program To Help Seniors Struggling with COVID-related Cognitive Impairment


Project with Baycrest will Train 500 therapists to Help 5,000 Ontarians
 
The Ontario government is investing over $432,000 in Baycrest to help people struggling with cognitive impairment as a result of COVID-19. The province is making the investment through the Ontario Together Fund.

Research has found that COVID-19 can lead to cognitive challenges for people, both as a consequence of contracting the virus and from the increased stress many have experienced during the pandemic. These cognitive challenges can affect anyone, but are more substantial for older adults.

Details were provided today by Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade.

“Made-in-Ontario healthcare innovations, like this pioneering project at Baycrest, are helping to improve lives, while increasing our life sciences competitiveness at home,” said Minister Fedeli. “Now more than ever, as families and communities confront the immense challenges of COVID-19, anything we can do to assist our medical professionals in their vital work is a priority for our government.”

Baycrest, a global leader in geriatric residential living, healthcare, research, innovation and education with a special focus on brain health and aging, is expanding and refining its Goal Management Training® (GMT) resources so that therapists across the province can apply this specialized approach in helping their patients improve cognitive functioning. GMT is an evidence-based cognitive rehabilitation program designed to help individuals with impairments in executive functioning to improve their planning and ability to achieve goals. This support from the Ontario Together Fund will help Baycrest train 500 therapists to provide post-acute care and rehabilitation to as many as 5,000 Ontarians living with COVID-19-based cognitive impairment. The expansion of the program will create 17 new jobs.

“Good cognitive functioning is necessary to effectively manage everyday tasks, whether on the job or at home. COVID-19 can have damaging longer-term effects on our brains, resulting in symptoms such as lack of concentration and memory problems,” said Dr. Brian Levine, the primary developer of GMT and a senior scientist at Baycrest’s Rotman Research Institute. “With the support of the Ontario Together Fund, we have enhanced access to our evidence-based cognitive intervention, Goal Management Training® (GMT), to make it available for use in clinics, hospitals and the community through the development of new, easy-to-access online resources. With access to this highly effective treatment along with other supports, we can help those suffering with the longer-term effects of COVID-19 recover and return to their normal lives faster.”
Goal Management Training was pioneered at Baycrest, which is a global hub for GMT’s ongoing development, research and dissemination.

“Without a doubt, the COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with new and more complex mental health challenges than we have seen in previous years,” said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “Now, more than ever, it is critical that we continue prioritizing investments to address the long-term impacts of COVID-19. Through the Ontario Together Fund, this funding will see that the necessary resources are in place to fully support the many Ontarians facing COVID-19-based cognitive impairments. This is another important step we are taking to ensure Ontarians have access to the high-quality care they expect and deserve.”

Key features of the project, which will be announced at a May 27, 2021 workshop for clinicians and researchers, include:
  • Virtual training on a newly developed training platform, plus a live training workshop, to equip therapists with the knowledge and resources required for running GMT through telemedicine.
  • A new website to serve as a central hub for therapists, which includes user outreach membership onboarding, GMT training, resource hosting, access and community engagement.
  • Online patient-focussed resources, including interactive complex tasks and activities, as well as a digital GMT workbook. Parallel resources will be available in hard copy, recognizing that comfort with and access to computers may vary.
“Baycrest is grateful to the Government of Ontario for supporting GMT and recognizing its critical importance in helping Ontarians recover from the long-term cognitive implications of COVID-19,” said Dr. William Reichman, President and CEO, Baycrest. “This support helps advance research underway at Baycrest to help older adults live their best possible lives – during the pandemic and far beyond.”

“Baycrest has evolved from its humble beginnings as a Jewish Home for the Aged to a global research leader in aging, brain health, and geriatric care,” said Robin Martin, MPP for Eglington-Lawrence. “This is a critical investment to make at a time when we continue to learn more about the long-term health effects of COVID-19.”

 

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Ontario to Modernize and Streamline Apprenticeship Training

 

Proposed legislation will help apprentices prepare for in-demand jobs and complete their training faster

The Ontario government is introducing new measures to help tradespeople get their certification from one reliable, streamlined destination through a new Crown agency, Skilled Trades Ontario, that would replace the Ontario College of Trades (OCOT).

Today, Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, introduced the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, legislation designed to make the province’s skilled trades and apprenticeship system more efficient, accessible and easier to navigate.

Under the proposed legislation, Skilled Trades Ontario would become the province’s industry-informed training authority to lead the promotion, research and development of the latest apprenticeship training and curriculum standards. It will also provide a seamless one window experience for client-facing services including apprentice registration, issuance of certificates and renewals, and conduct equivalency assessments all in one place with many services offered digitally.

“Skilled trades workers are the engine of our economy,” said Minister McNaughton. “Under the current system, responsibilities are shared between OCOT and the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, causing confusion and added burden for people wanting to pursue a career in the skilled trades, which leads to employers struggling to find qualified skilled trades workers. That is why our government is building a skilled trades system that attracts more people into well-paying and meaningful careers that are truly life-changing.”

As recommended by the Skilled Trades Panel’s first report, Ontario will streamline and simplify the apprenticeship system by establishing a new Crown agency. The Ministry will provide system oversight and be responsible for regulatory decisions, financial supports and take on responsibility for compliance and enforcement of the skilled trades, building on existing expertise, best practices and a robust inspector network that is already in place across the province.

“We heard loud and clear from apprentices, journeypersons and employers alike that OCOT is not working,” said Minister McNaughton. “Following our expert Panel's recommendations, we are taking a thoughtful and measured approach by launching Skilled Trades Ontario, a new agency that will put the trades first.”

These initiatives are part of the government’s Skilled Trades Strategy, which includes reducing the stigma related to a trades career, simplifying the apprenticeship system, and encouraging business participation.

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Ontario approaches Michigan about possibility of essential workers getting vaccinated stateside

 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford has approached the governor of Michigan about the possibility of having essential workers who cross the border from Canada vaccinated against COVID-19 stateside.

The premier spoke to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on Wednesday, and a source with knowledge of the situation told CBC News that she indicated she is open to hearing more on the idea.
Read the full story

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Ontario probably won't be ready to leave stay-at-home order on May 20, experts say


Ontario is scheduled to break out of its stay-at-home order on May 20, but health experts say we're likely not going to be ready, especially if we don't want to end up back in another pandemic wave.
Read the full story
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How many COVID-19 vaccines can Ontario administer per day? CBC did the math


Ontario's COVID-19 vaccine rollout has reached a crucial moment, with more supply arriving every week and the province saying it's on track to administer at least one dose to 65 per cent of adults by the end of May.

But three weeks after Ontario's top doctor said the province could administer "well over" 500,000 vaccinations per day with ample supply, the province is nowhere near that level.

Health officials say the daily average in recent weeks is 97,200, while the daily record set just yesterday is 141,038 shots. 

So, what is the best Ontario could do if vaccine supply wasn't an issue? 
Read the full story
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COVID-19 vaccines are highly effective against infection and hospitalization, Public Health Ontario data shows

 

Vaccines are showing significant protection against COVID-19 infection, hospitalization and death so far in Ontario, according to new data from the province’s public health agency.
Read the full story 
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Maybe border restrictions could be tighter — but Ford is in no position to cast stones

 

Ontario Premier Doug Ford — previously a big fan of Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland — is suddenly very eager to let Ontarians know how unhappy he is with how Justin Trudeau's government is handling the pandemic.
Read the full story
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Under cover of COVID-19, Doug Ford has been selling out the environment

 

A pandemic focuses the mind on matters of life and death. It also distracts us from the fate of our living, breathing planet.

Environmental issues might seem far off in the future. But we dare not forget they are in the here and now.

Under cover of COVID-19, Premier Doug Ford has been selling out the environment and selling it off to the highest bidder with underhanded tactics:

Greenbelt. Global warming. Carbon pricing. Reviving the moribund Hwy. 413 bypass while bypassing environmental assessments. Ministerial zoning orders.
Read the full story 
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They fight for their neighbourhoods and do battle with developers. Yet their efforts can be undone with a single word: NIMBY

 

The term — which stands for ‘not in my back yard’ — connotes self-interest and an anti-progress stance.
Read the full story
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Canada

Government of Canada Announcements

Statement from the Chief Public Health Officer of Canada on May 6, 2021

 

Now more than ever, we need to be proactive in maintaining and supporting our mental health. During these challenging times, many of us may be struggling with difficult feelings like fear, loneliness, anger, and grief. This year’s Mental Health Week theme “Get real about how you feel. Name it. Don’t numb it” tells us that focusing on intense emotions doesn’t make them worse. In fact, one of the best ways to quiet our emotions is to give them a voice.

There are thousands of words available to describe our emotions. Naming them precisely can help us feel calmer and help us and others understand what we’re going through. Knowing and saying what we really feel can improve our relationships. When we slow down and give ourselves time to figure how we’re really feeling, it can help us feel better and communicate better with those around us.

Sometimes these intense feelings can be overwhelming, particularly when we don’t have access to the supports and tools that would usually help us cope. This can have negative impacts on our mental health and use of substances, like alcohol and drugs. If your emotions feel overwhelming, are long-lasting or are starting to interfere with your daily life – it’s important to seek support. If you or someone you love is struggling, there is hope and help:

  • Visit the Government of Canada’s Wellness Together portal where people of all ages across the country can access free mental health and substance use supports, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are a broad range of resources available from information and practical tools to feeling better, to self-guided programs and peer-to-peer support to confidential sessions with social workers, psychologists and other professionals. Supports are provided online as well as by phone and text for those without internet access.
  • Learn more about Wellness Together Canada, by visiting: wellnesstogether.ca or simply text the word WELLNESS to the following numbers for immediate assistance:
  • 686868 for youth
  • 741741 for adults
  • Front Line Workers, text the word FRONTLINE to 741741

As COVID-19 activity continues in Canada, we are tracking a range of epidemiological indicators to monitor where the disease is most active, where it is spreading and how it is impacting the health of Canadians and public health, laboratory and healthcare capacity. At the same time, the Public Health Agency of Canada is providing Canadians with regular updates on COVID-19 vaccines administeredvaccination coverage and ongoing monitoring of vaccine safety across the country. The following is the latest summary on national numbers and trends, and the actions we all need to be taking to reduce infection rates, while vaccination programs expand for the protection of all Canadians.

Since the start of the pandemic, there have been 1,257,328 cases of COVID-19, including 81,671 active cases and 24,450 deaths reported in Canada; these cumulative numbers tell us about the overall burden of COVID-19 illness to date. They also tell us, together with results of serological studies, that a large majority of Canadians remain susceptible to COVID-19. Multiple safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines, with unique advantages, are authorised for use in Canada. As vaccine delivery continues to ramp up, there is increasing optimism that widespread and lasting immunity can be achieved through COVID-19 vaccination. Benefits are being seen among groups targeted for priority vaccination and as vaccine coverage increases across Canada, we can expect further benefits to protect more Canadians over the coming weeks and months.

However, as COVID-19 activity is elevated or increasing in many jurisdictions, strong public health measures must be sustained where COVID-19 is circulating and individual precautions are important everywhere. The latest national-level data show the decline in national case counts has slowed to a less than 2% decrease over the past week, with an average of 7,799 cases being reported daily (Apr 29-May 5).

Elevated infection rates continue to impact lagging COVID-19 severity indicators, particularly in areas with sustained high levels of disease activity. These persistently high numbers of severe and critical illnesses have placed a prolonged and heavy strain on the health system and healthcare workforce. Provincial and territorial data indicate that an average of 4,236 people with COVID-19 were being treated in Canadian hospitals each day during the most recent 7-day period (Apr 29-May 5) representing a 3.7% decrease over last week. This includes, on average 1,458 people who were being treated in intensive care units (ICU), which is 3.7% higher than the previous week. Although the mortality trend has recently leveled off, with a 7-day average of 48 deaths reported daily (Apr 29-May 5), continued high rates of infection and still rising critical care admissions could negatively impact this trend.

While COVID-19 continues to impact people of all ages in Canada, infection rates are highest among those under 60 years of age. Serious illness can occur at any age and evidence indicates that variants of concern can be associated with more severe illness and increased risk of death. In addition, circulation of COVID-19 in younger, more mobile and socially-connected adults is an ongoing risk for spread into high-risk populations and settings. Variants of concern (VOCs) now represent a majority of COVID-19 cases in Canada, with the B.1.1.7 variant now reported in all provinces and territories and accounting for over 95% of VOCs sequenced to date. As this variant spreads more quickly and has been associated with increased severity, and as vaccines may be less effective against other variants, such as the P.1 and B.1.351 variants, it is even more important to remain vigilant with all available measures to suppress spread.

As vaccine eligibility expands, Canadians are urged to get vaccinated and support others to get vaccinated as vaccines become available to them. However, regardless of our vaccination status, Canadians are urged to remain vigilant, continue following local public health advice, and consistently maintain individual practices that keep us and our families safer, even as we’re beginning to see the positive impacts of COVID-19 vaccines: stay home/self-isolate if you have any symptomsthink about the risks and reduce non-essential activities and outings to a minimum, avoid all non-essential travel, and maintain individual protective practices of physical distancinghand, cough and surface hygiene and wearing a well-fitted and properly worn face mask as appropriate (including in shared spaces, indoors or outdoors, with people from outside of your immediate household).

For more information regarding the risks and benefits of vaccination, I encourage Canadians to reach out to your local public health authorities, healthcare provider, or other trusted and credible sources, such as Canada.ca and Immunize.ca. Working together, Health Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canadathe National Advisory Committee on Immunization, Canada’s Chief Medical Officers of Health and other health professionals across the country are closely monitoring vaccine safety, effectiveness and optimal use to adapt approaches. As the science and situation evolves, we are committed to providing clear and evidence-informed guidance in order to keep everyone in Canada safe and healthy.

Canadians can also go the extra mile by sharing credible information on COVID-19 risks and prevention practices and measures to reduce COVID-19 in communities and by downloading the COVID Alert app to break the cycle of infection and help limit the spread of COVID-19. Read my backgrounder to access more COVID-19 Information and Resources on ways to reduce the risks and protect yourself and others, including information on COVID-19 vaccination

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Competition Bureau releases updated guidelines regarding collaborations between competitors

 

Today, the Competition Bureau published the final version of its revised Competitor Collaboration Guidelines. These updates are intended to provide clarity to the business and legal communities on how to identify and avoid the types of collaboration that can harm competition.

The guidelines, which were first issued in 2009, provide an overview of the Bureau’s general approach to assessing existing and proposed collaborations between competitors under the criminal conspiracy and civil agreements provisions of the Competition Act.

The updates reflect the Bureau’s experience reviewing competitor collaborations, as well as relevant decisions of the Competition Tribunal and the courts since the 2009 amendments to the Act. They also reflect feedback carefully reviewed by the Bureau following a public consultation in July 2020.

 

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Tourism minister in talks with international counterparts about how to safely open up travel


The federal tourism minister spoke with her G20 counterparts about how to resume safe international travel, a plan that may include a vaccine certificate of sorts as a pre-boarding requirement.
Read the full story
 

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Canada may find it challenging to reach herd immunity from COVID-19, experts say

 

Herd immunity may not be reached in Canada but a return to life similar to that before COVID-19 is possible through immunization, experts say.

Such immunity is achieved when enough people are immune to a virus, either through vaccinations or natural infections or a combination of both.
Read the full story

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When will children ages 12 and up be able to get vaccinated? A province-by-province look

 

Following Wednesday’s announcement that Health Canada has approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for children ages 12 and up, provinces are now deciding how their vaccine rollouts will reflect this information moving forward.

Although Health Canada has announced their approval based on recent clinical trials, whether or not any children will be receiving the shot anytime soon is up to individual provinces and territories.
Read the full story

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Canada still weighing support for vaccine patent waiver after U.S. confirms it will

 

The federal government still hasn’t offered its support of the waiver of intellectual property protections on COVID-19 vaccines to enhance their supply worldwide, even as the U.S. announced Wednesday it intends to do so.
Read the full story

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International news

U.S. supports waiving intellectual property rules for COVID-19 vaccines


U.S. President Joe Biden's administration on Wednesday joined calls for more sharing of the technology behind COVID-19 vaccines to help speed the end of the pandemic, a shift that puts the U.S. alongside many in the developing world who want rich countries to do more to get doses to the needy.
Read the full story

 

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Australia reinstates COVID-19 restrictions in Sydney after new ‘mysterious’ case


The swift action was taken a day after a 50-year-old man became the first reported local transmission case in New South Wales state in more than a month.
Read the full story

 

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India sets new record of 412K COVID-19 cases, nearly 4K deaths as infections spread


COVID-19 infections in the world's second most populous nation have surged past 21 million, with a death toll of 230,168, health ministry data show.
Read the full story

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In other COVID news

When should you seek medical attention if you have COVID-19? Sooner than you might think

 

Given the range of symptoms and how quickly the illness can progress, multiple medical experts told CBC News that it’s best to seek medical attention sooner rather than later.
Read the full story
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Pfizer to donate COVID-19 vaccine to Tokyo Olympics athletes

 

Vaccine developers Pfizer and BioNTech will donate doses to inoculate athletes and officials preparing for the Tokyo Olympics, the IOC said Thursday.
Read the full story
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Some COVID-19 long-haulers are developing a 'devastating' syndrome

 

It began with the typical COVID-19 symptoms for Angela Griffin back in March 2020. She developed a sore throat, headache, fatigue, body aches, and a tightness in her chest.

When she visited the ER, she was unable to get tested for the disease because they were only testing health-care workers, recent travellers, and close contacts of confirmed cases at the time. However, the doctors told her she was clinically positive for COVID-19 based on her symptoms and to assume she was infected.

That was only the beginning of what Griffin has described as a “rollercoaster of symptoms” she has experienced since her initial illness, including migraines, body aches, chills, fever, shortness of breath, brain fog, fast heart rate, insomnia, and dizziness. 
Read the full story
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Dutch researchers training bees to detect COVID-19 infections 

 

It can take hours or days to get a COVID-19 test result, but the response from the bees is immediate. It is also cheap, making it useful for countries where tests are scarce.
Read the full story
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Employers might say they don’t need the office back, but these employees say they do

 

Without personal contact, employees say they’re hurting — which affects business.
Read the full story
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Food Banks experiencing record demand


Oakville's food banks are in record-breaking demand. If you can donate anything, please do. Your help is needed.

Fareshare Food Bank Oakville:
905-847-3988
oakvillefoodbank@gmail.com

Kerr Street Mission
905-845-7485
kerrstreet.com

The Salvation Army Oakville
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Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate 


During the COVID-19 pandemic, Oakville Meals on Wheels continues to operate under increased safety measures.
Learn more 

Oakville Fare Share Food Bank new hours

The demand for service at the Oakville Fare Share Food Bank have almost doubled over the last nine months and as a result, hours will increase to serve everyone.

The new hours are:
Monday 9.30 am to 2.30 p.m.
Thursday 2 to 7 p.m.

This is an increase of two hours per week and will continue until at least the end of February 

Upcoming events

To save green space, control growth. See you at free webinar by Environmental Defence Canada.

-- Halton Council Member and Oakville Mayor Rob Burton

OFFA and Oakville Choral will be giving $5 from each ticket to the Positive Space Network, an Oakville organization that  builds community and creates safer spaces for 2SLGBTQ+ youth ages 6-24 in Halton Region

This event will begin with a performance by Oakville Choral, followed by a screening of the documentary Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine.

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The Town of Oakville faces a number of issues. Learn about some of the hottest topics and how they might affect you.

Glen Abbey
Downtown
Amazon
Milton Hub
Lakeshore Erosion
Regional Official Plan Review
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