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OTTAWA – MPP Joel Harden (Ottawa Centre) called on Doug Ford to ensure that Ottawa receives its fair share of COVID-19 vaccines, after a shortage of supply left all vaccine appointments in Ottawa booked until April 7.
“The vaccine distribution in Ottawa has been a disaster,” said Harden. “We had a provincial booking system that barely functioned, and now we have a shortage of vaccines while cases are climbing.”
Despite being among the province’s hot spots and making up about seven per cent of Ontario’s population, Ottawa has received only 5.7 per cent of the province’s vaccines.
Ottawa’s Mayor and the Chair of the Board of Health have written to Minister Elliott urging the Ford government to make the vaccine available at Ottawa pharmacies and family physicians’ offices. While some pharmacies should start receiving vaccines in the next seven to 14 days, much more needs to be done now.
“Time is of the essence. The shortages we’re seeing right now means more Ottawa seniors who are at risk of contracting and becoming seriously ill from COVID-19. The Ford government must act to expand vaccine availability in our city and ensure that Ottawa is getting its fair share of the supply,” said Harden.
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