Monday, January 4th 2021
To:
The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau,P.C., M.P.
Prime Minister of Canada
Office of the Prime Minister
80 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0A2
justin.trudeau@parl.gc.ca
The Honourable Patty Hajdu, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Health
Health Canada
Address Locator 0900C2
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
hcminister.ministresc@canada.ca
The Honourable Carla Qualtrough, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion
140 Promenade du Portage
Gatineau, QC K1A 0J9
carla.qualtrough@hrsdc-rhdcc.gc.ca
Dear Prime Minister Trudeau, Minister Hajdu, and Minister Qualtrough,
Barrier Free Canada / Canada sans Barrières supports the letter sent by Canadian Council of the Blind in its request that partially sighted, blind, and deafblind Canadians be among the first to receive COVID vaccinations.
We would further request that all persons with disabilities be among the first people after essential workers to be vaccinated. Some persons with disabilities are at higher risk of getting COVID-19, and may face significant complications in recovering from the virus. Many require close physical support or caregiving from third parties, many of whom are exposed to a wider circle of individuals, further increasing the risk of transmission. These individuals, and their loved ones, are also significantly and adversely impacted by the forced isolation needed to remain safe.
We would request that the federal government work with the provinces to prioritize vaccinations for these Canadians in light of their increased risk factors and the significant harm that has been caused to many over the past year.
We look forward to a response from you.
Yours sincerely,
Donna J. Jodhan
President, Barrier Free Canada
Email barrierfreecanada@gmail.com