To those of you who have been vaccinated, we all thank you. You have done the right thing. 

With case numbers rising again, I know many of you are frustrated that we’re still in this situation—I am too. But to get through this, we all need to continue to do our part, together. 

We’ve all made incredible sacrifices during this time, and it’s easy to become disheartened that we are in the midst of another wave, but we must not lose focus on getting through this together, as one community. 

Times like these call for strong leadership, and our campaign wants to live up to your expectations. And like earlier in the pandemic, it’s important the City show leadership to help us all get through this fourth wave. I support City Council’s decision to reintroduce the requirement for indoor masks, and if I am elected, I will very seriously explore vaccine requirements for anyone working for the City. 

While I appreciated the City Council’s leadership today, it’s clear we cannot wait for those currently in leadership roles in other orders of government to decide that it’s important to keep one another safe; we must act now. This should be our province’s number one priority. That’s why I am cancelling the Ritchie BBQ my campaign was planning on September 4th. I care about each and every one of you, and with daily cases on the rise, I want to do everything I can to protect you and your loved ones.

That is why I am also instructing my team to wear masks for all canvassing and door-knocking. 

My campaign will also strictly limit the size of any indoor gatherings we organize, where people will be expected to wear masks and maintain physical distance in keeping with the new restrictions.

It’s up to each of us to do what we can to protect one another as best we can. I know there are still some who are nervous about getting vaccinated. We cannot browbeat folks into doing it. We need to approach them with compassion, understanding and openness if we’re going to help convince the hesitant to get vaccinated.

Please be patient and compassionate with one another. I hope to see you on the campaign trail, from an appropriate distance.