The Government of Canada has designated March 11 as National Day of Respect to commemorate those who lost their lives to COVID-19 and the effects of the pandemic.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement on Monday announcing the appointment a year after “the first known death of a Canadian due to the disease.”
“On this day, I invite all Canadians to come together to honor the memory of those we lost and the people we left behind. We will also recognize all those who have been affected by COVID-19 and we will honor all those who continue to work hard and make incredible sacrifices in our fight against the virus. Together we will defeat COVID-19, “the Canadian leader said in a statement.
In it, he recalled that the country mourned the “tragic loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends and loved ones,” while 864,000 Canadians were infected with the coronavirus, which in turn had a ” immeasurable impact on the way we all work and learn. “
“Our health care staff and other essential workers have been put in jeopardy by working long hours so that we can get the services and care we need. And as efforts continue to get vaccinated to all Canadians as soon as possible, we thank you now more than ever, “Trudeau continued.
The Canadian prime minister recalled that the entire society of the country has a “role to play in ending this pandemic since the crisis” has not yet ended.