Pot process not without flaws

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March 19, 2021

Visiting Minden Hills on March 16, residents would be hard-pressed to know that two storefronts in the township could soon host cannabis retail stores.

You can tell that something is going on at the front of 101 Bobcaygeon Rd., the former Minden Book and Stationary store. There is butcher paper on the window. Step closer and there are two small signs, one in French and one in English, announcing that NORTHERN HIGH has applied to the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) for a shop.

The sign goes on to tell people a cannabis retail store authorization application may be issued to the applicant unless the Registrar finds it is not in the public interest pursuant to the Cannabis Licence Act, 2018. Matters deemed of public interest, the sign says, are protecting public health and safety; protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis; and preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.

There are details about written submissions, which closed on March 17.

At the other storefront, in the mini-plaza at the Highway 35 and County Road 21 turnoff, Capturing Eden plans to move in but there is nothing evident there at the moment. They’re further along in the process, having had their public notice period close Jan. 26.

While the plans for these stores have not been completely secretive – since notices have been posted, and in the case of Capturing Eden, the owner says they consulted with the township and County – it hasn’t been exactly widely canvassed either.

Many have learned through the gossip mill that is social media.

Minden Hills Mayor Brent Devolin expressed some frustration that the township initially found out about the two applications because someone stopped and read the notice on the windows. He would have preferred the township be notified directly. That way, he said they could have posted it to their website to allow a more fulsome community discussion that would have allowed more public comment.

He’s not wrong. However, when the County and its four lower-tier municipalities ‘opted in’ to marijuana stores within their boundaries back in the fall and winter of 2018, they seem to have capitulated their rights to the province.

While The Highlander was able to have a good conversation with Capturing Eden about its plans, since there is a Haliburton outlet under local ownership – we have not yet been successful in talking to the person or persons behind NORTHERN HIGH.

There is nothing on the signage to indicate who these people are, or how to contact them. The AGCO would not provide information on them, citing confidentiality. An Internet search did not turn up much. It would be nice if the township could hear from proponents of this particular shop.

Some in the community have also said the townships didn’t get what was on offer, namely LCBOlike treatment of cannabis in the province.

Some would argue it’s all a moot point now, anyway. After all, cannabis became legal across Canada in October, 2018. People can order cannabis products via the mail. Townships have opted in. And, there is already a cannabis products store in Haliburton that seems to fit into the community.

From a provincial standpoint, the only real rules are that outlets must be a minimum 150 metres from schools, which both of these are.

The township will get some funding to offset any costs associated with the stores, but it won’t be much.

So, if you are inclined to take issue with two pot shops coming to Minden, don’t call the township or your councillor to complain. When it comes to the AGCO, you can try Doug Ford government representative, Laurie Scott. As for the feds, it was a Liberal government decision, but you can reach out to Progressive Conservative MP Jamie Schmale.

Roads ‘taking the hit’ in budget: Minden resident

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 19, 2021

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One Minden Hills taxpayer did not hold back during a public meeting on the 2021 budget – ripping into council for axing the reconstruction of Bobcaygeon Road from the final draft.

Diane Peacock also questioned decisions around staffing for the Community Services Department (CSD), particularly for the new S.G. Nesbitt Memorial Arena and Community Centre.

However, Coun. Bob Carter, who largely drove the decision not to borrow the more than $2 million to fix up a section of Bobcaygeon Road, defended council’s record on roadworks since 2017. No staff or councillors spoke to the CSD decisions.

Council removed the Bobcaygeon Road project during its final budget deliberations. The project would not have impacted the 2021 budget, with repayments of a planned loan beginning in 2022. Council subsequently landed on a tax levy increase for the year of 3.75 per cent.

Peacock said, “Once again our roads department is taking the hit and having a major construction cut.”

She said she drove the road twice last summer and was “appalled” at its condition, adding “no wonder the people who have to travel it every day complain.”

She further commented that, “The longer you delay a project, the more it is going to cost you in the long run. Yes, I realize that borrowing the money to fix this road will affect the budgets in years to come but when the township has the opportunity to debenture this project with low interest rates being offered now by Infrastructure Ontario it seems to be very unwise that they do not do it.”

When the new arena is finally open to the public, Peacock said people from Bracebridge and Gravenhurst will drive the Bobcaygeon Road from Highway 118 and, “what a disgrace to this township when they reach this part of the road. Not a very welcoming site entering our town.”

Peacock said she had supported the township and its decision-making for years, “but this past year I have questioned some of the decisions that have been made both internally and publicly and because of that I am starting to lose confidence in this township and the council.”

Carter said between 2017 and 2019, the township spent $3.6 million a year on roads and $4.3 million in 2020. He added they will be spending almost $6.3 million on roads in the 2021 budget, “so, we’re not cutting roads. We’re investing more.”

He added as the infrastructure gap continues across the province, the township needs a full roads report and assessment so staff, council and the public can decide how much to invest in roads going forward.

“We’re not decreasing our investment in roads, we’re not ignoring roads, we’re spending more on roads but there’s a limit to how much can be spent,” he said.

Coun. Pam Sayne said while the reconstruction is not happening, engineering studies are going ahead “so, it’s not like we’re not doing it. We all see those as important and we’re looking forward to the assessment for all of our roads so we can make a very good decision on future management of this whole package.”

Director of finance Lorrie Blanchard also announced the budget’s impact on water and sewer, with staff proposing a 3.7 per cent increase in water rates and a three per cent increase in sewer rates for 2021.

COVID numbers rise as County vaccines begin

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Lisa Gervais

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March 18, 2021

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LG-health updates for p. 2_Easy-Resize.com — File photo.

A spike in COVID-19 cases – including the high school and two long-term care homes – has come as health partners in Haliburton County prepare to begin vaccinating the general public starting March 22.

Haliburton is at nine active cases as of March 18. The booking system for vaccinations for people aged 80-plus also went online, with the first clinic at the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team.

Haliburton Highlands Secondary School (HHSS) has closed four classes after two students tested positive for COVID-19. HHSS announced that some students would have to quarantine at home, and get tested, in a notice to parents March 14.

The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit (HKPR) has been contacting all close contacts to provide directions. These are the first cases associated with any schools in the County since the pandemic began.

Trillium Lakelands District School Board (TLDSB) communications officer, Sinead Fegan, said the incidences have prompted additional cleaning and sanitization.

“The safety of our students and staff is most important and we continue to follow all public health protocols,” Fegan said.
Students not identified as close contacts are continuing to go to class as usual. They do not need to stay home and isolate or go for testing unless they start showing symptoms or do not pass the self-screening tool. Fegan said three classes are identified as close contacts by the health unit and must quarantine until March 22, though that is subject to change based on symptoms or test results. All three classes are moving to remote learning.

A fourth class is not considered a close contact but is being closed and moved to remote learning out of caution. Those students do not need to quarantine or get tested.

Haliburton Highlands Health Services (HHHS) announced outbreaks at its two long-term care homes this past week. But a Highland Wood outbreak was called off March 17. This was due to two staff members who initially tested positive subsequently testing negative. All residents also tested negative.

The health unit had opted to declare an outbreak early out of caution, before the second set of tests, due to rising cases in the area.

“We appreciate this cautious approach to ensure the safety of our residents,” HHHS president and CEO Carolyn Plummer said.

An outbreak remains it place at the Hyland Crest home after it was declare March 12. It came after one staff member tested positive for the virus. All other staff and residents, who have already received vaccinations, tested negative for the virus.

It is the second declared outbreak at Hyland Crest. Another one occurred Jan. 31-Feb. 14 after two essential caregivers tested positive, though no staff or residents were positive in that period.

Vaccination clinics to begin March 22

The increase in cases comes as the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team/Haliburton Family Medical Centre is planning to start immunizing the County’s 80-plus population starting March 22. They said plans rely on vaccine inventory but clinics are scheduled at 7217 Gelert Rd. from March 22-26, 1-6 p.m., March 27, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and March 29-30, 1-6 p.m.

If people show up without an appointment they will not be seen, a spokesperson said. The provincial booking number is 1-888-999-6488 and the online portal is covid19.ontariohealth.ca/

If you have a red and white health card you must call the booking number as you will not be able to register online. You may also call the number if you do not have a computer or the ability to book online. You will receive a booking confirmation that you must bring with you the day of your appointment. Booking is also possible at clinics outside the County and district if space is available.

They will likely not be scanning QR codes, so be sure to have your booking code ready. If people over 80 require transportation, they can contact community support services at 705- 457-2941 extension 1.

Permanent vaccine clinics announced

The health unit has confirmed Haliburton will have two permanent clinics at A.J. LaRue Arena in Haliburton and S.G. Nesbitt Arena in Minden March 18.

The clinics are expected to be ready in April. They are not yet available for booking in the provincial system but the health unit said they will be in the coming weeks.

“We understand that it has been frustrating, but we need to ensure that there is a dose of vaccine available for every appointment and I would ask people to be patient and go back into the system in the coming weeks to check for additional clinics,” acting medical officer of health Dr. Ian Gemmill said.

Dysart et al said with the announcement, the arena will be closed for bookings effective March 20 to the end of September 2020.

Two pot shops proposed for Minden

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 15, 2021

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Two cannabis stores have been proposed for Minden Hills.

The Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) confirmed that Capturing Eden wants a location at 12818 Highway 35.

An AGCO spokesperson said March 15 that the 15-day public notice period for it concluded at midnight Jan. 26, 2021. There were no submissions received.

“However, the due process and eligibility process for this proposed location continues,” the spokesperson said.

Meanwhile, Northern High has submitted an application for 101 Bobcaygeon Rd. The public notice period concludes at midnight March 17.

Residents of a community have an opportunity to submit a comment on a proposed location when it reaches the public notice stage.

“We encourage all residents of a community, as well as municipal officials, to submit comments. Those who submit will receive an acknowledgement, and also notice of the decision,” the spokesperson said.

The legislation is specific on what the AGCO Registrar considers in written submissions as to why a proposed store is not in the public interest and includes things such as: protecting public health and safety; protecting youth and restricting their access to cannabis; and preventing illicit activities in relation to cannabis.

The Highlander will have more in Thursday’s print edition.

Spa faults pandemic for closure

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 14, 2021

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JQ - Business closure - 4 — Spa owner Sharon Rowden said the pandemic – and a lack of government support – prompted her to close her business permanently March 5. Photo by Joseph Quigley.

After more than 30 years in operation, the Touch of Class Day Spa became a casualty of the pandemic as it closed its doors for the final time March 5.

Owner Sharon Rowden cited the pandemic and a lack of government support for her decision to close her Haliburton business, which she has overseen the past nine years.

Rowden, who also works as a financial administrator with Haliburton Forest, said she could no longer afford to keep the spa going.

“With this type of business, there’s not a lot of government assistance. I’m basically working on another full-time job to cover the expenses here for it to be closed. It’s not business sensible to keep going,” she said. “Even when you are open, because it is so limited, it’s really hard to make money.”

The spa worked on a commission basis, Rowden said, with its staff considered self-employed. She said it did not fit more typical stores or services targeted by support programs.

“It’s highly disappointing how the government didn’t help all kinds of business,” Rowden said. “Should have done it better – because then I wouldn’t be in this position.”

According to the Ontario Chamber of Commerce’s annual economic report, only 21 per cent of provincial businesses expressed confidence in Ontario’s economic outlook. Within the Muskoka-Kawartha region, 64 per cent of businesses reported shrinking in 2020. Rowden said the spa was in good shape before COVID hit.

Still, she reflected positively about taking over the spa nine years ago as a former customer.

“Up until COVID, it’s been an amazing journey. We’ve met a lot of great people, made a lot of friends, helped a lot of people out who needed a pick-me-up or just some pampering,” she said.

Neither the Haliburton Highlands Chamber of Commerce or the Haliburton BIA could identify any other local businesses that had closed permanently of late due to the pandemic. Statistics Canada has reported nationally, after massive business sector losses in the first three months of the pandemic lockdown – peaking at 113,730 in April 2020 – business openings have outpaced closures in the last five months with data available (July-November 2020).

Rowden also served on the BIA board, but can no longer with her business closing. BIA administrator Angelica Ingram said Rowden was an outstanding volunteer for them.

“The BIA is always saddened to hear of a downtown business closing its doors, especially in these circumstances. COVID has brought on a new set of challenges for our downtown businesses, and unfortunately, some will not be able to survive,” Ingram said. “I was an avid supporter of Touch of Class and always enjoyed going there.

“It’s up to the community to support our local businesses as much as possible to ensure their economic recovery during these challenging times,” Ingram added.

Rowden expressed appreciation to the community and the send-off received as she bids the business farewell.

“The compliments from people, kind of what makes it a little easier,” she said. “Thank everyone for all their years of dedication and support and love.”

Hatchery reels in support from businesses

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 13, 2021

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JQHHOAHatchery2web.jpg.65792f49 — File photo.

The Haliburton Highlands Outdoors Association (HHOA) faced challenging circumstances at the end of last year getting the equipment for its fish hatchery operational.

The non-profit’s first pump failed Oct. 12 and they had to use a provincial grant and a donation from the Haliburton Highlands Resource Centre to do emergency repairs. But in the process of doing that, the HHOA discovered its second well had gone nearly dry, requiring another fix.

With funds stretched by the pandemic, the HHOA could not easily afford it – president Dan Smith said they were prepared to get a bank loan. But several businesses came to the association’s aid with in-kind donations to get a well and pump installed free of charge – an approximate $21,995 value, according to Smith.

“It’s fantastic,” he said. “The way all the stakeholders involved with this, the way they chipped in and co-operated with each other and us at the hatchery.”

The donations began when Smith approached Haliburton Artesian Well Drillers about the situation. The company agreed to drill a new well to address water flow issues – free of charge. They did so Dec. 22.

“They were in need,” owner Jacob Woodward said of why he wanted to support. “The other thing is, it’s a pretty awesome service that they provide for the community.”

Other businesses followed suit. Kyle Smith Aardvark Drilling subsequently helped get suppliers to donate. Wellmaster Pipe and Supply Inc and Rideau Supply donated materials. Finally, The Pump Shop agreed to provide the excavation work and power supply to connect the new well to the hatchery.

Sunbelt Rentals donated an excavator to use for the project. The businesses finished the project Jan. 14.

“It was pretty impressive,” Woodward said, adding it was the first time he had been involved in an initiative like this. “We all worked really well together.”

Smith said it made a big difference to the HHOA’s financial picture, especially given the pandemic.

“Our fundraising operations have really been cut back,” Smith said. “We are sitting in shape today, so we can pay all our bills.”

Smith said the project was vital to ensure enough water flow in the hatchery and have enough capacity to add more tanks as its fish population grows. He said he was touched by the generosity of local businesses.

“This is something we’ve seen from this community,” Smith said. “Everybody pulls together when it’s needed.”

Dysart overhauling landfills

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Lisa Gervais

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March 13, 2021

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JQ - Haliburton landfill overhaul - 1 — Many tonnes of compostable waste end up in municipal landfills around Haliburton. File.

Dysart at al council is planning to make significant changes to waste management services, including reducing hours, a three-bag household limit and more restrictions for construction and industrial waste.

Staff proposed changes to committee of the whole March 9. It came in response to a series of reports, including a service delivery review, recommending the municipality alter how it runs its landfills.

The changes include reducing hours at the Kennisis Lake, Harcourt and West Bay landfills. The municipality will also change its weekly residential waste limit from one cubic tonne to three clear bags.

“Gone are the days we go to the dump whenever you want,” Roberts said. “People will adjust to whatever the changes are. I think we have to be fair to the whole township … Everything we are doing in this sector is costing more and more year after year.”

The changes are proposed to take effect May 1. Kennisis Lake will lose Saturday openings in the winter. Harcourt will lose its Thursday winter hours and in the summer shift to 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays and holiday Mondays. West Bay will now be closed on Tuesdays and have its summer hours shifted to 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday and 12-6 p.m. on holiday Monday. West Guilford will open for two additional hours on Sundays in the summer. Staff justified the changes based on traffic counts and expect to save more than $17,000 annually.

Council also agreed to stop the collection of asbestos-containing materials, contaminated soil, large demolition projects. It is also upping its construction and demolition waste fees from $50 per cubic yard to $60 and from $100 per cubic yard to $120 if it contains garbage or recycling.

Landfills will also not accept five or more cubic yards of garbage from industrial, commercial, or institutional generators and will not accept compacted garbage.

Environmental manager, John Watson, said many recommendations have come forward from complementary reports well-researched by consultants.

“Dysart is not necessarily leading the pack,” Watson said. “In some instances, we would be catching up to those practices in neighbouring communities.”

However, council refused several of the changes, including upping fees from $2 to $5 for several household waste violations, such as containing 10 per cent visible recycling.

Council did not come to a decision on yard waste, currently accepted for free. Staff proposed a $5 fee for bags and $10 per cubic yard of loose material. They directed staff to bring a follow-up report with more information.

Deputy Mayor Patrick Kennedy said he was concerned about increased confrontation and slowdowns by upping fees. He added that people could dump yard waste on the roadside.

“This looks like minimum revenue, maximum aggravation for our taxpayers,” Kennedy said.

Council also considered a proposal to open the Haliburton landfill up from five to seven days per week due to high traffic counts but balked at the $52,226 annual price tag for staffing that.

“It’s a lot of money,” Roberts said. “We have a lot of opportunity for people to get to the landfill.”

The slate of changes will be forwarded to council for discussion and final approval. Council’s next meeting is March 23.

The Interview: Ashley McAllister

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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Q: Tell us a bit about yourself?

A: I grew up in Haliburton, went to JDH and HHSS. My mom started a video rental store called Press Play to teach my brother and I job skills when we were in high school and I wrote a very embarrassing movie review column for the local paper called the Flick Chick.

After university, I moved back to Haliburton, bought a house on the same lake I grew up on, about four years ago. I volunteer for a few different events, including Hike Haliburton and Fashion Fallies and I’m on the committee for our local Rotaract club and the Highland Yard.

Q: What have you been doing prior to this position?

A: I was the national manager for a non-profit organization called Lawn Summer Nights for seven years. LSN was a lawn bowling tournament targeted toward young professionals. During my time there, we raised more than $4.5 million through peer-to-peer fundraising events for Cystic Fibrosis Canada.

Q: How do you feel about getting the AG job?

A: I’m excited. I love Haliburton, and moving home meant that I was able to reconnect with a lot of people. But since I was working remotely for an organization that wasn’t based here, it felt like I was “in” the community without actually being a part of it, especially since my job meant I travelled a lot in the summer when Haliburton really shines. Being able to bring my experience with fundraising, special events, and non-profit work to Abbey Gardens has given me the opportunity to actively engage with the community, particularly during a time where the region is seeing a lot of new growth and change.

Q: Clearly at AG, it’s not just a job – there is a philosophy there – what can you tell me about how your ideals are in synch with the vision there.

A: Everything Abbey Gardens does is rooted in sustainability and a desire to serve the community. The local food initiatives, educational programming, and business partners on site contribute to the economic development of Haliburton County. Abbey Gardens is meeting a need to provide activities, jobs, and of course, locally grown food that stays in our community.

The work I’ve done with Rotaract on projects like the Basic Needs Bags or the work we do at Highland Yard for Places for People is also rooted in that same goal, to support every member of our community in as many ways as we can. It feels like a good fit.

Q: A lot has been done to date, what other plans are there in the works?

A: I’m very fortunate that Heather (Reid) has left such a strong foundation for me. There’s a solid team that are truly excellent at what they do, and so the things that make Abbey Gardens so special, like the garden, Food Hub, and educational programming will continue to grow, under their expertise, as the needs of the community do.

My goal is to build on that foundation and focus on new initiatives that can increase our fundraising reach and allow us to create more diverse opportunities for visitors to interact with the site. Abbey Gardens is such a fascinating destination, and there’s a lot of excitement around the things we’re doing with our existing audience. Extending that reach so that more people can come in and experience the Food Hub, tour the gardens, meet the heritage animals, walk the trails – that’s going to remain the core objective of our development plans.

Q: What do you bring to the organization?

A: I feel very lucky that I have the perspective of a local, someone who grew up here and worked in the community as a teenager, coupled with my professional experience, working for a non-profit with a national reach in partnership with a large, well-known charity. It allows me to take what I’ve learned growing an organization to a multimilliondollar donor base and apply it to an organization that serves my community.

My family is here, my friends are here, and living here myself I know what the gaps are in the County and what needs we need to meet as a community to help us all flourish. I’m grateful that I get to bring my ideas for how we can better leverage the passionate volunteer and donor base we have here in Haliburton to help us address those thing

Vote for Alex and his pickle soup

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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A well-known local chef is vying for the title of the world’s Favorite Chef.

Alex McCracken, best known for his catering company, The In House Chef, is part of an online competition being hosted by celebrity chef, Eddie Matney. The competition is benefitting Feeding America, since it’s U.S.-based.

The winner will receive $50,000 and be featured in a two-page advertising spread in ‘Bon Appetit’ magazine.

Public voting will determine the winner, to be announced on April 8.

McCracken said he decided to enter the contest after it came up in one of his feeds on Facebook.

“And I thought, what the heck?”

Online voting is making the local Facebook rounds.

“I’m well-known around the County, I have many clients (past and present) and have created memorable weddings, reunions, birthdays, dinner parties, etc. for many local people,” he said.

If he wins, he would like to begin production of his signature pickle soup. In addition, he said he would make a donation to local food banks.

McCracken has participated in, donated time and gift certificates and prizes to many local fundraisers in the County through Sir Sandford Fleming College and ‘Feast of Foods’ and other fundraisers to benefit local food banks and related causes.

Turning 51 this week, he has been a chef for 30 years.

He became certified as a chef in 1994 (Northern Alberta Institute of Technology). Prior to that he worked in hospitality and has always had a keen interest in cooking. He said it was fostered by his grandmother who taught him how to bake.

Helen and Moss McCracken were wellknown to the students of Haliburton Highlands Secondary School growing up as they ran the cafeteria kitchen.

The Lochlin resident started The In House Chef in 2000. Prior to that, he worked in just about every resort and restaurant in the area, from the Wigamog, to Bonnieview, The Pinestone, Sir Sam’s, Old Country House and Twin Lakes Resort.

To vote, go to favchef.com/2021/alexmccracken

Ethical vaccinations

By

Lisa Gervais

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March 11, 2021

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by Dr. Nell Thomas

We are experiencing the largest vaccination campaign in human history.

Thanks to global collaboration of more than 1,500 agencies, we are witnessing an unprecedented choreographed-on-thefly immunization program that has, in three months, administered 349,398,520 vaccines – as of March 9 – globally. The most rapid and complex vaccine rollout in history requires creative choreographers, in this case the World Health Organization (WHO), the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI), and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance (founded by Bill and Melinda Gates). Together, these powerful groups are leading COVAX, a global vaccine-sharing plan to ensure all countries have access to vaccinations.

Backed by the UN and supported on the ground by Unicef (a partner in delivery of the vaccines), COVAX is part of the Access to COVID-19 Tools (ACT) Accelerator, a ground-breaking global collaboration that is accelerating the development, production and equitable access to COVID-19 tests, treatments and vaccines. They plan to obtain and distribute two billion doses of vaccine by the end of 2021. That includes 1.3 billion to the developing regions that are eligible for support through the pooled resources available from COVAX (92 lower income economies are eligible).

Equitable access. Isn’t it a warm feeling to know that everyone will have equal access to COVID-19 vaccines, regardless of ability to pay? Not including COVID-19, vaccinating saves two to three million lives annually.

Within Canada, extensive ethical analyses have guided the phased rollout of COVID19 vaccination. Who is most vulnerable to infection? Who is most at risk of contracting the virus? And of those, who is most likely to have complications, or die? Who can society not risk losing in this pandemic? Who, most reasonably, is able to wait a little longer to be immunized? It is no surprise that our most vulnerable, our long-term care residents, were first to receive their vaccines.

All of these difficult questions would not be necessary if there was an instant and abundant supply of vaccine, and a magical wand to distribute them. But resources are limited and strategic planning is unfolding in real time by people learning critical details (how to store, ship, unpack, prepare, how many vaccines are coming, from where, and to where) every hour of each new day.

In Ontario, the three-phase rollout is on target. Data as of March 8: 21,882 daily doses administered, 912,486 total doses so far, and 273,676 people fully vaccinated. In Canada, as of March 6, 565,719 people have received their second dose, 1,821,470 have received their first dose.

And as of March 8, globally, there have been 116,521,281 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 2,589,548 deaths reported.

But some people remain hesitant, despite the very positive track record of immunization. Remember that COVID Corner article on Smallpox eradication? The only disease to have been successfully eradicated by vaccination. How have vaccines changed human history? The average number of smallpox deaths annually per million people between the years 1700 and 1797, when there were no vaccines, was 3,000. That annual average dropped to 417 between the years 1838 and 1853 when vaccination was optional, and dropped again to 214 between 1857 and 1866 when vaccination was compulsory. And then when vaccination was enforced, between the years 1889 and 1898, the number dropped to 10.

The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported the total number of health care workers infected with COVID19 has tripled since July, 2020. By January 15, 2021, health care workers accounted for over 65,920 (less than nine per cent) of Canada’s 695,707 confirmed cases. In Canada, as of February 27, 52.8 per cent of health care workers and 85.29 per cent of seniors living in group settings had received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Now that sounds like ethical vaccination.