CHECK AGAINST DELIVERY

Thank you Mr. Speaker.

In February last year, the coronavirus disease discovered in 2019 gave us a new word – COVID-19.

But even as COVID-19 took hold of our planet, even as this new word took over our lives, we found ourselves talking about other words, too.

About words that weren’t new at all – sacrifice and solidarity, compassion and community. 

When the pandemic hit last year, these words – words that have defined Canadians for generations – were suddenly given new meaning.    

It has been a tough year, a heartbreaking year, but it has been a year that we have faced together.

And that is something we must never forget.

Mr. Speaker, on this National Day of Observance for COVID-19, we remember the people we’ve lost.  

Grandparents and parents.

Brothers and sisters.

Friends and colleagues.

Each one was loved.

Each one was special.

Mr. Speaker, it is officially one year since the pandemic began. March 11, 2020, will always be a date that divides time into “before” and “after.”

For families and for loved ones, each death also has a “before” and “after”.

Today, we remember those who lost their lives to COVID‑19.

They are no longer with us, but they live on in our memories.

Since the major wars of the 20th century, there is a phrase that is used again and again.

It’s a phrase that comes to mind for those lost this year during the pandemic.

We will remember them.

Mr. Speaker, a year ago, Canadians were asked to stay home and stay safe.

And yet even apart, or perhaps because we were apart, our communities became stronger and stronger.

Businesses stepped up to produce PPE when we needed it most.

Some went from making hockey masks to face shields – it doesn’t get more Canadian than that.

Students and teachers learned how to do school online, and kids did the dishes while they were doing their homework.

Young people across the country stepped up to help their neighbours, to serve their communities.

Essential workers made sure the shelves were still stocked with food.

People cheered from balconies in solidarity with healthcare workers, the heroes of this pandemic.

Brave women and men in the Armed Forces answered the call of duty for Indigenous communities and for the Greatest Generation now in long-term care homes.

They were there for our parents and grandparents.

And through that service, we saw clearly that for every senior in Canada, we must do better.

And I know that we will.

In spite of everything, there is hope on the horizon.

Vaccinations are ramping up.

Millions of doses are on their way.

Now is certainly not the time to give up.

Mr. Speaker, while Canadians continue their efforts, I know that they are reassured when they see all their leaders working together.

Across party lines.

Across levels of government.  

We are living through an unprecedented crisis.

It will take the talent, expertise, and ideas of all Canadians to write the sequel together.

We cannot rebuild a fair economy for everyone if we are divided.

We cannot develop major social projects if we refuse to listen to one another.

For the last year we have worked together to make it through, and this year we will continue to work together to rebuild.

Compassion and community.

Sacrifice and solidarity.

This is where we find meaning in the depths of grief.

This is our light through a dark time.

Every Canadian we lost to this virus will be remembered.

Every shift done by a front line nurse, every mask made by a Canadian worker, will not be forgotten.

We are stronger together.

Today, tomorrow, and always.  

Thank you, Mr. Speaker.