MMP Mitzie Hunter urges us to take the vaccine

Speaking at her 9th annual New Year’s Levee

By Lincoln DePradine

Mitzie Hunter

Ontario Liberal MPP Mitzie Hunter is reiterating calls for more people to be vaccinated against COVID-19, describing the virus as one of two major community challenges of the past year. The other was a spike in gun violence, which is “a serious issue we must solve’’, said Hunter, MPP for Scarborough-Guildwood.

Hunter made the comments during her ninth annual New Year’s Levee that was hosted online because of COVID and protocols now in place to stop the spread and infection from the virus.

“We would normally be gathered in person at the Boys’ and Girls’ Club. But this year, it’s not normal; we’re far from normal,’’ Hunter said. “We’re still in the grip of a global pandemic, which has interrupted all our lives, especially the elderly in longterm care; children and youth in schools and their parents.’’

The past two years, with the ongoing pandemic, “have been tough’’, Hunter admitted. “We’ve missed birthdays, holiday gatherings, time with family and friends; and, sadly, some have lost loved ones and many of us have sacrificed a lot’’.

She encouraged vaccination and offered special commendation to frontline and essential workers.

“I see you. Thank you,’’ she said in remarks to the workers. “The duty of all of us, who can, is to get vaccinated. This is the best tool that we must use to fight the virus and not risk getting severely ill or overburdening our health system,’’ Hunter added. “Vaccines save live and protect us from the severity of this illness.’’

Hunter also singled out teachers and other employees in the education system that are returning to the classroom for in-person teaching “in the face of much uncertainty. You continue to prioritize the education and the wellbeing of our students. They are our future’’.

Hunter, as part of an attempt to stem the rise in gun violence, tabled a private member’s bill in the legislature titled, the “Safe and Healthy Communities Act’’.

Randell Adjei

If passed into law, the act “would make gun violence a public health issue, just like the comprehensive public health response that we have seen for the pandemic. This would channel much-needed resources into proactive programs to end the cycles of violence that we see’’, said Hunter.  “Using a public health approach will help people impacted and our communities to heal.’’

During the New Year’s Levee, Hunter also hosted a one-and-one conversation with Scarborough resident Randell Adjei.

Adjei, a Ghana-born Canadian, was named the first Poet Laureate of Ontario last April.

“The role has been phenomenal,’’ Adjei said, commenting on his experience since being appointed Poet Laureate.

“I didn’t grow up seeing someone like myself in this position, so I want to be able to create something that could at least show other young people what’s possible,’’ he explained.  “If people don’t remember my name, it’s okay. As long as they can remember the work that I’ve done and that I’ve left behind, that’s all I really care about.’’

Hunter, 50, was first elected to provincial parliament in 2013. She’s a former education minister and also minister of advanced education and skills development, and ran unsuccessfully in 2020 for leader of the Ontario Liberal Party.

The annual Levee “is about bringing Scarborough-Guildwood together, to provide hope for the New Year’’, Hunter said, adding that there’s a “vision of a thriving Scarborough in 2022 and beyond’’.

According to Hunter, “Scarborough is strong and is a place that we love. As we step forward in 2022, I see a vision for a future of a more thriving place, where everyone shares in the growth and opportunities for a prosperous future for our community’’.

Hunter said she was “honoured’’ Scarborough-Guildwood’’, and recalled championing causes such as calling for funding to build a new Scarborough hospital and supporting the construction of better public transit, which now is taking shape with subway and road expansion.

“Throughout my time in elected office, I have not hesitated to be your strong, clear voice on what is important to you,’’ said Hunter. “Soon, Scarborough will be more fully connected and people will be able to move more easily and safely.’’