June is a month of many celebrations, including National Indigenous Peoples month; a time to honour the history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples in Canada. The tragedy at the former residential school in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory near Kamloops, B.C., has reminded us of the ongoing need for reconciliation and healing. The City lowered flags to half-mast this past Sunday for nine days – 215 hours to represent each precious life that was lost.
Please take a moment to read the statement released by City Manager, Chris Murray, posted to theTPS Staff Blog, and review the City’s commitments to Indigenous peoples. If you are struggling or are in need of support, please reach out to our Peer Resource Team (1-855-778-8367) or view the Psychological Health & Wellness Plan on the TPS Staff Blog for a list of resources for both you, and those closest to you.
Provincial Update
With the expiration of Ontario’s Stay-at-Home order on June 2, 2021, the Province confirmed earlier this week that all other public health and workplace measures remain in place until Ontario enters Step One of the Roadmap to Reopen. The Ontario government also announced the decision to continue remote learning for all elementary and secondary students across the province for the remainder of this school year.
Beginning on June 7, 2021, accelerated second dose booking expands to individuals aged 70 and over as well as individuals who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine (Pfizer or Moderna) on or before April 18, 2021. A Vaccine Implementation update was also released this week, along with updated AstraZeneca Second Dose guidance to allow for the mixing of COVID-19 vaccines.
City of Toronto Update
With residents 12 years of age and older now eligible to receive COVID-19 vaccinations, Team Toronto continues to focus on getting as many people as possible in the city vaccinated. More than 10,000 new appointments at City-run immunization clinics for this week, and next week were opened to offer earlier second dose appointments to partially vaccinated individuals age 70 years of age and older. As of June 3, 2021, more than 2.2 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine had been administered in Toronto.
Seniors Month
June is Seniors Month in Ontario; this year’s theme is Stay Safe, Active & Connected. It’s important that we stay connected to the seniors in our lives. Reach out with a phone call, an email, or send a card to let them know you’re thinking of them.
Happy Pride Month!
#PrideMonth kicked off on June 1, 2021 and the Rainbow and Transgender flags were unfurled at HQ in celebration and recognition of all 2SLGBTQ+ individuals fighting for inclusion, visibility, and equality. Our Service strives to be a safe, and welcoming workplace. We know that our staff are our strength and we are here to support and celebrate each and every one of you. Check out the City of Toronto Public Service Pride Network page for a calendar of virtual events being held throughout the month, and to learn how members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and allies can get involved!
Communications Recap
This week, memorandums were released regarding the following:
- Operations, Community Paramedics and Education:
Warm Weather Uniform and PPE
Meal Break Reporting Program
Cyber Security Awareness
A reminder to staff to please be vigilant when reviewing all email communications. The email below is one example of suspicious email communications that may have been delivered to your city email inbox recently. If you receive a suspicious, unsolicited email, do not open it. Report the email to the Fight Spam mailbox. Details are available online.
City Manager Awards
Nominations for the City Manager’s Awards of Excellence will be open from June 1 to June 30, for projects completed in 2019 and 2020. More information is available on the City Manager’s Award intranet page including categories, tips and FAQs to assist with submissions. For more information, please contact citymanagersawards@toronto.ca.
Please continue to take care of yourselves, and each other.
(Original signed by)
Jennifer Shield