This week, an unthinkable act of violence took place in London that claimed the lives of four Muslim family members and seriously injured a child. Islamophobia and other forms of racism have no place in our city. We stand with our Muslim colleagues and the community in denouncing this act of hatred. Please take some time to read the statement released earlier this week by City Manager Chris Murray.
If you are struggling or are in need of support at this time, please reach out and connect with any of the resources available to you:
PRT: 1-855-778-8367 | EAP: 416-392-6633 | TPS Psychological Health & Wellness Plan
Orange Ribbon Campaign
In recognition of Indigenous Peoples Month in the city of Toronto, and to
honour the lives of the 215 indigenous children whose bodies were recently discovered at a former residential school in Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc First Nation territory near Kamloops, B.C., Toronto Paramedic Services will adorn the antennas of all Service vehicles with orange ribbons for the remainder of the month of June.
These ribbons show our commitment to action for the advancement of reconciliation, and our support for our Indigenous staff members and the community we serve.
This week, Toronto City Council also recommitted to advancing the Calls for Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) and the Calls for Justice from the MMIWG2S Final Report. Toronto remains committed to advancing truth and reconciliation across all divisions of the Toronto Public Service and works closely with the Indigenous Affairs Office and Indigenous partners to achieve this. This information can be found at toronto.ca/Indigenous.
Indigenous Peoples Month: New COT Learning Sessions
As we celebrate Indigenous Peoples Month, all staff are encouraged to learn about the vibrant and diverse cultures of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples as well as their history, heritage and contributions. Several new learning opportunities, workshops and training sessions have been posted for staff throughout the month of June and beyond. More information is available on the intranet.
Provincial Update
Based on the province-wide vaccination rate and continuing improvements in key public health and health system indicators, the Ontario governmentmoved the province into Step One of its Roadmap to Reopen at 00:01 today. The Province also announced further expansion of accelerated second dose eligibility in hot spots affected by the Delta variant. As of June 10, 2021, more than 10.6 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines had been administered to Ontarians and over 73 per cent of adult Ontarians have received a first dose (more than 11 per cent are fully immunized!).
City of Toronto Update
In preparation for Step One of the Province of Ontario’s Roadmap to Reopen, the City has updated the COVID-19: Guide for Toronto Residents with a list of activities that are now permitted as Toronto enters Step One. Step One allows for small outdoor gatherings, reopening of most retail with capacity limits and limited outdoor activities, provided people and businesses are following public health guidance when required. The City’s mask bylaws and physical distancing bylaws remain in effect.
The City continues to support healthcare partners and the Province in rolling out vaccinations to people experiencing homelessness and frontline workers in this sector. Toronto Paramedics have contributed to this effort, providing more than 3,400 vaccinations at 175 mobile clinics!
Address Flagging
A reminder to staff that Address Flagging for Workplace Violence went live earlier this week on June 9, 2021. Please review the memos and updated policies (Operations memo, SOP 03.06.13, Q&A and reference; Communications memo and SOPs 09.08.13and 09.08.19) on the TPS Staff Blog.
Communications Recap
This week, a memorandum was released regarding the following:
- Operations, Community Paramedics and Education:
Reminder – Mandatory Base Hospital Education – Assessment of Patients with Possible COVID-19 Auxiliary Medical Directive
#FridayFeels
Last Friday evening, TikToker Joanna Johnson caught up with Paramedic Adam Bardgett to thank him for the incredible impact he had on her mother’s care. Thank you to Adam for embodying the values of our Service, and for donating an incredible thank you package to the City’s 2021 United Way Employee Campaign.
(Original signed by)
Jennifer Shield