December 31, 2020
Ottawa, Ontario
The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, issued the following statement to mark the New Year:
“Tonight, across the country, Canadians will count down to midnight to welcome a new year, and reflect on the one that has passed.
“This year has been challenging for many of us. We have experienced a global pandemic that has threatened our health, our economy, and our very way of life. We have seen acts of senseless violence that have devastating impacts on our communities. And, we have heard heartbreaking stories and calls for justice from racialized Canadians and Indigenous peoples, demanding that we act now to address racism, discrimination, and injustices in our country.
“Through the mental, physical, and financial toll of these past 12 months, we have also seen Canadians show strength, resilience, and a willingness to work together. Communities have taken steps to support their most vulnerable, families and businesses have made sacrifices to keep others safe, and people from coast to coast to coast have fought for a better, fairer future for everyone. These actions should inspire us all as we move into the next year.
“In 2021, we will continue our fight against COVID-19 with a renewed sense of hope. Canadians have already started to receive doses of safe and effective vaccines. We have the most diverse vaccine portfolio of any country, and we continue to work with provinces and territories, and Indigenous communities and partners, to ensure that all Canadians will have free access to vaccines as soon as possible. We will also keep doing what it takes, for as long as it takes, to support people and businesses through the crisis.
