Prime Minister Justin Trudeau recently announced that it will take longer to get the approval required for the COVID-19 vaccines. Ontario Health Minister Christine Elliot stated that this is unacceptable and would like an approximate timeline for the distribution of the vaccines. This would ensure that citizens of Ontario will get the first round of doses at the beginning of 2021. Furthermore, the Premier of Ontario, Doug Ford, has also said that he requires this information in order to plan the delivery of the vaccines. This includes the hiring and training of staff as well as the storage of vaccines. He also stated that he asked Trudeau three questions regarding the timeline: what time the vaccines will be available, when they will get them, and what type of vaccines will be provided.

The vaccines require FDA approval in order to be distributed and administered within the country, which could come in the following months. It is possible that they could be approved as early as December. It is evident that a multitude of doses has been prepared. However, if the vaccine gets approved it is likely that the country in which the vaccine was produced, will prioritize its own citizens. Since Canada has not created a sufficient amount of mass-produced vaccines, it is possible that it will take longer for Canada to receive the first round of vaccinations. 

The federal government is still negotiating its agreements with vaccine companies such as Novavax and Johnson & Johnson. Currently, they have finalized their contracts with five out of the seven companies that they are negotiating with, including Pfizer and Moderna. 

The official record of coronavirus cases in the entire province of Ontario has recently reached an all-time high with over 18,955 cases and 20 deaths. It is evident that without a timeline it will be difficult to implement a system for the administration of the COVID-19 vaccines. The logistical aspects will take too long to carry out in a timely manner. Thus, it is imperative that the prime minister gives an approximate estimate of when the events will likely occur. In addition, it is important for the government to prioritize this issue by using their resources and power to acquire this vaccine.

It is apparent that the risk of contamination is increasing, affecting over 100,000 Canadians. This has resulted in an increase in deaths globally. Furthermore, the pandemic has caused a financial downturn and has severely affected the economy. This has also increased tensions and anxieties about the virus, worsening people’s mental health. Thus, it is necessary to acquire the vaccine as soon as possible to minimize the risks and consequences associated with the disease.