News release: March 24, 2022
Region of Peel's declared emergency to end on March 24, 2022
The end of the state of emergency marks a significant milestone for Peel Region's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Brampton, ON. (March 24, 2022) – Region of Peel Chair, Nando Iannicca, along with Peel Regional Council, voted to terminate the declared emergency in response to the COVID-19 pandemic during Regional Council today. This decision was made in consultation with Medical Officer of Heath, Dr. Lawrence Loh, as well as Regional Emergency Management.
Chair Iannicca declared a state of emergency for the Region of Peel on March 18, 2020. At the time of the declaration, COVID-19 was a novel virus from which residents did not have immunity, and widespread infection presented a risk of severe outcomes in the Peel community. With no vaccines or treatments available, community transmission of COVID-19 represented a substantial threat to resident lives and the wellbeing of the local healthcare system. This environment formed the basis for the Regional declaration of emergency.
A declaration of emergency is an administrative tool that delegates some authority from Council to the Chief Administrative Officer and allows staff to be transferred to different roles and work sites to fill emergency related needs. During the Regional declaration of emergency, changes were made to existing service delivery and operating practices, staff were redeployed to COVID-19 efforts, and new programs were launched, including the Region of Peel’s contributions to the largest vaccination roll-out in Canadian history.
The recent decline in cases from the recent Omicron wave, coupled with Peel's high rates of vaccination, has reduced the risk of severe outcomes in the community. This change in environment now allows Peel to transition out of the acute phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Regional staff will continue to remain vigilant and support community response as required, including continued support for vaccination clinics in a variety of settings across Peel.
Some Regional programs and services are returning to regular operations in a safe, measured and controlled fashion, although many programs in Public Health and Long-Term Care continue to respond to COVID-19 and have not yet returned to regular operations.
Should the COVID-19 environment in Peel destabilize, the Regional Chair may make another declaration of emergency to support an emergency response. The Medical Officer of Health, in consultation with Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, may also exercise existing powers under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to address immediate risks under certain conditions.
Quotes
We are so thankful for the dedication of residents for responding with us to the COVID-19 pandemic. We came together tremendously as a community here in Peel during the emergency. We recognize that the end of the declared emergency is not the end of the pandemic; but rather a transition point to refocus on the ongoing and varying needs of our residents.
Regional Chair, Nando Iannicca
I would like to recognize not only the immense contribution of staff over this extended two-year emergency period, but their continuing commitment and willingness to take on new challenges as needs arise. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the needs of Peel residents and Region of Peel staff are eager to transition to a new phase of support for our community.
Chief Administrative Officer, Janice Baker
The Region of Peel's response to COVID-19 pandemic has been the longest and most extensive emergency operation in our community's history. After five waves, though, we've made a collective difference by following the precautions and getting vaccinated and boosted. This has kept our most vulnerable safe and saved lives. I urge residents to remain vigilant as our transition beyond the acute phase of the pandemic continues.
Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Lawrence Loh
Media contact
Kathleen Dueck
Communications Specialist
Region of Peel
About Peel Region
In 2024, Peel Region marks its 50th anniversary. Peel Region works with residents and partners to create a healthy, safe, and connected Community for Life for approximately 1.5 million people and over 200,000 businesses in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon. Peel's services touch the lives of residents every day. For more information explore peelregion.ca and follow us on X @regionofpeel and Instagram @peelregion.ca.
On December 13, 2023, the Ontario government announced that Peel Region will not be dissolved, and that Bill 112 legislation will be updated to reflect service delivery in Peel. Services for residents and businesses will continue without interruption. For updates and more information, visit Peel's transition page.
