Ford's neglect of York South—Weston 'discriminatory': NDP

NDP MPP demands Ford deliver pop-ups and permanent vaccine clinic

YORK SOUTH—WESTON — The NDP MPP for York—South Weston Faisal Hassan said people in his community need the Ford government to step up and provide the pop-up vaccine clinics the premier promised two weeks ago, as well as a permanent local vaccine facility.

Hassan's office is working alongside community organizations and Humber River Hospital to fill the void left by the province, to bring vaccines to vulnerable residents including seniors and people in congregate settings — but is left with little provincial support.

He stressed, "We can't do it alone. We need this government to step up and provide the mobile clinics promised without passing the buck to Toronto Public Health or community health partners."

Home to many essential workers and residents who can't spend hours trying to reserve a vaccine appointment online or by phone, York South—Weston continues to be left behind by the province.

"This neglect is disturbing and amounts to discrimination," Hassan said. "Many in York South—Weston lined up this week for a vaccine pop-up announced for a specific postal code; within 24 hours, the pop-up was cancelled, yet many continued to line up because word of the closure didn't get out," Hassan said.

"Vaccine clinics should not be announced without the supply ensured. Why is there no planning, no rhyme or reason, no provincially-organized mobile pop-ups, and no permanent vaccine clinic in York South—Weston while other communities have available locations day after day?"

The NDP will continue to fight for targeted pop-up clinics and a permanent vaccine facility in the vulnerable riding of York South—Weston.