Message from the President – May 28

Posted on Friday, May 28th, 2021

Dear Colleagues and Learners,

Last week, the Province of Ontario announced its three-step ‘Road to Re-open’ which outlines the plan to safely and gradually lift public health measures as vaccination rates and key public health indicators, such as COVID-19 case rates, continue to improve.

The College is closely monitoring Ontario’s reopening plan to assess any impact on the delivery of our services and academic programs. Any changes will be communicated in future updates.

While the current Provincial stay-at-home order remains in place until June 2, it was an encouraging sign to see goals and a defined path forward that we can all contribute to. It is another hopeful indicator that we are closer to safely returning to a more “normal” way of life.

The progress we are seeing across our community is in part thanks to the ongoing efforts and sacrifices you have been making for more than a year. And now, with vaccination more widely available and a viable option for many of us to consider, the College strongly recommends vaccination for everyone who is eligible, in accordance with public health guidance.

Individuals aged 12 and over in 2021 across Ontario are now eligible to book a COVID-19 vaccine appointment through the provincial booking system and call centre. You can also find local vaccination information at the websites for Ottawa Public Health, the Renfrew County District Health Unit or the Leeds, Grenville & Lanark District Health Unit.  The Ontario government has also announced it is proceeding with second dose administration of the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, you can see the details here.

The gradual and measured lifting of public health restrictions will reflect the approach we are taking when looking ahead at Algonquin College. During our recent employee Town Hall, Senior Vice President, Academic, Chris Janzen, indicated that returning our campuses to pre-pandemic levels of activity will not happen quickly, but instead over an extended period time – with the safety of our learners and employees at the forefront of our decisions. We anticipate that our Fall Term will see a modest increase in activity on campuses, as the College transitions in keeping with changing conditions. An update on our evolving plans for the Fall Term will be shared with the community by mid-June.

In the early days of the pandemic, we were surrounded by many unknowns with numerous hurdles still to cross. This week can we say with greater confidence that positive signs are emerging everyday. As we continue to look after ourselves, our loved ones and our neighbours, we do so with a renewed sense of hope that the finish line is finally coming into sight.

I want to recognize the beginning of National Indigenous History Month on June 1 – a month in which we honour the history, heritage and diversity of Indigenous peoples in Canada. In the lead up to National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, please keep an eye on College communications for features, stories, events and other updates related to this important month.

I also want recognize that June is Pride Month, which is marked internationally to coincide with the Stonewall riots of June 28, 1969. The College will again be lowering its flag to commemorate this landmark moment in the fight for 2SLGBTQ+ rights. While Algonquin College marks its own Campus Pride Week at the end of September, Pride Month is an important time to reflect on our ongoing commitment to diversity and equality – as individuals and as a campus community. Please follow our communications channels for related events and social media content.

And finally, next week also marks Canadian Environment Week and UN World Environment Day on Saturday, June 5. Again, be on the look out as we share content related to the College’s sustainability commitments and environmental initiatives.

As always, stay well everyone.

Sincerely,

Claude Brulé

President, CEO

Algonquin College

 


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