Is scientific and medical advice leading Ontario’s COVID response?
Guests: Kenyon Wallace and May Warren, Toronto Star reporters
The Ontario Science Advisory Table has given scientific data, modelling projections and recommendations to the Ontario government since the beginning of the pandemic. But in the midst of a worsening third wave, there is concern the advice is not being taken by the provincial government who, in several instances, have instituted policy that is counter to what the science and data say. Pressure against the government grows as doctors and health experts are becoming more outspoken against the decisions being made in Ontario.
Listen to this episode and more at “This Matters” or subscribe at Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts or wherever you listen to your favourite podcasts. If you would like to support the journalism of the Toronto Star, you can subscribe at thestar.com/subscribingmatters.
April 22, 2021
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Wholesome content alert: Watch how this pharmacy celebrated their 1000th COVID-19 vaccination
Pharmacist Kyro Maseh says coming in to work used feel like going to war. Every morning, he’d kiss his kids goodbye and hope he wouldn’t “bring death home” with him.
Those were fearful times last spring — COVID-19 transmission wasn’t as well understood, neither Maseh nor his staff had access to PPE and vaccines were a distant dream.
From that terror came a desperate need for levity, something to make the days he felt he was sitting there “waiting for death to happen” pass easier.
It started with little things, joking with patients, getting gadgets like laser pointers for staff — anything to cut the tension.
Read more: https://www.thestar.com/news/gta/2021/04/22/people-need-something-to-celebrate-bell-ringing-pharmacist-gives-covid-19-vaccine-drive-a-shot-in-the-arm.html
April 22, 2021
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford responds to criticism on his handling of the third wave
During a live news conference Thursday, Premier Doug Ford says “we made a mistake. We got it wrong. For that I am sorry and I apologize.” The premier is referring to his decision to close playgrounds and increase police powers, decisions his government reversed 24 hours later. Ford also confirms that Ontario will have its own provincial paid sick leave program. But no details yet. "We are now working on our own solution."
Ford appears to choke back tears as he discussed the pain of families being unable to be with loved ones in their final moments due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The government announced the new restrictions amid soaring cases and an alarming rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations. "I will always try to do what's right," Ford said. "If we get something wrong, we'll fix it."
https://www.thestar.com/politics/provincial/2021/04/22/we-made-a-mistake-emotional-premier-doug-ford-apologizes-for-controversial-covid-19-restrictions.html
April 22, 2021
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Ontario Premier Doug Ford gets emotional, announces plans for provincial paid sick leave program
During a live news conference Thursday, Premier Doug Ford says “we made a mistake. We got it wrong. For that I am sorry and I apologize.” The premier is referring to his decision to close playgrounds and increase police powers, decisions his government reversed 24 hours later. Ford also confirms that Ontario will have its own provincial paid sick leave program. But no details yet. "We are now working on our own solution."
Ford appears to choke back tears as he discussed the pain of families being unable to be with loved ones in their final moments due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The government announced the new restrictions amid soaring cases and an alarming rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations. "I will always try to do what's right," Ford said. "If we get something wrong, we'll fix it."
Read more: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/04/22/todays-coronavirus-news-april-22-2021-gta-toronto-canada.html
April 22, 2021
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Premier Doug Ford gets emotional and apologizes for missteps
During a live news conference Thursday, Premier Doug Ford says “we made a mistake. We got it wrong. For that I am sorry and I apologize.” The premier is referring to his decision to close playgrounds and increase police powers, decisions his government reversed 24 hours later. Ford also confirms that Ontario will have its own provincial paid sick leave program. But no details yet. "We are now working on our own solution."
Ford appears to choke back tears as he discussed the pain of families being unable to be with loved ones in their final moments due to COVID-19 restrictions.
The government announced the new restrictions amid soaring cases and an alarming rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations. "I will always try to do what's right," Ford said. "If we get something wrong, we'll fix it."
Read more: https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/04/22/todays-coronavirus-news-april-22-2021-gta-toronto-canada.html
April 22, 2021
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One on one with Dr. Homer Tien, the new head of Ontario’s vaccine task force
Today we speak with Dr. Homer Tien, the new head of Ontario’s vaccine task force. This is the first time Dr. Tien is talking about vaccines for the province on Ontario since he assumed the lead of the task force. He’s served 25 years as a trauma surgeon with the Canadian Forces, worked as a trauma surgeon at Sunnybrook Hospital and is now the president and CEO of Ornge, Ontario’s air ambulance service. We get into details of the confusion around Ontario’s vaccine rollout, the province’s supply and where vaccines are going, and how communication could always be better.
April 21, 2021
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COVID-19 vaccine recipients lining up for the jab at Toronto's Driftwood Community Centre
In the sun, the rain, and even the snow. Long lineups at the Driftwood Community centre, pop-up vaccine clinic. Many camped out overnight to get their jab.
Video: Rene Johnston / Toronto Star
April 21, 2021
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ICUs on the brink: Can Ontario’s hospitals cope during the third wave?
Healthcare professionals have been sounding the alarm about over-crowded Intensive Care Units and hospitals as Ontario is gripped by the third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fuelled by the more virulent variants of concerns, hospital patients are tending to be younger, with many families arriving sick with the disease. Ontario’s hospitals are already taking extraordinary measures, like transfering patients, creating field hospitals, suspending surgeries and more to ensure that the entire health care system does not buckle under the strain brought on by the third wave of COVID-19 patients.
Guest: Megan Ogilvie, health reporter, Toronto Star
April 20, 2021
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Waiting on vaccines: How Canada and the U.S.’s rollouts shape the ‘third wave’
Canada’s vaccination program has been plagued with problems across several provinces, ranging from delayed shipments, supply chain problems, uneven distribution, communication and booking issues. While our case counts are less in comparison, many Canadians are feeling pangs of jealousy watching the United States vaccinate an average of more than 3 million people per day. Deep into a third wave, it appears the COVID fortunes between Canada and the U.S. have been reversed. We talk about the factors that are leading to a vaccine gap between Canada and its biggest ally, the consequences for the border and whether Canada can step up its record in the next several months. Guest: Alex McKeen, Toronto Star
April 19, 2021
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Premier Ford responds to criticism on late response in enforcing stricter measures
Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced new measures Friday, including restrictions on playgrounds, sports, big retail stores and places of worship, as the third wave of COVID-19 continues to grip province.
“We’re losing the battle,” Ford said.
Ford announced increases in the supply of vaccines to hot zones by 25 per cent with new travel limitations to Manitoba and Quebec, and checkpoints at these borders.
In addition, beginning midnight, police officers and First Nations constables will be able to stop those outside their homes and question why those individuals are not at their residences, said Solicitor General Sylvia Jones.
April 16, 2021
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The systemic failures of Toronto Police and missing persons cases
A serial killer who preyed on men for almost a decade. A daughter whose body was found by her mother 100 feet from where she went missing. A woman whose remains could have been identified sooner. These are some of the cases retired justice Gloria Epstein took a look at in her just released Independent Civilian Review into Missing Person Investigations, which took a deep dive into the work of the Toronto Police Service. Finding systemic failures, technological mistakes and biases coloured these investigations, the massive report has many recommendations that aim to fix flaws so these issues will not occur again in the future. Toronto Star crime reporter Wendy Gillis joins “This Matters” to discuss the findings.
April 16, 2021
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Booking a shot isn’t simple. The frustration and inequality of Ontario’s vaccine rollout
The Ontario government says vaccine focus and eligibility have expanded to high risk postal codes where they say are residents who are essential workers, low-income and/or racialized, but many who need it most still don’t have access while wave three of the COVID pandemic is showing no sign of slowing down.
Today on “This Matters,” we take a look at how difficult it’s been for Ontarians to navigate the vaccine rollout framework and why those with the most means and resources, not necessarily those most at risk, might still be the ones getting a shot sooner.
Guests: Ray Lai, Markham Vaccinates co-organizer and Toronto Star reporter Olivia Bowden
April 15, 2021
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TSO Viola Diane Leung performs first movement (“Dolce”) of Georg Philipp Telemann’s Fantasia No. 7
Like many of us, TSO Viola Diane Leung turns to music in times of stress. In the last year, while not able to spend time in a concert hall with 90 of her fellow TSO members, she’s been focussing on going back to basics with her instrument. As with many musicians, this practice has brought her to play pieces that not only demand a high level of artistic discipline, but also bring her a sense of peace and calm.
The delicate first movement (“Dolce”) of Georg Philipp Telemann’s Fantasia No. 7 fits the bill perfectly. Although originally written for the violin, Diane plays it on her viola as a Musical Moment, offering to all those in need of two minutes of unadulterated solace and beauty.
April 14, 2021
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How Ontario is (and isn’t) vaccinating essential workers
The Ontario government has turned its vaccine focus towards the hardest hit neighbourhoods and essential workers. It is a critical move to slow the spread of COVID-19, yet there is little clarity on how exactly the move will be implemented. Dr. Lawrence Loh, Peel’s chief medical officer, and Sara Mojtehedzadeh, The Star’s work and wealth reporter, discuss what that kind of mass vaccination look like and why it is necessary.
April 14, 2021
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Toronto medical officer of health says the risk of vaccine-related blood clots is still 'very rare'
Dr. Eileen De Villa said the likelihood of dying from an accident in your house or being hit by a crashing plane is higher than dying from a blood clot related to a COVID-19 vaccine.
April 14, 2021
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How Amazon is remaking the modern workforce
It’s Amazon’s world and we are all just living in it. The pandemic has helped the company grow even bigger and more powerful, but at what cost? The spotlight has revealed work practices, treatment of employees, COVID outbreaks and impacts on towns and cities. Alec MacGillis, reporter for ProPublica and author of “Fulfillment: Winning and Losing in One-Click America,” joins “This Matters” to discuss the tech and retail giant’s effect on society.
April 13, 2021
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TSO Double Bass Timothy Dawson and Judy Au play the world première of a Donald Coakley composition
There isn’t a huge amount of music written for his instrument, and TSO Double Bass Timothy Dawson wanted to add to the repertoire. He commissioned a piece from his friend, Canadian composer Donald Coakley. A composer, musician and the former Assistant Coordinator of Music for the Scarborough Board of Education, Coakley wrote a bass-piano duet, entitled Colloquy No. 1, and Tim has generously offered this video recording of it as his very special, world première Musical Moment!
Pianist Judy Au was enlisted as the duet partner, and her husband, Tim's fellow TSO Double Bass player David Longenecker, volunteered to sound edit the recordings. Tim’s sister, Wendy Dawson, edited the music videos and added in footage of Coakley walking along Lake Ontario, shot by another friend, Jo-Ann Mee. All in all, a friends and family affair!
March 09, 2021
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Steven Woomert and Rachael Kerr evoke an early 20th century summertime park event
Husband and wife Steven Woomert (TSO Associate Principal Trumpet) and Rachael Kerr (Glenn Gould School and Canadian Opera Company vocal coach/pianist) have spent the past year contributing to online musical performances, and teaching and mentoring students, but nothing has replaced the joy of playing music live and in-person for audiences.
That longing brought them to this piece, “Stars in a Velvety Sky” by Herbert L. Clarke. Typical of early 20th-century community band music – the kind performed by local or traveling groups for summertime park events, “Stars in a Velvety Sky” is fun, fluffy music full of showy solos and peppy spirit. Steve has loved this kind of music since childhood. It evokes memories of long, languorous summer days enjoying people and warmth and music.
March 17, 2021
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TSO Double Bass Paul Rogers doubles up with son Shaun for a world première duet
There’s never a moment without music in the Rogers household! TSO Double Bass Paul Rogers is one of four musicians living at home in Toronto during this pandemic year.
Paul’s wife Wendy Rogers plays violin in the National Ballet of Canada Orchestra, and has a very active online teaching schedule. Son Shaun (double bass) and daughter Jacqueline (cello), who under normal circumstances would have been pursuing their masters degrees in Music Performance in the US, are living out their year at home. Meanwhile, in addition to TSO events and private teaching, Paul is a coach for the young bass players of the Toronto Symphony Youth Orchestra.
With four musicians in one house, it was only natural for Paul to ask one of them to share his Musical Moment. Son Shaun agreed and also composed a special piece for the occasion. Enjoy the world première of “Flibbertigibbet”!
March 24, 2021
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Listen to TSO Principal Percussion Charles Settle and kids celebrate baseball season opening day
It’s opening day of 2021 baseball season, and Principal Percussion Charles Settle hits a home run with this fun rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ballgame”. Written in 1908, this enduring classic has
been covered by hundreds of artists over the years, and has become the official theme song of North American baseball, traditionally sung during the seventh inning stretch.
While Charles keeps the beat on his snare drum, his 9-year-old daughter Stella takes on the jazzy melody with 6-year-old Arthur making a cameo appearance. This charming version will have you dreaming of warmer days in a ballpark coming soon.
March 31, 2021
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