Ottawa's medical officer of health will join her team at Ottawa Public Health (OPH) in receiving keys to the city.
In his State of the City Address, Wednesday, January 26, 2022, Ottawa Mayor Jim Watson said Dr. Vera Etches would be recognized for her "outstanding efforts and leadership."
"She has inspired control, confidence and calm to our residents in the darkest days of the pandemic, and as a result of her efforts, Ottawa has been a leader in the fight against COVID-19," said the mayor.
Of course, Watson added, she couldn't do it alone, so the entire team at OPH will also be getting a key for their help in the ongoing pandemic response.
The mayor also thanked all local emergency responders, healthcare and city workers for their efforts in helping Ottawa residents on a daily basis.
Watson encouraged all residents to continue to follow public health guidelines and to get vaccinated, "which is truly our only way out of this," he said.
Key to the city recipients from the last two years have yet to be officially honoured at City Hall, due to the pandemic. The recipients include professional golfer Brooke Henderson, broadcaster James Duthie, Michaëlle Jean and the Ottawa Citizen.
