BRAMPTON, ON (April 8, 2020) – At its meeting today, Brampton City Council approved direction to help increase local healthcare capacity by supporting qualified, foreign-trained doctors in their request to work on the frontlines during the COVID-19 emergency.

City Council endorsed letters written by Mayor Patrick Brown and Councillor Charmaine Williams to the Province. The City will also share Council’s motion to municipalities and townships across Ontario with a request for support through action of their own letters to the Ontario Minister of Health and the Premier of Ontario.   
 
Council welcomes yesterday’s announcement by the Ontario government on its new online tool that helps match skilled frontline workers with employers and recognizes this is a very important step in the right direction in the fight against COVID-19.

On March 24, following consultation with City Council and on the recommendation of the City’s Emergency Management Team, Mayor Patrick Brown declared a State of Emergency in the City of Brampton in accordance with the City’s Emergency Management Plan. Since then, the City has continued to take quick and unprecedented action in helping protect the health and safety of the community.

Links
• March 24, 2020 – City of Brampton declares State of Emergency in response to COVID-19
• April 7, 2020 – City of Brampton update on response to COVID-19

Quotes

“Across the province and in Brampton, there are thousands of foreign-educated doctors and nurses who are ready and willing to jump in and support on the frontlines of the COVID-19 emergency. As numbers of confirmed cases continue to rise each day, we cannot afford to not tap into this talent pool – it’s a matter of saving lives.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

"Brampton has taken the leadership in this cause. We are now calling on other cities and towns in Ontario to join us. Healthcare professionals who show up each day to help fight this pandemic deserve our praise but they also need our help. We must give these workers the support they need by allowing qualified, foreign-trained doctors to join them on the frontlines not on the sidelines."
- Charmaine Williams, City Councillor, Wards 7 & 8, City of Brampton

 

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As one of the fastest-growing cities in Canada, Brampton is home to 650,000 people and 70,000 businesses. People are at the heart of everything we do. We are energized by our diverse communities, we attract investment, and we are embarking on a journey to lead technological and environmental innovation. We partner for progress to build a healthy city that is safe, sustainable and successful. Connect with us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Learn more at www.brampton.ca.

MEDIA CONTACT
Natalie Stogdill
Senior Advisor, Public Relations, City of Brampton
905.874.3654 | natalie.stogdill@brampton.ca