Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is designating Thursday (March 11) as a National Day of Observance “to commemorate the people who lost their lives and the significant impacts we have all felt because of COVID-19”.

“Early last year, our lives, and the lives of everyone around the world, were forever changed by the emergence of COVID-19. Today—one year after the first known death of a Canadian to the disease—we now mourn the tragic loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends, and loved ones,” he said in a statement.

B.C. had reported the nation's first death from COVID-19: a male resident at the Lynn Valley longterm care facility in North Vancouver, who died on March 8, 2020. 

“COVID-19 has infected over 864,000 other Canadians, and has had an immeasurable impact on how we all work and learn, connect with friends and family, and live our daily lives,” he added.

“In recognition of how far we have come and how far we still have to go, the Government of Canada is designating March 11, 2021, as a National Day of Observance,” he said. “On this day, I invite all Canadians to join together in honouring the memory of those we have lost, and the people they left behind. We will also recognize everyone who has been impacted by COVID-19, and pay tribute to all those who continue to work hard and make incredible sacrifices in our fight against the virus.”