El-Chantiry marks pandemic anniversary

WEST CARLETON – With today (March 11) marking the one-year anniversary of the World Health Organization’s declaration of the COVID-29 global pandemic, Ward 5 Coun. Eli El-Chantiry took some time to put his thoughts to print.

“It’s unbelievable to think it’s been a year since the start of the pandemic,” El-Chantiry released in a statement today. “Our daily lives have changed in so many ways. But now, with vaccinations happening, we can finally see a light at the end of the tunnel.”

El-Chantiry asked residents to take a moment to reflect and remember all who have been lost due to the pandemic.

“This has been an incredibly heartbreaking time for many families, and our thoughts and prayers are with you,” he said.

El-Chantiry also shared his appreciation for frontline healthcare workers and first responders over the last year.

“They stepped up when we needed them most,” he said. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you.”

The councillor also had praise for Ottawa’s small busines community.

“Thank you for continuing to serve the residents of Ottawa while facing so many challenges the pandemic has thrown your way,” El-Chantiry said. “I encourage everyone to support small businesses. Whenever possible, buy local.”

El-Chantiry complimented the residents for their resiliency.

“Wow, how resilient are we?” he said. “We have worked together over this past year to support each other as we adapt to this ‘new normal.’”

And he even had a message for his wife.

“Finally, a thank you to my wife, Maha,” El-Chantiry said. “Her new normal involved me being home most days doing Zoom meetings and phone calls all day long. Her patience and understanding is appreciated. I am hoping our lives can return to some sort of normalcy in the coming months. In the meantime, let’s all continue to be kind and patient with each other.”