Justin Trudeau, Leader of the Liberal Party of Canada, visited UHN on Sunday, paying tribute to the efforts of healthcare workers throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
"What you have done over these past 18 months is nothing short of heroic," Mr. Trudeau told about three dozen frontline workers and UHN leaders at a socially-distanced event in the DeGasperis Conservatory at Toronto General Hospital.
"The creativity and resiliency you've showed every step of the way has been such a point of pride and marvel."
Dr. Kevin Smith, UHN President & CEO, has extended a welcome to all federal party leaders ahead of the Sept. 20 election. Mr. Trudeau is the first one to pay a visit during the campaign.
Mr. Trudeau, who was accompanied by Chrystia Freeland, Liberal incumbent in the riding of University-Rosedale, which includes much of UHN, also offered "a special thank you" to the families of healthcare workers for the sacrifices they made, especially during "the uncertain first few weeks of the pandemic."
Mr. Trudeau said it is "so difficult and so horrifying" to have seen recent images of healthcare workers at UHN, and at hospitals across the country, being harassed by anti-vaccine protesters.
"All Canadians stand with you," he said. "People know how hard you've worked, how much you've sacrificed to do this unbelievably important work, keeping us all safe."
After their opening remarks, Mr. Trudeau and Ms. Freeland spent about 40 minutes moving throughout the room talking with TeamUHN members, seated at individual tables, about their hospital roles.
