“On behalf of York Regional Council and The Regional Municipality of York, I am pleased to acknowledge May 1 as both National Physicians Day and First Responders Day.

Our physicians and first responders are those women and men who are responsible for the protection of health and safety in our communities. They include police officers, paramedics, firefighters, military personal, dispatchers, personal support workers, nurses, doctors and emergency responders who have dedicated their lives to public service.

As we continue to navigate the rapidly changing COVID-19 pandemic and work to stop the spread of this virus, it is our physicians and first responders who are on the front lines of this battle. Each day they go into situations most people flee from, and in doing so often provide life-saving assistance to those in need.

This year, more than ever, the public service of our physicians and first responders deserves to be recognized. On behalf of the 1.2 million residents who rely on you every day, thank you for your commitment to keeping our communities strong, healthy and safe.”

Wayne Emmerson

York Region Chairman and CEO