COVID-19's ongoing impact is felt in northern Ontario

Five years after COVID-19 began, the pandemic's effects are still evident in northern Ontario. Trudy Clement recalls being quarantined on a cruise ship in Japan in early 2020, which marked the start of a challenging year for her family. In 2021, the Cree community of Kashechewan faced a severe COVID-19 outbreak, with over 200 infections. Mental health services adapted to the crisis, as frontline workers like Celina Wynne supported community members while dealing with personal family health struggles. Healthcare workers reflect on the chaos of the early pandemic, noting that Canada has not conducted a formal review of its COVID-19 response. Despite advancements in vaccine technology, concerns remain about staffing shortages and systemic vulnerabilities in the healthcare system.