Warden McNamara welcomed the members of County Council, Administration and members of the public and delivered the following greeting:
“Welcome viewers and members of council to the regular meeting of Essex County Council.
I want to extend a special welcome this evening to Town of Essex Deputy Mayor Steve Bjorkman, who is joining us for the first time. He was sworn in as a member of county council last week. Welcome to the virtual council table, Deputy Mayor Bjorkman. We are happy to have you join us and look forward to your input.
This council’s term will wrap up at the end of 2022. If the past two years are any indication, we will have plenty of challenging issues to deal with before our term is done.
There is no doubt that the overriding challenge has been the pandemic. This week the Ontario government announced it is taking steps to ease restrictions put in place to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This is good news.
It is happening because of the tireless work of our frontline workers. It is happening because of the willingness of the vast majority of local residents to step up by getting vaccinated and following public health protocols. We cannot thank you enough for taking responsibility and being respectful of others.
Last week, we saw the harm that can come from kicking respect and responsibility to the curb. Demonstrators exacerbated the damage caused by the pandemic by blockading the Ambassador Bridge, the busiest land border crossing in North America and a vital economic link.
On behalf of the County of Essex, I wrote letters to the federal Minister of Emergency Preparedness and the Ontario Solicitor General supporting the City of Windsor’s request for help to end the blockade.
Thank you to all parties involved in clearing the road to the Ambassador Bridge this past weekend. A special thanks to police officers who came from other parts of the province. And a big thank you to local police officers, for the long hours and careful effort they put into containing this threat to a major economic lifeline.
I also want to thank the staff of Essex-Windsor EMS for being prepared and being on site throughout.
On a happier note, Essex County Council is this evening paying tribute to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II for her Platinum Jubilee. She has been our reigning monarch for 70 years, longer than any before her.
During her time as Queen, she has made 22 official trips to Canada. Two of those trips included stops in our region.
The Queen sets an example for all of us by honouring and supporting those who share her sense of duty and commitment to others.
At the end of this meeting, we invite viewers to join members of council as we stand to honour Her Majesty and play God Save the Queen.”