Keeping TTC workers and riders safe: over 350 TTC transit workers and front-line staff vaccinated in York Centre

TORONTO, ON – In partnership with North York General Hospital and North York Toronto Health Partners, the Office of Councillor James Pasternak and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 113 organized a COVID-19 Vaccine clinic for TTC employees at the Wilson Bus Garage and Subway Yard. Throughout the course of the one-day clinic, over 350 TTC transit workers received their first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.

“Our transit workers have been on the front lines of the pandemic since day one.  They have kept our trains, buses and street cars moving and kept everyone safe.  It is our obligation at the City to keep our staff safe so they can keep everyone safe,” said Councillor Pasternak.  Helping frontline workers and addressing occupation risk is vital to controlling the spread of COVID-19, particularly those who continue to #KeepTorontoMoving.

The North York General Hospital and North York Toronto Health Partners teams have been instrumental in vaccinating tens of thousands who live and work in Downsview-York Centre. The clinic at the Wilson TTC Yards is just another example of a partnership which has aimed to vaccinate populations most vulnerable in areas hardest hit by COVID-19. 

This joint initiative was helped forward due to the strong advocacy of Aleem Tharani, Executive Board Member of ATU Local 113, on behalf of TTC drivers, maintenance, training, and support staff.

“Our transit workers play a vital role in keeping our city moving. When Aleem reached out to my office to advocate on behalf of his colleagues, I had no reason to hesitate. I contacted our local health partners and asked ‘what will it take to make this happen?’. Our partners at North York General Hospital and North York Toronto Health Partners were very accommodating and went above and beyond to set this up,” said Councillor Pasternak.

Downsview-York Centre is home to many transit workers. As Toronto continues the rollout of mass immunization, to reduce and eliminate the transmission of COVID-19, protect the healthcare system and save lives, the City continues to urge all residents to stay home as much as possible to help stop the spread of the virus. Please review Councillor Pasternak’s COVID-19 Portal for the latest news on vaccination clinics, recommended and mandatory public health measures under provincial regulations and City bylaws.

Councillor James Pasternak is a Councillor in the City of Toronto, representing Ward 6 – York Centre, including the Downsview community. He sits on the Mayor’s Executive Committee, is Chair of the North York Community Council, and Vice Chair of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee. York Centre is one of the 25 wards in the City of Toronto and is home to more than 110,000 people whose diversity and experiences make Toronto, Canada’s leading economic engine and one of the world’s most diverse and livable cities. For more information visit the Councillor’s website or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

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