ZOOMER SQUAD: THIS MARCH MARKS TWO YEARS SINCE THE PANDEMIC BEGAN

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by a slightly different Zoomer Squad: Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP, and Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs.

This month marks 2 years since the pandemic began and dramatically changed the world. Canada’s long-term care sector experienced an unprecedented crisis, we were forced to isolate from family, friends and loved ones during regular times and important holidays and snowbirds experienced disruptions to their travel plans. But, lately things appear to be taking a turn for the better. Ontario eased most of its COVID-19 restrictions and that means businesses are no longer required to ask you for your proof of vaccination. Also, this month, it is expected that the province will be lifting its mandate on mask-wearing. In an additional sign of change, Toronto Mayor John Tory announced that major public gathering events will resume in 2022 including Doors Open Toronto and the St. Patrick’s  Day on March 20. So, how does this make you feel? Are you ready to jump out there to dine in at your favourite restaurants or resume social gatherings with others? And, as we reach the two year mark of COVID-19, we ask this question to listeners: how has it changed your life?

WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE A UKRAINIAN IN THE DIASPORA

Jane Brown is joined by Genya Hulak who works at Zoomer Media and is a Ukrainian-Canadian.

Genya shares with us how she’s been feeling since the unprovoked Russian war against Ukraine began and her thoughts on the rallies that we’ve been seeing here in Canada in support of Ukraine. Genya has family in the country but is worried for them especially because she hasn’t been able to contact them. Meanwhile, she talks about those she knows who are determined to continue living there despite the danger.

THE LATEST ON UKRAINE AND GLOBAL RALLIES OF SUPPORT FOR THE COUNTRY

Jane Brown is joined by Markian Shwec of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch. 

We are in week two of Vladimir Putin’s unprovoked war against Ukraine. Tragically, civilians are being deliberately targeted by Russian forces as Ukrainian soldiers put up a fierce defense. Lately, President Zelenskyy has been begging for countries to impose a no-fly zone over his country. A move that Russia has indicated would be a sign of war. Here at home, Canadians have been rallying on a frequent basis in support of Ukraine and have been raising lots of funding for the country. Markian explains what we can expect of these rallies in the weeks to come and whether he sees an end to this conflict anytime soon.