Advertisement

Rick Zamperin: Canada continues to shine amid growing shadow of COVID-19

A pedestrian wearing a mask walks past the emblem of the Tokyo Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, March 23, 2020. EPA/KIMIMASA MAYAMA

Canada has proven, once again, to be a world leader in the fight against COVID-19.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, our country’s premiers and top public health officials have done a remarkable job of updating Canadians over the last couple of weeks on the latest measures to quell the surge of the novel coronavirus.

Messages of flattening the curve, social distancing, self-isolating, as well as economic and societal announcements have become a daily routine, and, for the most part, Canadians are doing their part to stop the spread of the pandemic in this country by staying home.

Click to play video: 'Coronavirus outbreak: Ontario Premier Doug Ford orders all non-essential businesses to close'
Coronavirus outbreak: Ontario Premier Doug Ford orders all non-essential businesses to close

The latest example of leadership and prudence has come from the Canadian Olympic Committee, which sent out a statement Sunday night to announce that Canada will not send a team to Tokyo, Japan, for the Summer Olympic unless the Games are rescheduled to 2021.

Story continues below advertisement

The COC was the first in the world to make this proclamation in what was likely a difficult decision considering the impact on our athletes and coaches who have been planning and training for the last four years, but this should be seen as a brave and bold move to keep our citizens safe.

The writing is on the wall for the 2020 Olympics and the International Olympic Committee has read Canada’s message loud and clear.

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.
By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

In an interview with Global News, International Olympic Committee member Dick Pound said the Games will be postponed as COVID-19 continues to spread.

This is just another example of how Canada is leading the way during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Click to play video: 'Former Olympic sailor agrees with the Canadian Olympic Committee’s decision “not” to send a team to the Tokyo Games.'
Former Olympic sailor agrees with the Canadian Olympic Committee’s decision “not” to send a team to the Tokyo Games.

Sponsored content

AdChoices