Doug Ford celebrates the New Year with a message of hope for 2022, despite the ongoing pandemic

Premier Doug Ford said that Ontarians would need to dig deeper as the Omicron variant surges in 2022, but believes there are better times ahead.

Ford declared in his New Year's Greeting, "While this year has been incredibly difficult for Ontarians," "The Ontario spirit is still evident in communities throughout this great province. "I want to thank you for that."

He said that 2022 would be a pivotal year in our ongoing fight against the Omicron variant.

"While we all have to dig deeper, we now need a little more. This means following public health guidelines and getting your booster shot as soon possible.

Ford stated that there are more vaccines in development and other pandemic efforts. He also said, "We can look forward to brighter times ahead and a better 2022" for everyone.

Andrea Horwath, NDP Leader, said that she is grateful to those who helped Ontario get through the difficult 2021. Numerous Ontarians spent the year helping and protecting others. They packed food boxes for those in need and spent hours supporting their families and neighbors.

She added that she knew 2021 was a difficult year for many of us. Many of us have experienced isolation, sickness, loss, and lots of frustration in our lives. I believe there are better days ahead and I know that we will get there together.

Liberal Leader Steven Del Duca was also sombre in his welcome to the new year. He said, "There's no sugar coating just how hard 2021 was for so much of us." We all hoped that we would find a better place in December, despite the ongoing COVID crisis.

"But what really stands out to me are the remarkable resilience Ontarians displayed."

Mike Schreiner, Green Party Leader, stated that he hopes 2022 that Ontario can "safely get through the pandemic" and work together to recover in a green and caring manner.