Trudeau declares March 11 ‘National Day of Observance for COVID-19’

"Early last year, our lives, and the lives of everyone around the world, were forever changed by the emergence of COVID-19. Today – one year after the first known death of a Canadian to the disease – we now mourn the tragic loss of more than 22,000 parents, siblings, friends, and loved ones," Trudeau's statement reads.

Trudeau recognized the impact that the virus has had on people's lives apart from death, ranging from isolation to business closures to unemployment, although he did not at any point mention the role of lockdowns. "All Canadians have experienced sacrifice and loss over the past year," he stated.

He also thanked healthcare workers for their performance throughout the pandemic.

"During this crisis, Canadians have remained resilient. They have helped neighbours, given to organizations, put signs in their windows to support our health care workers, and lent a hand wherever possible," his statement continued.

"We all have a role to play in ending this pandemic, and the crisis is not over yet. In recognition of how far we have come and how far we still have to go, the Government of Canada is designating March 11, 2021, as a National Day of Observance."