Podcast appearances and mentions of barry pakes

Targeted by official complaints to their professional bodies. Doxxed on social media. Harassed for their pro-Israel views. Getting negative reviews from antisemitic or anti-Israel medical students. Being asked where their horns are. Having to hide their Jewish identities. These are just some of the hundreds of stories shared by Canadian Jewish doctors and doctors-in-training as part of a new survey on antisemitism in this country's health system since Oct. 7. The survey was conducted this fall by the new Jewish Medical Association of Ontario (JMAO). The findings were released two weeks ago during a media conference at the Ontario Legislature in Toronto. JMAO officials say they were expecting the results to be bad, but were stunned to discover antisemitism was even worse, as they read the feedback from nearly 500 Jewish doctors who sent in detailed examples of how they have been impacted personally and professionally. The incidents happen both in the corridors of the hospitals they work in, but mostly in the university medical schools where they teach. In fact, the authors of the study say, their colleagues are quitting the classroom altogether, or retiring early, and over 30 per cent report they are considering leaving Ontario altogether. On today's episode of The CJN Daily, host Ellin Bessner delves into the study's findings and hears the personal experiences from the quartet of doctors behind the new survey: JMAO president Dr. Lisa Salomon, chair Dr. Ayelet Kuper, and members Dr. Barry Pakes and Dr. Karen Devon. Related links Learn more about the Jewish Medical Association of Ontario's study and official launch. Read the Canadian Jewish doctors' submission to Parliament about antisemitism in the medical system. Read more on the Feb. 2024 pro-Palestinian protest outside Mount Sinai hospital in Toronto, in The CJN. Credits Host and writer: Ellin Bessner (@ebessner) Production team: Zachary Kauffman (producer), Michael Fraiman (executive producer) Music: Dov Beck-Levine Support our show Subscribe to The CJN newsletter Donate to The CJN (+ get a charitable tax receipt) Subscribe to The CJN Daily (Not sure how? Click here)

Ann Rohmer is with Dr. Barry Pakes - York Region Medical Officer of Health to discuss the new updated Covid vaccine(s), wastewater and what it's telling officials about Covid this fall, clinics around York Region (when and where, pop-ups, and home visits in some cases) and how doctors are encouraging Covid and Flu vaccinations at the same time. Glynn Perkins looks at Southlake Regional Health centre, who unveiled a new, multi-million-dollar state of the art piece of equipment this week that will help in the detection of cancer.  Shaliza Bacchus discusses a new program aims to address the gap in post-birth support by supporting moms across Canada with the introduction of an innovative five module curriculum/targeted online support. Jim Lang has details about Myeloma Canada; details about the disease and the fundraising walks. Ann Rohmer speaks with 13 year old Willie Butland from Nova Scotia who reviews books and interviews authors on his very own YouTube channel (Willie Book Review) where he encourages other young people to read...so cool. Tina Cortese looks at Monday Sept 25th being the start of International Week of Happiness at work, where new research shows how professionals are feeling about their jobs and what is driving their happiness.

Libby Znaimer is joined by Peter Muggeridge, Senior Editor of Zoomer Magazine, David Cravit, Chief Membership Officer of CARP, and Bill VanGorder, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Policy Officer of CARP. Today: Our squad continues its reaction to the controversial Bill 7 whereby hospital patients must pay a $400 daily fee if they should refuse to be transferred to a long-term care facility not of their choosing. So far, according to the Minister, as many as 2,400 patients have been moved in this way. Meanwhile, advocates are saying that this is having an impact on those who need to move in to these homes from the community. ---- HEALTH CANADA REVIEWING RSV VACCINES FOR SENIORS  Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Barry Pakes, the medical officer of health for York Region and Dr. Dawn Bowdish, the Canada Research Chair in Aging and Immunity. In the news: Health Canada is reviewing a vaccine designed for Seniors to better protect them from RSV (or respiratory syncytial virus). Pediatric hospitals have been feeling the strain from patients coming in with the virus and there is growing concern from doctors that Seniors will be the next group to be at risk of hospitalization from RSV. ---- OTTAWA'S NEW INDO-PACIFIC POLICY & CHINA'S PROTESTS Libby Znaimer is joined by Charles Burton, Senior Fellow at the Macdonald-Laurier Institute and expert on Canada-China relations as well as Dr. Jeremy Paltiel, Professor of Politics, government and foreign policies of Asia (China and Japan) at Carleton University. As part of Canada's new Indo-pacific policy, Ottawa has announced that it will be strengthening its national security's efforts to combat threats of foreign influence and disinformation campaigns. As part of this commitment, the federal government will be funding $230-million over the next five years to expand the country's intelligence and cyber security agencies. This comes a few weeks after foreign Affairs minister  Mélanie Joly announced that Ottawa would be bolstering its trade ties with countries in the region as part of a strategy to reduce dependency on China. Meanwhile, China has been seeing protests from its own citizens and growing calls for the resignation of its leader Xi Xinping over COVID-19 lockdowns. Our guests react to the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Saturday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Zoomer Squad with David Coletto, David Tarrant, and Anthony Wilson-Smith on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II - Dr. Barry Pakes and Dr. Timothy Sly on the rollout of the bivalent vaccine - The Recovering Politicians with John Milloy, High Segal, and Chei DiNovo on the rise of Pierre Poilievre - Trish Barbato on arthritis awareness - And the best calls of the week!

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by David Coletto, CEO and founding partner of Abacus Data, David Tarrant, Vice President, National Strategic Communications at Enterprise and Anthony Wilson-Smith, President and CEO of Historica Canada. Today: we discuss the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II and what the future of the monarchy could look like now that King Charles III has ascended to the throne. Meanwhile, Pierre Poilievre has achieved a historic leadership win with the Conservative Party of Canada. Poilievre earned a whooping 68.15 percent of the vote on the first ballot. In a distant second was Jean Charest who only got 16.07 percent of the vote. So what does this mean for the future of that party? Our panel weighs in on the latest. ---- PROVINCE ROLLS OUT BIVALENT VACCINE TO ADULTS 70+ AND VULNERABLE RESIDENTS Jane Brown is now joined by Dr. Barry Pakes, Medical Officer of Health for York Region, and Dr. Timothy Sly, an epidemiologist and professor at the school of Occupational and Public Health at Ryerson University It is news that came quite unexpectedly: this morning, we learned that starting today the province is rolling out the Omicron-targeted COVID-19 vaccine to the most vulnerable populations including long-term care residents, health care workers and adults 70 years of age and older. Our health care experts react to the latest. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

The Saturday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Zoomer Squad with Peter Muggeride, David Cravit, and Bill VanGorder on their predictions for Ontario's Throne Speech - Dr. Barry Pakes on the urgency for blood donations and the latest on mask mandates - Rachel Solomon on the urgency for blood donations - Simon Bartram and Karl Hale on Serena Williams' retirement announceent - And the best calls of the week!

ONTARIO FOURTH DOSES AND STUDY ON OMICRON Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Barry Pakes, Medical Officer of Health for York Region, and Dr. Shawn Owen, Associate Professor in the department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry at the University of Utah. Today: the province is expanding fourth dose eligibility to adults 18 years of age and older. Meanwhile, a new study out of the University of Toronto reveals that individuals who were infected by the COVID-19 virus before 2022 have little protection against Omicron. Our health experts weigh in on the latest news. PATRICK BROWN AND BRAMPTON CITY COUNCIL Libby Znaimer is joined by John Mykytyshyn, Patrick Brown's campaign manager, and Bob Richardson, liberal strategist and Senior council to National Public Relations. Patrick Brown was disqualified last week from the Conservative Party leadership race over allegations his campaign broke financing rules. Yesterday, we learned that his campaign co-chair has moved to join the Jean Charest campaign team. And, Patrick Brown, has also indicated that he will endorse Charest should he not have enough time to fight to re-include himself in the race. Meanwhile, an Ontario Superior Court justice has overturned the controversial appointment of a Brampton City Councillor. BANK OF CANADA HIKES KEY RATE BY 1 PERCENTAGE POINT: WHAT THAT MEANS FOR YOU Libby Znaimer is joined by Allan Small, Senior Investment Advisor with Allan Small Financial Group IA Private Wealth and Gordon Pape, Editor and Publisher of the Internet Wealth Builder and Income Investor newsletters. The Bank of Canada has raised the key rate by one full percentage point. What that means for you.

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Julian Falconer and Dr. Wesley Crichlow respond to the apology offered by the Toronto police chief after the release of a report on race-based data -Tune Into The Town with Karen Stintz, Lauren O'Neil, and Brad Bradford on the Toronto police report - Martin Firestone, Trevor McPherson, and Dr. Barry Pakes on the ending of most COVID-19 travel requirements - Alexandr Dologpolov reacts to news that the U.S. Open will allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete - And the best calls of the week!

Jane Brown is filling in for Libby Znaimer today. She is joined by civil liberties lawyer Julian Falconer of Falconers LLP Dr. Wesley Crichlow, Professor, Critical Race Intersectional Theorist in the faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Ontario Tech University. Today: the Toronto Police released its report on race-based data collection today. Our guests weigh in on that and Chief James Reimer apology. ---- COVID-19 TESTING AT AIRPORTS AND VACCINE MANDATES FOR TRAVELLERS TO END Jane Brown is joined by Dr. Barry Pakes, Medical Officer of Health for York Region, Martin Firestone, President, Travel Secure Inc., Trevor McPherson, President and CEO, Mississauga Board of Trade. This week we learned that Ottawa will be ending the vaccine mandate for federal employees and workers in federally regulated sectors as well as air travellers on domestic flights and those going on outbound international flights. Late last week, we also learned that the feds are getting rid of random COVID-19 testing at airports. So, will these policy changes alleviate the bottlenecks, delays and other issues at Pearson and other major airports? Our experts weigh in from a scientific, business and leisurely travel standpoint. Listen live, weekdays from noon to 1, on Zoomer Radio!

Ann Rohmer is with York Region's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barry Pakes. The May 24th long weekend is the unofficial start of summer.  Can residents hope for a calm COVID summer?Kevin Frankish speaks with the Ontario Medical Association President Dr. Rose Zacharias. Fixing wait times, mental health and doctor shortages in the Peel and York regions are priorities as the provincial election nears. The OMA has pulled together statistics that show what work needs to be done to improve health care in York & Peel Regions.Tina Cortese looks at "Hybrid Savings". Research from The International Working Group (IWG) finds the adoption of hybrid working could save companies an average of $13,000 annually per employee when factoring in costs such as rent, heating, support staff, etc. A company can save as much as 51% on suburban office spaces compared to city locations. For example, a company with a 100,000 square foot Toronto office would save almost $8M per year by moving 50% of its footprint to the suburbs — closer to where many employees live. Ann Rohmer speaks with Alex Cheung, Director of Programs with Blue Door. The discussion covers an overview of Blue Door as well as transitional housing; the challenges that people face finding housing. Jim Lang speaks with Daniele Zanotti, President and CEO of the United Way of Greater Toronto. Daniele speaks about the impact of the cost of living on York Region residents, especially those most vulnerable and what action is needed.

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Ontario's Financial Accountability Officer, Peter Weltman, on Ontario's budget outlook - Bob Richardson and John Mykytyshyn on Ontario in election mode - Dr. Lawrence Goodridge, Dr. Timothy Sly, and Barry Pakes on wastewater data for COVID cases - Lori Nikkel, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois, and Victor Plange on fighting food waste - And the best calls of the week!

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Dr. Prabhat Jha, Dr. Barry Pakes, and Kyro Masseh on the eligibility requirements for a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose - Sheila Block, Craig Pickthorne, and Brad Butt react to Ford's promise for a minimum wage increase in October, as long as he's re-elected - Phil Soper on new rules targeting foreign house buyers - Michael Thompson, Michelle Nolden, and Sarah Doucette on concerns surrounding backyard chickens in Toronto - And the best calls of the week!

Libby Znaimer is joined by Dr. Barry Pakes,

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Dr. Timothy Sly and Dr. Barry Pakes on the spike of positive cases in Ontario - Peter Schturyn and Elise Herzig on work being done to bring Ukrainian refugees into Canada - Daniel Safayeni, Bruce O

On today's show, what can we learn from past pandemics on when we might see the end of COVID-19? We ask Dr. Barry Pakes with the University of Toronto. Plus we chat with Dr. Maris Rowe-McCulloch with University of Regina on why the Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilians won't end anytime soon and might get worse. And Donna Kennedy-Glans, the former associate minister of electricity and renewable energy in Alberta, tells us why politicians need to move beyond pitting green energy against hydrocarbons.

Dr. Barry Pakes, York Region medical officer of health and assistant professor at the University of Toronto

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Dr. Timothy Sly responds to news that Ontario's mask mandate may end as early as March 21 - Dr. Elliott Tepper and Dora Chomiak on the latest coming from Ukraine - John Mykytyshyn and Bob Richardson offer up their thoughts on the federal conservative leadership race - Dr. Peter Juni and Dr. Barry Pakes look back at the past two years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic - And the best calls of the week!

Ann Rohmer speaks with Dr. Roger McIntyre - Professor of Psychiatry and Pharmacology, University of Toronto about the lifting of the mask mandate; is it too soon? What if you prefer to remain masked? On the anniversary of the WHO declaring COVID19 a pandemic (March 11-2020), Ann Rohmer discusses the Pandemic with York Region's Medical Officer of Health Dr. Barry Pakes. Tina Cortese looks into how Air Canada, Airlink, Project C.U.R.E. and GlobalMedic have joined forces to directly help Ukrainian refugees arriving in Poland and those still in Ukraine. A special humanitarian cargo charter flight, operated by Air Canada onboard a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, will transport medical equipment from Airlink and Project C.U.R.E. including hospital beds, vinyl mattresses and other humanitarian supplies. GlobalMedic will be sending medical supplies, trauma dressings and wound care supplies destined for a hospital in Lviv, Ukraine. The flight will depart Toronto Pearson for Warsaw, Poland, on Wednesday evening, March 9, 2022. Kevin Frankish has details of a recent KPMG poll which finds that nearly half (49 per cent) would buy an EV made by a major technology company (Google, Apple, Amazon, Huawei, Samsung), a trend that automotive executives are already anticipating. Jim Lang is with author Tanvir Bhangoo who's book THE PRO Business Mindset — which hit #1 Amazon Best Seller in multiple categories, and #6 Hot New Release across all Management & Leadership Books. He applied leadership lessons from sports(championship footballer at McMaster), based on what he had learned on the football field, to help organizations adapt and transform amid disruption and chaos. How can principles built from a world of sports apply to leadership in business?

The Sunday edition of the Best of Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - Larry Isaacs and Perry Tucciarone respond to Ontario easing restrictions on their businesses - Dr. Barry Pakes and Dr. Alon Vaisman discuss the wisdom of easing restrictions at this time - Peter Tabuns and Paul Acchione break down the details of relief coming for your next electrical bill - Dr. Talan Iscan and David Cravit offer perspective on the inflation of the Canadian dollar - And the best calls of the week!

In November, as Omicron emerged as the new dominant strain of COVID-19, York Region in Ontario appointed Dr. Barry Pakes as their new medical officer of health. The region covers nine urban centres and more than a million people, including Canada's densest Jewish community, in Thornhill. So the fact that Pakes is an Orthodox Jew who studied, in part, at a yeshiva, gives him a unique advantage to liaise with local Jewish institutions and organizations when discussing how to fight the pandemic. While Hanukkah gatherings lead to outbreaks across the community, especially in schools that had to be closed, there are worries about large families that travelled over the holidays as skyrocketing statistics are defining Omicron's winter surge. Pakes joins today to explain how the community can combat the virus, what to expect from the Omicron variant and what the new year looks like from a public health perspective. What we talked about: Find a vaccination clinic in York Region at york.ca Read "COVID cases have kept rising at Jewish schools in York Region during November 2021" at thecjn.ca Listen to Barry Pakes discuss the pandemic in April 2021 on Bonjour Chai Credits The CJN Daily is written and hosted by Ellin Bessner (@ebessner on Twitter). Victoria Redden is the producer. Michael Fraiman is the executive producer. Our theme music is by Dov Beck-Levine. Our title sponsor is Metropia. We're a member of The CJN Podcast Network; find more great Jewish podcasts at thecjn.ca.

Ann Rohmer chats with Dr. Barry Pakes - York Region's new medical officers of health about boosters, rising case counts and holiday gatherings. Jim Lang is joined by Monte McNaughton, the Ontario Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. Amid reports of a looming skilled trades shortage in Ontario, the province is trying to get the message to young people and their parents that the skilled trades offer six figure salaries, pensions and benefits…sending recruiters into high schools….career fairs…and incentives for employers to take on apprentices. This upcoming holiday season is the perfect time for families to create new traditions rooted in giving back, using Charity Gift Cards as a way to make a difference in the lives of others. Kevin Frankish talks about Charity Gift Cards from CanadaHelps are the stocking stuffer of the season as they not only give back, but also make it easy to teach children about the importance of charitable giving to help those in need. Tina Cortese is with the Richard Linley, the President of Ontario Craft Wineries to talk about the importance of supporting local wineries during the supply chain crunch at the LCBO. Ontario is a world-class producer of wine, however, a large number of Ontario wineries are currently unsustainable due to a number of factors including impacts of the pandemic. Ann Rohmer closes this week's show with Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua with a look back at the success stories from 2021, what's ahead for 2022, and WHO IS THE MYSTERY SINGER OF WHITE CHRISTMAS?

The Saturday edition of the Best Fight Back, from the week that was, with Jane Brown Interviews with: - The Zoomer Squad with Peter Muggeridge, Bill VanGorder, and David Cravit discuss LTC vaccine deadlines - Doris Grinspun and Nancy Halupa on the nursing protest of Bill 124 - The Strategy Panel with John Capobinaco, Charles Sousa, and Karen Stintz react to petitions to oust Erin O'Toole as party leader - Dr. Barry Pakes and Dr. Timothy Sly on COVID testing at pharmacies and the importance of mask wearing - And the best calls of the week!

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: Ontario will keep capacity limits in place for at least a month longer than planned in some settings where proof of vaccination is required, after a rise in COVID-19 cases. Night clubs, strip clubs, sex clubs and bathhouses were expected to remove caps on the number of patrons next week, but the province announced Wednesday that the restrictions will stay in place for at least another 28 days while it monitors health indicators. Was this the right call? GUEST: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto - Ontario Premier Doug Ford says his government will meet its promise to cut gas prices by 5.7 cents before the next budget. The economic statement released last week by his Progressive Conservative government did not mention the cut that Ford promised in his 2018 election campaign. He also called on the federal government to match his government's pledge and said if that happens, he'll cut the tax “even further.” GUEST: Muhammad Ali, Senior Consultant for Crestview Strategies - An area around a number of barns and buildings will be the starting point for survivors tasked with finding the remains of missing children who attended the longest-running residential school in Canada. On Tuesday, the first phase of the quest began using ground penetrating radar to probe a 200-hectare parcel of land where the former Mohawk Institute was located in Brantford, Ont. Kimberly is calling on the provincial and federal governments to release thousands of records that she says are associated with the Mohawk Institute such as things like death certificates and transfers to sanatoriums that could help identify the children who went to the school and were never seen again.  GUEST: Kimberly R. Murray, Executive Lead of the Survivors' Secretariat See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Greg speaks with the University of Toronto's Dr. Barry Pakes about border PCR testing. Podcast host Alan Cross weighs in on Astroworld, Mayor Patrick Brown discusses a smaller Brampton hospital and Environmental Reporter Emma MacIntosh with the impact of the new Ontario highway. Plus What Happened When.

Greg speaks with the University of Toronto's Dr. Barry Pakes about border PCR testing. Podcast host Alan Cross weighs in on Astroworld, Mayor Patrick Brown discusses a smaller Brampton hospital and Environmental Reporter Emma MacIntosh with the impact of the new Ontario highway. Plus What Happened When. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Alan speaks with Dr. Barry Pakes, Program Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at the University of Toronto, about Ontario lifting capacity restrictions in bars & gyms, as well as experts predicting more cases of the flu this season. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So actor William Shatner who portrayed Capt.James T. Kirk in the original Star Trek will ride with Blue Origin to the edge of space. So is this just a fad or the beginning of a new era in space flight? We ask astrophysicist Jesse Rogerson; Is Brexit to blame for the economic woes people in the U.K. are enduring? Alys Denby, an editor with CAPX, the British politics and economics website offers her perspecive; CBC reporters Stu Mills and Haydn Watters investigated why two neighbouring regions in Ontario have such different rates of vaccine uptake; Paul Grogan, a professor of ecology at Queen's University in Kingston explains what causes the leaves on the trees to change colour in the fall, and why many of the trees through the southernmost parts of the province are still green; The Canadian Federation of Independent Business is asking the Ford government to "level the playing field" and to increase capacity at small businesses to 100 percent. Julie Kwiecinski, the group's Director of Provincial Affairs for Ontario explains their members' frustration with the province's current policy; Tanya Lee, founder of A Room of Your Own Book Club for girls tells us how a donation from Chapman's Ice Cream helped to keep the club going. She recommends some books that members of the club have enjoyed; Most healthcare workers are vaccinated. But those that refuse could face consequences under provincial mandates, including termination. Barry Pakes, program director for Public Health and Preventive Medicine at University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health outlines the situation for us; Hallie Cotnam of CBC Ottawa shares the stories of two new farmers, Samuel Bovenlander and Chadwick Lewis who both got their start with help from the Start Up Farm Program.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole says he's confident his 118 elected MPs have his back, despite voting to give themselves the power to review his leadership and potentially give him the boot. Conservative MPs gathered Tuesday for the first time in person since the party's election defeat two weeks ago that saw them win two fewer seats than under former leader Andrew Scheer. The party suffered losses of incumbent MPs _ including five elected people of colour _ and failed to make crucial gains needed in the Greater Toronto Area, Quebec and Metro Vancouver. GUEST: Dr. Lori Turnbull, Director of the School of Public Administration with Dalhousie University - A former Facebook data scientist told Congress on Tuesday that the social network giant's products harm children and fuel polarization in the U.S. while its executives refuse to change because they elevate profits over safety. And she laid responsibility with the company's CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Frances Haugen testified to the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection. Speaking confidently at a charged hearing, she accused the company of being aware of apparent harm to some teens from Instagram and being dishonest in its public fight against hate and misinformation. GUEST: Jennifer Johnson, Washington Correspondent for Global News - The effectiveness of the Pfizer Inc/BioNTech SE vaccine in preventing infection by the coronavirus dropped to 47% from 88% six months after the second dose, according to data published on Monday that U.S. health agencies considered when deciding on the need for booster shots. The data, which was published in the Lancet medical journal, had been previously released in August ahead of peer review. The analysis showed that the vaccine's effectiveness in preventing hospitalization and death remained high at 90% for at least six months, even against the highly contagious Delta Variant of the coronavirus. GUEST: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Ontario launches a rapid COVID-19 testing program for some students younger than 11, we talk to Dr. Barry Pakes, of the University of Toronto's Dalla Lana School of Public Health, about the pros and cons of this approach.

A Scott Thompson Show bonus podcast! Word is that the Ontario government will be announcing a vaccine passport system. What will the political repercussions for Doug Ford's government changing its stance? Could this be a win in the long run, or will there be too much backlash? Guest: Peter Graefe, Professor of Political Science with McMaster University - COVID-19 cases are reaching the heights of last winter's numbers, as Ontario sees three days in a row with over 700 cases. Most of these have been in the unvaccinated, partially vaccinated and those of unknown vaccinated status. However, some are breakthrough cases. How concerned should we be by these cases, and where will they cause trouble? Guest: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto   Subscribe to the Scott Thompson Show wherever you find your favourite podcasts, keep up with the big stories developing in Hamilton, Ontario and across Canada: https://curiouscast.ca/podcast/189/the-scott-thompson-show/ Host - Scott Thompson Content/Technical/Podcast Producer - William P. Erskine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: The Ontario government will be requiring all high-risk settings in the province to enact COVID-19 vaccine policies by Sept. 7 in response to increased transmissibility of the Delta variant. Dr. Kieran Moore, Ontario's chief medical officer of health, made the announcement at Queen's Park Tuesday afternoon and said the decision factors in rising cases and slowing vaccine rates. Individuals will need to provide proof of full COVID-19 vaccination, a medical reason for not having COVID-19 vaccines, or they will need to complete a COVID-19 vaccine educational session. For those who do not provide proof of receiving two COVID-19 vaccines, they will be required to participate in “regular” antigen testing. However, it wasn't immediately clear how often that screening would need to take place. We get the reaction to Ontario's new vax policy in secondary schools. GUEST: Karen Littlewood, President of the Ontario Secondary School Teachers' Federation - Reaction to Ontario's new vax policy in licensed retirement homes GUEST: Dr. Vivian Stamatopoulos, Co-Founder of Doctors for Justice in Long-Term Care, Professor at Ontario Tech University - Employees, contractors, volunteers and students at hospitals as well as home and community care service providers will be covered under the required policies. Paramedic services, post-secondary institutions, retirement homes, women's shelters, group homes, and licensed home daycares will also be required to enact policies. Why didn't we just mandate vaccinations? GUEST: Dr. Kieran Moore, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the Province of Ontario - COVID-19 vaccines will be mandatory for most major sports venues in Toronto, including Scotiabank Arena and BMO field, as of next month. Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE) announced on Tuesday that all employees, event staff and guests will be required to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to gain access to their arenas, stadium and restaurants by mid-September. Other venues MLSE owns or operates include Coca-Cola Coliseum, Ford Performance Centre, BMO Training Ground and the OVO Athletic Centre. GUEST: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto

Peter Shurman guest hosts 640 Toronto's Morning Show   GUEST: Dr. Barry Pakes, Professor of public health and preventive medicine at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health at University of Toronto See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: Vaccine eligibility in Hamilton and across the province has been updated. As of yesterday all Ontarians who received their first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine on or before May 9, 2021 are eligible to book or rebook their second dose appointment at a shortened interval. And as of Wednesday, June 23, 2021 at 8:00 a.m., individuals who received their first dose of an mRNA vaccine on or before May 30, 2021 -- and who live in a Delta hot spot (Durham, Halton, Hamilton, Peel, Porcupine, Simcoe-Muskoka, Toronto, Waterloo, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph, and York public health units) -- will be eligible to book or rebook their second dose appointment at a shortened interval. Starting the week of June 28, 2021 (days / sequence to be confirmed) all Ontarians aged 18 and over who have received their first dose of an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine will be eligible to book their second dose appointment. The appointment will be scheduled at least 28 days after the first dose, per the recommended interval GUEST: Dr. Elizabeth Richardson, Chief Medical Officer of Health for the City of Hamilton - Dr. Terresa Tam is reminding Canadians that with COVID-19 still out there in the world, even as we all get vaccinated, there is still the possibility that new variants will develop -- and they could still pose a problem. Meanwhile, experts warn that we will likely see a spike in cases as travel restrictions lift, and there are stories -- rare, though they are -- of vaccinated people becoming infected with COVID-19. In short, the game is not over...  GUEST: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto - As restrictions loosen for fully vaccinated travelers coming in and out of Canada, more cases of COVID-19 will be imported, experts say, though getting more Canadians vaccinated will reduce the chances of significant outbreaks. As of July 5, fully vaccinated Canadian citizens, permanent residents and people registered under the Indian Act will no longer have to quarantine when they enter Canada, the federal government announced Monday. At a press conference, Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Minister Bill Blair said the government is still urging people not to travel internationally right now, but noted the border restrictions that began more than 15 months ago “were never intended to be permanent.” GUEST: Dr. Marion Joppe, a professor with the School of Hospitality, Food and Tourism Management at the University of Guelph See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Bill Kelly Show Podcast: The Ontario government has moved up second doses for those who got a COVID-19 shot in May while three more local public health units were added as hot spot areas where the Delta variant is of concern. In new documents released Thursday, officials said Ontarians who got a first dose from May 10 to May 30, and are in a Delta hot spot, can book an earlier second shot starting Wednesday, June 23. Three more local public health units — Hamilton, Simcoe-Muskoka and Durham Region — were added as Delta hot spots, joining Toronto, Halton, Peel, Porcupine, Waterloo, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph and York. Last week, Ontario announced that those in Delta hot spots were eligible to get an earlier second vaccine dose if they received a first shot on or before May 9. Starting on Monday, June 21 all Ontarians, regardless of being in a hot spot and who got a vaccination on or before May 9, can rebook for a second dose appointment. GUEST: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto - The show must go on. But if you got the AstraZeneca vaccine, you're not invited. Canadians who got that shot will not, at least for now, be allowed in seats for “Springsteen on Broadway,” the first production since the famous theatres went dark at the start of the pandemic. “It's just plain not fair,” said University of Toronto bioethicist Kerry Bowman. While the Canada-U.S. border is closed to non-essential travel, it's expected to open soon, and though making it to a show is not a life-or-death situation, “it's a huge problem.” It could also be just the beginning of bureaucratic vaccine woes, as the world starts to reopen with a patchwork of different approved shots. ALSO: Vaccine committee says provinces should give AstraZeneca recipients a different vaccine for second dose GUEST: Dr. Rodney Rohde, Professor and Chair of the Clinical Laboratory Science Program at the College of Health Professions with Texas State University - Ontario Premier Doug Ford pledged last year to make air conditioning mandatory in every nursing home, including residents' bedrooms. But his government has awarded construction contracts for new facilities that do not include cooling systems throughout the building. Under the province's building standards, new nursing homes are not required to install air conditioning in residents' bedrooms, leaving the elderly more vulnerable to dehydration and heat-related illness on sweltering summer days. GUEST: Dr. Amit Arya, Co-Founder of Doctors For Justice in Long Term Care and Palliative Care Physician See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Scott Thompson Show Podcast Health Canada says people as young as 12 are approved for the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine. Do we have to wait to hear from NACI now? What does this approval mean for Canada's vaccine rollout and Ontario's schools? Guest: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto - For more on Pfizer, AstraZeneca, NACI and Health Canada, Scott turned to Dr. Timothy Sly. Guest: Dr. Timothy Sly, Epidemiologist and Professor Emeritus in the School of Population and Public Health with Ryerson University - Sales of Pfizer's COVID-19 vaccine have, obviously, been a good thing for the company. Marvin Ryder joined the show to discuss the business of vaccinations during the pandemic. Guest: Marvin Ryder. Business Professor, DeGroote School of Business with McMaster University - How are Ontario's school children doing during the pandemic, and how is the education system managing with virtual schooling? Guest: Annie Kidder, Executive Director of People for Education - Alberta has vowed to curb its university's research ties with China. Guest: Steven Chase, Senior Parliamentary Reporter for the Globe and Mail Subscribe to the Scott Thompson Show wherever you find your favourite podcasts, keep up with the big stories developing in Hamilton, Ontario and across Canada: https://curiouscast.ca/podcast/189/the-scott-thompson-show/ Host - Scott Thompson Content Producer - Jordan Armenise Technical/Podcast Producer - William P. Erskine See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why are people still travelling so freely during a pandemic? Canada banning flights from India, Pakistan for 30 days as COVID-19 cases soar - National | Globalnews.ca GUEST: Michael Barrett, MP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes Is NACI confusing matters with the AstraZeneca vaccine? More on vaccines as well: Canada capable of administering 3.1M doses but receiving 1.9M, and Canada's supply is ramping up soon in spite of Moderna and AstraZeneca supply shortages. GUEST: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto Ahead of US President Joe Biden's climate summit, Prime MInister Trudeau is pressured to toughen up Canada's carbon targets. GUEST: Peter Graefe, Professor of Political Science with McMaster University. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Scott Thompson Show Podcast Scott spoke with Dr. Pakes about what can be done to fight COVID-19 in Ontario. Guest: Dr. Barry Pakes, Public Health and Preventive Medicine Physician, and a Professor with Dalla Lana School of Public Health at the University of Toronto - Scott and Travis discusses some of the big stories coming out of Queen's Park today, especially the then-unannounced restrictions. Guest: Travis Dhanraj, Queen's Park Bureau Chief for Global News - How does Erin O'Toole's climate change plan stack up? Guest: Tim Powers, Chairman of Summa Strategies, Managing Director of Abacus Data - Have you seen dump trucks protesting along the 400 series of highways? Scott found out what the issue is. Guest: Sarbjit Kaur, Spokesperson for Don’t Dump On Us - What about construction in Ontario, should that be allowed to continue during the shutdown? Guest: Andrew Pariser, Vice President of the Residential Construction Council of Ontario - Jamie Samhan updated Scott on the funeral for Prince Philip. Guest: Jamie Samhan, Et Canada Royal Insider See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concordia University's student union recently surprised the Canadian Jewish community by issuing an apology for indifference to anti-Semitism on campus. Nicole Nashen and Harrison Kirshner, the two Jewish students who pushed for that apology, join us to explain how they did it. Plus: Dr. Barry Pakes talks about COVID vaccination and viral outbreaks in the Jewish community, and how we can combat vaccine misinformation. What We Talked About "UJA Suspends Partnership With School Over COVID Breach; Rabbis Pen Letter on Adherence" at The CJN "Concordia Student Union Apologizes for ‘Indifference' to Campus Anti-Semitism" at The CJN Bonjour Chai is hosted by Avi Finegold, Melissa Lantsman and Ilana Zackon. Bubbe Golda is a creation of Adina Katz. Michael Fraiman is the producer. Andrew Goulet is the technical producer. Our theme music is by Socalled. The show is a production of The Jewish Learning Lab and is distributed by The CJN Podcast Network.

The Scott Thompson Show Podcast 939 cases of COVID-19 were announced this morning for the province of Ontario. Scott gets a recap from Dr. Barry Pakes of the University of Toronto. Guest: Barry Pakes BSc, MD, MPH, CCFP, DTMH, FRCPC, PhD, Program Director and Assistant professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto - With tighter restrictions going into effect for some parts of Ontario, and everyone being advised to stick with their immediate households, is Zoomsgiving the best option? Guest: Shana MacDonald, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Communication Arts, Associate Chair, Speech Communication and Digital Arts Communication, University of Waterloo - John Lennon would have been 80 today. Scott talked to Eric Alper about Lennon's legacy as well as what it would be like if he were still alive today. Guest: Eric Alper, Publicist, Music Commentator, Shameless Idealist - It's time for the Friday Message of Hope from Reverend Jim! Guest: Reverend Jim Carreire - With COVID-19 cases on the rise there are concerns about ICU's being slammed. How big is the concern here at our hospitals?  Is the province seeing a spike in ICU admissions from the virus? How can we prevent a spike in cases that require ICU assistance? Guest: Dr. Zain Chagla, an infectious disease specialist with St. Joseph's Hospital and an associate professor in the division of infectious diseases, Department of Medicine, Mcmaster University