National campaign brings together medical doctors representing communities at risk due to
vaccination hesitation; garners support from Canadian icons including Ryan Reynolds, Hayley
Wickenheiser, Chris Hadfield, and others
TORONTO – April 28, 2021 – Across the country, Canadians are coming together in support of This is Our
Shot, a national, grassroots movement aimed at replacing vaccine hesitancy with vaccine
confidence. The movement was created to address any concerns raised by Canadians across the country
about the COVID-19 vaccine, dispel myths that are leading to vaccine hesitancy, deliver educational
insights about the vaccine, answer frequently asked questions in at least 27 languages, and reinforce
that the best chance Canadians have to get back to some sense of normalcy is to ensure that every
eligible Canadian gets a vaccine.
This is Our Shot officially launches on April 28 at 8pm EDT / 5pm PDT with a live, online town hall
moderated by Olympian Clara Hughes, featuring doctors representing diverse communities. The doctors
will answer the most pressing questions about the vaccine, with a particular focus on vaccine safety.
Canadians are encouraged to tune in to the town hall, which will be available online here.
“As an ER doctor, I see firsthand the impact COVID-19 is having on people in our community. The
vaccine is the safest and most effective way to stop the devastating effects COVID-19 is having on our
communities. I want all Canadians to know that each one of us plays a part in getting through this. We
are all in this together. So, when it is your turn, please get vaccinated to protect yourself and others.
This is our shot,” says Dr. Simerpreet Sandhanwalia, an Emergency Physician based in Ontario.
This is a message that resonates with, and is being repeated by, Canadians from all walks of life.
Among the noteworthy Canadians that are lending their voice and platform to This is Our Shot in an
effort to encourage Canadians to get vaccinated is Hayley Wickenheiser, the four-time Olympic gold
medalist who is only days away from becoming a medical doctor and beginning her residency. “We’ve
been in this race against COVID-19 for a while, and now it’s time to cross the finish line. But to beat this
pandemic, we need every eligible Canadian to recognize that This is Our Shot and our opportunity to join
that winning team.”
Other Canadians icons giving this movement a shot in the arm include Ryan Reynolds, Michael Buble,
Clara Hughes, Arlene Dickinson, and Wes Hall. It also has the support of more than 250 influential
Canadians from across the country who will be wearing a This is Our Shot t-shirt and sharing messages in
support of vaccinations through their social media channels.
“It goes without saying, it’s been an incredibly difficult time for everyone, regardless of who you are and
where you come from. I think we’re all ready to get back to ‘normal’. That is why I am proud to be a part
of a movement that is so important to the health and safety of Canadians. The ‘This is our Shot’
campaign will bring hope to a lot of people, and change a lot of lives,” says Wes Hall, Founder of
Kingsdale Advisors, BlackNorth Initiative and the newest Dragon to join CBC’s Dragons’ Den.
This is Our Shot was created by a coalition of organizations from across the country including the South
Asian COVID Taskforce, 19 to Zero, Black Physicians of Canada, BlackNorth Initiative, Latin American
COVID Task Force, Canadian Muslim COVID Task Force, and Siksika Health Services. These organizations
are on the frontlines of COVID-19 in their communities and are made up of doctors, and other
professionals who want to boost confidence in the COVID-19 vaccines.
“Racialized communities have borne the brunt of the pandemic. Bringing together organizations that
represent these communities was a critical step in ensuring the message of getting the vaccine
whenever it’s your turn resonates with all Canadians,” says Guri Pannu, one of the lead organizers for
This is Our Shot.
“We hear questions and concerns about the vaccine from our patients, from our friends, from our loved
ones. It’s okay to have concerns, but we also want Canadians to take the time to listen to medical
professionals who are providing scientifically accurate information and doing their part to ensure every
single person eligible for the vaccine feels comfortable getting their shot,” says Dr. Birinder Narang, a
BC-based family physician.
“Healthcare providers have been working around the clock to ensure all Canadians receive information
on vaccines, and that it resonates within their communities. Through this national campaign we’re
making an effort to reach every Canadian, no matter where they live or what language they speak,” says
Dr. Jia Hu, an Alberta-based family physician.
Tune in to the town hall on Wednesday, April 28 at 8PM ET/5pm PT at www.thisisourshot.ca
Canadians can purchase a This is Our Shot t-shirt in support of the campaign here. All proceeds from the
sale of the t-shirt are being donated to Kids Help Phone, which has seen a significant increase in
engagement from kids struggling with mental health amid the pandemic.
