Region of Waterloo forms COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force

August 01, 2025

Waterloo Region –As part of its pandemic response and recovery efforts, the Region of Waterloo has formed a COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Task Force.

Waterloo Region Police Service (WRPS) Deputy Chief Shirley Hilton will lead the task force, which will draw on expertise of staff from several agencies.

The task force will ensure an efficient, equitable plan is in place for delivery of the immunization program.

“We continue to see COVID-19 circulate throughout our community and the creation of this task force is a major milestone in the fight against the virus,” said Regional Chair Karen Redman. “We are fortunate to be able to call upon Deputy Chief Hilton to guide the critical work of this task force. All members of this task force are dedicated to the health and well being of our entire community.”

“I am privileged to be chosen to lead the Vaccine Distribution Task Force and to continue supporting the Region of Waterloo’s fight against COVID-19,” said WRPS Deputy Chief Shirley Hilton. “The health and safety of this community is our top priority and I am confident that the individuals on the Regional task force share a collective expertise to develop a clear and transparent process to ensure vaccines are delivered in a safe and equitable manner. The task force will take their guidance from the Provincial task force in the planning and delivery of the immunization program, ensuring high risk populations are prioritized and will communicate those plans with the community as soon as possible.”  

Members of the Task Force include:

  • ·       Karen Redman, Regional Chair
  • ·       Bruce Lauckner, Region of Waterloo CAO
  • ·       Deputy Chief Shirley Hilton, WRPS
  • ·       Dr. Hsiu-Li Wang, Region of Waterloo Medical Officer of Health
  • ·       Dr. Sharon Bal, Primary Care Physician Lead
  • ·       Inspector Jennifer Davis, WRPS
  • ·       Nicolaas Jonkman, Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Advisor, WRPS
  • ·       Richard Hepditch, Waterloo Fire Chief
  • ·       Karen Quigley-Hobbs, Director Infectious Disease, Sexual Health and Harm Reduction, Public Health
  • ·       Douglas Bartholomew-Saunders, Commissioner Community Services, Region of Waterloo
  • ·       Stephen VanValkenburg, Chief, Paramedic Services
  • ·       Ron Gagnon, President and CEO Grand River Hospital
  • ·       Karyn Lumsden, Vice President, Home and Community Care, Waterloo Wellington LHIN
  • ·       Vickie Murray, Director of Pharmacy of GRH and St Mary’s

 

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For media information, please contact:

TJ Flynn, ActingDirector, Corporate Communications, Region of Waterloo, Email tflynn@regionofwaterloo.ca