Canadians reflect on COVID-19 pandemic 5 years later: ‘How did we survive?’

The Early Warning Signs and the Onset of the Pandemic

In early 2020, the world was bracing for a crisis. Reports of a mysterious flu-like illness in Asia, coupled with China’s unprecedented lockdowns affecting tens of millions, signaled that something was amiss. In Canada, the signs were subtle at first—surgical masks becoming more common in public spaces, hand sanitizer bottles appearing at events, and the ubiquitous advice to wash hands while humming "Happy Birthday." For Ren Navarro, a panellist at a beer event in Guelph, Ontario, the sight of large hand sanitizer bottles that March was a precursor to the chaos that would soon unfold. Days later, on her 45th birthday, she awoke to news of sweeping shutdowns across Ontario aimed at curbing the spread of the novel coronavirus. The World Health Organization’s declaration of a global pandemic on March 11, 2020, marked the beginning of a new era of restrictions and social distancing that would reshape life in Canada for years to come.

The Initial Shock and the Struggle to Adapt

The first days of the pandemic were overwhelming for many Canadians. For Navarro, the sudden shift to a confined two-bedroom apartment in Kitchener, Ontario, with her wife, two cats, and no work, was disorienting. The world outside seemed to shrink as governments implemented strict measures—closing borders, shuttering schools and businesses, and banning social gatherings. The early days were marked by a mix of fear and confusion, as people scrambled to understand the threat and protect themselves. Navarro recalls the struggle to stay sane and safe, saying, “How do I not lose my mind, and how do we stay safe from the thing that no one’s really explained to us?” As time passed, the reality of living through a historic crisis began to sink in, leaving many to wonder how they would survive the uncertainty ahead.

The Erosion of Social Cohesion and Growing Divides

While Canada’s public health measures were less severe than those in countries like China, South Korea, or India, the restrictions were unprecedented. Governments at all levels worked together initially, and most Canadians complied with the rules, reflecting a cultural trust in public authorities. However, as the pandemic dragged on, social cohesion began to fray. Disagreements over civil liberties and public safety became contentious, fueled by misinformation about vaccines and the intentions of institutions. These tensions culminated in the trucker convoy protests in Ottawa in early 2022, which highlighted deepening divides. Sanjay Ruparelia, a professor at Toronto Metropolitan University, notes that the cost-of-living crisis further eroded trust in governments, leaving questions about Canada’s preparedness for future crises.

Regional Variations and the Pandemic’s Uneven Impact

The pandemic’s trajectory varied significantly across Canada. Quebec and Ontario, the most populous provinces, were hit hardest, particularly in their long-term care systems. Atlantic Canada fared better, thanks to its geography, low population density, and the "Atlantic Bubble" that limited outside travel while allowing internal movement. Nunavut remained COVID-free for months before its first case in the fall of 2020. Across the country, people adapted to rapidly changing rules and public health advice, embracing new routines like sanitizing groceries, stockpiling toilet paper, and showing solidarity through acts like banging pots and pans for healthcare workers. These rituals, documented in archives like Brock University’s pandemic collection, serve as poignant reminders of a time marked by both resilience and loss.

Personal Stories of Resilience and Grief

For many Canadians, the pandemic was a time of profound personal transformation and pain. Jocelyn Titone, a Brock University employee, recalls the elaborate measures she took to clean groceries and the emotional toll of juggling work and caregiving for her young children during lockdown. The pandemic also brought grief, as Titone was unable to say goodbye to her grandfather who died in the U.S. in August 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions. For others, the pandemic became an opportunity for reflection and creativity. Heather Breadner, owner of a yarn store in Lindsay, Ontario, launched a project to create a memorial blanket made of knitted squares to honor those lost to the virus. Thousands of knitters joined the effort, which continues to grow as a testament to the lives lost and the enduring impact of the pandemic.

Reflections on the Pandemic’s Legacy and Lessons Forgotten

Five years after the pandemic’s declaration, Canadians are reflecting on its legacy. For Ren Navarro, the experience prompted a career shift and a renewed focus on diversity work, which helped save her business. However, she laments that the lessons of the pandemic—about slowing down, reconnecting with loved ones, and prioritizing human well-being—seem to have been forgotten. “It’s almost like the lockdown years didn’t happen, and we didn’t learn anything from it,” she says. Sanjay Ruparelia echoes this concern, noting that the long-term effects of lockdowns and school closures, particularly on children, remain unknown. As Canada moves forward, the question lingers: will the country remember the solidarity and resilience of the pandemic era, or will the crisis fade into a collective amnesia, leaving it unprepared for future challenges? For Heather Breadner, the memorial blanket project is a reminder that the pandemic is far from over, and its impact continues to be felt. As she puts it, “It’s so important to remember because it’s still happening.”