The City of Toronto declares Santa Claus an 'essential service'

Ontario government follows suit and includes elves and reindeer

Toronto.com
Dec. 21, 2020
Joanna Lavoie

Toronto has deemed the Jolly Old Elf an “essential service.”

This week, members of Toronto City Council voted overwhelmingly in favour of the Keeping Santa On Track motion, which was introduced by Toronto-Danforth Coun. Paula Fletcher and seconded by Mayor John Tory.

In the motion, the Ward 14 representative also recommends that the Government of Canada “take the necessary actions required to exempt Santa Claus and his reindeer from any and all quarantine measures, so that his annual mission safely delivering joy to children around the world is not in any way impinged.”

In summary, Fletcher said, despite “boughs of holly, jingle bells, cups of cheer, mistletoe, candy canes, pine trees, eggnog, twinkling lights and other elements of the Christmas cornucopia,” the holiday season would surely fall short without the “magic of Santa.”

She’s calling on Canada to take a cue from other countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Ireland, Belgium and Australia who have already taken steps to exempt Santa from COVID-19 related restrictions and allow Saint Nick to “visit Canadian homes and make spirits bright.”

“Children have had a difficult 2020 with challenges including disruptions to their education, decreased recreational activities and less playing with friends. They should not be made to suffer any unnecessary anxiety,” the motion read.

When it comes to public health concerns, Fletcher pointed to “world renowned immunologist” Dr. Anthony Fauci, who she said has advised that Santa is exempt from COVID-19 and has innate immunity, just like the Easter Bunny.

Fletcher said she’s also confident enforcement shouldn’t be an issue as Father Christmas is easily identifiable by his boots, red suit, hat, long white beard, big cherry red nose and hearty ‘ho ho ho’ laugh, not to mention his nine famous reindeer.

“The City will be sure to notify the COVID-19 enforcement team,” Fletcher said in a release.

“It has been a difficult year and children shouldn't have to worry that Santa won't be able to visit. I believe he has special magic that will keep him safe, but we should also practice physical distancing if we run into him."

Thursday, the Ontario government also voted to declare Santa Claus an essential service. Ontario’s Lieutenant-Governor Elizabeth Dowdeswell signed the proclamation, which has also deemed the elves workshop as an essential manufacturing business. Santa’s reindeer have been declared essential transportation.