arnprior.ca · 2020-04-14 · town of arnprior correspondence package no. i-20-apr-06...

Town of Arnprior

Correspondence Package No. I-20-APR-06

Correspondence Package No. I-20-APR-06 Special Council Agenda - April 14th, 2020

Recommendation: That the Correspondence Package No. I-20-APR-06 be received as information and filed accordingly.

Information Items:

Correspondence from Government of Canada 1. Prime Minister announces new actions under Canada’s COVID-19 response 2. Prime Minister announces more support for workers and businesses through

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan 3. Prime Minister announces temporary border agreement with the United States 4. Prime Minister announces efforts to bring Canadians home from abroad 5. Canada’s Plan to mobilize science to fight COVID-19 6. Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses under

Canada’s response to COVID-19 7. Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID-19 8. Prime Minister announces new partnerships with Canadian industries to fight

COVID-19 9. Prime Minister announces support for food banks and local food organizations

Correspondence from Province of Ontario 10. Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19 11. Premier Ford Announces Job Protections for Workers during the COVID-19

Situation 12. Province Expanding Telehealth Ontario Resources 13. Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public 14. Ontario Extending Validation Periods for Driver, Vehicle and Carrier Products,

Services and Health Cards 15. Ontario Protecting Critical Front-Line Justice Services in Response to COVID-19 16. Ontario Supporting Workers, Municipalities and Retailers in Response to COVID-19 17. Ontario Urges Business to Join Fight Against COVID-19 18. Province Takes Steps to Ensure Front-Line Staff Can Continue to Work 19. Ontario Orders the Mandatory Closure of All Non-Essential Workplaces to Fight

Spread of COVID-19 20. Ontario Protecting the Most Vulnerable During COVID-19 Crisis 21. Ontario Providing Electricity Relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms During

COVID-19 22. Ontario’s Action Plan Responding to COVID-19 23. Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659 24. Ontario Provides $3.3 Billion More to Increase Health Care Capacity 25. Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Businesses 26. Ontario Prohibits Gatherings of More Than Five People with Strict Exceptions 27. Ontario Protecting Consumers from Price Gouging 28. Ontario Protecting Supply Chains To Support COVID-19 Emergency Response 29. Ontario Stepping Up Measures to Limit the Spread of COVID-19 on Construction

Sites 30. Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Town of Arnprior



31. Statement from the Chief Medical Officer of Health 32. Ontario Increasing Health and Safety Measures to Better Protect Frontline Nurses

from COVID-19 33. Ontario Extends School and Child Care Closures to Fight Spread of COVID-19 34. Province Supports Post-Secondary Students During COVID-19 35. Public Required to Identify Themselves if Charged with Breaching an Emergency

Order During the COVID-19 Crisis 36. Ontario Joins Forces with Private Sector to Fight COVID-19 37. Ontario Increasing Mental Health Support During COVID-19 38. Ontario Supports Trucking Sector for Keeping Good Moving 39. Ontario Extends Business Closures to Stop Spread of COVID-19 40. Ontario Provinces Full Transparency by Releasing COVID-19 Modelling 41. Ontario Protecting Seniors in Retirement Homes During COVID-19 Outbreak 42. Ontario Protecting Vulnerable Ontarians During COVID-19 Outbreak 43. Ontario Takes Steps to Keep Food on the Table during COVID-19 44. Ontario Government Supports Families in Response to COVID-19 45. Ontario Takes Additional Measures to Protect First Responders During the COVID-

19 Outbreak 46. Ontario Providing Relief for Remote Northern Property Taxpayers During COVID-19 47. Ontario Calls on all Health Care Workers to Help Fight COVID-19 48. Ontario Helping Indigenous Communities to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Correspondence from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and the Office of the Solicitor General 49. Enforcement of Provincial Emergency Orders 50. Operation of Seasonal Trailer Parks and Recreational Campgrounds

Correspondence from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services 51. Social Services Relief Funding

Correspondence from the Ministry of Finance 52. Property Tax Deferrals

Correspondence from the Ontario Chief Medical Officer of Health 53. Use of Masks in for COVID-19 in Non-Health Care Settings

Correspondence from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) 54. COVID-19 Resources for Municipalities

Correspondence from the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) 55. AMO Queen’s Park Update 56. New Provincial Legislation to Allow Virtual Municipal Council Meetings 57. AMO Providing New Resources for Municipal Councils 58. March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update 59. Ontario Extends COVID-19 Emergency and Closes Outdoor Recreational Amenities 60. Ontario Releases COVID-19 Projections and New Emergency Orders

Town of Arnprior



61. COVID-19 Updates: a. March 23rd, 2020 b. March 25th, 2020 c. March 30th, 2020 d. April 3rd, 2020 e. April 6th, 2020

62. WatchFile Newsletters: a. March 12th, 2020 b. March 19th, 2020 c. March 26th, 2020 d. April 2nd, 2020

Correspondence from the County of Renfrew 63. Emergency Funding Available Through Ontario Works 64. New Pandemic Health Care Service: Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment

Centre (RCVTAC) 65. County of Renfrew Declared State of Emergency 66. County of Renfrew Notified of First Case of COVID-19 in Staff Member at Miramichi

Lodge 67. Community Financial Support Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic 68. Province and County of Renfrew Working together to Support Frontline Workers 69. Renfrew County Economic Task Force to Guide COVID-19 Response and Recovery 70. Rotary Clubs Donate Over $10,000 in Gift Cards to Help Local Families Impacted by

the COVID-19 Pandemic

Correspondence from the Renfrew County and District Health Unit (RCDHU) 71. COVID-19 Guidance for Grocery Shoppers 72. Healthy Eating During a Pandemic

Correspondence from Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) 73. ARH takes new measures to help protect community against COVID-19 74. ARH restricts visitor access, implements active screening and limits building

entrances 75. ARH postpones non-urgent clinical services in response to COVID-19 76. ARH Expands visitor restrictions to the Emergency Department 77. ARH accepting donated medical supplies from the community

Town of Arnprior 78. Town of Arnprior Closures Amid COVID-19 79. Town of Arnprior COVID-19 Update No. 2 80. Town of Arnprior COVID-19 Update No. 3 81. Town of Arnprior COVID-19 Update No. 4 82. Mayor’s Messages:

a. March 22nd, 2020 b. March 30th, 2020 c. April 6th, 2020

06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces new actions under Canada’s COVID-19 response | Prime Minister of Canada

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/16/prime-minister-announces-new-actions-under-canadas-covid-19-response 1/5

Prime Minister announces new actions under Canada’sCOVID-19 responseMarch 16, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global issue. The Government of Canada will do everythingnecessary to protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of Canadians, and is working aroundthe clock to limit the spread of this pandemic. This is a critical time, and our top priorityremains the safety and security of all Canadians.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today outlined additional actions being taken under theGovernment of Canada’s whole-of-government response to COVID-19 to limit its spread andto provide support to Canadian travellers. The Prime Minister also strongly urged Canadians toheed the following recommendations that:

All Canadians avoid non-essential travel outside the country until further notice.

Canadian travellers return to Canada via commercial means while they remain available.

All travellers to Canada self-isolate for 14 days upon entry, with exceptions for workerswho are essential to the movement of goods and people.

COVID-19’s spread has a�ected people in countries around the world. To protect Canadiansand to ease the potential burden overseas travellers could place on our health care systemand its frontline workers, the Prime Minister announced that, beginning March 18, 2020 theGovernment of Canada will, for air travel speci�cally:

Bar foreign nationals from all countries except the United States from entering Canada.The measure would not apply in designated exceptional circumstances, including to aircrews, travellers arriving in Canada in transit to a third country, Canadian permanentresidents, diplomats, or immediate family members of Canadian citizens.

Redirect international passenger �ight arrivals to four airports: Toronto PearsonInternational Airport, Vancouver International Airport, Montréal-Trudeau InternationalAirport, and Calgary International Airport. At this time, this measure will not a�ectdomestic �ights or �ights from the United States, sun destinations such as Mexico and theCaribbean, or St. Pierre-et-Miquelon, which can continue to operate on their regular routesand land at current Canadian destinations. The Government is working closely with theairline industry and airports to avoid unnecessarily disrupting operations and minimizeadditionally inconveniencing travellers.

Strengthen screening measures at airports, including stronger and more visible messaging,health screening at kiosks, and enhanced cleaning and disinfection of high-tra�c areas andfacilities at airports.



In addition, airlines will prevent all travellers who present COVID-19 symptoms, regardless oftheir citizenship, from boarding international �ights to Canada. Airlines will conduct a basichealth assessment of all air travellers based on guidance from the Public Health Agency ofCanada.

The Government will also provide support to Canadians a�ected by COVID-19 abroad. To helpthese Canadians return home or cope with challenges they are facing while travelling, theGovernment has created the COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad. TheProgram will provide the option of an emergency loan to Canadians in need of immediate�nancial assistance to help them return home or to temporarily cover their life-sustainingneeds while they work toward their return.

These measures are part of a larger strategy the Government of Canada is implementing,based on science, to prioritize the health and safety of Canadians, ensure the capacity of ourhealth care system, support international and domestic e�orts, and mitigate the economicimpacts on Canadians and Canadian business.

Today’s announcement builds on earlier measures put in place to respond to COVID-19,including waiving the one-week waiting period for Employment Insurance sickness bene�ts,enhancing the Work-Sharing Program, funding vaccine development and clinical trials, andinvesting to support the health care system in our provinces and territories.

Quotes

“My top priority is the health and safety of all Canadians. Our government is doing whatit must to protect all Canadians, and to support workers and businesses. We will getthrough this together by following the directions from our public health and medicalexperts, and doing what we can to protect ourselves, our families, and ourcommunities.”

— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister ofCanada

“Our top priority remains the health and safety of Canadians. This is a critical time, andwe need to do everything we can to contain the outbreak and lessen the burden onour healthcare system. We are taking a whole-of-government and whole-of-countryapproach to limit the spread of COVID-19 and keep Canadians safe.”

— The Hon. Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister of Canada



“These measures will further support our public health response to limit the spread ofCOVID-19 in Canada. Everyone has a role to play in protecting themselves and theircommunities. It is critical that all air travellers entering Canada follow these publichealth recommendations.”

— The Hon. Patty Hajdu, Minister of Health

“The safety and security of the travelling public and the transportation system is a toppriority for our Government. These measures will help ensure that Canadian travellersremain safe and our transporation system continues to operate as smoothly as possibleto support the economy.”

— The Hon. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

“In these challenging times, Canadians should know that all hands are on deck and thatwhatever comes, our government will do what it must to protect the health and safetyof all Canadians and to minimize the social and economic impacts of COVID-19 on ourworkers, our businesses, and our economy.”

— The Hon. Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board

“The measures we announced today to temporarily prevent foreign nationals from�ying into Canada will help reduce the threat from international travel. We continue toclosely monitor the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation and will announce additionalmeasures to protect the health and safety of Canadians if and when required.”

— The Hon. Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“Ensuring the health and safety of Canadians both at home and abroad remains ourpriority. We continue to work around the clock to provide assistance and consularservices to Canadians worldwide a�ected by COVID-19. I will continue to collaboratewith my counterparts globally to take action in limiting the global spread of this virus.”

— The Hon. François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Foreign A�airs

Quick Facts

The Government of Canada is asking all travellers entering Canada to self-isolate for 14days upon entry. For those travelling by air, the request to self-isolate will be clearly



communicated at multiple points, for example when purchasing a plane ticket, beforeboarding the plane, and again upon arrival in Canada.

Exemptions to self-isolation for 14 days will be provided to healthy workers who provideessential services. This includes workers in the trade and transportation sector who areimportant for the movement of goods and people across the border, such as truck driversand crew on any aircraft, train or marine vessel crossing the border. It also includes healthypeople who have to cross the border to go to work, including health care providers andcritical infrastructure workers.

Under the Aeronautics Act, the Minister of Transport will require airlines to deny boardingof a traveller who is symptomatic, regardless of citizenship status, and keep them fromgoing on an international �ight to Canada. This includes trans-border �ights, includingthose from the United States. The pre-boarding health assessment would include theoperator asking simple health questions, looking for visible signs of illness before boarding,and possibly referring the traveller for a further medical assessment.

In the event the traveller presents COVID-19 symptoms, the airline will be required torefuse to board the passenger for travel for a period of 14 days, or until a medicalcerti�cate is presented that con�rms the patient does not carry the virus.

Measures implemented by governments throughout the world in their e�orts to containthe spread of COVID-19 have had signi�cant impacts on Canadians abroad. Cross-bordertransit and movement within countries is being restricted, and Canadian travellers arerecommended to return to Canada via commercial means while they remain available.

In situations where Canadians abroad are in need of immediate �nancial assistance as aresult of COVID-19, the new COVID-19 Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad willprovide repayable loans to facilitate their return to Canada or help ensure that their basicessential needs are met while they work on their return to Canada.

This loan program will help Canadians who are in quarantine or receiving treatment forCOVID-19 in a foreign country cope with challenges related to cultural and languagebarriers, access to medication, feelings of isolation, as well as post-discharge logistics, andreturn travel to Canada.

Canadians in quarantine or receiving treatment for COVID-19 in a foreign country require atailored approach to consular support that considers the local circumstances andaddresses the unique human challenges associated with undergoing quarantine andtreatment in an unfamiliar environment. Global A�airs Canada will do its best tosupplement its existing consular services through new partnerships with domestic andinternational partners to enhance its ability to assist a�ected Canadians.

Global A�airs Canada is providing 24/7 consular support to Canadians abroad a�ected byCOVID-19 through the Emergency Watch and Response Centre and through consular sta�



at its network of missions.

Associated Links

The Government of Canada Takes Action on COVID-19 (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html)

New measures for COVID-19 response (https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/03/new-measures-for-covid-19-response.html)

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html)

Embassies and consulates by destination (https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates)

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/03/new-measures-for-covid-19-response.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/embassies-consulates

06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces more support for workers and businesses through Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan | Prime Mi…

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-workers-and-businesses-through 1/5

Prime Minister announces more support for workersand businesses through Canada’s COVID-19 EconomicResponse PlanMarch 18, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

The Government of Canada is taking strong and quick action to protect our economy, and thehealth, safety, and jobs of all Canadians during the global COVID-19 outbreak.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced a new set of economic measures to helpstabilize the economy and help Canadians a�ected by the impacts of this challenging period.

These measures, delivered as part of the Government of Canada’s COVID-19 EconomicResponse Plan, will provide up to $27 billion in direct support to Canadian workers andbusinesses, plus $55 billion to meet liquidity needs of Canadian businesses and householdsthrough tax deferrals to help stabilize the economy. Combined, this $82 billion in supportrepresents more than 3 per cent of Canada’s GDP. This wide-ranging support will help ensureCanadians can pay for rent and groceries, and help businesses continue to pay theiremployees and their bills during this time of uncertainty.

This plan builds on coordinated action taken since the beginning of this outbreak, includingthe more than $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund, which provided funding to provinces andterritories to strengthen critical health care systems. It represents over $500 billion in creditand liquidity support for people and businesses through cooperation between �nancial Crowncorporations, the Bank of Canada, the O�ce of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions(OSFI), and commercial lenders to ensure businesses can continue to operate.

The actions announced today are part of Canada’s whole-of-government response to COVID-19. As a �rst step, this plan aims to stabilize our economy through targeted measures toaddress immediate challenges faced by workers and businesses alike. It will help ensure thatworkers have the money they need while they are sick or in isolation, or due to loss of work ora signi�cant reduction in work income, and help support people and businesses experiencing�nancial hardship because of the outbreak.

Canadians should not make health decisions based on their �nancial needs. As the situationcontinues to evolve, further measures will be announced to support Canadians, stimulate theeconomy, and protect peoples’ jobs and livelihoods..

Support for workers



Canadians should not have to worry about paying their rent or mortgage or buying groceriesbecause of the COVID-19 crisis. To support workers and their families, the Government ofCanada is taking action to:

Provide additional assistance to families with children by temporarily boosting CanadaChild Bene�t payments. This measure would deliver almost $2 billion in extra support.

Introduce an Emergency Care Bene�t of up to $900 bi-weekly for up to 15 weeks toprovide income support to workers who must stay home and do not have access to paidsick leave. This measure could provide up to $10 billion to Canadians, and includes:

Workers, including the self-employed, who are sick, quarantined, or who have beendirected to self-isolate but do not qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) sicknessbene�ts.

Workers, including the self-employed, who are taking care of a family member who issick with COVID-19, such as an elderly parent or other dependents who are sick, butdo not qualify for EI sickness bene�ts.

EI-eligible and non EI-eligible working parents who must stay home without paybecause of children who are sick or who need additional care because of schoolclosures.

Introduce an Emergency Support Bene�t delivered through the Canada Revenue Agencyto provide up to $5 billion in support to workers who are not eligible for EI and who arefacing unemployment.

Provide additional assistance to individuals and families with low and modest incomeswith a special top-up payment under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) credit. Thismeasure would inject $5.5 billion in the economy.

Waive, for a minimum of six months, the mandatory one-week waiting period for EIsickness bene�ts for workers in imposed quarantine or who have been directed to self-isolate, as announced on March 11.

Waive the requirement for a medical certi�cate to access EI sickness bene�ts.

Extend the tax �ling deadline for individuals to June 1, and allow all taxpayers to defer,until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income tax amounts that become owing onor after today and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, aswell as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties willaccumulate on these amounts during this period. This measure will result in householdshaving more money available during this period.

Provide eligible small businesses a 10 per cent wage subsidy for the next 90 days, up to amaximum of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer. Employers bene�ting fromthis measure would include corporations eligible for the small business deduction, as well



as not-for-pro�t organisations and charities. This will help employers keep people on theirpayroll and help Canadians keep their jobs.

Provide increased �exibility to lenders to defer mortgage payments on homeownergovernment-insured mortgage loans to borrowers who may be experiencing �nancialdi�culties related to the outbreak. Insurers will permit lenders to allow payment deferralbeginning immediately.

In addition, to provide targeted support for vulnerable groups, the Government is investingto:

Reduce minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25 percent for 2020 in recognition of volatile market conditions and their impact on manyseniors’ retirement savings.

Implement a six-month, interest-free, moratorium on Canada Student Loan payments forall individuals who are in the process of repaying these loans.

Provide $305 million for a new distinctions-based Indigenous Community Support Fund, toaddress immediate needs in First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Nation communities.

Support women and children �eeing violence by providing up to $50 million to women’sshelters and sexual assault centres to help with their capacity to manage or prevent anoutbreak in their facilities. This includes funding for facilities in Indigenous communities.

Provide an additional $157.5 million to address the needs of Canadians experiencinghomelessness through the Reaching Home program.

Support for businesses

In the face of an uncertain economic situation and tightening credit conditions, theGovernment is taking action to help a�ected businesses. To support Canadian businesses andhelp them retain their workers during this di�cult time, the Government is announcingmeasures to:

Allow all businesses to defer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of any income taxamounts that become owing on or after today and before September 2020. This reliefwould apply to tax balances due, as well as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act.No interest or penalties will accumulate on these amounts during this period. This measurewill result in businesses having more money available during this period.

Increase the credit available to small, medium, and large Canadian businesses. Asannounced on March 13, a new Business Credit Availability Program will provide more than$10 billion of additional support to businesses experiencing cash �ow challenges throughthe Business Development Bank of Canada and Export Development Canada. TheGovernment is ready to provide more capital through these �nancial Crown corporations.



Further expand Export Development Canada’s ability to provide support to domesticbusinesses.

Provide �exibility on the Canada Account limit, to allow the Government to provideadditional support to Canadian businesses, when deemed to be in the national interest, todeal with exceptional circumstances.

Augment credit available to farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm Credit Canada.

Launch an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program to purchase up to $50 billion of insuredmortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). Asannounced on March 16, this will provide stable funding to banks and mortgage lendersand support continued lending to Canadian businesses and consumers. CMHC standsready to further support liquidity and the stability of the �nancial markets through itsmortgage funding programs as necessary. The Government will enable these measures byraising CMHC’s legislative limits to guarantee securities and insure mortgages by $150billion each.

The six largest �nancial institutions in Canada have made a commitment to work withpersonal and small business banking customers on a case-by-case basis to provide �exiblesolutions to help them manage through challenges, such as pay disruption due to COVID-19,childcare disruption due to school or daycare closures, or those su�ering from COVID-19. As a�rst step, this support will include up to a six-month payment deferral for mortgages, and theopportunity for relief on other credit products. The Government of Canada will continue tomonitor evolving economic conditions and seek greater relief measures should it benecessary.

In order to move forward with implementing these new measures needed to provide timelysupport for Canadians and to ensure the Government has every tool at its disposal to addresspotential challenges that may arise, the Government intends to introduce special legislationand seek the approval of Parliament.

The Government of Canada will continue to take further action as required to prioritize thehealth and safety of Canadians, stabilize the economy, and mitigate the economic impact ofthis pandemic.

Quotes

“No Canadian should have to worry about paying their rent or buying groceries duringthis di�cult time. That is why we are taking the strong action needed to stabilize oureconomy and help those impacted by the COVID-19 virus. Together, we will getthrough this di�cult time.”

— The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada



“These are extraordinary times and we must take extraordinary measures. TheGovernment of Canada will do whatever it takes to ensure that the health of Canadiansis protected, families and businesses are supported and our economy remains strong,even in the face of uncertainty. I am working with the �nancial sector, the Bank ofCanada, my provincial and territorial colleagues, and my counterparts from around theworld to keep coordinating on signi�cant actions to protect the Canadian and globaleconomy. Canadians can rest assured that we are ready to take all necessary measuresto meet the challenges ahead.”

— The Hon. Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

Related Product

Canada’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan: Support for Canadians and businesses(http://www.canada.ca/en/department-�nance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html)

Associated Links

Prime Minister outlines Canada’s COVID-19 response (https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response)

Government of Canada takes action on COVID-19 (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html)

Canada outlines measures to support the economy and the �nancial sector(https://www.canada.ca/en/department-�nance/news/2020/03/canada-outlines-measures-to-support-the-economy-and-the-�nancial-sector.html)

http://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canadas-covid-19-economic-response-plan-support-for-canadians-and-businesses.html

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response


https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canada-outlines-measures-to-support-the-economy-and-the-financial-sector.html

06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces temporary border agreement with the United States | Prime Minister of Canada

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-temporary-border-agreement-united-states 1/4

Prime Minister announces temporary borderagreement with the United StatesMarch 20, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

COVID-19 continues to evolve rapidly, and the Government of Canada is working around theclock to limit its spread and do everything necessary to protect the health and safety ofCanadians.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, announced on March 18 that Canada and the United Stateshave agreed to temporarily restrict all non-essential travel across the Canada-U.S. border,which will take e�ect at midnight tonight.

This collaborative and reciprocal measure between Canada and the United States will restrictnon-essential travel across the border, including for tourism and recreation. Canadian andAmerican citizens and permanent residents who are currently visiting each other’s country canstill return home.

All essential and business travel will continue unimpeded. Both governments recognize theimportance of preserving vital supply chains between our two countries. These supply chainsensure that food, fuel, and life-saving medicines continue to reach people on both sides of theborder.

This announcement is another step in the government’s strong response to the COVID-19virus. We will continue to take important measures based on science, to prioritize the healthand safety of Canadians, ensure the capacity of our health care system, support internationaland domestic e�orts, and mitigate the economic impacts on Canadians and Canadianbusiness.

Quotes

“With COVID-19 continuing to spread, the health and safety of Canadians is our toppriority. Canada and the United States have agreed to work together for the protectionof our people and our economies. Together we will continue to work collaborativelyand make the necessary sacri�ces to �ght this pandemic.”




“The United States is an important friend, ally, and economic partner. These temporarymeasures will enable us to protect the health and safety of Canadians, while ensuringthe continued �ow of critical supplies, people, and infrastructure between our twocountries.”

— The Hon. Bill Blair, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

“This agreement will help support our public health response to limit the spread ofCOVID-19 in Canada. We continue to work closely with our American allies to ensurethe safety of citizens on both sides of the border.”


“Workers in the trade and transportation sector, such as truck drivers and crew on anyaircraft, train or marine vessel, are key to ensuring the continued movement of goodsand delivery of essential services throughout the integrated supply chains that arecritical to Canada and the United States.”

— The Hon. Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

Today, Canada and the United States are also announcing collaborative and reciprocalmeasures where we will now be returning irregular migrants who attempt to crossanywhere at the Canada-U.S. border.

The new measures will take e�ect at 12:01 a.m. EDT on Saturday, March 21, 2020, and end at12:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 21, 2020. At that time, Canada and the United States willreview the measures.

All travel of an optional or discretionary nature, including but not limited to tourism andrecreation, is covered by these measures. Travel by healthy people who have to cross theborder to go to work or for essential services, such as medical care, will continue.

Canada and the United States are encouraging people to stay home. This prudentapproach is in line with these new collaborative measures.

American travellers arriving in Canada in transit to a third country, diplomats, and travellerswith family care, educational or compassionate reasons will continue to be allowed tocross. Supply chains, including trucking, will not be impacted by these new measures.

The Government of Canada is asking all travellers entering Canada to self-isolate for 14days upon entry. For those travelling by air, the request to self-isolate will be clearly



communicated at multiple points, for example when purchasing a plane ticket, beforeboarding the plane, and again upon arrival in Canada.

Exemptions to self-isolation for 14 days will be provided to healthy workers who provideessential services. This includes workers in the trade and transportation sector who areimportant for the movement of goods and people across the border, such as truck driversand crew on any aircraft, train or marine vessel crossing the border. It also includes healthypeople who have to cross the border to go to work, including health care providers andcritical infrastructure workers.

Regardless of how they seek to enter Canada, all travellers arriving in the country,including healthy workers who provide essential services, are subject to new, more broad-based questioning about their health. Canada Border Services Agency o�cers will querytravellers on the state of their health, observe visible signs of illness, and refer any travellersuspected of being ill for a further medical assessment, regardless of how the travellerresponded to the health screening question.

Additionally, under the Aeronautics Act, the Minister of Transport will require airlines todeny boarding of a traveller who is symptomatic, regardless of citizenship status. Thisapplies to international and trans-border �ights, including those from the United States.The pre-boarding health assessment will include the operator asking simple healthquestions, looking for visible signs of illness before boarding.


For crossings by air, marine and rail modes, the transportation operator will be asked toclearly advise their customers of the restrictions when they buy a ticket and again beforethey commence the journey. If the operator carries a passenger to the port of entrydespite the legal restriction, the passenger would be refused entry by the Canada BorderServices Agency or United States Customs and Border Protection o�cers at the port ofentry, and the operator would have to return the passenger, with the cost of the returntrip borne by the operator.

Measures implemented by governments throughout the world in their e�orts to containthe spread of COVID-19 have had signi�cant impacts on Canadians abroad. Cross-bordertransit and movement within countries is being restricted, and Canadian travellers arerecommended to return to Canada via commercial means while they remain available.

Global A�airs Canada is providing 24/7 consular support to Canadians abroad a�ected byCOVID-19 through the Emergency Watch and Response Centre and through consular sta�at its network of missions.



Associated Links

U.S.-Canada Joint Initiative: Temporary Restriction of Travelers Crossing the U.S.-CanadaBorder for Non-Essential Purposes (https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2020/03/20/us-canada-joint-initiative-temporary-restriction-travelers-crossing-us)


The Government of Canada Takes Action on COVID-19 (https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html)

New measures for COVID-19 response (https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/03/new-measures-for-covid-19-response.html)



https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/statements/2020/03/20/us-canada-joint-initiative-temporary-restriction-travelers-crossing-us



https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2020/03/new-measures-for-covid-19-response.html



06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces efforts to bring Canadians home from abroad | Prime Minister of Canada

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/21/prime-minister-announces-efforts-bring-canadians-home-abroad 1/3

Prime Minister announces e�orts to bring Canadianshome from abroadMarch 21, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

The Government of Canada’s top priority is the safety and security of Canadians. As the globalCOVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve rapidly, we are taking action to limit the spread ofthe virus and provide support to Canadians at home and abroad.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced new measures by the Government ofCanada to help bring Canadians home from abroad.

All over the world, COVID-19 has caused sudden border restrictions and �ight cancellations,leaving Canadians stranded outside of the country without a way home. Under theseextraordinary circumstances, the Government of Canada is working with Canadian airlines andforeign governments to provide access to commercial �ights for Canadian travellers who wantto return home.

The �ights will prioritize stranded travellers who are Canadian citizens, Canadian permanentresidents, or immediate family members of Canadian citizens. In addition, only travellers whoare asymptomatic will be allowed to board, and all travellers will be asked to self-isolate for 14days upon entry.

In the �rst series of �ights to help Canadians return home, Air Canada will operate a special�ight today from Morocco. Flights will also be planned for Peru and Spain, and othercountries as soon as possible. Factors such as the number of Canadians, airspace closures, andthe local situation are being taken into consideration in order to identify the locations forthese �ights. We are currently working with Air Canada and are engaged with other airlines aswe assess global needs.

The Government of Canada is working with Canadian airlines to ensure that strandedCanadians are o�ered a reasonable commercial price for their return ticket home.

All Canadians abroad are strongly encouraged to register with Global A�airs Canada(https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration). This will allow the Government of Canada toprovide information to them as soon as it becomes available.

Quote

https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration



“Our government is taking the necessary action to protect the health and safety ofCanadians. COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving global issue. That is why we are taking theseexceptional measures to help Canadian travelers �nd a way to get home to theirfamilies and friends.”


Quick Facts

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and members of their immediate family holding avalid travel document will have priority to board these �ights to Canada. Foreign nationalswho have already committed to working, studying or making Canada their home, will alsobe permitted to board with valid travel documentation.

Canadians who are unable to pay, and who have no available sources of funds to returnhome, are encouraged to apply for an emergency repayable loan through the COVID-19Emergency Loan Program for Canadians Abroad(https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/�nancial-assistance/covid-19-�nancial-help). This program was created to help Canadians return home and to cover basicessential needs while they work towards their return.

Under the Aeronautics Act, the Minister of Transport will require airlines to deny boardingof a traveller who is symptomatic, regardless of citizenship status, and keep them fromboarding an international �ight to Canada. This includes trans-border �ights, includingthose from the United States. The pre-boarding health assessment would include theoperator asking simple health questions, looking for visible signs of illness before boarding.


The Government of Canada is asking all travellers entering Canada to self-isolate for 14days upon entry. For those travelling by air, the request to self-isolate will be clearlycommunicated at multiple points, for example when purchasing a plane ticket, beforeboarding the plane, and again upon arrival in Canada. Exemptions to self-isolation for 14days will be provided to healthy workers who provide essential services.

Associated Links

COVID-19: Financial help for Canadians outside Canada(https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/�nancial-assistance/covid-19-�nancial-help)

https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help

https://travel.gc.ca/assistance/emergency-info/financial-assistance/covid-19-financial-help






Registration of Canadians Abroad (https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration)



https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/registration

06/04/2020 Canada’s plan to mobilize science to fight COVID-19 | Prime Minister of Canada

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/23/canadas-plan-mobilize-science-fight-covid-19 1/4

Canada’s plan to mobilize science to �ght COVID-19March 23, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

The Government of Canada is supporting our country’s researchers as they do critical work toprotect the health and safety of all Canadians, and people around the world, during theCOVID-19 outbreak.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced support to quickly mobilize Canadianresearchers and life sciences companies to support large-scale e�orts towardscountermeasures to combat COVID-19, including potential vaccines and treatments.

This $275 million for coronavirus research and medical countermeasures is part of theGovernment of Canada’s more than $1 billion COVID-19 Response Fund. The funding will beused to advance projects that are already underway by university researchers and others torespond to COVID-19, and ensure domestic supply of potential vaccines. These research e�ortscan move quickly, and include:

$192 million in new projects that will be prioritized under the new Strategic InnovationFund COVID-19 stream to deliver direct support to Canadian companies for large-scaleprojects. These companies include:

AbCellera, a Vancouver-based biotech company that has built the world’s leadingtechnology for antibody discovery, is at the forefront of developing antibody-baseddrugs to treat and prevent COVID-19. AbCellera’s technology is being used to searchblood samples of patients who have recovered from COVID-19 to �nd naturally-produced antibodies that can be used for treatment and prevention. AbCellera was the�rst company in North America to receive a sample from a convalescent patient, andwithin days identi�ed over 500 human antibodies that are candidates for developmentas a treatment. The company has partnered with global biopharmaceutical company EliLilly to rapidly manufacture and distribute a treatment with the goal of beginningclinical trials in July 2020.

Medicago, a Quebec City-based company with 20 years of experience in plant-basedvaccines and therapeutics, that has identi�ed a viable plant-based vaccine candidatecurrently at the pre-clinical testing phase. Funding will allow Medicago to rapidly moveforward on clinical trials and then quickly shift to scaling up production for pandemicresponse.

Funding for the University of Saskatchewan’s Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization– International Vaccine Centre (VIDO-InterVac), one of the largest and most advancedinfectious disease research facilities in the world. With $11 million in funding from theCanada Foundation for Innovation, VIDO-InterVac will be able to strengthen its existingexpertise in coronavirus research and to help develop a vaccine for COVID-19. An



additional $12 million from Western Economic Diversi�cation’s Regional Economic GrowthThrough Innovation program will help VIDO-InterVac expand its bio-manufacturingcapacity to support clinical trials.

Funding of $15 million for the National Research Council of Canada to upgrade its HumanHealth Therapeutics facility in Montréal to develop, test and scale-up promising vaccinecandidates to be ready for industrial production. This will involve certifying the facility forGood Manufacturing Practice (GMP) quality assurance to ensure that their humanpharmaceuticals and biologics, including vaccines, are consistently produced andcontrolled. This certi�cation will support a more e�ective roll-out and production ofvaccines, and help ensure that any vaccines produced by the facility can be made availableto Canadians and people around the world more quickly.

Support for BlueDot, a Toronto-based digital health �rm, with a �rst-of-its-kind global earlywarning technology for infectious diseases. The company was one of the �rst in the worldto identify the spread of COVID-19. The Government of Canada, through the Public HealthAgency of Canada, will use its disease analytics platform to support modelling andmonitoring of the spread of COVID 19, and to inform government decision-making as thesituation evolves.

These measures are part of a larger strategy the Government of Canada is implementing toprotect Canadians and prevent the spread of the virus. The whole-of-government strategy willhelp ensure the capacity of our health care system, support international and domestic e�orts,and mitigate the economic impacts on Canadians and Canadian business.

Quotes

“Canada is home to some of the most skilled and brightest researchers in the world,who are working hard to develop countermeasures that will protect the health andsafety of Canadians and support international e�orts to �ght this pandemic. We are allin this together, and need to be doing our part to prevent the spread of the virus.”


“The Government is committed to protecting the health and safety of Canadians. Weare all in this together: Canada is bene�ting from the impressive and innovative powerof Canadian researchers and businesses in our coordinated national approach to �ghtCOVID-19. Together, we are rapidly scaling-up our capacity in research and inmanufacturing the products we will need during the pandemic.”

— The Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry



“Our top priority is protecting the health and well-being of Canadians. We are fundingnearly 100 research teams focused on rapidly developing e�ective methods todiagnose, treat, and manage patients with COVID-19 and on determining how tofurther strengthen our communication with Canadians.”


“In the �ght against COVID-19, we’re enlisting the best of Canadian ingenuity. Throughour whole-of-government approach, we will be able to scale up the e�orts to developa vaccine for COVID-19, thanks in part to the support of our regional economic agenciesacross the country.”

— The Hon. Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and O�cial Languages

Quick Facts

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Canada has supportedCanadian researchers and consulted with experts from around the world to help combatthis new coronavirus.

On March 11, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a $1-billion package to helpCanadians cope with the COVID-19 outbreak (https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/11/prime-minister-outlines-canadas-covid-19-response), which included$275 million for coronavirus research and medical countermeasures.

A rapid research funding competition for projects was also launched to provide newevidence to help address COVID-19. Thanks to federal research funding organizations andresearchers who volunteered their time to urgently review applications, the Governmentof Canada is now providing $52 million in funding for 96 research projects(https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-funds-49-additional-covid-19-research-projects.html). Researchers will focus ondeveloping and implementing measures to rapidly detect, manage, and reduce thetransmission of COVID-19 to help tackle the spread of the virus in Canada and around theworld.

On March 20, 2020, the Prime Minister announced Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to�ght COVID-19 (https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-canadas-plan-mobilize-industry-�ght-covid), which will create pathways todeploy resources to domestic manufacturers and businesses so they can help during thiscritical time.


https://www.canada.ca/en/institutes-health-research/news/2020/03/government-of-canada-funds-49-additional-covid-19-research-projects.html

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-canadas-plan-mobilize-industry-fight-covid

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/20/new-measures-under-canadas-plan-mobilize-industry-fight-covid-19



The Plan introduces new measures(https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/20/new-measures-under-canadas-plan-mobilize-industry-�ght-covid-19) to help these businesses rapidly scale up productionor re-tool their manufacturing lines to develop products made in Canada that will help inthe �ght against COVID-19. These products include critical health and safety supplies andequipment, including personal protective equipment, sanitization products, diagnostic andtesting products, and disease tracking technology.

On March 21, 2020, Minister Bains sent a letter to every university, college, polytechnic andcegep in the country asking them to help identify personal protective equipment, medicalequipment and supplies in laboratories that the government might be able to purchaseduring the crisis. The Minister also asked for help to identify innovative manufacturingsolutions, such as 3D printers, that could help address potential shortages of essentialequipment.

The Chief Science Advisor of Canada (CSA) has assembled a multidisciplinary scienceexpert panel to advise her on the latest scienti�c developments relevant to COVID-19. Thisinformation will assist the CSA in providing current and cross-disciplinary advice to thePrime Minister and government. The expert group is composed of distinguished Canadianscientists and will be meeting on a regular basis to discuss available science and evidencefrom disease modelling, risk perception, diagnostic, and clinical research.

Associated Links


Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic(https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html)


Prime Minister announces new actions under Canada’s COVID-19 response(https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/16/prime-minister-announces-new-actions-under-canadas-covid-19-response)

Prime Minister announces more support for workers and businesses through Canada’sCOVID-19 Economic Response Plan (https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-workers-and-businesses-through)

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/20/new-measures-under-canadas-plan-mobilize-industry-fight-covid-19


https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html


https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/16/prime-minister-announces-new-actions-under-canadas-covid-19-response

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/18/prime-minister-announces-more-support-workers-and-businesses-through

06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces support for farmers and agri-food businesses under Canada’s response to COVID-19 | Prime Minister of Can…

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/23/prime-minister-announces-support-farmers-and-agri-food-businesses 1/3

Prime Minister announces support for farmers andagri-food businesses under Canada’s response toCOVID-19March 23, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

Canadian farmers and food businesses work hard so Canadians have quality food on theirgrocery store shelves and kitchen tables. In these times of uncertainty, it is more importantthan ever to make sure that they are supported so they can continue providing the good,healthy food that nourishes our families.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced important new measures to supportfarmers and agri-food businesses in Canada facing �nancial hardship due to the impacts of theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Farm Credit Canada will receive support from the Government of Canada that will allow for anadditional $5 billion in lending capacity to producers, agribusinesses, and food processors. Thiswill o�er increased �exibility to farmers who face cash�ow issues and to processors who areimpacted by lost sales, helping them remain �nancially strong during this di�cult time.

In addition, all eligible farmers who have an outstanding Advance Payments Program (APP)loan due on or before April 30 will receive a Stay of Default, allowing them an additional sixmonths to repay the loan. This important measure, which represents $173 million in deferredloans, will help keep more money in farmers’ pockets during these critical months.

The Stay of Default will also provide farmers the �exibility they need to manage their cash�owwhen facing lower prices or reduced marketing opportunities. Applicable farmers who stillhave interest-free loans outstanding will have the opportunity to apply for an additional$100,000 interest-free portion for 2020-2021, as long as their total APP advances remain underthe $1 million cap.

The Government of Canada remains committed to supporting Canada’s agricultural sector toensure that farmers and businesses have the support they need to provide for their familiesand all Canadians during this critical time.

Quotes



“Farmers and food producers work hard to put food on tables across our country, andthey should not have to worry about being able to a�ord their loan payments or havingenough money to support their own families. We are taking action now to give themmore �exibility to meet the challenges ahead in these times of uncertainty.”


“Like many Canadians, I am truly grateful for our farmers and food business owners andemployees, who continue working hard so we all have quality food on our grocerystore shelves and kitchen tables. Their continued work is essential to our plan tomanage COVID-19. The measures announced today will provide farmers and foodproducers across the country with important �nancial �exibility they will need duringthese challenging times.”

— The Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

Grains, oilseeds, and pulse producers who participated in the 2018 Stay of Defaultannounced this summer (https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2019/08/crop-producers-granted-extension-to-repay-cash-advances.html), areencouraged to contact their administrator for more details. Cattle, bison, �ower, andpotted plant producers should also contact their APP administrator to enquire about theireligibility for the Stay of Default.

The Advance Payments Program (http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/advance-payments-program/?id=1462198969862) is a �nancial loan guaranteeprogram that provides producers easy access to credit through cash advances. For the 2019program year, there are over 21,000 producers participating and over $3 billion in advances.

Administrators participating in the Stay of Default are the Alberta Sugar Beet Growers,Alberta Wheat Commission, BC Breeder and Feeder Association, Canadian Canola GrowersAssociation, Manitoba Corn Growers Association Inc., Manitoba Livestock Cash AdvanceInc., Western Cash Advance Program Inc., PEI Federation of Agriculture, and theAgricultural Credit Corporation.

Farm Credit Canada is our country’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthyloan portfolio of more than $38 billion. The Crown corporation provides �exible,competitively priced �nancing, management software, information, and knowledgespeci�cally designed for the agriculture and food industries.

https://www.canada.ca/en/agriculture-agri-food/news/2019/08/crop-producers-granted-extension-to-repay-cash-advances.html

http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agricultural-programs-and-services/advance-payments-program/?id=1462198969862

http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/about-our-department/key-departmental-initiatives/canadian-agricultural-partnership/?id=1461767369849



Farmers will continue to have support under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership(http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/about-our-department/key-departmental-initiatives/canadian-agricultural-partnership/?id=1461767369849). The comprehensive suite of business riskmanagement programs are designed to help manage signi�cant �nancial impacts and risksbeyond farmers’ control.

The new deadlines for outstanding Advance Payments Program loans are as follows:September 30, 2020: 2018 cash advances for grains, oilseeds, and pulses.

September 30, 2020: 2018 cash advances for cattle and bison.

October 31, 2020: 2019 cash advances on �owers and potted plants.

Associated Links


Helping Canadians with the economic impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic(https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html)

Advance Payments Program (http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/advance-payments-program/?id=1462198969862)

Farm Credit Canada (https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html)



http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/about-our-department/key-departmental-initiatives/canadian-agricultural-partnership/?id=1461767369849



http://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/programs-and-services/advance-payments-program/?id=1462198969862

https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html



06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces support for small businesses facing impacts of COVID‑19 | Prime Minister of Canada

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/27/prime-minister-announces-support-small-businesses-facing-impacts 1/4

Prime Minister announces support for small businessesfacing impacts of COVID‑19March 27, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

The Government of Canada is focused on helping Canadians and businesses through thistough economic time. We will continue to protect the health and safety of Canadians, whilesupporting families and businesses and keeping our economy strong in the face ofuncertainty.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced additional new measures to supportsmall businesses dealing with the economic impacts of the pandemic. These measures willhelp Canadian businesses protect the jobs that Canadians depend on, and pay their workersand bills during these di�cult times.

Today’s announcement is a part of the government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan,which already commits $107 billion in support to Canadians so they can buy groceries, payrent, and care for their loved ones, and also supports businesses through this di�cult time.

To further support small businesses, the Government of Canada will:

Announce a 75 per cent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months,retroactive to March 15, 2020. This will help businesses to keep and return workers to thepayroll. More details on eligibility criteria will start with the impact of COVID-19 on sales,and will be shared before the end of the month.

Allow businesses, including self-employed individuals, to defer all Goods and ServicesTax/Harmonized Sales Tax (GST/HST) payments until June, as well as customs duties owedfor imports. This measure is the equivalent of providing up to $30 billion in interest-freeloans to Canadian businesses. It will help businesses so they can continue to pay theiremployees and their bills, and help ease cash-�ow challenges across the country.

Launch the new Canada Emergency Business Account. This program will provide up to $25billion to eligible �nancial institutions so they can provide interest-free loans to smallbusinesses. These loans – guaranteed and funded by the Government of Canada – willensure that small businesses have access to the capital they need, at a zero per centinterest rate, so they can pay for rent and other important costs over the next number ofmonths.

Launch the new Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee program that willenable up to $40 billion in lending, supported through Export Development Canada andBusiness Development Bank, for guaranteed loans when small businesses go to their�nancial institutions to help weather the impacts of COVID-19. This is intended for small



and medium-sized companies that require greater help to meet their operational cash �owrequirements.

These new investments will help Canada’s �nancial institutions provide the credit and liquidityoptions that a range of Canadian businesses need immediately.

The Government of Canada understands that some sectors have been disproportionallyimpacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We will continue to carefully monitor all developments,and take further action in the near term. We’re all in this together, and the Government ofCanada will continue to work around the clock to ensure all Canadians and small businessesget the support they need to weather this crisis.

Quotes

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and an important source of goodjobs across this country. They are facing economic hardship and uncertainty during theCOVID-19 pandemic, and that is why we are taking action now to help them get the�nancial help they need to protect their workers and pay their bills.”


“The measures that we are taking to protect Canadians and our economy from theimpacts of the COVID-19 pandemic remind us that extraordinary times demandextraordinary actions. With the new measures we are announcing today to supportbusinesses, we are showing once again that we will do what we must to ensure thatworkers and businesses are supported through the outbreak, and that our economyremains strong in the face of adversity.”

— The Hon. Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance

Quick Facts

The deferral to June of GST/HST payments, as well as customs duties owing on imports,will generally apply to remittances that become due in March, April, and May. Theseamounts would normally have been due to the Canada Revenue Agency and the CanadaBorder Services Agency as early as the end of this month. This measure will take e�ectimmediately, through existing authorities.

The Canada Revenue Agency is introducing a series of administrative measures to removesome of the burden on businesses experiencing �nancial hardship.

The new Canada Emergency Business Account will provide funding to eligible �nancialinstitutions so that they can provide interest-free loans in the form of lines of credit of up



to $40,000 to businesses with payrolls of less than $1 million. A quarter of this loan (upto $10,000) is eligible for complete forgiveness.

The new Small and Medium-sized Enterprise Loan and Guarantee program will operate asfollows:

Export Development Canada will provide guarantees to �nancial institutions so thatthey can issue new operating credit and cash �ow term loans of up to $6.25 million tosmall and medium-sized businesses. These loans will be 80 per cent guaranteed byExport Development Canada, to be repaid within one year.

Small and medium-sized businesses can also get support through a new Co-LendingProgram that will bring the Business Development Bank of Canada together with�nancial institutions to co-lend term loans to these businesses for their operationalcash �ow requirements. Eligible businesses may obtain incremental credit amounts ofup to $6.25 million through the program, which will be risk-shared at 80 per centbetween the Business Development Bank of Canada and the �nancial institutions.Eligible �nancial institutions will conduct the underwriting and funding directly forcustomers.

The government has already introduced several measures to support businesses a�ectedby COVID-19:

Providing eligible small employers a temporary wage subsidy for a period of threemonths. The subsidy will be equal to 10 per cent of remuneration paid during thatperiod, up to a maximum subsidy of $1,375 per employee and $25,000 per employer.Businesses will be able to bene�t immediately from this support by reducing theirremittances of income tax withheld on their employees’ remuneration.

Extending the maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program(https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/eligibility.html), from 38 weeks to 76 weeks, for workers who agree to reducetheir normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of theiremployers.

Establishing a Business Credit Availability Program(https://www.canada.ca/en/department-�nance/programs/�nancial-sector-policy/business-credit-availability-program.html), largely targeted to small andmedium-sized businesses, through the Business Development Bank of Canada andExport Development Canada. These organizations are working closely with privatesector lenders to coordinate on credit solutions for individual businesses, including insectors such as oil and gas, air transportation, and tourism.

Increasing credit available for farmers and the agri-food sector through Farm CreditCanada (https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html).

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/work-sharing/eligibility.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/programs/financial-sector-policy/business-credit-availability-program.html

https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/covid-19.html



Deferring the payment of income taxes. The government is allowing all taxpayers todefer, until after August 31, 2020, the payment of income tax amounts owed on or afterMarch 18 and before September 2020. This relief would apply to tax balances due, aswell as instalments, under Part I of the Income Tax Act. No interest or penalties willaccumulate on these amounts during this period.

Related Product

Additional support for Canadian businesses from the economic impact of COVID-19(http://www.Canada.ca/en/department-�nance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html)

Associated Links



Canada outlines measures to support the economy and the �nancial sector(https://www.canada.ca/en/department-�nance/news/2020/03/canada-outlines-measures-to-support-the-economy-and-the-�nancial-sector.html)

http://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/additional-support-for-canadian-businesses-from-the-economic-impact-of-covid-19.html



https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/canada-outlines-measures-to-support-the-economy-and-the-financial-sector.html

06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces new partnerships with Canadian industries to fight COVID-19 | Prime Minister of Canada

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/31/prime-minister-announces-new-partnerships-canadian-industries-fight 1/4

Prime Minister announces new partnerships withCanadian industries to �ght COVID-19March 31, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

Canadian businesses and manufacturers are stepping up to �ght the COVID-19 pandemic. TheGovernment of Canada is working with these companies to ensure our health care workershave the tools they need to care for Canadians across the country.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced progress under Canada’s Plan toMobilize Industry to �ght COVID-19, which increases Canada’s ability to respond to theoutbreak with necessary medical equipment and supplies.

The Government of Canada is investing $2 billion to support diagnostic testing and topurchase ventilators and protective personal equipment, including for bulk purchases withprovinces and territories. Personal protective equipment includes things like more masks andface shields, gowns, and hand sanitizer.

On March 20, 2020, the Government of Canada called on Canadian businesses andmanufacturers to help deliver critical health supplies. Since then, the government has spokendirectly with almost 3,000 Canadian companies that have o�ered their expertise and capacityto meet the country’s need for personal protective equipment and critical health supplies.

The Government of Canada has signed new procurement agreements with Canadiancompanies Thornhill Medical, Medicom, and Spartan Bioscience to purchase and boostcapacity to manufacture equipment and supplies including portable ventilators, surgicalmasks, and rapid testing kits. The government has ordered millions of supplies to ease thepressure on health care facilities. It has also signed letters of intent with �ve companies –Precision Biomonitoring, Fluid Energy Group Ltd., Irving Oil, Calko Group, and Stan�eld’s – toproduce additional test kits, hand sanitizer, and protective apparel including masks andgowns.

The government welcomes the cooperation of other companies and industries that haveanswered the call to action and o�ered their support in the �ght against the COVID-19pandemic. This includes e�orts from companies to re-tool their facilities and double theirproduction capacity, to collect and donate existing supplies and equipment, and to combineresources to manufacture needed supplies more quickly. Companies like Magna, GeneralMotors, Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada, Ford, Linamar, Shell, Suncor, Alibaba Group, andThe Home Depot have helped Canada’s health care professionals by donating personalprotective and safety equipment and sanitizing supplies.



In addition, $50 million has been made available in funding for members of the NextGeneration Manufacturing Supercluster to develop and scale-up new, in-demandtechnologies, equipment, and medical products. This includes technologies and products totest and treat Canadians, such as novel virus detection tests, vaccines, therapeutics, andsymptom management treatments. It also includes medical equipment to care for Canadians,such as ventilators, peripherals, personal protective equipment, and cleaning and sterilizationchemicals and equipment.

These measures are part of the larger strategy the Government of Canada is implementing toprotect Canadians and prevent the spread of the virus. Collaboration with Canadianmanufacturing and innovation is an important part of this strategy, which will ultimately resultin better health and safety for Canadians, as well as a more resilient health care system.

Quotes

“Canadian companies are answering the call to provide critical support to our healthcare workers, who are on the front lines of our country’s �ght against COVID-19. As thesituation continues to evolve, the Government of Canada will be there to work withCanadian industry to �nd solutions that will support our medical professionals andprotect the health and safety of all Canadians.”


“Our government is mobilizing its resources to confront COVID-19, and Canadianindustry is doing their part. We are in this together. From researchers to business thereis a coordinated e�ort to protect the health and safety of Canadians. Today’sannouncement will help strengthen our country’s response to COVID-19, whilereinforcing our preparedness in responding to future health challenges.”

— The Hon. Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry

“We are taking an aggressive, proactive procurement approach to secure life-savingequipment and supplies. Industry has answered the call and we have successfullytapped into both existing and new supply sources. As a result, we have placed ordersfor millions of essential supplies in the �ght against COVID-19.”

— The Hon. Anita Anand, Minister of Public Services and Procurement

Quick Facts



The Government of Canada will provide additional funding of $1.5 billion over two years,starting in 2019-20, to the Public Health Agency of Canada to support diagnostic testingand the urgent purchase of personal protective equipment, ventilators, and suppliesneeded to respond to COVID-19. The Government will also provide the Public HealthAgency of Canada with a provision of $500 million in 2020-21.

The Government of Canada launched a call to action under Canada’s Plan to MobilizeIndustry to �ght COVID-19, and o�ers have been received from companies with products:

ready to be purchased or ordered, that can be supported through procurementagreements with the Government of Canada

under development, but not yet authorized, for which the Government of Canada canprovide help with the expedited regulatory process through Health Canada

needing technical or �nancial assistance to get into market, and which can besupported by the Government of Canada through the Strategic Innovation Fund, theNational Research Council of Canada’s Industrial Research Assistance Program, ExportDevelopment Canada, and the Business Development Bank of Canada

The Strategic Innovation Fund will allow for rapid support to Canadian companies that areworking on large-scale and later-stage promising research and development projectsaimed at providing medical countermeasures to COVID-19, including vaccines and criticalmedical supplies.

The National Research Council of Canada is partnering with Innovative Solutions Canada tolaunch challenges seeking near-to-market solutions from Canadian small and medium-sized businesses that need �nancial support to re�ne and sell their products or solution tomeet a COVID-19-related need.

The National Research Council of Canada is organizing a COVID-19 Pandemic ResponseChallenge Program, composed of teams of government, academic, and private sectorpartners to speci�c COVID-19 gaps and challenges identi�ed by Canadian health experts.The Challenge Program is structured around three main research themes: rapid detectionand diagnosis, therapeutics and vaccine development, and digital health.

On March 11, 2020, the Government of Canada announced a more than $1 billion package(https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse/government-canada-takes-action-covid-19.html) to helpminimize the health, economic, and social impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak, whichincludes $50 million to help ensure adequate supplies of personal protective equipmentfor provinces and territories, as well as to address federal needs.

Related Product


https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/31/partnerships-canadian-industry-fight-covid-19-pandemic



Partnerships with Canadian industry to �ght the COVID-19 pandemic(/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/31/partnerships-canadian-industry-�ght-covid-19-pandemic)

Associated Links


COVID-19: Changes to Canadian taxes and bene�ts (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html)


Prime Minister announces new actions under Canada’s COVID-19 response(https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/16/prime-minister-announces-new-actions-under-canadas-covid-19-response)


Prime Minister announces Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to �ght COVID-19(https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-canadas-plan-mobilize-industry-�ght-covid)

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/backgrounders/2020/03/31/partnerships-canadian-industry-fight-covid-19-pandemic




https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/16/prime-minister-announces-new-actions-under-canadas-covid-19-response


https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/20/prime-minister-announces-canadas-plan-mobilize-industry-fight-covid

06/04/2020 Prime Minister announces support for food banks and local food organizations | Prime Minister of Canada

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/04/03/prime-minister-announces-support-food-banks-and-local-food 1/3

Prime Minister announces support for food banks andlocal food organizationsApril 3, 2020Ottawa, Ontario

Food banks and local food organizations provide help to Canadians across the country,particularly people and communities most vulnerable to economic uncertainty. Theseorganizations are facing an increased demand for their services, and added pressure fromshortages in donations and volunteers. Now more than ever, they need our support tocontinue o�ering the services Canadians rely on to feel safe and healthy.

The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today announced an investment of $100 million to improveaccess to food for Canadians facing social, economic, and health impacts of the COVID-19pandemic.

The Government of Canada will provide funding to national, regional, and local organizationsacross Canada that are able to reach people and communities experiencing food insecurity.These organizations – including but not limited to Food Banks Canada, Salvation Army,Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada – will workwith partners to meet the urgent food needs of Canadians, including Indigenous peoples andNorthern populations.

This funding will be used to purchase food and other basic necessities. It will help theseorganizations �nd new, creative ways to reach people in need, so they can continue to carryout their important work while respecting physical distancing guidelines. They will be able touse the funding to buy or rent equipment and other materials to help address the uniqueneeds of the communities they serve and the health-related challenges presented by COVID-19.

By supporting Canada’s food banks and local food organizations, we are making surevulnerable Canadians can get the food they need, when they need it most.

Quotes

“Many Canadians rely on food banks and local food organizations to feed their familiesand �nd support in hard times. Now, with more Canadians turning to these supports,and donations and available volunteers decreasing, they need our help more than ever.Today, we are giving food agencies the support they need to keep helping Canadiansthrough this di�cult time.”




“Food banks and local food organizations are on the front lines making sure people getessential food support in their time of need. I encourage all my fellow Members ofParliament to contact the food security organizations in their region to ensure that theentire country is covered. If necessary, other networks will be added to the list ofpartners.”

— The Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Quick Facts

In 2019, there were 1.1 million visits to food banks and 5.6 million meals served on averageeach month. It is expected that visits to food banks will increase signi�cantly due to theCOVID-19 pandemic.

Without additional support, COVID-19 will have a disproportionate impact on vulnerablepopulations who are facing challenges dealing with the health, social, and economicimpacts of the pandemic. Risks of stress and hardship are expected to rise as peoplebecome unable to access the social and community supports on which they usually rely.

The $100 million investment is divided as follows:$50 million to Food Banks Canada

$20 million divided evenly between Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community FoodCentres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada

$30 million for local-level organizations who serve people experiencing food insecurity

Funding will be delivered through the Government of Canada’s Local Food InfrastructureFund. The Fund, launched in the summer of 2019, aims to strengthen food systems andfacilitate access to safe and nutritious food for at-risk populations. Currently, more than360 projects are receiving funding to increase accessibility of healthy, local foods withintheir communities, including through urban gardens, community kitchens, food banks, andgreenhouses.

Eligible activities for this new funding include the purchase of food, support for thetransportation and distribution of food, hiring temporary help to �ll volunteer shortages,and activities to implement biosecurity measures, such as the purchase of personalprotective equipment, to reduce the spread of COVID-19 among volunteers and clients.

The Local Food Infrastructure Fund is part of the Food Policy for Canada, the Government’sroadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada. The Food Policy’sgoal it to ensure that all people in Canada are able to access a su�cient amount of safe,nutritious, and culturally diverse food. It is focused on ensuring that our food system isresilient and innovative, sustains our environment, and supports our economy.



Associated Links


COVID-19: Changes to Canadian taxes and bene�ts (https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/campaigns/covid-19-update.html)

Food Policy for Canada (https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/food-policy.html)

Prime Minister announces support for vulnerable Canadians a�ected by COVID‑19(https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/29/prime-minister-announces-support-vulnerable-canadians-a�ected-covid)



https://www.canada.ca/en/campaign/food-policy.html

https://pm.gc.ca/en/news/news-releases/2020/03/29/prime-minister-announces-support-vulnerable-canadians-affected-covid

NEWS

Ministry of Health

CORRECTION: Province Implementing Enhanced Measures to Protect Ontarians from COVID-19

Extensive Planning to Prepare Province for All Scenarios March 12, 2020 12:12 P.M.

TORONTO — As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve globally, Ontario is taking further

action to ensure the province's health care system is positioned to continue to safeguard the

health and well-being of Ontarians.

Since being formally constituted, Ontario's new Command Table has been refining and finalizing

plans for the implementation of enhanced measures to ensure the province is prepared to

respond quickly and effectively to any scenario, including:

Enhanced access to screening; Expanding lab-testing capacity; and Implementing new initiatives to keep the public and frontline workers safe.

"Ontario's public health system continues to demonstrate remarkable responsiveness to

COVID-19," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "While we have so far

effectively contained new cases of this virus, we are relentlessly focused on planning for any

scenario. We are actively working with our partners at all levels in the health care system to

implement enhanced measures to ensure that we are prepared to protect the health of all

Ontarians."

Enhanced Access to Screening

To rapidly expand screening and ease pressures on hospital emergency departments, Ontario

will immediately establish a number of dedicated assessment centres in areas experiencing

significant growth in testing. Some of the first wave of assessment centres will open in the next

several days, including at William Osler Health System - Peel Memorial site, The Ottawa

Hospital, North York General Hospital, Mackenzie Health, Scarborough Health Network, and

Trillium Health Partners. These centres are located in dedicated spaces that will facilitate high-

quality care, to protect broader patient populations.

https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-implementing-enhanced-measures-to-safeguard-public-from-covid-19.html

Additional assessment centres will be established across the province in the coming weeks.

Regions without an assessment centre will continue to be serviced by their local hospital or

primary care settings.

Ontario has also approved new physician billing codes for telephone assessments, enabling

doctors to conduct more assessments over the phone rather than in their clinic, helping to keep

patients at home rather than in primary care settings where they would co-mingle with others.

In the coming days, the province will also launch a new COVID-19 self-assessment tool on

its dedicated web page (Ontario.ca/coronavirus). This new tool will take the public through a

series of questions to help inform those who are concerned about having contracted COVID-19

about how they can seek care based on their needs.

Ontario is working closely with Telehealth to ensure adequate support to handle increased call

volumes and is committed to allocating additional resources as needed to ensure timely

responses for Ontarians. In addition to continuing to review virtual care capacity, including

further expanding Telehealth and encouraging virtual care uptake, the Command Table has

initiated early planning for the implementation of at-home testing, all of which will support caring

for people at home.

Expanding Lab-Testing Capacity

Working with Public Health Ontario and Ontario Health, the province is working to enhance

laboratory testing capacity across the province to rapidly mobilize, monitor and coordinate

COVID-19 testing.

Laboratory testing is also being conducted on other respiratory samples from hospital

emergency departments and long-term care homes in order to identify and quickly respond to

any unknown cases of COVID-19.

Protecting the Public and Frontline Workers

To ensure Ontarians have access to credible and up-to-date information on how to maintain

their health and the health of their families, Ontario has launched a provincewide public

education campaign. The campaign, which includes search, social, print and radio ads on

every-day steps Ontarians can take to keep themselves safe, is in addition to the resources

available on Ontario.ca/coronavirus. This dedicated web page is now being updated twice a day

(10:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EST), seven days a week, with relevant information on any new

cases and includes fact sheets translated in nearly 30 distinct languages.

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus


As the global and local situation evolves, the Command Table will continue to evaluate the

latest evidence to provide ongoing guidance to the public and providers. Ontario has issued

updated guidelines to long-term care homes to ensure active screening for all staff, volunteers,

family members, as well as new and returning residents, and will do so for retirement homes

shortly. Ontario will continue to update guidelines for other health care facilities in response to

the evolving situation.

In addition to these extensive planning measures, Ontario is providing stability to municipalities

as they complete 2021 budget planning by committing to extending one-time mitigation funding

for an additional calendar year for the province's public health units. This action ensures that

historical municipal adjustments remain capped at 10 per cent, and recognizes the considerable

time and resources necessary for public health units to effectively respond to COVID-19.

Extending mitigation funding would keep municipal funding levels for public health units in

calendar year 2021 at the same level as calendar year 2020. This is in addition to the up to

$100 million COVID-19 Contingency Fund announced yesterday.

QUICK FACTS

Last week, Ontario established a new Command Table to serve as a single point of oversight providing executive leadership and strategic direction to guide the ongoing response to this new virus.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

There is no vaccine available to protect against COVID-19, but there are every-day actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. To find out more visit Ontario's website.

LEARN MORE

Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Learn about travel advisories related to the 2019 novel coronavirus. If you are a health care professional, learn how to protect yourself and your patients by

reading our guidance documents.

David Jensen Communications Branch

[email protected] 416-314-6197 Hayley Chazan Senior Manager, Media Relations

[email protected]

Available Online Disponible en Français





https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/travel-health-notices

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/2019_guidance.aspx

http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/correction-province-implementing-enhanced-measures-to-protect-ontarians-from-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/fr/2020/03/la-province-met-en-oeuvre-des-mesures-renforcees-pour-proteger-les-ontariens-contre-la-covid-19-1.html

NEWS

Office of the Premier

Premier Ford Announces Job Protection for Workers during the COVID-19 Situation

Ontario to Protect Workers who Take Leaves from Work March 16, 2020 11:15 A.M.

TORONTO — Ontario is acting immediately to protect workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Today, Premier Doug Ford and Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, announced that the government intends to introduce legislation that, if passed, would immediately provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures.

"While everyone's concerns about their health and safety is top of mind, the last thing we need

is anyone worrying about job security as the COVID-19 situation evolves," said Premier Ford.

"That's why I directed the Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development to draft legislation

that will protect workers and their families during this difficult period."

"Mothers and fathers who need to care for children or dependants shouldn't have to worry about

losing their job," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

"The same goes for people who receive medical or public health advice and are required to take

precautions as a result. They shouldn't have to worry about losing their job. In this time of

uncertainty, we need to support employees who must isolate or quarantine themselves, or who

need to care for a loved one."

The proposed legislation would, if passed, provide job protection for employees unable to work

for the following reasons:

· The employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19.

· The employee is acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and

Promotion Act.

· The employee is in isolation or quarantine.

· The employee is acting in accordance with public health information or direction.

· The employer directs the employee not to work.

· The employee needs to provide care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19 such as a

school or day-care closure.

The proposed legislation would also make it clear that an employee will not be required to

provide a medical note if they take the leave. The measures would be retroactive to January 25,

2020, the date that the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario.

Many workers will be eligible for Employment Insurance sickness benefits. As well, we are

reviewing current access and eligibility to emergency assistance which is available through the

Ontario Works (OW) program to support individuals who are impacted by the coronavirus and

who are not able to meet their basic living expenses.

"The health and well-being of Ontarians continues to be our government's number one priority,"

said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We are actively working with our

partners at all levels in the health care system and implementing enhanced and comprehensive

measures to prevent the spread of this virus and protect the health of all Ontarians."

"These job protections could also contribute significantly to limiting the spread of COVID-19,"

said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "We are giving everyone the tools they need to put their

health and the health of others first, without fear of losing their jobs."

Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from

COVID-19.

Ivana Yelich Premier's Office

[email protected] Bradley Metlin Minister's Office

[email protected]


https://www.ontario.ca/fr/page/nouveau-coronavirus-2019

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/premier-ford-announces-job-protection-for-workers-during-the-covid-19-situation.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/premier-ford-announces-job-protection-for-workers-during-the-covid-19-situation.html

NEWS


Job Protection for Workers during the COVID-19 Situation Ontario to Protect Workers who Take Leaves from Work

March 16, 2020 11:15 A.M. Today, the government announced it intends to introduce legislation that, if passed, would immediately provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures.

The proposed legislation would, if passed, provide job protection for employees unable to work

for the following reasons:

· The employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19.

· The employee is acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and

Promotion Act.

· The employee is in isolation or quarantine.

· The employee is acting in accordance with public health information or direction.

· The employer directs the employee not to work.

· The employee needs to provide care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19 such as a

school or day-care closure.

The proposed legislation would also make it clear that an employee will not be required to

provide a medical note if they take the leave. The measures would be retroactive to January 25,

2020, the date that the first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario.

Helping ensure the health and safety of Ontario workers and workplaces

Employers and workers in the health sector should be following the Ministry of Health COVID-19

Guidance for the Health Sector.

The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is responding to inquiries regarding

worker protections for COVID-19 and continues to investigate all complaints related to

workplace health and safety to provide support, advice and enforcement, including proactive

inspections as needed to ensure the health and safety of Ontario's workers.



Employers are required to report all occupational illnesses, including COVID-19, to the Ministry

of Labour, Training and Skills Development in writing within four days. Employers are also

required to notify their joint health and safety committee or a health and safety representative

and a trade union, if they exist.

Workers in other settings should be following the Ministry of Health's recommendations on how

to protect yourself. For the most up-to-date information on how individuals can protect

themselves and what to do if they suspect they may be at risk, please visit

Ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Employers and workers are advised that isolation and monitoring requirements are in place for

people who are at risk for COVID-19.

Normal practices for cleaning and disinfection procedures should always be followed unless

your employer provides additional instructions.

Reviewing Access to Emergency Assistance

As part of the government's response to COVID-19, the Ministry of Children, Community and

Social Services is reviewing access to and eligibility for emergency assistance that is currently

available through the Ontario Works program. You can apply online or contact your local

Ontario Works office. A simplified application form will be available over the coming days.



[email protected]



https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/apply_online.aspx

https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/ow/contacts/ow_contacts.aspx


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/job-protection-for-workers-during-the-covid-19-situation.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/mesures-visant-a-proteger-les-emplois-en-ontario-face-a-la-covid-1.html

NEWS

Ministry of Health

Province Expanding Telehealth Ontario Resources

Ensuring Timely Responses for Ontarians March 16, 2020 8:15 A.M.

TORONTO — As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve locally and globally, Ontario is

taking further action to ensure the province's health care system is prepared to continue to

protect the health and well-being of Ontarians.

Working closely with Telehealth Ontario, the province is rapidly expanding service capacity to

ensure timely responses. This is a critical step to help address the increased daily call volumes

and reduce call wait times.

"By immediately expanding Telehealth's resources, we can significantly reduce the time it takes

for Ontarians to receive the information they need to stay safe and healthy," said Christine

Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We are also initiating further discussions with our

nursing partners to ensure there are Telehealth resources in place moving forward as COVID-

19 continues to evolve. We will be ready for any scenario."

Phase 1: Immediately Increase Resources to Reduce Call Wait Times

Yesterday, the province and Ontario Health started to deploy approximately 130 nurses to

conduct symptom assessments and referrals among callers who request a callback. Nurses will

work from existing regional offices to provide immediate support and respond to callers seeking

a callback to help mitigate current wait times.

To onboard these additional nursing resources, Telehealth has developed a specific training

package for newly added nurses to expedite their ability to provide callback support

immediately. Telehealth will also increase intake staff to reduce wait times for initial contact with

a Telehealth representative.

Telehealth has been providing valuable support to the Ministry's Emergency Operations Centre

(MEOC) since the beginning of the COVID-19 outbreak in mid-January. In February, Telehealth

began to add additional resources to manage increased daily call volumes, including seven full-

time Registered Nurses and 10 customer service representatives.

Phase 2: Continue to Manage COVID-19 Call Volumes

While implementation of Phase 1 is currently underway, Ontario and Telehealth have already

begun planning rollout of Phase 2. To further increase intake and nursing capacity over the

coming days and weeks, Ontario is actively working with the Registered Nurses' Association of

Ontario (RNAO) to identify support for Telehealth from its 44,000 registered nurse members.

The province has also started to explore existing non-clinical resources within the Ontario Public

Service and other broader public sector organizations to support Telehealth's call volumes.

In order to be prepared to be nimble and effective in any scenario, Ontario is also exploring a

partnership with organizations which have existing health care call centres to provide symptom

assessment for COVID-19 to callers requesting a callback.

"We understand that people are anxious to get the advice about next steps as soon as possible,

which is why the capacity of Telehealth is being enhanced," says Dr. David Williams, Ontario's

Chief Medical Officer of Health. "But unless you are experiencing severe symptoms or a medical

emergency, the best place for you to stay is at home until you receive advice, which will often be

to stay home and self-monitor."

In addition to enhancing capacity at Telehealth, Ontario has approved new physician billing

codes to enable doctors to continue to provide routine health care services by video and

telephone, including assessment of possible COVID-19 symptoms. This will help keep patients

at home rather than in their doctor's office where they would be in close contact with others.

Ontario has also established dedicated assessment centres in areas experiencing significant

growth in COVID-19 testing, with additional centres being established across the province in the

coming weeks. Before visiting an assessment centre, individuals should first seek guidance on

whether it is appropriate for them to do so. Ontarians can do so by using a new online self-

assessment tool, calling Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 or calling their local public health

unit. People should not go to an assessment centre unless they have symptoms of the COVID-

19.

QUICK FACTS

Telehealth Ontario is a free, confidential, provincial service that provides 24/7 access to health advice and information from a Registered Nurse to all Ontarians in 300 languages.

During this COVID-19 outbreak, Telehealth triages callers, provides information, assessment and depending on symptoms will inform patients on how to self-isolate.

To date, there have been more than 8,000 COVID-19 related calls.

https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/correction-province-implementing-enhanced-measures-to-protect-ontarians-from-covid-19.html

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-self-assessment

LEARN MORE






[email protected]





http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/province-expanding-telehealth-ontario-resources.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/fr/2020/03/la-province-accroit-les-ressources-de-telesante-ontario.html

NEWS


Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public

Significantly Enhanced Measures will Help Contain Spread of COVID-19 March 17, 2020 9:13 A.M.

TORONTO - Today, the Government of Ontario announced that it is taking decisive action by

making an order declaring an emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) the Emergency Management and

Civil Protection Act. In doing so, Ontario is using every power possible to continue to protect the

health and safety of all individuals and families.

"We are facing an unprecedented time in our history," said Premier Ford. "This is a decision that

was not made lightly. COVID-19 constitutes a danger of major proportions. We are taking this

extraordinary measure because we must offer our full support and every power possible to help

our health care sector fight the spread of COVID-19. The health and wellbeing of every Ontarian

must be our number one priority."

As a result of this declaration and its associated orders, the following establishments are legally

required to close immediately:

All facilities providing indoor recreational programs; All public libraries; All private schools as defined in the Education Act; All licensed child care centres; All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food

and delivery; All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art

forms, as well as cinemas that show movies; and Concert venues.

Further, all organized public events of over fifty people are also prohibited, including parades

and events and communal services within places of worship. These orders were approved by

the Lieutenant Governor in Council and will remain in place until March 31, 2020, at which point

they will be reassessed and considered for extension, unless this order is terminated earlier.

"We are acting on the best advice of our Chief Medical Officer of Health and other leading public

health officials across the province," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of

Health. "We know these measures will affect people's every day lives, but they are necessary to

ensure that we can slow the spread of COVID-19 and protect our people. We're working with all

partners across the system, from public health to hospitals and community care, to do

everything we can to contain this virus and ensure that the system is prepared to respond to any

scenario."

"Our government is taking an important step to protect Ontarians by declaring a provincial

emergency through the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, establishing Ontario's

ability to quickly implement and enforce orders in the public interest," said Solicitor General

Jones. "Our government will continue to respond to this outbreak by limiting the exposure of

individuals to COVID-19 and ensure the health and well-being of all Ontarians."

Ontario is also investing up to $304 million to enhance the province's response to COVID-19 by

providing the following:

$100 million for increased capacity in hospitals to assist with the effective treatment of COVID-19 patients both in critical care and medicine beds.

$50 million for more testing and screening through public health, including additional funding to support extraordinary costs incurred to monitor, detect and contain COVID-19 in the province. This includes contact tracing, increased laboratory testing capacity and home testing.

$50 million to further protect frontline workers, first responders and patients by increasing the supply of personal protective equipment and other critical supplies and equipment to protect them.

$25 million to support frontline workers working in COVID-19 assessment centres, including the creation of a new fund to provide respite care, child care services and other supports as they are needed.

$50 million for long-term care homes to support 24/7 screening, additional staffing to support infection control and additional supplies.

$20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, gender-based services and protective care for children and youth to support additional staffing, respite for caregivers impacted by school closures, personal protective equipment and supplies and transportation costs to minimize client exposure and to support social distancing, as well as additional cleaning costs.

$5 million to protect seniors in retirement homes through increased infection control and active screening procedures.

$4 million for Indigenous communities to support transportation costs for health care professionals and the distribution of critical supplies.

QUICK FACTS

The increased funding includes investments from Ontario’s previously-announced COVID-19 Contingency Fund, as well as funding provided by the federal government.

Coronaviruses are a large family of viruses that can cause illnesses ranging from the common cold to more serious respiratory infections like bronchitis, pneumonia or severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS).

There is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus, but there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. To find out more visit Ontario's website.


LEARN MORE



reading our guidance documents. For public inquiries call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (Toll-free in

Ontario only)


[email protected] Hayley Chazan Minister's Office

[email protected]


https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus?_ga=2.46720167.1889916175.1584244206-592405970.1576625473



http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-enacts-declaration-of-emergency-to-protect-the-public.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-declare-la-situation-durgence-pour-proteger-la-population.html

NEWS

Ministry of Transportation

Ontario Extending Validation Periods for Driver, Vehicle and Carrier Products, Services and Health Cards

New Measures and Regulations Will Reduce In-person Visits to Help Contain Spread of COVID-19

March 19, 2020 12:00 P.M.

Ontario continues to take decisive action to protect the health and safety of all individuals and

families.

As part of the province's enhanced measures, the Ministry of Transportation and Ministry of

Health, in cooperation with the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and

ServiceOntario, is extending the validity period of driving products, services and health cards.

These changes reduce the need for in-person visits to ServiceOntario, International Registration

Plan offices and DriveTest centres during the COVID-19 outbreak, helping to promote social

distancing and contain the spread of the virus.

These new regulations include extensions for driver licences, licence plate validation, Ontario

Photo Cards, and Commercial Vehicle Operator Registration certificates, among others.

Expiring and expired health cards will continue to provide access to health services.

The Ministry of Transportation is also automatically extending the due dates for medical or

vision reports, which both reduces the need for in-person visits, but also ensures that patients

do not need to visit their doctors, helping the health system to focus on containing COVID-19.

"We have a responsibility to Ontarians to ensure that we take every possible step to enable

social distancing and stop the spread of COVID-19," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and

Minister of Health. "By implementing these additional measures, Ontarians can avoid putting

themselves at risk and will continue to have access to the services that they need, when they

need them."

This extension will be in place until such time that, based on the advice of Ontario's Chief

Medical Officer of Health and public health officials, the current situation improves.

"We're working with all partners across the system to do everything we can to contain this virus

and ensure that the system is prepared to respond to any scenario," said Caroline Mulroney,

Minister of Transportation. "These changes will help relieve the burden already faced by

Ontarians and businesses by providing more time to renew their licences and permits without

being penalized, while also reducing the need for in-person visits."

The Ministry of Transportation will continue to deliver time-critical services, including Motor

Vehicle Inspection Station Stock orders and Single-Trip Oversize/Overweight permits.

"We urge our customers not to visit a ServiceOntario centre unless absolutely necessary," said

Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. "We encourage people to

complete transactions online or use the extended validation period, and to follow the advice of

our medical professions and stay at home."

As per advice from the Chief Medical Officer, we are encouraging everyone to take appropriate

measures to protect themselves from the novel coronavirus. This includes staying home if you

are sick and avoiding contact with people who are sick.

QUICK FACTS

The public can visit ServiceOntario.ca for a full list of products and services that are affected by this change.

More than 40 services are already available online – please visit ServiceOntario.ca/services for more detail.

There is no vaccine available to protect against the 2019 novel coronavirus, but there are everyday actions that can help prevent the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses. To find out more visit Ontario's website.

LEARN MORE


Christina Salituro Minister’s Office

[email protected] Communications Branch [email protected] 416-327-1158


https://www.ontario.ca/page/services?utm_source=so&utm_medium=keyword&utm_campaign=original%2F




http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2020/03/ontario-extending-validation-periods-for-driver-vehicle-and-carrier-products-services-and-health-car.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/fr/2020/03/lontario-prolonge-les-periodes-de-validation-des-produits-services-pour-les-conducteurs-les-vehicule.html

NEWS


Ontario Extending Validation Periods for Driver, Vehicle and Carrier Products, Services and Health Cards

March 19, 2020 12:00 P.M.

We are extending the validity of government driver, vehicle, carrier products and services as

well as health cards. This is in an effort to help keep people safe and reduce the need for in-

person visits to ServiceOntario, International Registration Plan offices and DriveTest centres to

contain the spread of COVID-19.

Changes include:

Extending drivers' licences expiration dates, temporary drivers' licences (TDL), driving instructor (DI) licence and driving schools, Ontario Photo Card (OPC).

Extending the Enhanced Driver's Licence (EDL) expiration date for driving purposes only. The expired EDL will not be valid as a travel document.

Temporary rules governing Conduct Review Program. Extending time limits for driver training programs time limitations. Extending over 1-year and under 3-year provisions for driver's licences.   Extending Valtags validation including International Registration Plan (IRP) Valtags. Extending 10-day special permits and temporary validation.  Extending the requirement to register a vehicle (including snow vehicles) within six

days.  Extending the requirement to change address or vehicle modification within six days.  Extending the Safety Standards Certificate and Structural Inspection Certificate. Extending of International Registration Plan (IRP) Cab Cards. Extending the Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration (CVOR), annual

oversize/overweight permits and semi-annual and annual vehicle inspections. Amending the effective date for on-board diagnostic emission test for heavy diesel

commercial vehicles from July 1, 2020 to Oct 1, 2020. Extending expiration dates for Receipts from online renewals beyond 14 days. If you are required to submit a medical or vision report to the Ministry of Transportation,

we are extending your due date by 60 days or more. Temporarily suspending Ontario's Senior Driver Licence Renewal Program which

requires drivers aged 80 and over to attend an in-person session for road safety training and cognitive testing, every two years, to renew their driver's licence.

We know that OHIP health cards may be expiring or have already expired. Expiring and expired

health cards will continue to provide you access to the health services you need.

More information about the changes can be found by visiting ServiceOntario.ca.

NEWS

Ministry of the Attorney General

Ontario Protecting Critical Front-Line Justice Services in Response to COVID-19

March 19, 2020 11:00 A.M. TORONTO — Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Doug Downey, Attorney General, issued the following statement in response to COVID-19 and the government's commitment to keep communities safe while continuing to hold offenders accountable:

"The health and well-being of Ontarians is our government's number one priority. This

commitment extends across the vast network of justice partners and individuals who interact

with the justice system on a daily basis.

We are working around the clock with our partners to respond to this constantly evolving public

health issue. Adjustments are being made throughout the justice system to minimize disruption

and continue to provide seamless, responsive justice services to all Ontarians, particularly the

most vulnerable members of our communities.

Technology Solutions and Prioritizing Urgent Matters

To sustain these efforts and to address health and safety concerns raised by legal service

professionals, Ontario courts and tribunals are limiting in-person proceedings and making use of

audio and video conferencing to hear priority matters remotely, where possible. Justice partners

are working collaboratively to develop and deploy technology solutions and other innovative

tools across the province to ensure urgent matters can be heard without needing to appear in

person. This approach will also help to mitigate the potential impacts of possible service

disruptions. Courts and tribunals are also deferring non-urgent matters until they can be

managed safely and securely.

Ontario's judges and justices of the peace continue to prioritize critical matters such as criminal

and child protection proceedings. There is strong collaboration across the system to ensure that

urgent and priority legal matters continue to be heard before our courts and tribunals.

All Tribunals Ontario in-person proceedings, including at the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal,

Landlord and Tenant Board and Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario, are postponed and will be

rescheduled at a later date. Where feasible, alternative hearing options such as written and

telephone hearings will be considered. Front-line counter services will be closed until further

notice.

We are also working very closely with our partners and colleagues in Ontario's court systems to

ensure Ontarians can see justice done while also prioritizing the protection of public health in

the province. The following actions have been taken across the justice system:

The Superior Court of Justice has suspended all regular court operations until further notice, while continuing to hear urgent matters during this emergency period.

All sittings of the Small Claims Court in Ontario are suspended until further notice. The Ontario Court of Justice has established procedures to reduce the number of people

who attend court in-person for criminal and family matters. All non-urgent matters have been adjourned.

All Provincial Offences Act matters scheduled up to and including April 3, 2020 will be adjourned and rescheduled to a later date. Tickets, fines or other court business may be handled online.

The Court of Appeal has suspended all scheduled appeals until April 3, 2020. During this period, urgent appeals will be heard based on either the written materials or remotely.

Keeping People Safe

We are committed to ensuring Ontarians remain safe and secure during this challenging time

and are looking at all tools to help individuals and families stay in their homes. As part of this

approach, the Ministry of the Attorney General has been granted an order suspending the

enforcement of residential evictions until ordered otherwise by the court. Tribunals Ontario will

not issue any new eviction orders until further notice. Sheriff's offices have been asked to

postpone any scheduled enforcement of eviction orders currently set for this week.

We want to thank our partners at the Superior and Ontario Courts of Justice, Tribunals Ontario,

and the front-line workers across our justice system who are working hard to keep everyone

safe and healthy while maintaining the administration of justice in our province.

Ontario takes the health and safety of court users, staff and the judiciary very seriously. As this

public health situation evolves, the government is committed to providing Ontarians with safe

and reliable access to critical front-line services, including supporting the delivery of justice at its

courthouses and tribunals. We are closely monitoring developments and will continue to provide

updates as the situation evolves."

LEARN MORE


Ontarians can file family, civil or small claims online Superior Court of Justice


https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-divorce-application-online

https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-civil-claim-online

https://www.ontario.ca/page/file-small-claims-online

https://www.ontariocourts.ca/scj/

Ontario Court of Justice Tribunals Ontario’s new policy for hearings Legal Aid Ontario for information updates For more information about online tools and services for legal professionals, visit the

Law Society of Ontario and LAWPRO.

Hayley Chazan Minister's Office, Press Secretary, Ministry of Health

416-726-9941 David Jensen Communications Branch, Ministry of Health

416-314-6197 Jenessa Crognali Minister’s Office

[email protected] Brian Gray Communications Branch

[email protected] 416-326-2210


https://www.ontariocourts.ca/ocj/

http://www.sjto.gov.on.ca/sjto-august-15-2019new-tribunals-ontario-french-language-services-policy-2/

https://www.legalaid.on.ca/

https://www.lso.ca/home

https://www.lawpro.ca/

http://news.ontario.ca/mag/en/2020/03/ontario-taking-action-to-protect-critical-front-line-justice-services-in-response-to-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mag/fr/2020/03/lontario-protege-les-services-de-justice-de-premiere-ligne-dimportance-critique-face-a-la-covid-19.html

NEWS


Ontario Supporting Workers, Municipalities and Retailers in Response to COVID-19

Emergency Sitting Sees Two Critical Pieces of Legislation Receive Unanimous Consent March 19, 2020 2:25 P.M.

TORONTO ― Today, the Ontario government took unprecedented action to respond to COVID-

19 by convening an emergency sitting of the legislature and passing two pieces of legislation

which will protect the jobs of employees who self-isolate or quarantine, help keep store shelves

stocked and give municipal councils the flexibility to continue operations while maintaining social

distance.

The legislation passed with unanimous consent by only 26 MPPs. The number of members

participating in this extraordinary session was intentionally kept small in order to practice social

distancing and help prevent the spread of COVID-19. A first in Ontario history.

"I want to thank all parties for coming together to pass this important legislation so we can

deliver immediate relief to Ontario workers and families," said Premier Doug Ford. "The health

and safety of the people of Ontario is our number one priority and that's why we are protecting

the jobs of workers and making sure that essentials like groceries, household basics, and

medicine can arrive on store shelves. We must work together as Team Ontario to slow the

spread of COVID-19 and flatten the curve."

The Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 provides

job-protected leave for employees who are in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those

who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures or

to care for other relatives. These measures are retroactive to January 25, 2020, the date the

first presumptive COVID-19 case was confirmed in Ontario. The legislation will also make it

clear employees cannot be required to show sick notes.

"During this time of great uncertainty, the last thing employees should have to worry about is job

security," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

"People can't be punished for following the advice of our leading medical health professionals."

The Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 will ensure that for the near future, the delivery of goods to

Ontario's businesses and consumers isn't impacted by municipal noise by-laws that may

unintentionally be impeding such deliveries when they are most urgently needed. The legislation

also gives municipalities the ability to fully conduct Council, local board and committee meetings

electronically when faced with local and province-wide emergencies, empowering the

government's municipal partners to respond quickly when in-person meetings cannot be held.

"These changes will assist in getting goods to market in a more expeditious manner. Our

government wants to do everything we can to help connect distribution centres with grocery

stores and pharmacies to replenish empty shelves more quickly," said Steve Clark, Minister of

Municipal Affairs and Housing. "As well, we are helping communities respond to this crisis by

allowing councils to conduct meetings remotely. These changes empower municipalities to

respond quickly and continue to function when in-person meetings cannot be held, and council

decisions need to be made."



[email protected] Julie O'Driscoll Minister's Office

Julie.O'[email protected]


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-supporting-workers-municipalities-and-retailers-in-response-to-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-soutient-les-travailleurs-et-les-travailleuses-les-municipalites-et-les-detaillants-face-a.html

NEWS


Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020

March 19, 2020 2:25 P.M. The Ontario Legislature has passed the Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020 to provide job-protected leave to employees in isolation or quarantine due to COVID-19, or those who need to be away from work to care for children because of school or day care closures or to care for other relatives.

Job-protected leave

The act provides job protection for employees unable to work for the following reasons:

The employee is under medical investigation, supervision or treatment for COVID-19. The employee is acting in accordance with an order under the Health Protection and

Promotion Act. The employee is in isolation or quarantine in accordance with public health information

or direction. The employer directs the employee not to work due to a concern that COVID-19 could

be spread in the workplace. The employee needs to provide care to a person for a reason related to COVID-19 such

as a school or day-care closure. The employee is prevented from returning to Ontario because of travel restrictions.

An employee will be able to take infectious disease emergency leave to care for the following

individuals:

The employee's spouse. A parent, step-parent or foster parent of the employee or the employee's spouse. A child, step-child or foster child of the employee or the employee's spouse. A child who is under legal guardianship of the employee or the employee's spouse. A brother, step-brother, sister or step-sister of the employee. A grandparent, step-grandparent, grandchild or step-grandchild of the employee or the

employee's spouse. A brother-in-law, step-brother-in-law, sister-in-law or step-sister-in-law of the employee. A son-in-law or daughter-in-law of the employee or the employee's spouse. An uncle or aunt of the employee or the employee's spouse. A nephew or niece of the employee or the employee's spouse. The spouse of the employee's grandchild, uncle, aunt, nephew or niece. A person who considers the employee to be like a family member, provided the

prescribed conditions, if any, are met. Any individual prescribed as a family member for the purposes of this section.

The act also makes it clear that an employee will not be required to provide a medical note if

they need to take the leave. However, the employer may require the employee to provide other

evidence that is reasonable in the circumstances, at a time that is reasonable in the

circumstances. This could include such requests as a note from the daycare or for evidence that

the airline cancelled a flight, but not a medical note.

These measures are retroactive to January 25, 2020, the date that the first presumptive COVID-

19 case was confirmed in Ontario. They will remain in place until COVID-19 is defeated.

Who does this apply to?

Most employees and employers in Ontario are covered by the provisions in this legislation,

whether they work full-time, part-time, are students, temporary help agency assignment

employees, or casual workers.

It does not apply to people in sectors that fall under federal jurisdiction, including employees

working for banks, airports, inter-provincial and international rail, and federal crown

corporations.

Helping ensure the health and safety of Ontario workers and workplaces

Employers and workers in the health sector should be following the Ministry of Health COVID-19

Guidance for the Health Sector.

Workers in other settings should be following the Ministry of Health's recommendations on how

to protect yourself. For the most up-to-date information on how individuals can protect

themselves and what to do if they suspect they may be at risk, please

visit Ontario.ca/coronavirus.

Employer Obligations

Currently under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, if an employer is advised a worker is ill

resulting from an exposure at work (including COVID-19), or a claim has been filed with the

Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) with respect to COVID-19 exposure at work, the

employer must notify the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development in writing within

four days. The employer must also notify the workplace joint health and safety committee or a

health and safety representative and trade union, if any.



[email protected] Julie O'Driscoll Minister's Office

Julie.O'[email protected]




http://www.ontario.ca/coronavirus

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/employment-standards-amendment-act-infectious-disease-emergencies-2020.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/loi-de-2020-modifiant-la-loi-sur-les-normes-demploi-situations-durgence-liees-a-une-maladie-infectie.html

NEWS


Ontario Urges Business to Join the Fight Against COVID-19 New Government Website Removes Barriers for Companies to Provide Essential

Goods and Services March 21, 2020 1:00 P.M.

TORONTO — The Ontario Government is launching Ontario Together, a new website that will help businesses and their employees work with the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19. This initiative will remove barriers allowing Ontario's manufacturing sector to redeploy capacity towards the production of essential equipment like ventilators, masks and swabs.

Today's announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford and Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic

Development, Job Creation and Trade, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health,

Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance and Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers'

Association (APMA).

"We're ready to mobilize our manufacturing might to help the entire country and we want

Ontario to become the workshop of Canada," said Premier Ford. "Extraordinary times call for

extraordinary efforts and we are already seeing people stepping up and offering to help out as

we deal with this unprecedented situation. This is a true demonstration of Ontario Spirit."

Ontario Together will identify the province's supply challenges and solicit ideas and advice from

Ontario's business and manufacturing communities on how the government can work together

to meet the need. Through the portal, companies will be able to submit proposals for the

government to procure required goods and services and share creative solutions quickly.

"We're looking forward to leveraging Ontario's world class manufacturing and IT sectors to

provide the necessary assistance to combat COVID-19," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic

Development, Job Creation and Trade. "Ontario's businesses have shown they are ready and

willing to work with us, and we urge them to join our government in finding made-in-Ontario

solutions to ensure we continue to stay well supplied."

"Ontario is home to some of the world's best hospitals led by dedicated professionals who are

working around-the-clock to identify, diagnose and treat our population to manage and slow the

spread of COVID-19," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "If we are

going to stop the spread of this virus, we will need a steady stream of medical products and

supplies to treat patients and keep frontline workers safe and healthy."

http://ontario.ca/ontariotogether


Through the Ontario Together website, the government will be partnering with some of the most

innovative people across Canada and around the world, in order to redirect resources and

explore new ways of doing business creatively and efficiently.

"Responding to COVID-19 is requiring all of us to think outside of the box and move quickly,"

said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. "By relying on status-quo

procurement tools and techniques we will be unable to keep up with this rapidly evolving

situation. Ontario Together will help us overcome the unique challenges we are facing today."

QUOTES

" How firmly this government responded to the crisis of our times will be the only measure that

will matter when Ontario is successful in its defence of public health."

- Flavio Volpe

President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association (APMA)

" Manufacturing is a key part of our economy and a critical infrastructure. More than ever, our

sector and supply chains need support to address the challenges related to the COVID-19

crisis. We greatly appreciate the government for taking the initiative to launch a procurement

tool that will remove barriers and help Ontario manufacturers and their employees continue to

play an essential role in solving this crisis."

- Dennis Darby

President and CEO, Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME)

" Our members are working hard to develop tests, treatments, vaccines and many other

products to combat COVID-19. This portal will help facilitate partnerships between the private

and public sectors as we respond to the current health crisis. LSO applauds the provincial

government's leadership at this critical time."

- Dr. Jason Field

President and CEO, Life Sciences Ontario (LSO)

" A smart way to help Ontario’s economy in these challenging times is by procuring products

and services from our innovative small and medium sized businesses and technology scale-ups

that can directly reduce the spread of COVID-19. We welcome the government’s efforts to ‘

flatten the curve’ by engaging domestic innovators, and we encourage all companies in the

health, fintech, remote work and education delivery sectors to support this initiative and apply

today."

- Benjamin Bergen

Executive Director, Council of Canadian Innovators (CCI)



LEARN MORE

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.


[email protected] Robert Gibson Minister Fedeli’s Office

[email protected] 416-845-8489 Kwok Wong Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and

Trade [email protected] 647-504-2772 Nicko Vavassis Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

[email protected] 647-283-2978 Harry Malhi Communications Branch, Ministry of Government and

Consumer Services 416-575-0773 Hayley Chazan Senior Manager, Media Relations

[email protected] 416-726-9941 David Jensen Ministry of Health





http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-urges-business-to-join-the-fight-against-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-exhorte-les-entreprises-a-se-joindre-a-la-lutte-contre-la-covid-19.html

NEWS

Ministry of Education

Province Takes Steps to Ensure Frontline Staff Can Continue to Work

Ontario to Open Select Child Care Centres across the Province March 22, 2020 11:51 A.M.

TORONTO — In order to support health care and frontline workers during this COVID-19

outbreak, Ontario plans to exempt certain child care centres from the order to close all licensed

child care centres pursuant to the state of emergency declared earlier this week. This initiative is

being done in partnership with service system managers and First Nations partners.

"We need to help our nurses, doctors and frontline care workers to be able to focus on

protecting the health and well-being of all Ontarians," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and

Minister of Health. "By allowing select child care centres to open their doors during these

challenging times, our province's courageous frontline workers can rest assured knowing that

their families are also being looked after."

Health care and other frontline workers, including doctors, nurses, paramedics, firefighters,

police, and correctional officers, will be able to access safe, local emergency child care. These

child care centres will be required to follow existing health and safety requirements and have a

plan in place should any staff, children or parents be exposed to the virus.

"During this unprecedented situation, we need to do everything we can to ensure our health

care and other frontline staff have the support they need to continue to work," said Stephen

Lecce, Minister of Education. "At the same time, we need to protect the safety of the staff and

children at these centres. For that reason, we are putting strict measures in place, such as

restricting the types of centres that can re-open and keeping the number of children in any one

centre low."

Once emergency child care centres open, a list of locations will be made available on

ontario.ca/coronavirus.

QUICK FACTS

Ontario schools will be closed from March 14 through to April 5, 2020 in an effort to keep Ontario’s students safe from COVID-19.

On Friday March 20, Ontario launched the first phase of Learn at Home and Apprendre à la maison, a new online portal that will provide resources for families so students can

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-enacts-declaration-of-emergency-to-protect-the-public.html



https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home

https://www.ontario.ca/fr/page/apprendre-la-maison


continue their education while schools are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.


LEARN MORE

Learn at Home TVO TFO Information on COVID-19

Alexandra Adamo Minister’s Office

[email protected] Ingrid Anderson Communications Branch




https://www.ontario.ca/page/learn-at-home?share=3032aa70-62de-11ea-ad72-e97032f287f1

https://www.tvo.org/

https://www.tfo.org/fr/


http://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2020/03/province-takes-steps-to-ensure-frontline-staff-can-continue-to-work.html

http://news.ontario.ca/edu/fr/2020/03/le-gouvernement-prend-des-mesures-pour-permettre-aux-travailleurs-de-premiere-ligne-de-continuer-a-t.html

NEWS


Ontario Orders the Mandatory Closure of All Non-Essential Workplaces to Fight Spread of COVID-19

New Measures to Further Protect the Health and Safety of the People of Ontario March 23, 2020 1:30 P.M.

TORONTO — To further contain the spread of COVID-19, the Ontario Government will order the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces effective as of Tuesday, March 24th at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14 days with the possibility of extending this order as the situation evolves. A full list of businesses that are permitted to stay open will be released tomorrow.

"This was a tough decision, but the right decision, as this is no time for half measures," said

Premier Doug Ford. "But I have said from day one we will, and we must, take all steps

necessary to slow the spread of COVID-19. The health and safety of every Ontarian must come

first. The health of you, your children, your grandparents and friends depends on all of us doing

our part."

Businesses that can continue operations with employees working remotely, or through other

contingency measures, are being given approximately 36 hours to prepare and adapt. Essential

services may continue their operations to maintain supply chains and ensure the people of

Ontario have access to necessities, including groceries, medicines and other essential products.

A 1-800 number and website will be made available on Wednesday for any inquiries.

"Based on the advice of Dr. Williams, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, and the experts

at our Command Table, Ontario is taking further action to contain the spread of COVID-19," said

Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "These enhanced measures are

necessary to protect the health and well-being of Ontarians. Nothing is more important."

"Our top priority must be to protect the health of the people of Ontario," said Rod Phillips,

Minister of Finance. "Slowing the spread of COVID-19 will allow the people and the businesses

of Ontario to move forward from this unprecedented situation."

"Our government is listening to our public health officials to ensure we take the right actions to

support the health and safety of Ontario job creators and workers," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of

Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "We are working directly with businesses and

workers across all sectors to support them in any way possible through this crisis. We urge the

business community to share their innovative ideas and capabilities to fight COVID-19 through

our new portal Ontario Together at www.ontario.ca/OntarioTogether."

LEARN MORE



[email protected]


https://www.ontario.ca/OntarioTogether


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-orders-the-mandatory-closure-of-all-non-essential-workplaces-to-fight-spread-of-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-decrete-la-fermeture-obligatoire-de-tous-les-lieux-de-travail-non-essentiels-pour-lutter-co.html

NEWS


Ontario Protecting the Most Vulnerable During COVID-19 Crisis

New Funding Will Support Municipalities, Food Banks, Homeless Shelters and Individuals

March 23, 2020 12:00 P.M. TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing $200 million in social services relief funding to help protect the health and safety of the province's most vulnerable people in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The province will be providing municipalities and organizations that administer social services

with funding to support them in their response to COVID-19. The funding will help municipalities

and social service providers such as shelters, food banks, emergency services, charities and

non-profits continue to deliver their critical services, hire additional staff, and find ways to

promote social distancing and self-isolation to keep clients safe and healthy. Ontario's municipal

service managers will determine local needs and distribute the funding, ensuring clients are

receiving the support they need.

"Our government will spare no expense to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians," said

Premier Doug Ford. "We are doing our part to show the Ontario spirit and we will make sure no

one gets left behind. Organizations across the province are doing critical work right now to help

vulnerable Ontarians and these funds will allow them to directly help those who need it most."

The funding will also help individuals who do not qualify for emergency financial supports under

federal programs. The government is putting in place an expanded Emergency Assistance

program administered through Ontario Works (OW) to cover these individuals' needs such as

food, rent, informal childcare, and services. There will also be discretionary benefits available to

those who already receive social assistance.

This new funding will help individuals and families in financial crisis who are not able to access

federal assistance to cover needs such as food, rent, medicine, transportation and other

services during this public health crisis. Funding will also be made available to organizations

delivering social services to vulnerable First Nations individuals and families. Individuals can

apply online at Ontario.ca/community.

"Protecting our most vulnerable is an absolute priority, as the COVID-19 crisis continues to

develop," said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services. "We're

https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-children-community-and-social-services

expanding access to temporary emergency assistance so that individuals who have no other

means of financial support can stay safe and healthy."

This fund will also help local communities support their shelter systems during this health crisis.

The province's 47 municipal service managers will deliver this funding, ensuring clients are

receiving the support they need, and will make local decisions on community funding.

"We are acting quickly to support those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless

during this unprecedented time," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"This funding will go straight to communities, who know best what the immediate needs are on

the ground in their local shelters."

"This new funding will provide much needed support to our province's most vulnerable as we

continue to take decisive action to contain the spread of COVID-19," said Christine Elliott,

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "If Ontario is going to successfully flatten the curve, it's

vital that we ensure that all Ontarians have the resources they need to protect their health and

well-being."

QUICK FACTS

Last week, Ontario announced a $304 million investment in COVID-19 response, including $20 million for residential facilities in developmental services, gender-based services and protective care for children and youth.

To further bolster safety measures for social-assistance clients and caseworkers, the government has also temporarily removed the requirement for clients to provide written documentation at this time. Ontario Works (OW) and Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) payments will be made as usual and will continue based on previous levels of income support. Individuals will not have to visit their local office to provide written documentation during this time. If individuals need to connect with their caseworker, they are encouraged to connect over the phone instead of visiting in person.

LEARN MORE

Visit Ontario’s website to take the online COVID-19 assessment or to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Call your local office if you need to apply for social assistance or apply online. To find a local office, use the office locator. Find your local service manager. Sign up to MyBenefits to report changes or get information about your Ontario Works or

Ontario Disability Support Program case.


[email protected] Palmer Lockridge Minister Smith’s Office

[email protected] 647 284-8992






http://www.officelocator.mcss.gov.on.ca/?lang=en

https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-your-local-service-manager

https://mybenefits.mcss.gov.on.ca/auth/login


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-protecting-the-most-vulnerable-during-covid-19-crisis.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-protege-les-plus-vulnerables-face-a-la-crise-de-la-covid-19.html

NEWS


Changes to Ontario's Emergency Assistance Program in Response to COVID-19

March 23, 2020 12:00 P.M. Vulnerable Ontarians, including those who live in poverty, are homeless or unemployed, face even more significant impacts as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Ontario is providing $200 million in social services relief funding to help protect the health and

safety of these vulnerable populations.

Emergency Assistance

Ontario's investment will provide additional resources directly to individuals and families in

financial crisis. This includes those who are not able to access federal assistance to cover

needs such as food costs, rent, medicine and other essential services during this time.

Ontario is expanding access to existing Emergency Assistance under the current provisions of

Ontario Works. This is available to people with limited income, assets or credit who are in a

crisis or an emergency situation.

Ontario is providing additional resources and expanding access to Emergency Assistance for

those facing a COVID-19 related financial emergency by:

Suspending the rule that limits emergencyassistance provision to only once in a six-month period for individuals and families affected by COVID-19; and

Allowing people to receive emergency assistance for longer (48 days) without submitting a full Ontario Works application.

Those who are already on Ontario Works or Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP),

tourists and visitors are not eligible. Individuals can apply for this assistance online

at Ontario.ca/community or through local Ontario Works offices.

Support for Current Social Assistance Clients

The government is making additional resources available to enable Ontario Works

administrators to provide discretionary benefits to those currently in receipt of social assistance.

This funding can be used to meet a broad range of needs ― including cleaning supplies,


transportation, food or clothing ― that individuals and families may be experiencing due to

COVID-19.

Individuals can access benefits through the Ontario Works program through online applications

such as MyBenefits, contacting their Ontario Works caseworker or online

at Ontario.ca/community. ODSP recipients are also eligible to receive these benefits and can

contact their ODSP caseworker for additional information.

Support of Workplace Health and Safety

To protect the health and safety of frontline staff and clients, and to limit the spread of the virus,

the ministry is modifying certain social assistance program requirements on a temporary basis,

and is:

Reducing the need for in-person contact by authorizing risk-based approaches to eligibility determination and other verification requirements, including deferral of visual verification requirements of original documents and allowing for the use of email or alternative methods to submit reports or documents. This documentation may be requested at a later date.

Helping to reduce the burden on program staff by modifying certain program requirements - including no longer suspending clients who do not report income and suspending Eligibility Verification Process reviews - to enable deployment of resources to priority activities.

Helping to reduce the burden on the health care system by enabling program staff to approve extensions to Special Diet Allowance, Mandatory Special Necessities benefits and medical transportation/supplies without endorsement from a health professional.

Municipal and Service Delivery Partners

In addition to families and individuals, municipalities and other organizations that provide social

services will be eligible to receive this funding to support their response to COVID-19. Shelters,

food banks, charities and non-profits will have immediate access to flexible funding to help them

cope with growing demands and extraordinary circumstances.

Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs) and District Social Services Administration

Boards (DSAABs) will be responsible for allocating funding, based on local priorities. Funding

will also be made available to organizations delivering services to vulnerable First Nations

individuals and families. Further details will be available shortly.

LEARN MORE

Visit Ontario’s website to take the online COVID-19 assessment or to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Call your local office if you need to apply for social assistance or apply online. To find a local office, use the office locator.






http://www.officelocator.mcss.gov.on.ca/?lang=en

Find your local service manager. Sign up to MyBenefits to report changes or get information about your Ontario Works or

Ontario Disability Support Program case.


[email protected] Palmer Lockridge Minister Smith’s Office

[email protected] 647 284-8992 Kristen Tedesco Ministry of Children, Community and Social

Services [email protected] 416 803-6153


https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-your-local-service-manager



http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/changes-to-ontarios-emergency-assistance-program-in-response-to-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/changements-au-programme-daide-en-cas-durgence-de-lontario-en-reponse-a-la-covid-19.html

NEWS


Ontario Providing Electricity Relief to Families, Small Businesses and Farms During COVID-19

Province suspending time-of-use rates for 45 days March 24, 2020 1:15 P.M.

TORONTO - To support Ontarians through the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation, the Government of Ontario is providing immediate electricity rate relief for families, small businesses and farms paying time-of-use (TOU) rates.

For a 45-day period, the government is working to suspend time-of-use electricity rates, holding

electricity prices to the off-peak rate of 10.1 cents-per-kilowatt-hour. This reduced price will be

available 24 hours per day, seven days a week to all time-of-use customers, who make up the

majority of electricity consumers in the province. By switching to a fixed off-peak rate, time-of-

use customers will see rate reductions of over 50 per cent compared to on-peak rates.

To deliver savings as quickly and conveniently as possible, this discount will be applied

automatically to electricity bills without the need for customers to fill out an application form.

"During this unprecedented time, we are providing much-needed relief to Ontarians, specifically

helping those who are doing the right thing by staying home and small businesses that have

closed or are seeing fewer customers," said Premier Doug Ford. "By adopting a fixed, 24/7 off-

peak rate, we are making things a little easier during these difficult times and putting more

money in people's pockets for other important priorities and necessities."

The Government of Ontario issued an Emergency Order under the Emergency Management

and Civil Protection Act to apply the off-peak TOU electricity rate for residential, small

businesses, and farm customers who currently pay TOU rates.

"Ontario is fortunate to have a strong electricity system we can rely on during these exceptional

times, and our government is proud to provide additional relief to Ontarians who are doing their

part to stay home," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Energy, Northern Development and Mines.

"We thank the Ontario Energy Board and our partners at local distribution companies across the

province for taking quick action to make this change and provide immediate support for

hardworking people of Ontario," said Bill Walker, Associate Minister of Energy.


COVID-19.

QUICK FACTS

The Ontario Energy Board sets time-of-use electricity rates for residential and small business customers through the Regulated Price Plan.

Time-of-use prices as of November, 2019 ― Off-Peak: 10.1₵/kWh, Mid-Peak: 14.4₵/kWh, On-Peak: 20.8₵/kWh

Depending on billing cycles, some customers will see these changes on their next electricity bill. TOU customers whose billing cycle ended before their local distribution company implemented this change will receive the reduced rate as a credit on a future bill.

The Ontario Electricity Rebate (OER) will continue to provide a 31.8 per cent rebate on the sub-total bill amount for all existing Regulated Price Plan (RPP) consumers.

There are approximately five million residential consumers, farms and some small businesses billed using time-of-use (TOU) electricity prices under the RPP.

The Ontario Energy Board has extended the winter ban on disconnections to July 31st.


[email protected] Sydney Stonier Minister's Office

[email protected] 416-314-5199 Natasha Demetriades Communications Branch




https://www.oeb.ca/rates-and-your-bill/electricity-rates

https://www.ontario.ca/page/changes-your-electricity-bill

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-providing-electricity-relief-to-families-small-businesses-and-farms-during-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-aide-les-familles-les-petites-entreprises-et-les-exploitations-agricoles-a-gerer-les-couts.html

NEWS

Ministry of Finance

Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19

Premier Ford and Minister Phillips Announce Additional Health Care Resources and Support for People, Jobs and Employers

March 25, 2020 4:00 P.M. TORONTO — Today, Finance Minister Rod Phillips released Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update).

The government's action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19 and includes $7 billion

in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. It also

will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other

deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets.

This $17 billion response is a critical first step to ensure our health care system, communities

and economy are positioned to weather the challenges ahead. The plan includes historic levels

of prudence, including a dedicated $1 billion COVID-19 contingency fund, as part of the

additional health care investments, as well as an unprecedented $2.5 billion reserve and an

increased contingency fund of $1.3 billion to provide continued flexibility to respond to changing

global circumstances.

The plan includes $3.3 billion in additional health care resources to protect the health and well-

being of the people of Ontario.

"As Finance Minister, my number one priority right now is ensuring that our front-line health care

professionals have the resources they need to fight the COVID-19 outbreak," said Minister

Phillips. "The people of Ontario can have confidence that we will do whatever it takes to protect

their health and well-being. These additional resources will enhance hospital capacity, protect

our loved ones in long-term care, and support our public health officials' work to flatten the curve

and slow the spread."

Health

Committing to a dedicated $1.0 billion COVID-19 contingency fund for emerging needs related to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Investing $935 million for the hospital sector, including $594 million to accelerate progress on the government's commitment to address capacity issues, as well as $341 million for an additional 1,000 acute care and 500 critical care beds and additional assessment centres.

Increasing public health funding by $160 million to support COVID-19 monitoring, surveillance, and laboratory and home testing, while also investing in virtual care and Telehealth Ontario.

Investing $243 million for surge capacity in the long-term care sector, as well as funding for 24/7 screening, more staffing to support infection control, and supplies and equipment to help tackle the COVID-19 outbreak.

Investing $75 million to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to front-line staff to tackle COVID-19.

As part of the action plan, the Province also announced $3.7 billion to directly and urgently

support people and to protect jobs.

"During this global pandemic, I want the people of Ontario to be focused on their health — not

worrying about losing their job or how to make ends meet as they deal with unexpected

additional expenses," said Minister Phillips. "We are helping make life a little more manageable

for every person in Ontario, while providing additional support to those who need it the most."

Key initiatives in the government's plan to strengthen its response to the COVID-19 outbreak

and support people, families, workers and employers include:

People and Jobs

Helping families pay for the extra costs associated with school and daycare closures during the COVID-19 outbreak by providing a one-time payment of $200 per child up to 12 years of age, and $250 for those with special needs, including children enrolled in private schools.

Proposing to double the Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for low-income seniors for six months.

Supporting more affordable electricity bills for eligible residential, farm and small business consumers, by providing approximately $5.6 billion for electricity cost relief programs in 2020-21, which is an increase of approximately $1.5 billion compared to the 2019 Budget plan.

Further supporting more affordable electricity bills by setting electricity prices for residential, farm and small business time-of-use customers at the lowest rate, known as the off-peak price, 24 hours a day for 45 days to support ratepayers in their increased daytime electricity usage as they respond to the COVID-19 outbreak, addressing concerns about time-of-use metering.

Cutting taxes by $355 million for about 57,000 employers through a proposed temporary increase to the Employer Health Tax (EHT) exemption.

Providing $9 million in direct support to families for their energy bills by expanding eligibility for the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) and ensuring that their electricity and natural gas services are not disconnected for nonpayment during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Providing emergency child care options to support parents working on the front lines, such as health care workers, police officers, firefighters and correctional officers.

Expanding access to the emergency assistance program administered by Ontario Works to provide financial support to people facing economic hardship and help more people meet basic needs such as food and rent during this public health emergency.

Enhancing funding by $148 million for charitable and non-profit social services organizations such as food banks, homeless shelters, churches and emergency services to improve their ability to respond to COVID-19, by providing funding directly to

Consolidated Municipal Service Managers and District Social Service Administration Boards who would allocate this funding based on local needs.

Providing six months of Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loan and interest accrual relief for students, leaving more money in people's pockets.

Helping to support regions lagging in employment growth with a proposed new Corporate Income Tax Credit, the Regional Opportunities Investment Tax Credit.

Providing additional supports of $26 million to Indigenous peoples and communities, including emergency assistance for urban Indigenous people in financial need, and costs for health care professionals and critical supplies to reach remote First Nations.

The government's plan also includes measures that will make available $10 billion in support for

people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flows over the

coming months, including:

Making available $6 billion by providing five months of interest and penalty relief for businesses to file and make payments for the majority of provincially administered taxes.

Over $1.8 billion by deferring the upcoming June 30 quarterly municipal remittance of education property tax to school boards by 90 days, which will provide municipalities the flexibility to, in turn, provide property tax deferrals to residents and businesses, while ensuring school boards continue to receive their funding.

Making available $1.9 billion by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) allowing employers to defer payments for up to six months.

"We're taking responsible steps to lessen the burden for businesses and people," said Minister

Phillips. "Together, these actions can free up as much as $10 billion in cash flows for

businesses and people in these uncertain times, helping protect jobs and household budgets."

QUICK FACTS

The March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update provides planning assumptions for the year ahead. The government will provide regular updates of the Province’s fiscal and economic outlook throughout the year.

The Province is projecting a deficit of $9.2 billion in 2019–20, an improvement of $1.1 billion relative to the 2019 Budget. As a result of the response to the COVID-19 outbreak, the government is planning for a deficit of $20.5 billion in 2020–21.

Ontario’s $2.5 billion reserve in 2020–21 is the highest ever in history. The government will release a multi-year provincial Budget by November 15, 2020. This

responsible approach will allow the government to continue assessing the economic situation and put forward a long-term outlook based on the most recent and reliable data.

LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update)

Information on COVID-19

https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/index.html



NEWS


Stop the Spread Business Information Line Now Open at 1-888-444-3659

March 25, 2020 9:45 A.M. The province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health.

On Monday, the province issued an emergency order to close at-risk workplaces and encourage

non-essential businesses to find ways to help their employees work from home. The

government also reminded businesses to put in place protocols for physical distancing and

regular hand-washing in order to protect the health and safety of employees and the general

public.

Businesses who have questions about closures of at-risk workplaces or how emergency

measures impact their business or employment can call the Stop the Spread Business

Information Line at 1-888-444-3659.

Help is available from Monday to Sunday, from 8:30 a.m.―5:00 p.m.

A complete list of essential services is available on the Government of Ontario's website.

LEARN MORE

Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19 and how to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.


https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-closing-at-risk-workplaces-to-protect-health-and-safety.html

https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces?_ga=2.90980435.832529307.1584736554-239109524.1558460577


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/stop-the-spread-business-information-line-now-open-at-1-888-444-3659.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/mise-en-service-de-la-ligne-dinformation-freiner-la-propagation-a-lintention-des-entreprises-au-1-88.html

NEWS


Ontario Provides $3.3 Billion More to Increase Health Care Capacity Funding will add more beds, testing and protective equipment for frontline workers

fighting COVID-19 March 26, 2020 1:00 P.M.

TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing an additional $3.3 billion to support frontline health care workers and increase health care capacity in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. This funding will allow the province to take immediate action to increase the number of assessment centres, add more acute care and critical care beds, improve testing and provide more protective equipment for frontline workers.

Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 includes $2.1 billion in new and urgent funding

to combat and contain the spread of COVID-19, as well as $1.2 billion to continue the

government's long-term plan to build a health care system that is there for patients when and

where they need it.

"Our government will spare no expense to protect the health and safety of our frontline health

care workers," said Premier Doug Ford. "They're always looking out for us and our government

is looking out for them. We'll do everything within our power to ensure our frontlines workers

have the necessary resources to take down COVID-19 and keep individuals and families safe."

"These are extraordinary times that demand extraordinary measures," said Christine Elliott,

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "Ontario's historic investments to dramatically expand

hospital capacity and support the heroes working on the frontlines of our health care system will

ensure we are able to respond to the growing challenge of COVID-19 and protect the health and

wellbeing of all Ontarians."

"COVID-19 is an extraordinary threat to the health and economy of Ontario - the greatest we've

faced in my lifetime," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "Our number one priority is, and will

remain, the health and safety of the people of Ontario, which is why our government will allocate

an additional $3.3 billion dollars for health care this year. We are all so proud of the health care

professionals on the frontlines of this global pandemic. They can be confident that, whatever

happens, they will have the resources they need to protect the people of Ontario."

The new investments in Ontario's health care system include:

Investing $935 million more in hospitals, including $594 million to continue working on expanding capacity and $341 million to prepare for COVID-19 with an additional 1,000 acute care and 500 critical care beds and to fund assessment centres.

Increasing public health funding by $160 million to support COVID-19 monitoring and testing, including investments in virtual care and Telehealth Ontario.

Investing $243 million for surge capacity in long-term care facilities, 24/7 screening of staff and visitors, more staffing to support infection control and additional supplies and equipment.

Investing $75 million to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to frontline staff.

Dedicating $1 billion COVID-19 contingency fund, as part of the additional health care investments.

QUICK FACTS

This $3.3 billion investment includes the government’s initial $304 million announcement to immediately respond to the outbreak, including funding for new assessment centres, screening and testing, and protection for frontline workers and first responders.

A new website, Ontario Together, will help the government partner with Ontario’s manufacturing sector to meet the challenges of the COVID 19 outbreak and redirect resources towards the production of essential equipment such as ventilators, masks and swabs.

LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect

Ontarians from COVID-19.


[email protected] Hayley Chazan Minister Elliott's Office

[email protected]


https://www.ontario.ca/page/how-your-organization-can-help-fight-coronavirus

https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/action-plan.html#section-2


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-provides-33-billion-more-to-increase-health-care-capacity.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-investit-33-milliards-de-dollars-supplementaires-pour-renforcer-la-capacite-du-systeme-de-s.html

NEWS

Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

UPDATED: Ontario Enabling Financial Relief for Businesses New financial measure will allow insurance premium payment deferrals for six months

March 26, 2020 3:20 P.M. TORONTO - The Ontario Government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief for employers to reduce the financial strain on business brought on by COVID-19. The measure, which will run through the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), will see premium payments deferred for six months for all businesses in the province.

"During this unprecedented period of uncertainty and hardship, our government is doing

everything possible to support businesses and protect jobs," said Monte McNaughton, Minister

of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "By making this change today, we are building

upon the substantial financial help we are providing business owners and workers. The top

priority is to keep people safe."

All employers covered by the WSIB's workplace insurance are automatically eligible for the

provisions of the relief package and can defer premium reporting and payments until August 31,

2020. They will not be required to opt in to receive this benefit.

Additionally, the WSIB will cease interest accrual on all outstanding premium payments. They

will not charge penalties during this six-month deferral period. There will be no negative

consequences for businesses who defer premium reporting and payments. The WSIB will

continue to fully cover workers at eligible workplaces.

"We have worked closely with the Government of Ontario to help Ontario businesses as they

face this unprecedented challenge," said Elizabeth Witmer, Chair of the WSIB. "We're here to

help."

The relief program is part of a $17 billion package included in Ontario's Action Plan: Responding

to COVID-19.

The government's action plan will make available $10 billion in support for people and

businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and

household budgets.

Additionally, through the WSIB, the government reduced costs to employers by a new rate

framework and the elimination of the unfunded liability charge, putting more than $2 billion back

into the economy.

"Our government is working day and night to provide Ontarians with certainty and support

during this difficult time. This Relief Package being implemented by the WSIB will help sustain

businesses, protect our economy and save jobs," said Minister McNaughton.

The new measure builds on the government's previous actions to support business and protect

jobs.

QUICK FACTS

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board covers over five million people in more than 300,000 workplaces across Ontario.

Businesses are not required to inform the WSIB that they will be taking advantage of this financial relief package.

The deferred premiums will amount to an average $1,760 for approximately 275,000 Ontario businesses.

LEARN MORE

The WSIB’s new Employer Relief Package Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect

Ontarians from COVID-19

Janet Deline Communications Branch

[email protected] 416-326-7405 Bradley Metlin Minister’s Office

[email protected] WSIB media relations [email protected]

647-534-1497


https://www.wsib.ca/en/financialrelief



http://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2020/03/ontario-enabling-financial-relief-for-businesses-1.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mol/fr/2020/03/lontario-favorise-lapport-dune-aide-financiere-aux-entreprises-1.html

NEWS


Ontario Prohibits Gatherings of More Than Five People with Strict Exceptions

Stronger action required to stop the spread of COVID-19 March 28, 2020 9:15 P.M.

TORONTO — Today, the Ontario government is taking immediate and decisive action to further stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health and well-being of all Ontarians.

Based on the best advice of Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is

issuing a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to

prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, effective

immediately.

This order would not apply to private households with five people or more. It would also not

apply to operating child care centres supporting frontline health care workers and first

responders provided the number of persons at each centre does not exceed 50 people.

Funerals would be permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time.

"If we are going to stop the spread of COVID-19 now and keep our communities safe, we need

to take extraordinary measures to ensure physical distancing," said Premier Doug Ford. "I

strongly encourage everyone to do the responsible thing and stay home unless absolutely

necessary. I can assure everyone that we will do everything in our power to stop this virus in its

tracks."


health officials across the province," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of

Health. "These are extraordinary times that demand extraordinary measures to stop the spread

of COVID-19 and protect our people. Nothing is more important."

Organized public events include parades, events including weddings, social gatherings and

communal services within places of worship. This order replaces a previous emergency order

which prohibits organized public events of over 50 people.

Ontario declared a provincial state of emergency on March 17, 2020 and has issued orders to

close non-essential workplaces, recreational programs, libraries, publicly funded schools,

private schools, daycares, provincial parks, churches and other faith settings, as well as bars


and restaurants, except those that may only offer takeout or delivery. Essential services, such

as grocery stores, convenience stores, pharmacies, public transit, manufacturing facilities, and

supply chain companies remain open and operational.

QUICK FACTS

Everyone in Ontario should be practicing physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people. Avoid close contact (within 2 metres) with people outside of your immediate families.

On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. They should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days.

Take everyday steps to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and protect your health: wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; sneeze and cough into your sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with people who are sick; stay home if you are sick.

LEARN MORE


Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) For public inquiries, call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (toll-free in Ontario

only).


[email protected] Hayley Chazan Minister Elliott’s Office

[email protected]





http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-prohibits-gatherings-of-five-people-or-more-with-strict-exceptions.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-interdit-les-rassemblements-de-cinq-personnes-ou-plus-sauf-dans-certains-cas-precis.html

NEWS


Ontario Protecting Consumers from Price Gouging

Offenders face fines of up to $500,000 for charging unfair prices on necessary goods March 28, 2020 1:00 P.M.

TORONTO — Today, Premier Doug Ford announced new penalties to combat price gouging and hold offenders accountable for raising prices significantly on the necessary goods Ontarians need to protect themselves and their families from COVID-19.

Effective immediately, the government has issued an emergency order that retail businesses

and individuals in Ontario cannot charge unfair prices for necessary goods.

Individual offenders can face a ticket of $750, or, if summoned to court and convicted, could

face a maximum penalty of a $100,000 fine and one year in jail. If convicted, a company director

or officer could face a fine of up to $500,000 and up to a year in jail, and a corporation could

face a fine of up to $10 million.

"Starting today, we are taking serious steps to ensure our frontline workers, our families and our

most vulnerable citizens have what they need to stay safe," said Premier Doug Ford. "We are

putting an end to those trying to profit off of one of the darkest periods in our province's history.

If you're engaging in price gouging on necessary goods, we are going to slap you with a ticket

or you could face fines or jail time."

Necessary goods include:

Masks and gloves used as personal protective equipment in relation to infections. Non-prescription medications for the treatment of the symptoms of the coronavirus. Disinfecting agents intended for cleaning and disinfecting objects or humans. Personal hygiene products, including soap products and paper products.

"As the COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve provincially and globally, we are seeing a

shortage of necessary goods available to the public, such as hand sanitizers and household

cleaners," said Lisa Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. "We will not

tolerate those taking advantage of these difficult times to charge unfair and unreasonable

prices. It is not right and our government is taking swift and decisive action to put an end to it

with extremely stiff penalties."

Consumers can report an individual who is price gouging by filing a complaint at 1-800-889-

9768 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday to Friday, or by filing a report online.

https://www.ontario.ca/form/report-price-gouging-related-covid-19

QUICK FACTS

The Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act establishes the province’s legal framework for managing emergencies.

The order will be in effect for the duration of the declared provincial emergency. Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA), the order

prohibits persons, including retailers, from selling necessary goods for unconscionable prices. “Unconscionable prices” would be defined as a price that grossly exceeds the price at which similar goods are readily available to like consumers, which is consistent with well-established principles from the Consumer Protection Act.

Violating the order can result in a ticket in the amount of $750, or a charge under the EMCPA, with the possibility of a court imposed fine of up to $100,000 and up to a year imprisonment for an individual. A director or officer of a corporation could face a fine of not more than $500,000 and a term of imprisonment of not more than one year. In the case of a corporation, to a fine of not more than $10,000,000 may be imposed.

Businesses and organizations who can supply emergency products and innovative solutions to support the government’s response to COVID-19 can visit Ontario.ca/OntarioTogether.

The government is currently consulting on other ways to improve consumer protections in Ontario. Those interested can take part in a survey at the following link: Share your feedback to help us improve the rules under Ontario’s Consumer Protection Act.

LEARN MORE


Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect The 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Nicko Vavassis Minister Thompson’s Office




https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-strengthening-consumer-protection-ontario

https://www.ontario.ca/page/consultation-strengthening-consumer-protection-ontario




http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-protecting-consumers-from-price-gouging.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-protege-les-consommateurs-contre-laugmentation-abusive-du-prix-des-produits-de-premiere-nec.html

NEWS

Ministry of Government and Consumer Services

Ontario Protecting Supply Chains To Support COVID-19 Emergency Response

Province to Buy Urgently Needed Critical Goods and Services and Deploy them to Where They are Needed the Most

March 28, 2020 11:00 A.M. TORONTO - Ontario continues to take important steps to protect the province's supply chain and make sure the heroes on the front lines have the essential goods and services they need in the fight against COVID-19 like ventilators, masks and swabs.

"COVID-19 is impacting supply chains across Canada, and around the world," said Lisa

Thompson, Minister of Government and Consumer Services. "That's why we are proclaiming

the Supply Chain Management Act to make sure we can deploy critical supplies, equipment and

services to where they are needed most."

These regulations will enable the Ministry of Government and Consumer Services and the

Ministry of Health to centrally manage public sector supply chains. It will allow the collection of

key data on inventories, orders and supply constraints and the development of a virtual

inventory tool so that demand for crucial supplies are visible and trackable. With these

measures in place, the government can prioritize buying what is needed most, deploying them,

and allocating them on a priority basis to support the delivery of essential services to Ontarians.

Support will also be available to other public entities, such as publicly funded social service

agencies and municipalities if they choose to participate.

"Ontario is implementing critical and necessary measures to ensure that we are able to protect

the health and well-being of Ontarians," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of

Health. "This includes working with innovators and businesses across the province who can

supply emergency products and cutting-edge solutions to support ongoing efforts to contain

COVID-19."

Ontario has also launched Ontario Together, a new website that is helping businesses work with

the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19. This removes barriers allowing Ontario's

manufacturing sector to redeploy capacity towards the production of essential equipment.


QUICK FACTS

Ontario declared a state of emergency on March 17, 2020 in the fight against COVID-19. As part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, Ontario has announced $935

million for the hospital sector, to address capacity issues, an additional 1,000 acute care and 500 critical care beds, and for additional assessment centres.

The government launched Ontario Together to invite businesses and their employees to supply emergency products and innovative solutions in the battle against this disease.

LEARN MORE


Nicko Vavassis Minister’s Office

[email protected] 647-283-2978 Harry Malhi Communications Branch





http://news.ontario.ca/mgs/en/2020/03/ontario-protecting-supply-chains-to-support-covid-19-emergency-response.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mgs/fr/2020/03/lontario-protege-les-chaines-dapprovisionnement-en-soutien-aux-mesures-durgence-visant-la-covid-19.html

NEWS

Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development

Ontario Stepping Up Measures to Limit the Spread of COVID-19 on Construction Sites

March 29, 2020 1:00 P.M.

TORONTO — Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, issued

the following statement today regarding health and safety on construction sites:

"The health and safety of construction workers is a top priority for our government. With the

COVID-19 situation changing day by day, we are working to ensure that workers have the tools

they need to help keep job sites safe. We must do everything possible to fight the spread of this

disease.

Today, Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer announced updated guidance to help employers

better understand their responsibilities and what is needed to prevent the spread of COVID-19

on the job site.

The update follows an initial guidance document circulated on March 20, 2020, and addresses

sector topics including:

providing better on-site sanitation, including a focus on high-touch areas like site trailers, door handles and hoists

communicating roles, responsibilities, and health & safety policies, by, for example, posting site sanitization schedules and work schedules

enabling greater distances between workers by staggering shifts, restricting site numbers and limiting elevator usage

protecting public health by tracking and monitoring workers

Under Ontario law, employers must take every reasonable precaution to keep workers safe.

Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work. If health and safety concerns are not resolved

internally, a worker can seek enforcement by filing a complaint with the ministry's Health and

Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008.

Ministry inspectors are inspecting job sites today and every day. Employers and constructors

should know: failure to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations

could result in a stop work order.

Keeping job sites open during the current pandemic requires a heightened focus on health and

safety.

We all have a role to play in preventing the spread of COVID-19."

LEARN MORE

Read the Chief Prevention Officer’s guidance to the construction sector on health and safety related to COVID-19.

Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19

Janet Deline Communications Branch

[email protected] 416-326-7405 Bradley Metlin Minister’s Office

[email protected]


https://ontario.ca/page/construction-site-health-and-safety-during-covid-19


http://news.ontario.ca/mol/en/2020/03/ontario-stepping-up-measures-to-limit-the-spread-of-covid-19-on-construction-sites.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mol/fr/2020/03/lontario-intensifie-les-mesures-visant-a-limiter-la-propagation-de-la-covid-19-sur-les-chantiers-de.html

NEWS


Ontario Extends Emergency Declaration to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

All Outdoor Recreational Amenities across Province Now Closed March 30, 2020 8:45 P.M.

TORONTO — In an effort to stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people home, the Government of Ontario has extended the Declaration of Emergency and associated emergency measures, including the closure of non-essential workplaces and restrictions on social gatherings. In addition, Ontario is issuing a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to close all outdoor recreational amenities, such as sports fields and playgrounds, effective immediately. These actions are based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

"I made a commitment to be open and upfront about what we need to do as a province to beat

this virus," said Premier Ford. "Based on the best medical advice available, we are taking

further steps today to protect the health and safety of all Ontarians by closing outdoor

recreational amenities, like sports fields and playgrounds, and extending our emergency orders

to save lives. We all need to work together and do our part to stop COVID-19 by staying home,

practising physical distancing, and avoiding social gatherings."

This new order would close all communal or shared, public or private, outdoor recreational

amenities everywhere in Ontario, including but not limited to playgrounds, sports fields,

basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, benches, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic

areas, outdoor community gardens, park shelters, outdoor exercise equipment, condo parks

and gardens, and other outdoor recreational amenities. Green spaces in parks, trails, ravines

and conservation areas that aren't otherwise closed would remain open for walkthrough access,

but individuals must maintain the safe physical distance of at least two metres apart from others.

Ontario's provincial parks and conservation reserves remain closed.


health officials across the province" said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health.

"We will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect Ontarians'

health and wellbeing."

"The health and well-being of Ontarians is a top priority of our government as we navigate

through the COVID-19 health crisis. I know our municipal partners are already taking action

locally to protect their residents," said Steve Clark, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

"This order makes the rules around closing shared outdoor recreational amenities consistent

across the province."

To ensure the province is able to continue its extensive efforts to contain the spread of COVID-

19, Ontario will also extend the March 17, 2020 declaration of emergency and subsequent

emergency orders, regulations and amendments issued under s.7.0.1 and 7.0.2(4) of

the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act.

The Declaration of a provincial emergency has been extended and will be in effect until April 14,

2020. Additionally, the following orders have been extended and will be in effect until April 13,

2020:

Closure of public places and establishments with exemption for emergency child care for health care and frontline essential service workers

Prohibiting events and gatherings of more than five people Enforcement of emergency orders Work deployment for health service providers Work deployment for long-term care homes Electronic service of documents Electricity pricing Drinking water and sewage Closure of non-essential workplaces Traffic management Prohibiting unconscionable pricing for necessary goods Streamlining requirements for long-term care homes

QUICK FACTS

Ontarians should stay home except for essential reasons, and to limit the number of these essential trips. Essential reasons include accessing health care services and medication, grocery shopping, walking pets when required and supporting vulnerable community members to meet the above needs. It is strongly recommended that people over 70 years old or who have compromised immune systems and/or underlying medical conditions self-isolate and get help with essential errands.

Ontarians must strictly practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people and keep at least two metres away from people outside of their household.

On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. They must not go to work, grocery stores or on walks. They should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days and contact their primary care providers or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) if they experience symptoms.

Take everyday steps to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and protect your health : wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; sneeze and cough into your sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with people who are sick; stay home if you are sick.




https://www.ontario.ca/orders-in-council/oc-5182020

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/200051


https://files.ontario.ca/solgen-oic-gatherings-events-2020-03-28.pdf

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900950#BK8








https://files.ontario.ca/solgen-oic-price-gouging-2020-03-28.pdf

https://files.ontario.ca/solgen-oic-streamlining-ltc-2020-03-28.pdf

LEARN MORE


For public inquiries, call ServiceOntario, INFOline at 1-866-532-3161 (toll-free in Ontario only).


[email protected] Hayley Chazan Minister Elliott’s Office

[email protected]


https://covid-19.ontario.ca/

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-extends-emergency-declaration-to-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-prolonge-la-declaration-de-situation-durgence-afin-dendiguer-la-propagation-de-la-covid-19.html

NEWS

Ministry of Health

Statement from the Chief Medical Officer of Health

March 30, 2020 12:40 P.M. TORONTO — Today, Dr. David Williams, Chief Medical Officer of Health, issued the following statement in response to COVID-19:

"The Government of Ontario continues to take decisive action to respond to the 2019 Novel

Coronavirus (COVID-19) to help contain its spread and to protect the public. This has involved

some unprecedented measures, and I know many of you continue to undertake great efforts to

protect your families, friends, neighbours, clients and patients, and communities.

However, we must do more.

Everyone has a role to play in reducing the risk of spreading COVID-19 - there is no option for

anyone to opt out.

The lives of many Ontarians, especially our community's most vulnerable citizens, are in your

hands and will depend on your actions over the coming days and weeks.

I strongly recommend you and other members of your household stay home except for essential

reasons, such as to:

Access health care services; Shop for groceries; Pick-up medication at the pharmacy; Walk pets when required; and Support vulnerable community members with meeting the above needs.

To the fullest extent possible, you should also limit the number of these essential trips.

However, when you are out in public you must adhere to physical distancing by reducing your

exposure to other people outside of your household by keeping two metres from other people.

Given the greater risk of severe outcomes to Ontarians who are elderly, I am also strongly

recommending that individuals over 70 years of age self-isolate. This means only leaving home

or seeing other people for essential reasons. Where possible, you should seek services over the

phone or internet or ask for help from friends, family or neighbours with essential errands. This

also applies to individuals who have compromised immune systems and/or underlying medical

conditions.

As we have been saying repeatedly, it is critically important to wash your hands regularly (or

use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available), practice proper cough

and sneeze etiquette, and avoid direct contact when greeting people.

In addition, as previously communicated and mandated by the federal government, all

individuals who are returning from travel outside of Canada must self-isolate for 14 days when

they return. You must not go to work, grocery stores or on walks. You should also monitor

yourself for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days after returning and contact your primary care

provider or Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) if you experience symptoms of COVID-19.

I also ask that family members, individuals, neighbours, and services in our communities look at

how they can support others by taking these necessary actions. This would allow seniors, other

at-risk populations, and returning travellers to remain at home.

The government is continuing to support all of the dedicated health care providers and front-line

workers who are focused on keeping Ontarians healthy and safe.

We need to remember that we all have an obligation to reduce the risk of spreading COVID-19

to our families, friends, neighbours, and communities. Please do not underestimate the impact

that your actions will have in helping to stop the spread of this virus.

For more information on COVID-19, including the current status of the outbreak, the online self-

assessment tool to help determine how to seek further care, how Ontario is responding, and

how to self isolate, please visit Ontario's COVID-19 web page.

Thank you for your ongoing action and commitment."



[email protected]


https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/

https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/


http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/statement-from-the-chief-medical-officer-of-health.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/fr/2020/03/declaration-du-medecin-hygieniste-en-chef.html

NEWS

Ministry of Health

Ontario Increasing Health and Safety Measures to Better Protect Frontline Nurses from COVID-19

March 30, 2020 3:58 P.M.

TORONTO — Ontario is taking further action to protect frontline nurses and to recognize their

clinical training and experience to help to keep Ontarians and hospitals safe and healthy during

the COVID-19 outbreak.

The province, in collaboration with the Chief Medical Officer of Health, and in consultation with

the Ontario Nurses' Association (ONA), Ontario Health and the Ontario Hospital Association

(OHA), is issuing a directive on health and safety standards for frontline nurses in hospitals in

order to prevent exposure to and transmission of COVID-19. These standards have been

developed with the guidance of clinically trained frontline nurses, hospital leaders and public

health experts.

"It is critical that we are protecting our frontline nurses who are fighting to protect us from

COVID-19 every day," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We are

collaborating with our partners in the health system to implement this new directive to ensure

that nurses have the protection they need to safely provide the best care for their patients."

This directive outlines:

Precautions for interactions with suspected, presumed or confirmed COVID-19 patients, including relying on the clinical education and training that nurses receive to use their professional and clinical judgement;

Point-of-care risk assessments for every patient interaction to assess appropriate health and safety measures; and

Training on safe use of all personal protective equipment (PPE).

The directive also addresses the ongoing stewardship and conservation of the current level of

PPE supplies as the government aggressively pursues all available efforts to increase this

supply to ensure the appropriate health and safety control measures are in place to mitigate the

transmission of infections. A joint statement from the province, the Chief Medical Officer of

Health and the ONA can be found here.

http://www.health.gov.on.ca/en/pro/programs/publichealth/coronavirus/2019_covid_joint_statement.aspx

QUICK FACTS

As part of Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, the province is investing $75 million to supply personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies to frontline staff.

A new website, Ontario Together, will help the government partner with Ontario’s manufacturing sector to meet the challenges of the COVID-19 outbreak and redirect resources towards the production of essential equipment such as ventilators, masks and swabs.

Everyone in Ontario should stay home unless absolutely necessary and practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people. Avoid close contact (within 2 metres) with people outside of your immediate families.

If you think you may have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, first self-isolate and then use Ontario's Self-Assessment Tool to see if you need to seek further care.

LEARN MORE

Ontario Provides $3.3 Billion More to Increase Health Care Capacity Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect

Ontarians from COVID-19. If you are a health care professional, learn how to protect yourself and your patients by




[email protected]



https://covid-19.ontario.ca/self-assessment/#q0

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-provides-33-billion-more-to-increase-health-care-capacity.html

https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/action-plan.html



http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/ontario-increasing-health-and-safety-measures-to-better-protect-frontline-nurses-from-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/fr/2020/03/lontario-augmente-les-mesures-de-sante-et-de-securite-pour-mieux-proteger-les-infirmieres-et-les-inf.html

NEWS


Ontario Extends School and Child Care Closures to Fight Spread of COVID-19

Province announces second phase of Learn at Home to support continuity of learning March 31, 2020 1:15 P.M.

TORONTO — Due to the rapidly evolving COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government announced that schools and child care centres will remain closed to protect the health and safety of students and staff. This extension is being made on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health.

Today's announcement was made by Premier Doug Ford, Stephen Lecce, Minister of

Education, Ross Romano, Minister of Colleges and Universities and Christine Elliott, Deputy

Premier and Minister of Health.

To ensure continuity of learning, the government is launching the second phase of Learn at

Home. Developed in conjunction with education partners, the government is establishing clarity

for parents, enhancing education supports, and creating opportunities for teachers and

educators to connect with students.

"The decision to extend school closures was not made lightly. We know from the medical

experts that the next two weeks will be critical in the fight against COVID-19 and that's why

we're taking further action to keep our kids safe and healthy by having them stay home," said

Premier Ford. "At the same time, we cannot put the school year in jeopardy. That's why we're

providing additional tools for at-home learning and ensuring students from kindergarten to

Grade 12 to postsecondary education can finish their academic year and get the credits they

need to graduate."

Public schools will remain closed to teachers until Friday, May 1, 2020, and to students until

Monday, May 4, 2020. As these dates come closer, this decision will be re-evaluated based on

public health advice. The closure may be extended if necessary to protect the health and safety

of students, families and staff. Private schools, licensed child care centres and EarlyON

programs will also remain closed until April 13, according to the Declaration of Emergency,

which only allows closures to be extended for one 14-day period at a time. Select centres

designated to support frontline health care workers and first responders will remain open.

As previously announced, no student will have their graduation compromised by COVID-19 and

the Ministry of Education continues to collaborate with the Ministry of Colleges and Universities

to ensure that there will be no barriers to accessing postsecondary education.

"We will do whatever it takes to keep students safe from COVID-19 - which is why we have

extended the school closure period and why we have unveiled a teacher-led program that keeps

students learning while at home," said Minister Lecce. "By providing clarity for

parents, enhancing support for students and enabling the teacher-student relationship, we are

ensuring our children continue to safely learn - providing some sense of stability and hope for

them amid this difficulty."

The second phase of Learn at Home features a new set of expectations for the education

community, including:

Reconnecting students with teachers and other school staff, including mental health workers;

Re-establishing teacher-led learning by grade groupings as follows: o Kindergarten-Grade 3: five hours of work per student/week (focus on literacy and

math) o Grades 4-6: five hours of work per student/week (focus on literacy, math, science

and social studies) o Grades 7-8: 10 hours of work per student/week (focus on math, literacy, science

and social studies) o Grades 9-12: three hours of work per course per week for semestered students;

1.5 hours of work per course per week for non-semestered students (focus on achieving credits/completion/graduation)

Leveraging digital resources and identifying alternative forms of teacher-student connectivity, such as phone and mail;

Developing a program of training for educators to support them in virtual learning delivery;

Requiring final report cards for all students; Prioritizing and supporting students on track to graduate; Distributing laptops and/or devices from schools as needed, while observing public

health direction; Maintaining a responsive posture for health care and community partner requests; and Establishing formal COVID-19 working groups with education sector unions to work

together, share ideas and to find solutions in the support of students.

"The province is taking extraordinary measures to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Christine

Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "As we do, we need every Ontarian to continue to

do their part by staying apart. Please stay home as much as possible and keep your distance

from others if you must go out. Stay home, stay safe, lives depend on it."

On March 21, 2020, Ontario launched Ontario Together, an online portal helping organizations

work with the province to meet the challenges of COVID-19. The government will leverage

partnerships with the telecommunication sector to provide innovative, low-cost and high-impact


solutions to solve the equity challenges facing some students across Ontario. With this

resource, the Ministry of Education has posted a new challenge that looks for learning solutions

focused on:

Free or low-cost learning resources and supports for students, parents and educators; Access to devices such as computers, tablets and portable wi-fi hotspots for families that

need the supports; and Other ideas, goods or services, for example, to support mental health and students with

special education needs.

QUICK FACTS

English and French-language materials will continue to be added to Learn at Home on a regular basis to provide new and compelling content throughout this period. Recent updates include supplemental STEM learning resources created by third-parties and a parent resource that is focused on reading and writing.

There are now 36 high-quality English courses and 47 French-language courses available for secondary students to review, refresh and extend their learning as part of independent study.

TVO Kids offers educational programming throughout the day for school-aged children. Their broadcast schedule can be viewed here. TFO also offers a range of educational programming in French throughout the day for school-aged children. L’horaire de diffusion est disponible ici.

Mathify provides real-time homework help led by OCT certified educators for students between Grades 6-10, six days a week, including weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Eurêka! provides online learning support in French to students in Grades 1-12 with their school work and learning.

LEARN MORE

Learn at Home Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect

Ontarians from COVID-19


[email protected] Alexandra Adamo Minister's Office





https://www.tvokids.com/school-age/schedule

https://www.tfo.org/fr/grille-horaire

https://www.tvomathify.com/students

https://moneureka.ca/



http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-extends-school-and-child-care-closures-to-fight-spread-of-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/03/lontario-prolonge-la-fermeture-des-ecoles-et-des-garderies-pour-poursuivre-la-lutte-contre-la-covid-.html

NEWS

Ministry of Colleges and Universities

Province Supports Postsecondary Students During COVID-19

Ontario Enabling Students to Complete the Academic Year, Offering Loan Payment Deferrals and Financial Support for Institutions

March 31, 2020 9:00 A.M. TORONTO — The government of Ontario is easing the financial burden on students and making sure they can complete their studies during the COVID-19 outbreak by temporarily deferring payments for Ontario Student Assistance Program (OSAP) loans and making online learning supports, including year-end exams, available to postsecondary institutions.

"During this unprecedented period, it is important to help students and current borrowers, so

students can continue with their studies and borrowers do not have to worry about making loan

payments," said Premier Ford. "Our government is doing everything it can to ensure our college

and university students can take their exams and complete their school year while studying

remotely."

To support borrowers during this difficult period, loan repayments will be subject to a six-month

interest-free moratorium until September 30, 2020. This means that during this time, borrowers

will not be required to make any loan payments and interest will not accrue on their OSAP

loans. Borrowers can still make one-time payments via their online account or online banking if

they want to repay their loans faster. Payments during this period will go entirely towards their

loan principal.

"Students and their families make great sacrifices to attend postsecondary education and it is

incumbent on us to do everything we can to ensure this academic year is not put in jeopardy,"

said Minister Romano. "I want to thank our postsecondary institutions for their leadership in

adopting alternative ways for students to study and take exams, while ensuring they practice

physical distancing and stay safe."

To ensure students can successfully complete the academic year, Ontario has finalized an

agreement with eCampusOntario to make digital learning supports available to postsecondary

institutions. These interim digital learning supports, available in both French and English, will

provide publicly-assisted colleges and universities with the technology they need to conduct

year-end assessments, while preserving student privacy and the integrity of academic

assessment.

Ontario will work with other partners who may be interested in offering digital learning, such as

Indigenous Institutes and private career colleges. Supports will be accessible on an as-needed

basis and limited to those courses and programs where formal exams are required.

The province is also distributing $25 million in additional funding to publicly-assisted colleges,

universities and Indigenous Institutes to help address each institution's most pressing needs in

the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak such as deep cleaning, purchasing medical supplies or

offering mental health supports.

LEARN MORE

Go to NSLSC.ca or www.canada.ca/student-financial-assistance for more details on student financial assistance.




Chris Scott Minister's Office

[email protected] Tanya Blazina Communications Branch

416-325-2746 Public Inquiries: 416-325-2929 TTY: 1-800-268-7095


https://www.csnpe-nslsc.canada.ca/

http://www.canada.ca/student-financial-assistance




http://news.ontario.ca/maesd/en/2020/03/province-supports-postsecondary-students-during-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/maesd/fr/2020/03/la-province-soutient-les-etudiantes-et-etudiants-de-niveau-postsecondaire-pendant-la-covid-19.html

NEWS

Ministry of the Solicitor General

Public Required to Identify Themselves if Charged with Breaching an Emergency Order During the COVID-19 Outbreak

March 31, 2020 9:00 P.M.

TORONTO — People who are being charged with an offence under the Emergency

Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA) will be required to identify themselves if asked

by a provincial offences officer, which includes police officers, First Nations constables, special

constables and municipal by-law enforcement officers. This temporary power was approved by

the Ontario government today through an emergency order to better protect people during this

COVID-19 outbreak.

"It is essential that measures are in place to allow provincial offences officers to lawfully require

an individual to disclose their correct name, date of birth and address in order to protect our

communities," said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor General. "By providing provincial offences officers

with this temporary power to obtain identifying information under the EMCPA, they will be able

to enforce emergency orders during these extraordinary times."

Emergency orders currently in place to address the COVID-19 outbreak include the closure of

non-essential businesses, prohibiting organized public events and social gatherings of more

than five people and stopping price gouging on necessary goods such as disinfectant products.

Failing to comply with any of these emergency orders is an offence under the EMCPA and so is

the failure to identify oneself accurately.

Failing to correctly identify oneself carries a fine of $750 for failure to comply with an order made

under the EMCPA or $1,000 for obstructing any person in exercising a power if a provincial

offences officer issues a ticket. In addition, failure to comply with an emergency order could

carry punishments of up to one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual,

$500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself if a provincial

offences officer charges the individual by issuing a summons.

These penalties apply in addition to the penalties for breaching other emergency orders.

"It is the responsibility of all Ontarians to do their part and respect the emergency orders in

place. We are supporting provincial offences officer in their critical work to enforce that

responsibility and ensure the safety and well-being of Ontarians," added Solicitor General

Jones.

Brent Ross Communications Branch

[email protected] Stephen Warner Solicitor General's Office

[email protected]


http://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2020/03/public-required-to-identify-themselves-if-charged-with-breaching-an-emergency-order-during-the-covid.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/fr/2020/03/les-personnes-accusees-dune-violation-dun-decret-durgence-pendant-lepidemie-de-covid-19-sont-tenues.html

NEWS


Ontario Joins Forces with the Private Sector to Fight COVID-19

New $50 million Ontario Together Fund will support the development of essential equipment and supplies

April 1, 2020 1:15 P.M. TORONTO ― To stop the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe, the Ontario government is launching a new $50 million Ontario Together Fund to help businesses provide innovative solutions or retool their operations in order to manufacture essential medical supplies and equipment, including gowns, coveralls, masks, face shields, testing equipment and ventilators. This new Fund will support the development of proposals submitted by businesses and individuals through the Ontario Together web portal.

The announcement was made today by Premier Doug Ford, Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic

Development, Job Creation and Trade, and Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of

Health.

"Ontario has an army of innovators, entrepreneurs, and the hardest-working people in the world

ready to roll up their sleeves, support our frontline healthcare workers, and beat this virus," said

Premier Ford. "This mass mobilization of government, business, communities and private

citizens to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe and healthy represents one of

the largest and most ambitious efforts undertaken by Ontario in generations."

In addition, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Economic Development, Job Creation and

Trade have worked closely with businesses across Ontario and the Automotive Parts

Manufacturers' Association to ramp up production of ventilators to meet the need in Ontario and

other parts of Canada. The government has recently placed an order with O-Two Medical

Technologies who, with the support of Ontario's world-class manufacturing sector, will produce

10,000 ventilator units.

"Our government is taking extraordinary measures to support businesses and organizations that

are responding to COVID-19," said Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation

and Trade. "It's inspiring to see the Ontario business community respond to the call to action.

Through the Ontario Together web portal and the Ontario Together Fund, we are making sure

that companies have the resources and support they need to supply emergency products and

innovative solutions quickly and efficiently to help address this challenging time together."

The government will be looking for the most viable, innovative proposals that can quickly

provide critical goods and services and the greatest benefit to the people of Ontario. The


government is providing one-time funding of $50 million in 2020-21 during the COVID-19

outbreak. It is time-limited and will be available to companies and organizations across the

province.

"The fight against COVID-19 presents significant challenges for small businesses, but their

strength and ingenuity are key to weathering this storm," said Prabmeet Sarkaria, Associate

Minister of Small Business and Red Tape Reduction. "The Ontario Action Plan gives families

and small businesses the supports they need. Ontario Together will link the resources of

government with the capacity and #OntarioSpirit of our small businesses ― to manufacture the

resources Ontario needs."

"Only by working together and harnessing the full potential of Ontario's innovators will we be

able to confront the growing challenge of COVID-19," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and

Minister of Health. "The Ontario Together Fund will help enable our business community to

provide the supplies and equipment our frontline heroes need as they continue to keep

Ontarians safe."

QUOTES

" O-Two Medical Technologies is eager to be part of the global effort to help save lives. Our

e700 ventilator has a proven track record and, together with our partners and the provincial

government, we will deliver this critical, life-saving equipment to the people of Ontario."

- Kim Lassaline

Chief Executive Officer, O-Two Medical Technologies Inc.

" Ontario has acted quickly to save lives, this is what matters most today. The manufacturing

expertise of automotive suppliers Linamar, Magna, Martinrea and ABC Technologies will be

critical in making this plan achievable."

- Flavio Volpe

President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association

LEARN MORE

See how your organization can help fight COVID-19. Learn more about Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect



[email protected] Available Online

Disponible en Français




http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-joins-forces-with-the-private-sector-to-fight-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/04/lontario-sassocie-au-secteur-prive-pour-lutter-contre-la-covid-19.html

NEWS


Ontario Increasing Mental Health Support During COVID-19

Additional Resources will Improve Access to Online and Virtual Supports April 2, 2020 1:15 P.M.

TORONTO — Ontario government is making it easier for everyone, especially those on the front lines, to reach out for mental health support during the COVID-19 outbreak. To improve access, the province is providing emergency funding of up to $12 million to immediately expand online and virtual mental health supports and $2.6 million to hire new psychologists and other mental health workers to support Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) personnel.

"Dealing with an evolving crisis like COVID-19 puts a lot of stress on everyone, including people

who are self-isolating, families with kids out of school, and the frontline health care workers and

first responders who are keeping us safe each and every day," said Premier Ford. "This very

difficult situation will impact different people in different ways, but I can assure everyone we will

be there to support you and help you cope in every way we can. Clearly, protecting our health

and well-being is everything, and that includes our mental health."

These services will help people experiencing anxiety, stress and other mental health

challenges, including people who are unable to access their regular in-person counselling

supports. These resources will address the needs of youth and adults and will include more

dedicated supports for those working on the frontlines who are dealing with the difficult realities

of COVID-19 every single day.

"It's never been more important for Ontarians to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19,"

said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "As they do, we need to provide

them with the supports they need to stay mentally healthy during these challenging times as

more Ontarians experience heightened anxiety and depression."

With this investment, mental health agencies will receive emergency funding to hire and train

more staff and purchase necessary equipment, appropriate technology and additional licenses.

The emergency funding will immediately expand services, based on evidence-informed

cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), on a range of platforms including:

BounceBack: A guided self-help program for adults and youth aged 15 and over using workbooks with online videos and phone coaching support.

Kids Help Phone: 24/7 virtual support service offering professional counselling, information and referrals as well as volunteer-led, text-based support to young people in both English and French at 1-800-668-6868.

https://bouncebackontario.ca/

https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Internet-based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT): Online CBT , supported by therapists; available in English and French.

iCBT for frontline health care workers: Online CBT targeted at frontline health care workers experiencing anxiety, burnout or PTSD. Those requiring intensive levels of care could be referred to virtual face-to-face care.

Training for Brief CBT-based interventions: Training will be provided to frontline workers in organizations such as Telehealth and emergency departments in order to better support individuals experiencing acute anxiety due to the pandemic.

The hiring of additional mental health workers for the OPP is in response to four of the 66

recommendations made by the OPP Independent Review Panel (IRP) in its final report.

Established in April 2019 to examine the OPP's workplace culture, the IRP was also tasked to

look into how the OPP addresses issues of mental health, occupational stress injuries and

suicide among its members and provide a series of recommendations. The funding will help the

OPP hire mental health workers who will:

Provide clinical services to members of all ranks and make referrals to external services if needed;

Develop and deliver mental health support programming specific to unique policing needs (e.g. geographical, specialized services, cultural);

Facilitate educational programs to both uniform and civilian members to reduce stigma and promote resiliency and access to help when facing mental health challenges; and

Provide guidance in peer support programs.

"The current COVID-19 outbreak reinforces how much we rely on front lines workers and why it

is so important to look after their mental health and wellbeing," said Sylvia Jones, Solicitor

General. "With this new assistance, OPP personnel will get access to the mental health support

they need to continue protecting our communities."

"Many Ontarians, including our dedicated first responders, are experiencing increased anxiety

because of COVID-19 and are worried about their health, the health of their family and friends,

and the future of their livelihoods," said Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and

Addictions. "We continue to work with our partners across the mental health and addictions

sector to fund more innovative services such as internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy,

ensuring Ontarians receive the high-quality care they expect and deserve."

Where to Find Help:

For Ontarians currently receiving mental health and addictions services and supports, please contact your current service provider to learn about potential virtual care options.

For Ontarians interested in public addictions services and mental health services for those over 18, they can contact ConnexOntario, Ontario's mental health, addictions and problem gambling help line at 1-866-531-2600.

Children and youth under 18 can locate mental health services through the Ontario.ca and Kids Help Phone websites, or contact Kids Help Phone (1-800-668-6868) for 24/7 support, if they need someone to talk to.

http://www.mcscs.jus.gov.on.ca/english/Policing/OntarioProvincialPoliceIndependentReviewPanelFinalReport.html

https://www.connexontario.ca/

https://www.ontario.ca/page/mental-health-services-children-and-youth#section-0

http://www.kidshelpphone.ca/resourcesaroundme

https://kidshelpphone.ca/

Good2Talk is a free, confidential mental health support service providing professional counselling and information and referrals for mental health, addictions and well-being to postsecondary students in Ontario, 24/7/365. Learn more at www.good2talk.ca[RR(3] .

To access BounceBack and their guided self-help program using workbooks with phone coaching support, visit bouncebackontario.ca or ask your primary care provider for a referral.

LEARN MORE

Ontario Provides $3.3 Billion More to Increase Health Care Capacity Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 Ontario Improving OPP Workplace Culture Supporting OPP Personnel and their Families Dealing with Mental Health Challenges Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect



[email protected] Hayley Chazan Senior Manager, Media Relations

[email protected] David Jensen Communications Branch



http://www.good2talk.ca/

https://intra.newsroom.ontario.ca/mt/plugins/pastefromword/pastefromword.php#_msocom_3

https://bouncebackontario.ca/

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-provides-33-billion-more-to-increase-health-care-capacity.html

https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/action-plan.html?_ga=2.208443664.321395680.1585578639-1467683230.1575383490

https://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2020/03/ontario-improving-opp-workplace-culture.html

https://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2019/03/ontarios-government-for-the-people-supporting-opp-personnel-and-their-families-dealing-with-mental-h.html


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-increasing-mental-health-support-during-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/04/lontario-renforce-les-services-de-soutien-en-sante-mentale-face-a-la-pandemie-de-covid-19.html

NEWS


Ontario Supports Trucking Sector for Keeping Goods Moving

April 2, 2020 11:00 A.M.

TORONTO - Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Caroline

Mulroney, Minister of Transportation issued the following statement on supporting truck drivers

during the COVID-19 outbreak:

"In these extraordinary times, we have extraordinary heroes. Our truck drivers are these heroes.

They are working long hours, day and night delivering food and equipment and other essential

supplies for Ontario families.

Our truck drivers deserve our respect, our support, our thanks and our best efforts to help them

as they continue to make sure we can put food on our tables and pick up other necessary

items.

We have heard from those working within the trucking industry of the treatment that truck drivers

have faced while travelling on our roads. In response, we are calling on all business owners to

support truck drivers when they are stopping to rest, get gas or use washrooms.

This will better keep our truck drivers safe and healthy and on the road.

We expect businesses who rely on truck drivers to provide necessary facilities for these heroes.

We need everyone to do their part to make sure drivers can keep doing their jobs safely.

As a government we are working closely with truck drivers and associations to respond to the

issues they face on the road.

We are providing more safe places for truck drivers to stop and rest across the province and are

keeping all 23 ONroute travel plazas open for take-out, grab and go and drive-through services,

including washrooms with enhanced cleaning. We are also providing portable washrooms at 32

truck inspection stations so trucks have a place to stop and rest safely.

These actions build on measures announced last month that allow the 24-hour delivery of goods

without the restrictions of municipal noise by-laws, and the extension of the validation of driver's

licences, Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration certificates and other products that

expired on or after March 1, 2020.

Ontario is committed to supporting the trucking industry and we would like to thank commercial

carriers and truck drivers for everything that they've done to keep goods moving during the

COVID-19 outbreak."

LEARN MORE


Hayley Chazan Minister's Office, Press Secretary, Ministry of Health

416 726-9941 David Jensen Communications Branch, Ministry of Health

416 314-6197 Christina Salituro Minister’s Office, Ministry of Transportation – For

Media Inquiries Only [email protected] Communications Branch, Ministry of Transportation [email protected] 416-327-1158



http://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2020/04/statement-by-minister-elliott-and-minister-mulroney-on-supporting-the-trucking-industry.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mto/fr/2020/04/declaration-de-la-ministre-elliott-et-de-la-ministre-mulroney-sur-le-soutien-a-lindustrie-du-camionn.html

NEWS


Ontario Extends Business Closures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19 Additional Measures Necessary to Protect the Health and Safety of the People of

Ontario April 3, 2020 2:15 P.M.

TORONTO — Following the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the Ontario government is reducing the list of businesses classified as essential and ordering more workplaces to close. This measure is necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health of the people of Ontario, while ensuring that necessary goods and services remain available.

The government is ordering all businesses not covered by the updated Emergency Order to

close effective as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. This closure will be in effect for 14

days, with the possibility of an extension as the situation evolves. Teleworking, online

commerce and other innovative ways of working remotely are permitted at all times and are

strongly encouraged for all businesses. All supply chains necessary for the production of vital

food and healthcare supplies are being protected and remain intact.

The updated essential businesses list can be found here.

"We are facing a critical moment in the fight against COVID-19 and we must do everything in

our power to keep everyone safe and healthy and prevent our health care system from being

overwhelmed," said Premier Ford. "Everyone must do their part to stop the spread and flatten

the curve. If you are not an essential business, you need to close your doors, work from home if

possible and play a role to help contain this outbreak. This is a matter of life and death."

As a temporary measure the Ontario government has revised the list of essential businesses.

The updated list will direct additional businesses to close and restricts specified businesses to

providing services by alternate methods such as curb side pick up and delivery, except in

exceptional circumstances. This includes stores that sell hardware products, vehicle parts and

supplies, pet and animal supplies, office supplies and computer products and repairs and safety

supplies.

"We have now reached a critical time in our fight against COVID-19." said Christine Elliott,

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health "Every step taken by the province and every effort made

by each of us to avoid close contact with others are the key to our success as a province to stop

the spread of this virus."

https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces

Only critical construction projects will continue, including industrial projects such as refineries

and petrochemical plants and infrastructure projects such as new hospitals, roads and bridges.

New starts in residential projects will stop, while residential construction that is near completion

will continue. Business-owners with questions concerning their essential business status are

encouraged to call the Stop the Spread hotline at 1-888-444-3659. The hotline is available from

8:30 a.m.― 9:00 p.m. Monday to Friday and 8:30 a.m.— 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

"We recognize the toll this outbreak is taking on business owners and workers," said Vic Fedeli,

Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade. "Ontario businesses are top of

mind during this unprecedented time. We know that the only way to ensure the health of our

businesses and our economy is to ensure the health of all Ontarians."

The government is implementing additional measures to protect frontline workers in essential

businesses by adding more than 60 special consultants and officers and doubling the number of

phone agents at its Health and Safety Call Centre to 50 to make it easier for workers to report

safety concerns. Workers worried their workplaces are unsafe can phone 1-877-202-0008 to

speak with an agent.

"If you're a worker on the frontlines of this outbreak, you should know we're doing everything in

our power to keep you safe at work," said Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and

Skills Development. "We're beefing up our inspectors and making it easier for you to report your

concerns. We're working around the clock."

QUICK FACTS

Everyone in Ontario should stay home unless absolutely necessary and practice physical distancing to reduce their exposure to other people. Avoid close contact (within 2 metres) with people outside of your immediate families.


Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to the virus and protect your health: wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; sneeze and cough into your sleeve; avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; avoid contact with people who are sick; and stay home if you are sick.

LEARN MORE

Learn more about these temporary measures and see a list of the essential services. See how your organization can help fight COVID-19. Learn more about Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. Visit Ontario’s website to learn more about how the province continues to protect



https://www.ontario.ca/page/stopping-spread-covid-19#section-1



https://covid-19.ontario.ca/?_ga=2.266651342.1946692751.1585871297-1098156162.1583715927

NEWS


Ontario Provides Full Transparency by Releasing COVID-19 Modelling

Projected number of cases and deaths can be significantly reduced if people stay home April 3, 2020 3:45 P.M.

TORONTO - Today, the Ontario government released extensive COVID-19 modelling, revealing

several scenarios that project the potential number of cases and deaths. In doing so, the

province is providing the public with full transparency about the consequences should everyone

but essential workers fail to stay home and practice physical distancing.

"The models show that the potential to spread COVID-19 is massive and deadly if we don't act

swiftly to stay home and practise physical distancing," said Premier Ford. "We owe it to our

frontline and essential workers, to our family, friends and neighbours to restrict our travel, and

act responsibly. This is the only way we are going to minimize the risk to people, stop the

spread and reduce the number of fatalities."

Key highlights from the modelling include:

While COVID-19 impacts Ontarians of all ages, those over the age of 60 face higher risk of severe disease leading to higher mortality rates. The data demonstrates the need to focus public health measures on protecting seniors.

Had Ontario taken no action, the impact of COVID-19 would have risen to an estimated 300,000 cases and an estimated death toll of 6,000 people.

Due to timely public health measures, Ontario has avoided much more dire impacts, preventing an estimated 220,000 cases and 4,400 deaths to date.

Over the course of the pandemic, between 3,000 and 15,000 deaths related to COVID-19 are predicted with current public health measures in place, compared to a total projected 100,000 deaths if no action were taken.

By taking further measures, Ontario can further reduce the number of cases and deaths related to COVID-19 down to projections as low as 12,500 additional cases and 200 additional deaths by the end of April.

On the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, Ontario will continue to take decisive action

to stop the spread of COVID-19. Most recently, the province banned organized public events

and social gatherings of more than five people and closed all outdoor recreational amenities,

such as sports fields and playgrounds. At the same time, the province's COVID-19 Command

Table has been implementing extensive measures to build health-system capacity to prepare for

increased hospitalizations.

"Ontario is entering a critical juncture in our fight against COVID-19," said Christine Elliott,

Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "The numbers released today are sobering. While they

reveal a disastrous path, they also serve as a call to arms for greater action. We have for

months now been preparing for this very moment, but to avoid the worst-case scenario we are

relying on every Ontarian to stay home to stop the spread of this virus. Lives depend on the

public heeding this advice."

"We feel is it important to be transparent with the public about the challenges we are facing, and

the important work we all need to do to flatten the curve," said Dr. Peter Donnelly, President and

CEO of Public Health Ontario. "How this outbreak unfolds is in the hands of the public, in all of

your hands. We can change the outcomes by how we all stay at home and physically distance

ourselves."


COVID-19 or to take a self assessment.

QUICK FACTS

Ontario has launched a new user-friendly online portal for the public to easily access their COVID-19 lab test results. By offering faster and secure access to test results on their computer or mobile device, this portal will help ease pressures on public health units and frontline workers to provide this information so that they can better focus on containing COVID-19.

On March 30, 2020, Dr. Williams issued a statement to strongly encourage Ontarians to stay home, limit the number of essential trips and adhere to physical distancing.


Take these everyday steps to reduce exposure to COVID-19 and protect your health: Wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer; Sneeze and cough into your sleeve; Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth; Avoid contact with people who are sick; and stay home if you are sick.

LEARN MORE

COVID-19 Modelling Update

Hayley Chazan Minister Elliott's Office

[email protected]



https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/04/ontario-increasing-public-health-units-capacity-to-stop-covid-19.html

https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/03/statement-from-the-chief-medical-officer-of-health.html


https://files.ontario.ca/po-covid-19-technical-briefing-en-2020-04-03.pdf

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-provides-full-transparency-by-releasing-covid-19-modelling.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/04/lontario-fait-preuve-dune-transparence-totale-en-publiant-une-modelisation-de-levolution-de-la-covid.html

COVID-19 Modelling

April 3, 2020

COVID-19 Command Table

COVID-19 Update: Today’s Presentation

• The information provided in this presentation was developed by several experts at Ontario Health, Public Health Ontario and researchers at Ontario universities, led by the COVID-19 Command Table.

• The objective of today’s presentation is to share the modelling and projection data that the Command Table has been using to inform our work, and advising government on their response to COVID-19.

• We feel is it important to be transparent with the public about the challenges we are facing, and the important work we all need to do to flatten the curve.

• How this outbreak unfolds is in the hands of the public, in all of your hands – we can change the outcomes by how we all stay at home and physically distance ourselves.

• Recognizing that we get new information about this outbreak on a daily basis, we will continue to refine our models.

• Our public health measures so far have made a significant difference and we need everyone to stay focused on these in the weeks ahead: stay home, stop the spread, stay safe.

Current Status

COVID-19: Cases and Deaths by Age Group (January 15 to April 2, 2020)

Age Group Cases Deaths Case Fatality Ratio (%)

19 and under 82 0 0

20-39 945 0 0

40-59 1,178 7 0.6

60-79 821 24 2.9

80 and over 226 36 15.9

Unknown 3 0 0

Total 3,255 67 2.1

Data Source: integrated Public Health Information System (iPHIS). Data extracted April 2, 2020 at 4pm

COVID-19: Cases in Ontario and Other Jurisdictions

Source: Johns Hopkins University, Centre for System Science and Engineering. Accessed April 1, 2020

COVID-19: Deaths in Ontario and Other Jurisdictions

Source: Johns Hopkins University, Centre for System Science and Engineering. Accessed April 1, 2020

COVID-19: Key Public Health Measures Timeline

Rapid testing ramp-up

Aggressive case and contact management of all confirmed cases

March 12Closure of public schools

March 16Practice physical distancing

Self-isolate for 14 days if travelled outside Canada

Prohibit gatherings over 50 people

Make virtual work arrangements where possible

March 13Essential visitors only in LTC and other congregate care settings

Stop cycling of intermittent inmates and personal visits in correctional facilities

Prohibit gatherings over 250 people

March 23

Closure of non-essential workplaces

March 17

Closure of public gathering places and establishments

March 21

Work deployment for health services providers

March 24Work deployment for LTC homes

March 25Prohibit gatherings greater than 5 people

March 30 – Early AprilEnhance capacity for contact tracing

Closure of parks and outdoor recreational amenities

Limit outings to essentials needs

Self-isolation for individuals over 70, compromised immune systems or underlying medical conditions

Extended school closure

Second Week of March

Third Week of March

Fourth Week of March

Last Week of March / Early April

Ontario reports first COVID-19 death (from March 11)

March 24

Ontario reports first deaths (2) in LTC homes

March 17

EmergencyDeclaration

Jan 24Minister’s Order made novel coronavirus a reportable disease

Jan 25 -February

Ontario confirms first case of COVID-19

Jan 25

Future Outlook

COVID-19: Using Models to Inform Ontario’s Planning

• Models are used to help plan for what could happen.

• As with any model, the farther out predicted, the more uncertainty there is in the predictions.

• There is more confidence in the projections for the next 30 days than in the longer term projections.

• Assumptions were used to inform the model.

• Experts modelled how the disease spreads based on observed data and what is known from other countries.

• Any benefit seen in the model from improved public health measures assumes people follow those measures.

• If there are people with COVID-19 infections moving between health care facilities, there could be larger outbreaks.

Data from: Dong, E., Du, H., & Gardner, L. (2020). An interactive web-based dashboard to track COVID-19 in real time. The Lancet Infectious Diseases, as of April 2, 2020.

Data compiled by Johns Hopkins University from the following sources: WHO, CDC, ECDC, NHC, DXY, 1point3acres, Worldometers.info, BNO, state and national government health

department, and local media reports.

Cumulative Confirmed COVID-19 Cases, Number of Days since the 100th Case

98,000

0

100,000

200,000

300,000

400,000

R0 2.5, little control (baseline) Current projection Improved control today

Scenario

Current Intervention

12,500

220,000 cases

prevented by

current action

Projected Ontario Cases by April 30, 2020

No Intervention Full Future Intervention

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R0 2.5, little control (baseline) Current projection Improved control today

Scenario

6,000

1,600

200

4,400 deaths

prevented by

current action

Projected Ontario Deaths by April 30, 2020

No Intervention Current Intervention Full Future Intervention

Projected Ontario Deaths over Course of Pandemic

0

20,000

40,000

60,000

80,000

100,000

120,000

Without Public Health Measures With Public Health Measures

100,000

3,000 to 15,000

Projected Deaths

Note: Range depends on implementation of maximum public health measures

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Ontario confirmed COVID19 ICU cases Expected Worst case

Current available capacity410 available ICU beds for COVID19 patients in addition to beds currently filled with COVID19 patients

Known expansion capacity900 additional planned ICU beds for COVID19 patients

Ontario ICU Capacity for COVID-19

Best Case

Looking Ahead

COVID-19: Slowing the Spread

• We need you to help us change the outcomes for Ontarians by staying at home and physically distancing.

• Our public health measures so far have made a difference and we need everyone to stay focused on these: stay home, stop the spread, stay safe.

• We need everyone to help stop the spread so we all must continue to fully adhere to the public health measures that have been put in place. We want to avoid the health care system being overwhelmed and the consequences to Ontarians, as we have seen in other jurisdictions in Europe and in the United States.

COVID-19: Additional Public Health Measures

Immediate Focus• Enhanced capacity for case and contact tracing is underway.• Increased testing for COVID-19, with a focus on long-term care, retirement homes

and other congregate settings.

Future Measures• Reduce the number and types of essential workplaces. • Enhance focus on enforcement and fines for non-compliance.• Expand direction/guidance on physical distancing, including retail settings.• Enhanced support for elderly, homeless and other vulnerable populations and

communities.• Consider entry restrictions in some communities including First Nations.• Human resource management (movement of health care workers between settings).• Use of technology to reinforce self-isolation (alerts).• Additional public education and communication (shelter in place with limited

exceptions).

NEWS

Ministry for Seniors and Accessibility

Ontario Protecting Seniors in Retirement Homes During COVID-19 Outbreak

April 3, 2020 4:30 P.M.

TORONTO — Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Raymond

Cho, Minister for Seniors and Accessibility, issued the following statement addressing concerns

regarding staffing for retirement homes during the COVID-19 outbreak:

"As the province takes decisive action to safeguard the health and safety of Ontarians, we are

taking immediate action to protect seniors living in retirement homes.

A temporary order has been made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection

Act that will help retirement homes address emergency staffing needs as they respond to

COVID-19. With this temporary action, retirement homes will have more flexibility to recruit and

reassign staff to address the impacts of this new virus and will be able to focus more resources

toward implementing the protocols and procedures put in place to keep residents safe.

Retirement homes are also required to report any outbreak of COVID-19 to the Retirement

Homes Regulatory Authority, as well as the local medical officer of health.

These important measures are aligned with similar orders issued for hospitals and long-term

care homes and will allow retirement homes to more quickly deploy personnel as needed.

To further safeguard the health of seniors living in retirement homes our government has also

amended the Retirement Homes Act, 2010 requiring that all retirement homes follow the Chief

Medical Officer of Health's guidance and recommendations regarding infection control and

prevention. We are also investing $20 million in additional funding to support increased infection

control and active screening measures.

Our government will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19 to protect

the health and safety of Ontarians, especially Ontario's most vulnerable people."


COVID-19 or to take a self assessment.


NEWS

Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

Ontario Protecting Vulnerable Ontarians During COVID-19 Outbreak

Province providing relief funding for residential service providers that support vulnerable populations

April 4, 2020 3:00 P.M.

TORONTO — As part of the Government of Ontario’s efforts to contain the spread of COVID-

19, the province is investing up to $40 million to support organizations that provide residential

services for children and youth, people with developmental disabilities and emergency shelters

for women and families fleeing domestic violence.

The COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund will cover costs such as additional staffing, residential

respite for caregivers; personal protective equipment and supplies; initiatives to support physical

distancing and transportation to minimize client exposure.

“Our government is doing everything it can to help Ontario’s most vulnerable get through this

difficult and challenging time,” said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and Social

Services “I want to personally thank all the staff and managers who are working on the frontlines

of the developmental services sector for keeping our most vulnerable citizens safe during this

unprecedented time. You exemplify the true Ontario spirit each and every day.”

Ontario is also taking action to help ensure that staffing and resources are available to help care

for and protect people with developmental disabilities and the frontline workers who support

them. These temporary measures provide further flexibility for developmental service agencies

to redirect their staffing and financial resources to essential tasks that keep individuals with

developmental disabilities safe and out of hospital.

The Relief Fund will also help address increased residential costs that emergency shelters for

women fleeing domestic violence and survivors of human trafficking are facing at this time.

“This is a trying time for everyone, as we continue to stay at home to stop the spread of COVID-

19, but we know that home isn’t safe for everyone. That’s why it’s critical during this time that

residential organizations for people fleeing violence have the security they need to continue

supporting vulnerable women,” said Jill Dunlop, Associate Minister of Children and Women’s

Issues.

https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/crrf.aspx

LEARN MORE

Ontario recently announced $200 million in social services relief funding to help the province’s most vulnerable.


Ontario Enacts Declaration of Emergency to Protect the Public

Palmer Lockridge Minister’s Office

[email protected] (647) 284-8992 Dan Schultz Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services

[email protected] (647) 534-3606


https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-protecting-the-most-vulnerable-during-covid-19-crisis.html



http://news.ontario.ca/mcys/en/2020/04/ontario-protecting-vulnerable-ontarians-during-covid-19-outbreak.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mcys/fr/2020/04/lontario-protege-les-ontariens-vulnerables-lors-de-leclosion-de-la-covid-19.html

NEWS

Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Ontario Takes Steps to Keep Food on the Table during COVID-19

New online portal connects employers with workers looking to make a difference April 4, 2020 1:00 P.M.

TORONTO - In order to ensure grocery store shelves remain full and families have food on the

table during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Government of Ontario is launching a new web portal,

connecting workers with employers looking to fill positions in the agri-food sector. This new

online tool will make it easier to match people to essential jobs and training resources

throughout the provincial food supply chain.

"Right now, there are important jobs that need to be filled across the food supply chain and we

are looking for individuals who embody the Ontario spirit to step up and provide an essential

service," said Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. "From farm to

fork, it's these dedicated heroes in the agri-food sector who are working through this difficult

period each and every day to keep food on our kitchen tables."

Ontario's agriculture and food industry relies on hundreds of thousands of people to work in

diverse jobs from farming and food processing to transport and food retail, and the need for

workers in many other parts of the food system remains strong. Ontario.ca/AgFoodJobs

provides access to information on job opportunities and training resources in all parts of

Ontario's food supply chain - from grocery retailers to bakeries and cheese processing plants to

opportunities on farms.

"Working in the agri-food sector is a great way to contribute to your community and join the

thousands of hard-working men and women helping to feed the province during this

unprecedented time," said Minister Hardeman. "Our food supply chain is one of the strongest in

the world and our government wants to thank all of the people who work everyday to ensure

individuals and families can access healthy and nutritious Ontario-produced foods."

QUICK FACTS

Ontario’s agri-food sector is comprised of primary agriculture, food, beverage and wholesale, and retail and food services.

In 2018, Ontario's agri-food industry employed more than 837,000 people, representing 11.6 per cent of the province’s labour force and contributed $47.7 billion in GDP to the provincial economy (6.6 per cent of total Ontario GDP).

http://www.ontario.ca/AgFoodJobs

LEARN MORE

Visit Ontario's COVID-19 website to learn more about how the province continues to protect Ontarians from COVID-19.

Avi Yufest Minister's Office

[email protected] 416-326-3067 Christa Roettele Communications Branch




http://news.ontario.ca/omafra/en/2020/04/ontario-takes-steps-to-keep-food-on-the-table-during-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/omafra/fr/2020/04/lontario-agit-pour-continuer-a-nourrir-la-population-durant-la-pandemie-de-covid-19.html

NEWS


Ontario Government Supports Families in Response to COVID-19

Province Providing One-time Financial Assistance During School and Child Care Closures

April 6, 2020 1:15 P.M. TORONTO — The Ontario government is offering direct financial support to parents while Ontario schools and child care centres remain closed as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

The new Support for Families initiative offers a one-time payment of $200 per child 0 to 12

years of age, and $250 for those 0 to 21 years of age with special needs.

The announcement was made today by Premier Doug Ford, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier

and Minister of Health, and Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education.

"During this extraordinary time, we're doing everything we can to support parents to keep

everyone safe and ensure our children continue to learn and stay mentally active," said Premier

Ford. "This one-time funding will allow parents to access additional tools for our kids to use

while at home and studying remotely. I want to remind everyone to stay at home and only go out

if absolutely necessary. It's the only way we are going to defeat this terrible virus."

"Our aim during these extraordinarily challenging times is to continue supporting those impacted

hardest by the COVID-19 outbreak — Ontario families," said Minister Lecce. "School and child

care closures have disrupted family life a great deal and our government will do whatever it

takes to support them and keep them safe. This funding will flow to parents directly, to offer

them immediate relief during this difficult time."

Families can complete a simple online application at Ontario's Support for Families web page to

access this financial support. Parents already receiving Support for Parents payments through

direct deposit will be automatically eligible for this financial support and do not need to submit a

new application.

"As we reach a critical juncture in our fight against COVID-19, it's important schools and child

care centres remain closed," said Minister Elliott. "Keeping Ontarians safe is our number one

priority and it's also our duty to help parents who are supporting their children and families

during this unprecedented time."

http://www.ontario.ca/SupportForFamilies

http://www.ontario.ca/SupportForParents

Through this initiative the government is providing over $300 million in relief to parents across

Ontario as part of Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.

"With schools and child care closed, life has become more difficult for families and they need

some extra help," said Rod Phillips, Minister of Finance. "Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to

COVID-19, includes $7 billion in direct support for people and jobs, and $10 billion in cash flow

support for people and businesses. This $17 billion plan includes direct relief for parents when

they need it the most."

QUICK FACTS

Ontario public schools will remain closed to teachers until Friday, May 1, 2020, and to students until Monday, May 4, 2020, to keep Ontario’s students safe from COVID-19. Private schools, licensed child care centres and EarlyON programs will also remain closed until April 13, according to the Declaration of Emergency, which only allows closures to be extended for one 14-day period at a time.

On March 22, Ontario announced its effort to support health care and frontline workers with emergency child care services across the province. Frontline workers who make use of these services are also eligible for this one-time payment.

The Government reiterated its focus on positive mental health supports for students dealing with the challenges of COVID-19. Premier Ford announced an investment of up to $12 million to deliver online and virtual mental health supports across our province, supporting students, families and frontline workers.

Ontario launched the second phase of Learn at Home and Apprendre à la maison, a new online portal that provides resources for families so students can continue their education while schools are closed due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.


LEARN MORE

Learn at Home TVO TFO Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19


[email protected] Alexandra Adamo Minister’s Office




https://news.ontario.ca/edu/en/2020/03/province-takes-steps-to-ensure-frontline-staff-can-continue-to-work.html





https://www.tvo.org/

https://www.tfo.org/fr/


http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-government-supports-families-in-response-to-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/04/le-gouvernement-de-lontario-soutient-les-familles-en-reaction-a-la-covid-19.html

NEWS

Ministry of the Solicitor General

Ontario Takes Additional Measures to Protect First Responders During the COVID-19 Outbreak

April 6, 2020 2:07 P.M.

TORONTO — Today, Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health, and Sylvia Jones,

Solicitor General, issued the following statement regarding new emergency measures to protect

Ontario's first responders and stop the spread of COVID-19:

"First responders put their lives on the line every day to protect Ontarians and they are at great

risk of being directly exposed to COVID-19 as they fulfill their frontline duties. We must do

everything in our power to ensure the health and well-being of those working on the frontlines

and provide them with the tools they need to do their jobs and keep Ontarians safe.

With their safety and health in mind, our government has made an emergency order that will

allow police, firefighters and paramedics to obtain COVID-19 positive status information about

individuals with whom they are coming into contact.

During this pandemic, it is crucial that our first responders have access to this critical

information when they are preparing to respond to an emergency in order to protect themselves

and the public and help stop the spread of this virus.

The information disclosed will be limited to an individual's name, address, date of birth, and

whether the individual has had a positive COVID-19 test result. Strict protocols will be enforced

to limit access to this information and will only be used to allow first responders to take

appropriate safety precautions to protect themselves and the communities they serve.

Once the declaration of emergency is lifted, this data will be made inaccessible to first

responders.

We will continue to take decisive action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the health

and safety of all Ontarians."

Stephen Warner Solicitor General’s Office

[email protected] Brent Ross Communications Branch

[email protected]


http://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/en/2020/04/ontario-takes-additional-measures-to-protect-first-responders-during-the-covid-19-outbreak.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mcscs/fr/2020/04/toronto----aujourdhui-christine-elliott.html

NEWS

Ministry of Finance

Ontario Providing Relief for Remote Northern Property Taxpayers During COVID-19

Province Deferring Provincial Land Tax Payments for 90 Days April 6, 2020 2:00 P.M.

TORONTO — During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Ontario government is deferring $15 million

in property taxes for people and businesses in parts of Northern Ontario located outside of

municipal boundaries. This tax deferral builds on the $10 billion in cash flow supports made

available to people and businesses as part of Ontario's Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19.

"Our government is taking action to protect every person and every business across Ontario

during this unprecedented time, including remote parts of Northern Ontario," said Rod Phillips,

Minister of Finance. "All communities are feeling the impacts of this global outbreak. That's why

we're providing a measure of relief for the owners of over 63,000 residential and business

properties outside municipal boundaries."

Through these measures, Ontario is giving taxpayers in unincorporated areas more time to pay

each of the four 2020 Provincial Land Tax installments. Taxpayers will have 90 extra days to

pay without incurring interest or penalties. For example, taxpayers who would be required to

pay the April 7 property tax installment will have until July 6 to pay without interest or penalties.

This action is complementary to new support for municipalities that was announced in Ontario's

Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19. In this plan, the Province announced it is deferring the

upcoming quarterly (June 30) remittance of education property tax to school boards by 90 days.

This will provide municipalities with the flexibility to, in turn, provide property tax deferrals of over

$1.8 billion to local residents and businesses.

"Additional cash flow during these tough times can help keep food on the table for people in

every corner of the province," said Minister Phillips. "That's why we've made $10 billion in cash

flow support available through tax and other deferrals as part of Ontario's Action Plan:

Responding to COVID-19. The Province is doing its part and we're grateful to our partners in the

other levels of government for doing theirs."

https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/

QUICK FACTS

The Provincial Land Tax is the property tax paid in unincorporated areas of northern Ontario outside municipal boundaries. The Province directly collects this tax to help fund community services, such as policing, land ambulance, public health and social services in unincorporated areas.

This deferral of unincorporated area property tax payments applies to all of the levies that are collected through the consolidated Provincial Land Tax bill. This includes Provincial Land Tax, education property tax, and any Local Road Board and Local Service Board levies that are paid through the Provincial Land Tax bill.

To ensure this deferral does not have a financial impact on Local Roads and Services Boards, which provide additional services in these remote communities, the Province will continue to make payments to these partners, as scheduled. In addition, to ensure this does not have a financial impact on school boards, the Province will adjust payments to school boards to offset the deferral.

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID 19 includes $7 billion in direct supports for health care, people and jobs and makes available approximately $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flows. This $17 billion plan outlines the government’s first steps in response to COVID-19.

LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect

Ontarians from COVID-19 or to take a self assessment.

Scott Blodgett Communications Branch

[email protected] 416-728-9791 Emily Hogeveen Minister’s Office






http://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/04/ontario-providing-relief-for-remote-northern-property-taxpayers-during-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mof/fr/2020/04/lontario-offre-un-allegement-aux-contribuables-fonciers-des-regions-eloignees-du-nord-durant-leclosi.html

NEWS


Ontario Calls on all Health Care Workers to Help Fight COVID-19

Province Launches Online Portal to Match Available Health Care Workers with Employers

April 7, 2020 1:15 P.M. TORONTO — The Ontario government is taking further action to stop the spread of COVID-19 by actively recruiting health care workers to increase the frontline capacity of hospitals, clinics, and assessment centres. Today, the province is launching a new online tool that will help match skilled frontline workers with employers.

The new Health Workforce Matching Portal will enable health care providers with a range of

experience to join the province's response to COVID-19. Those providers include retired or non-

active health care professionals, internationally educated health care professionals, students,

and volunteers with health care experience. The portal will efficiently match the availability and

skillsets of frontline health care workers to the employers in need of assistance to perform a

variety of public health functions, such as case and contact management.

"Our health care heroes on the frontlines of this battle are doing extraordinary work, but they

need reinforcements to step up and lend a hand to help defeat this virus," said Premier Doug

Ford. "Whether you're retired or in training, we can't afford to have people with professional

health care skills who want to help sitting on the sidelines during this crisis. This is a call to

action and I encourage every available person with health care experience to get involved."

Employers and interested health care professionals can visit the portal here and create a profile.

Once registered, professionals can add their availability and employers can enter their request

for support. Registrants will receive an email notification if matched.

"Since the beginning of this outbreak, we have heard from thousands of volunteers who want to

help in any way they can," said Christine Elliott, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health. "We are

very grateful for those stepping up during these unprecedented times. That's why we are using

everything possible to support these frontline healthcare workers as they fight the spread of this

virus."

On April 1, Ontario issued a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil

Protection Act, to enhance the public health units' human resources capacity and support their

ongoing fight against COVID-19.

https://healthcloudtrialmaster-15a4d-17117fe91a8.force.com/matchingportal

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20116

LEARN MORE

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 Ontario Increasing Public Health Units' Capacity to Stop COVID-19 Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect

Ontarians from COVID-19. Learn about travel advisories related to COVID-19. If you are a health care professional, learn how to protect yourself and your patients by



[email protected] Hayley Chazan Senior Manager, Media Relations

[email protected] David Jensen Communications Branch








http://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-calls-on-all-health-care-workers-to-help-fight-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/opo/fr/2020/04/lontario-appelle-tous-les-professionnels-de-la-sante-a-participer-a-la-lutte-contre-la-covid-19.html

NEWS

Ministry of Indigenous Affairs

Ontario Helping Indigenous Communities Stop the Spread of COVID-19

Over $37 million committed to support outbreak planning, prevention and mitigation April 7, 2020 3:00 P.M.

TORONTO- As part of Ontario's Action Plan: Response to COVID-19, the Ontario government

is investing over $37 million to support outbreak planning, prevention and mitigation efforts to

ensure the health and well-being of Indigenous people and communities — particularly those in

remote and far-northern regions.

"Indigenous communities face unique challenges in planning for and tackling the COVID-19

outbreak," said Greg Rickford, Minister of Indigenous Affairs. "We are working closely with

Indigenous leaders and making critical investments to ensure Indigenous people and

communities have the necessary tools and supports in place to stop the spread of COVID-19."

The funding will respond to the unique needs of First Nations, Métis and Inuit people and

families across the province. The total of $37.8 million includes:

$16.4 million from the Ministry of Indigenous Affairs to provide emergency funds for food, household goods, critical supplies, transportation, and support and care, responsive services and supports for urban Indigenous people, self-isolation facilities in remote and northern communities, prevention and awareness efforts, and pandemic planning;

$10 million from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services to support Indigenous communities and agencies in responding to the needs of vulnerable children, families and elders during the outbreak;

$7.4 million from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing to help social service providers, charities and non-profits delivering critical housing services to Indigenous people living off-reserve; and

$4 million from the Ministry of Transportation to ensure continued service to remote and northern airports, enabling essential goods and services to continue reaching isolated communities.

"We know the continuation of social services is critical to the unique needs of First Nations,

Inuit, Métis and urban Indigenous communities. We're committed to responding to those needs

now and as they continue to develop," said Todd Smith, Minister of Children, Community and

Social Services.

https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/index.html?_ga=2.207479955.122639986.1585057448-407848231.1578328686

In addition to this funding, the government is working with the Indigenous business community

to assess how to address the impacts of COVID-19 on Indigenous businesses, economies and

workers.

"We are acting quickly to support Indigenous people living off-reserve who are homeless or at

risk of becoming homeless during this unprecedented time," said Steve Clark, Minister of

Municipal Affairs and Housing. "This funding will go straight to Indigenous service providers,

who know best what the immediate needs are on the ground."

The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) owns and operates 29 airports, with 26 serving remote

First Nations communities. These airports provide a vital link to Indigenous communities,

enabling shipments of essential supplies, such as food, fuel and water, and connecting essential

services, including health care, education and social services. The ministry will work

cooperatively with Indigenous communities wishing to enact their own measures related to the

COVID-19 outbreak, including consideration of requests for the full or partial closures of MTO

airports.

"We recognize these airports are lifelines to the communities they serve, many of which are

isolated," said Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation. "Our investment will ensure that

critical services and goods continue to be available to First Nations and northern communities."

QUICK FACTS

The province announced a $17 billion response package under Ontario's Action Plan: Response to COVID-19.

Ontario continues to work collaboratively with federal government representatives and Indigenous partners and leaders on a coordinated response to COVID-19 in First Nation, Métis and Inuit communities.

LEARN MORE

Ontario's Fiscal and Economic Update Information on COVID-19

Sydney Stonier Minister’s Office

[email protected] 416-219-3220 Flavia Mussio Communications Branch



https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/03/ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19.html



https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/contents.html


http://news.ontario.ca/mirr/en/2020/04/ontario-helping-indigenous-communities-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19.html

http://news.ontario.ca/mirr/fr/2020/04/lontario-aide-les-communautes-autochtones-a-freiner-la-propagation-de-la-covid-19.html

Solicitor General Solliciteur général

Office of the Solicitor General 25 Grosvenor Street, 18th Floor Toronto ON M7A 1Y6 Tel.: 416 325-0408 [email protected]

Bureau de la solliciteure générale 25, rue Grosvenor, 18e étage Toronto ON M7A 1Y6 Tél.: 416 325-0408 [email protected]

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Ministère des Affaires municipales et du Logement

Office of the Minister 777 Bay Street, 17th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3 Tel.: 416 585-7000

Bureau du ministre 777, rue Bay, 17e étage Toronto ON M7A 2J3 Tél.: 416 585-7000

March 27, 2020 Dear Head of Council: On March 17, 2020, our government declared a provincial emergency through the authority granted under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA). Since this declaration, several emergency orders have been made under the Act to contain the spread of COVID-19 and to ensure that essential services continue to be provided and Ontarians are supported. To view Emergency Orders made by the government in response to COVID-19, please visit our ministry's Emergency Information webpage at: ontario.ca/alert. Previously, only police officers and constables who have been appointed under an Act have the ability to enforce orders made under the EMCPA. Due to COVID-19, police resources are being stretched and police services have made requests to have other enforcement personnel assist with enforcing the emergency orders being made by the province. As a result, our government signed a ministerial designation under the Provincial Offences Act to authorize the following personnel to enforce EMCPA orders:

• All persons or classes of persons designated in writing by a minister of the Crown as provincial offences officers, notwithstanding the offence or class of offences of that designation;

• All municipal law enforcement officers referred to in subsection 101 (4) of the Municipal Act, 2001, or in subsection 79 (1) of the City of Toronto Act, 2006;

• All by-law enforcement officers of any municipality, or of any local board of any municipality; and

• All officers, employees or agents of any municipality or of any local board of any municipality whose responsibilities include the enforcement of a by-law, an Act or a regulation under an Act.

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Head of Council Page 2 No further provincial approvals or authorizations are needed for municipal law enforcement officers to enforce orders under the EMCPA. Municipalities are not required to, but may wish to consider whether, and how, to provide direction to their municipal law enforcement officers about the exercise of these powers (e.g., policies or by-laws regarding which officers are best positioned to exercise these powers given their existing training, knowledge and resources). Municipalities should continue to consider the severity of each infraction in relation to the potential risk to public health and the spread of COVID-19 when taking enforcement action. Consistent with existing enforcement approaches, consideration should continue to be given to taking a graduated approach to compliance. This could include providing educational messaging or warnings to members of the public around the emergency orders and, if compliance is not obtained, the issuance of a ticket under the Provincial Offences Act or a summons under Part 3 of the Act. To assist enforcement personnel, we are also establishing a dedicated 1-800 line to respond to questions related to enforcing these orders. This telephone number will be available to enforcement personnel and will not be for the general public. We will follow up with more information once the dedicated line is established. Finally, to further support the implementation of this change, please see enclosed Frequently Asked Questions that can be shared with your enforcement staff. As specific operational questions arise please contact Zinzi De Silva, Standards Research Analyst with the Public Safety Division of the Ministry of the Solicitor General at 416-314-3079 or [email protected] for guidance as necessary. Thank you for your continued cooperation on this matter. Sincerely,

Sylvia Jones Solicitor General

Steve Clark Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Enclosure c: Chief Administrative Officers

Municipal Clerks

of 4

Qs and As for Enforcement Personnel March 27, 2020

General Questions 1. Are provincial offences officers and municipal law enforcement officers required to

enforce emergency orders?

The changes we are making do not require the use of provincial offences or municipal law enforcement officers to enforce emergency orders. It does provide the flexibility should there be a ministry or local need to increase enforcement.

2. What emergency orders are provincial offences officers and municipal law

enforcement officers authorized to enforce? Provincial offences officers and municipal law enforcement officers are now authorized to enforce all emergency orders made under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA).

3. Who should officers contact for urgent matters?

During the emergency declaration, if circumstances arise where a case under the EMCPA requires urgent attention, the prosecutor may work with the criminal court trial coordinator to bring the matter to the Local Administrative Judge or Regional Senior Judge for direction and potential scheduling.  Please contact Director of Crown Operations, Fred Braley, [email protected] 416-553-1478. 

Available Charges 4. Is It an offence to fail to comply with an emergency order?

Yes. It is an offence to fail to comply with an emergency order, or to obstruct any person acting pursuant to such an order. The maximum punishment is one-year imprisonment or a fine of up to $100,000 for an individual, $500,000 for a director of a corporation, or $10,000,000 for a corporation itself (EMCPA, s. 7.0.11(1)). If the defendant gained a financial benefit from their violation of an emergency order, the court may increase the maximum fine to match the benefit the defendant received (EMCPA, s. 7.0.11(3)). Where violations occur on different dates, s.7.0.11(2) allows for a separate charge to be laid for each day an offence occurs or continues.

5. What offences can be laid against persons and businesses who are found in violation

of an order during a declared emergency? Officers have discretion to charge under Part I (Certificate of Offence) or Part III (Information). The following offences are available under the EMCPA for violations of Ontario’s declaration of emergency.

mailto:[email protected]

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(1) Fail to comply with an order made during a declared emergency, contrary to section 7.0.11(1) of the EMCPA.

(2) Obstruct any person exercising a power in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency, contrary to section 7.0.11(1) of the EMCPA.

(3) Obstruct any person performing a duty in accordance with an order made during a declared emergency, contrary to section 7.0.11(1) of the EMCPA.

The limitation periods that normally apply under the Provincial Offences Act (POA) (whether Part I, II or III), have been suspended pursuant to an Order by the Ontario government under s. 7.1 of the EMCPA. The suspension is retroactive to Monday, March 16, 2020. As a result of this suspension, Justices of the Peace are no longer receiving Part III Informations and municipal courts are no longer accepting the filing of Certificates of Offences. Proceedings may be initiated once the declaration of provincial emergency is lifted by the provincial government. Once the declaration of provincial emergency is over, and normal court operations resume, these matters will be scheduled and heard in the POA courts in the ordinary course.

Bars and Other Public Establishments in Violation of the Declaration of Provincial Emergency 6. What can we do if a bar is open in contravention of Ontario Regulation 51/20?

The following potential charges are available: 1. An individual patron could be charged either under Part I or Part III of the POA, with the offence of Fail to Comply with an order made during a declared emergency contrary to section 7.0.11(1)(a) of the EMCPA:

• If charged under Part I of the POA, a $750.00 set fine applies

• If charged under Part III of the POA, a fine of not more than $100,000 and a term of imprisonment of not more than one year could be imposed

2. An individual who is a director or officer of the corporate entity could be charged under Part I or Part III of the POA, with the offence of Fail to Comply with an order made during a declared emergency contrary to section 7.0.11(1)(b) of the EMCPA:


• If charged under Part III of the POA, a fine of not more than $500,000 and a term of imprisonment of not more than one year could be imposed

3. The corporate entity could be charged under Part I or Part III of the POA, with the offence of Fail to Comply with an order made during a declared emergency contrary to section 7.0.11(c) of the EMCPA:


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• If charged under Part III of the POA, a fine of not more than $10,000,000 applies

Under this scenario, an officer could proceed under Part I of the POA in respect of the “individual” (the patron) and Part III in respect of the “individual who is a director or officer of the corporate entity” and the corporate entity.

Powers of Arrest 7. Can provincial offences officers or municipal law enforcement officers arrest

individuals for violations of the EMCPA? No. The EMCPA does not include any arrest provisions for provincial offences officers or municipal law enforcement officers.

8. When can officers rely on the Criminal Code for individuals who refuse to comply with an emergency order? Officers should first seek voluntary compliance with emergency orders. Officers should make it clear that people are required to comply with the orders and that failure to comply is an offence under s. 7.0.11 of the EMCPA. If people refuse to comply and follow the officer’s commands, officers can rely on s. 129 of the Criminal Code, which makes it any offence to resist or wilfully obstruct a public officer or peace officer in the execution of their duty. The Criminal Code sets out the powers of arrest and abilities to identify people.

9. What if a business that has been ordered to close, refuses to close and people

continue to gather inside? Officers may rely on ancillary powers to order that people leave a business and prevent others from entering. The basis is that the people are committing an offence by violating the emergency order. The intrusions on liberty are acceptable as reasonably necessary for the police to fulfill their duties. The police focus must be on removing people to the extent necessary for public health reasons, such as the need for people to maintain 6 feet of distance. For example, if the owner of a business is inside, and is committing an offence of failing to comply with an order during a declared emergency, but through police intervention, no customers or workers are allowed to enter, then recourse to ancillary powers would likely not be available to justify further intervention. Officers have ancillary powers under the common law that are available where: (1) the officer’s conduct falls within their general duties; and (2) the officer’s conduct is reasonably necessary. As the province has declared an emergency and has made certain orders as a result, the police are acting in the course of their duties to preserve the peace, protect the public, and save lives. These are the “principal duties” of the police at common law. As for the officer’s conduct being reasonably necessary, this depends on what the officer seeks to do. The goal of the emergency orders is to keep people apart to combat the spread of COVID-19. The police duty is extremely important; interference of liberty will be necessary.

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10. How can individuals be removed from locations they are not allowed to be in? If people are congregating in public areas or businesses in violation of emergency orders, they may be trespassing. The common law arguably permits officers to use force to remove individuals illegally congregating in public areas or in businesses in violation of emergency orders. This same power may be used to remove trespassers provided that the trespasser has first been asked to leave and was afforded a reasonable opportunity to do so before they were removed. In addition, the officer must ensure that they have authority from the occupier to remove the trespasser, unless the occupier is also in breach of the emergency order.

11. What search powers are available for violations of the EMCPA? If a business is operating in contravention of the emergency orders issued, there is no statutory authority to search the premises or forcibly enter absent a warrant. Police can rely on their common law ancillary powers to enter premises if the entry is necessary as an emergency response to a pressing and clear health concern (e.g., extreme violations of the emergency order such as a COVID-19 party of a hundred people). This is akin to the police authority to enter residences when responding to 911 calls in order to locate the person under distress and offer aid as necessary. Officers also can search the home in the name of responding to that same imminent threat to public safety and seize illegal items found in plain view (e.g. guns, drugs). Caution must be exercised to ensure that the entry is for public safety purposes under the EMCPA, and not some other purpose such as a criminal investigation.

12. Who will prosecute EMCPA charges? The prosecution of all charges laid alleging violations of the EMCPA will fall to the Criminal Law Division of the Ministry of the Attorney General. Any questions regarding prosecutions of these offences should be directed to Director of Crown Operations, Fred Braley, [email protected] 416-553-1478.


Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Ministère des Affaires municipales et du Logement

Office of the Minister 777 Bay Street, 17th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3 Tel.: 416 585-7000

Bureau du ministre 777, rue Bay, 17e étage Toronto ON M7A 2J3 Tél.: 416 585-7000

Solicitor General Solliciteur général

Office of the Solicitor General 25 Grosvenor Street, 18th Floor Toronto ON M7A 1Y6 Tel.: 416 325-0408 [email protected]

Bureau de la solliciteure générale 25, rue Grosvenor, 18e étage Toronto ON M7A 1Y6 Tél.: 416 325-0408 [email protected]

April 4, 2020

Dear Head of Council: Subject: Operation of Seasonal Trailer Parks and Recreational Campgrounds – Amended Essential Business Order as of April 3, 2020 Nothing is more important than protecting the health and well-being of Ontarians. Since first learning of COVID-19, Ontario has taken decisive action to contain the spread of this new virus. Based on the advice of the Chief Medical Officer of Health, the province has declared an emergency so that we can take immediate action to stop the spread of COVID-19 and protect the public. On Tuesday, March 24th, the province ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces pursuant to Ontario Regulation 82/20 under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. On April 3, 2020 the province released an amended list of essential workplaces and ordered all businesses not covered by the amended emergency order to close their physical locations effective as of Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Seasonal trailer parks and recreational campgrounds are not listed as essential businesses and, as such, are required to be closed as of 11:59 p.m. today. We recognize Ontario “snowbirds” are returning to Canada earlier than they normally would. In some instances, seasonal trailer parks and campgrounds may have been opened earlier than usual to permit individuals to take up temporary accommodation in their mobile homes, recreational vehicles or trailers. For Ontarians whose only Canadian residence is at one of these seasonal trailer parks or campgrounds, they are permitted to continue their occupancy and complete their mandatory self-isolation as required by the mandatory isolation order made by the federal government under the Quarantine Act which took effect on March 25, 2020.

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Head of Council Page 2 Everyone has a role to play in stopping the spread of COVID-19 and we are asking that our enforcement partners assist in this effort. We encourage you to assist in enforcement efforts to ensure that seasonal trailer parks and/or campgrounds are not being used for recreational purposes. We encourage you to work with park operators and local public health officials in this regard, including to take into consideration the continued need for accommodation of those individuals outlined above. Officers are encouraged to undertake a graduated approach to enforcement of the emergency orders, which may include educational messaging to businesses around the emergency order, specific warnings, the issuance of a ticket under Part I of the Provincial Offences Act (POA) or a summons under Part III of the POA. Officers are also encouraged to review the applicable provincial and federal emergency orders, and to continue to monitor ontario.ca/alert for any updates or changes to provincial orders. By staying home and avoiding contact with others we can stop the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your continued cooperation on this matter. Sincerely,

Steve Clark Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing

Sylvia Jones Solicitor General

Ministry of Children,

Community and Social

Services

Assistant Deputy Minister

Social Assistance Programs

Division

2 Bloor St West, 25th Floor

Toronto ON M7A 1E9

Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Assistant Deputy Minister Housing Division 777 Bay St., 14th Floor Toronto ON M7A 2J3

Ministère des Services à

l’enfance et des Services

sociaux et communautaires

Sous-ministre adjoint

Division des programmes d'aide

sociale

2, rue Bloor Ouest, 25e étage

Toronto ON M7A 1E9

Ministère des Affaires municipales et du Logement Bureau du sous-ministre adjoint Division du Logement 777, rue Bay 14e étage Toronto ON M7A 2J3

March 23, 2020

TO: Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs) District Social Services Administration Boards (DSAABs) Ontario Works Delivery Partners, ODSP Offices

COPY: AMO-MOU City of Toronto OMSSA NOSDA FROM: Susan Erwin Joshua Paul Assistant Deputy Minister Assistant Deputy Minister Social Assistance Programs Division Housing Division SUBJECT: Social Services Relief Funding Vulnerable Ontarians, including those who live in poverty, are homeless or unemployed, face even more significant impacts as the COVID-19 public health crisis evolves globally and locally.

In addition to early measures already announced, effective immediately, the government is

providing $200 million in social services relief funding to help protect the health and safety of the

province’s most vulnerable people, through assistance to individuals and to frontline agencies.

We know that food banks, charitable organizations, shelters and individuals living in poverty are feeling the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and through this fund the government will be providing support.

This fund will provide funding through two streams: (1) Funding to Individuals for current and non social assistance clients ($52M); and (2) Funding to Service Managers ($148M) who would have the flexibility to allocate this

funding as they see fit to keep frontline critical social services operating to support Ontario’s most vulnerable.

Funding to Individuals: Expanding Emergency Assistance We are expanding access to temporary emergency assistance under Ontario Works for those in

financial crisis who have no access to other supports, including those who are waiting for

support from the federal government to become available. This funding will help to cover needs

such as food, rent, medicine, transportation and other services during this public health crisis.

Individuals can apply for this assistance online or through local Ontario Works offices.

Further measures to expand Emergency Assistance include:

• Suspending the rule that limits emergency assistance provision to only once in a six-month period for individuals and families affected by COVID-19

• Allowing people to receive emergency assistance for longer (48 days) without submitting a full Ontario Works application

To manage increased demand, Ontario is working to develop a more streamlined and

accessible application for emergency assistance that will be available as soon as possible. The

ministry is putting in place a centralized team to help support increased inquiries regarding

assistance and to support people to complete their applications. We will update you as this

develops.

Expanding Discretionary Benefits

The government is also providing resources to enable frontline staff and delivery partners to

provide additional discretionary benefits to those currently in receipt of social assistance, by

removing the cap on these benefits for March and April 2020. This funding can be used to meet

a broad range of emergency needs, including cleaning supplies, transportation, food or clothing.

Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) recipients are also eligible to receive these benefits.

We are aware that this will put additional pressure on Ontario Works to review and assess

requests and as mentioned above, we are developing options to reduce this demand.

Health and Safety

To protect the health and safety of frontline staff and clients and limit the spread of the virus, the

ministry is modifying certain social assistance program requirements on a temporary basis, and

is:

• Reducing the need for in-person contact by authorizing risk-based approaches to

eligibility determination and other verification requirements, including deferral of visual

verification requirements of original documents and allowing for the use of email or

alternative methods to submit reports or documents. This documentation may be

requested at a later date.

• Helping to reduce the burden on program staff by modifying certain program

requirements – including no longer suspending clients who do not report income and

suspending Eligibility Verification Process reviews – to enable deployment of resources

to priority activities.

• Helping to reduce the burden on the healthcare system by enabling program staff to

approve extensions to Special Diet Allowance, Mandatory Special Necessities benefits,

and medical transportation/supplies without endorsement from a health professional.

Funding to Service Managers

The funding is intended to enable the support of vulnerable populations, including the homeless,

low-income individuals and others who use social services, by providing funding that can be

used by service managers to:

• Fund service providers, such as shelters, food banks, charities and non-profits;

• Fund the expansion of existing house stability programs operated by service managers;

• Purchase goods and services, such as food, transportation, medical supplies, or hotel

rooms; or

• Fund administration needs, including staffing.

The intention is to provide Consolidated Municipal Service Managers (CMSMs) and District

Social Services Administration Boards (DSAABs) the flexibility they need to allocate funding,

based on local priorities and locally managed programs that can be quickly leveraged at this

time.

This funding will be made available as soon as possible. Further details will be available soon

from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Funding will also be made available to organizations delivering services to vulnerable First

Nations individuals and families. Further details will be available shortly through MCCSS.

We share the government’s strong conviction that no one should have to worry about how they

are going to provide for themselves and their families, and we know you do as well. It is our

hope that this commitment, applied in partnership with our municipal delivery partners, will help

Ontario’s most vulnerable get through this difficult and challenging time.

Visit Ontario's website to learn more about how the province continues to protect


Sincerely,

Original signed by

Susan Erwin Joshua Paul Assistant Deputy Minister Assistant Deputy Minister Social Assistance Programs Division Housing Division



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Ministry of Health

Office of Chief Medical Officer of Health, Public Health 393 University Avenue, 21st Floor Toronto ON M5G 2M2 Tel.: 416 212-3831 Fax: 416 325-8412

Ministère de la Santé

Bureau du médecin hygiéniste en chef, santé publique 393 avenue University, 21e étage Toronto ON M5G 2M2 Tél. : 416 212-3831 Téléc. : 416 325-8412

March 25, 2020 MEMORANDUM TO: Employers – Non-Health Care FROM: Dr. David Williams Chief Medical Officer of Health Ministry of Health SUBJECT: Use of Masks for COVID-19

The ministry has fielded a number of inquiries in recent weeks regarding personal protective equipment and interest in guidance from the ministry for the protection of staff in non-health sector settings. The focus in particular has been our advice regarding masks. We have been working closely with Public Health Ontario (PHO), who has been monitoring the scientific evidence since the emergence of the COVID-19 outbreak and has extensive expertise in this area. Their advice and evidence on this matter is clear: COVID-19 is a droplet/contact spread virus. Based on the evidence, the ministry has issued a legally-binding directive from the Chief Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to all health care settings. This directive specifies that surgical masks are to be worn by health workers for most patient care circumstances. The exception is for aerosol generating medical procedures (AGMPs) – a defined group of medical procedures performed on patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19, where N95 respirators (a specific type of mask) are appropriate. As per routine practices in health care, there are a number of controls that may be appropriate in certain circumstances, based on a risk assessment at each workplace. I would recommend the following be considered as measures that could be put in place before resorting to personal protective equipment in settings outside of heath care: - providing services virtually where possible or curtailing non-essential services; - engineering controls, where operationally feasible (like plexiglass windows and barriers); and - administrative controls (passive and active screening). Only once these controls have been put in place would personal protective equipment be used, if necessary. I continue to recommend physical distancing practices, wherever possible. Hand washing should be practiced at all times.

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/updated-ipac-measures-covid-19.pdf?la=en

https://www.publichealthontario.ca/-/media/documents/ncov/updated-ipac-measures-covid-19.pdf?la=en

- 2 -

Mask use is generally not recommended for non-health workers. However, based on a risk assessment at each workplace setting, a surgical mask may be appropriate in circumstances where a worker may experience exposure (close contact within 2 meters) to potentially symptomatic persons. With the proper controls in place and the appropriate awareness, the use of masks in non-healthcare settings should be limited. Where warranted, mask usage should be subject to specific circumstances as informed by a work and/or workplace specific risk assessment I particularly recommend that non-health workers do not wear N95 respirators, which are appropriate for a health care context involving AGMPs. The ministry will continue to be available to provide any further advice that may be needed to support employees and the continuity of essential operations during this outbreak. Sincerely, Original signed by Dr. David Williams, MD, MHSc, FRCPS Chief Medical Officer of Health

06/04/2020 COVID-19 resources for municipalities | Federation of Canadian Municipalities

https://fcm.ca/en/resources/covid-19-resources-municipalities 1/7

The COVID-19 outbreak is an urgent challenge to public health in cities andcommunities across Canada. FCM is committed to supporting membermunicipalities with information and resources to help keep Canadianssafe.

Priority #1 for municipalities is to follow the advice of provincial/territorialand local public health authorities. FCM is maintaining close contact with

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COVID-19 resources for municipalities

https://fcm.ca/en

https://fcm.ca/en/about-fcm/membership

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https://fcm.ca/en/contact-us

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the Public Health Agency of Canada and key federal departments andagencies. And we’re working with senior federal of�cials to explore howthe federal government can support local response efforts.

FCM encourages members to review these resources regularly. We’llcontinue to update this page with additional information as it becomesavailable.

Government of Canada resources

Canada's response to COVID-19Outbreak update – federal government hub for dailyCOVID-19 updatesTechnical guidance for communities, schools/daycares,health professionals and businessAdvice for health professionalsCommunity-based measures to mitigate the spread ofCOVID-19Guidance on essential services and functions in Canadaduring the COVID-19 pandemicRisk-informed decision-making for mass gatheringsUpdated travel adviceCOVID-19 awareness resources

Vulnerable populationsHow to isolate at homeTravellers returning to CanadaTravellers returning from Iran, Italy and Hubei Province,ChinaKnow the facts: Factsheet | InfographicBe prepared: Factsheet | Infographic Reduce the spread of COVID-19: Wash your hands How to care for a person with COVID-19 at home: Advicefor caregivers

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/guidance-documents.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/canadas-reponse.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/public-health-measures-mitigate-covid-19.html

https://www.publicsafety.gc.ca/cnt/ntnl-scrt/crtcl-nfrstrctr/esf-sfe-en.aspx

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/health-professionals/mass-gatherings-risk-assesment.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/latest-travel-health-advice.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/diseases/2019-novel-coronavirus-infection/awareness-resources.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/vulnerable-populations-covid-19.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/covid-19-how-to-isolate-at-home.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/2019-novel-coronavirus-information-sheet-travelled-hubei-province-china.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/know-facts-about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/about-coronavirus-disease-covid-19.html

https://canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/covid-19-be-prepared.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/covid-19-be-prepared-infographic.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/reduce-spread-covid-19-wash-your-hands.html

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/how-to-care-for-person-with-covid-19-at-home-advice-for-caregivers.html



Know the difference: Self-monitoring, self-isolation, andisolation for COVID-19

Provincial/territorial resources

Alberta British ColumbiaManitobaNew BrunswickNorthwest TerritoriesNova ScotiaNewfoundland and LabradorNunavutOntarioQuebecPrince Edward IslandSaskatchewanYukon

Provincial income supports for workers

List of announced income supports (direct and through employers) forworkers who have lost signi�cant income due to COVID-19. Does notinclude other provincial measures that may be in place such as propertytax or utility bill deferral.

Alberta – Emergency isolation supportBritish Columbia – The BC Emergency Bene�t for WorkersNew Brunswick – Worker emergency income bene�tNova Scotia – $50 top up for income assistance recipients

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/diseases-conditions/self-monitoring-self-isolation-isolation-for-covid-19.html

https://www.alberta.ca/coronavirus-info-for-albertans.aspx

https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-feature/coronavirus

https://www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/coronavirus.html

https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus.html

https://www.hss.gov.nt.ca/en/services/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-faqs

https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/

https://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/coronavirus/

https://www.gov.nu.ca/health/news/low-risk-coronavirus-nunavut

https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov

https://www.quebec.ca/en/health/health-issues/a-z/2019-coronavirus/

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/topic/covid-19

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus

https://yukon.ca/en/health-and-wellness/health-concerns-diseases-and-conditions/information-about-novel-coronavirus

https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-isolation-support.aspx

https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/employment-business/covid-19-financial-supports/emergency-benefit-workers

https://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/post-secondary_education_training_and_labour/promo/nbweib.html

https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/#support



Ontario – Expansion to Ontario WorksPrince Edward Island – Emergency Relief - Worker Assistance programPrince Edward Island – Income support fundQuebec – Temporary aid for workers programSaskatchewan – Self-isolation support programYukon – Paid Sick Leave Rebate

Resources fromProvincial/Territorial Associations

Association of Manitoba Bilingual MunicipalitiesAssociation of Municipalities of OntarioAssociation of Yukon CommunitiesAlberta Urban Municipalities AssociationFederation of PEI MunicipalitiesFédération Québécoise des Municipalités (French only)Municipalities of Newfoundland and LabradorMunicipalities of SaskatchewanNorthwest Territories Association of CommunitiesNova Scotia Federation of MunicipalitiesRural Municipalities of AlbertaSaskatchewan Association of Rural MunicipalitiesUnion of BC MunicipalitiesUnion of Municipalities of New BrunswickUnion des Municipalités du Québec (French only)

Other resources

Agriculture

https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/programs/social/ow/index.aspx

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/emergency-relief-worker-assistance-program

https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/education-and-lifelong-learning/covid-19-income-support-fund-faq

https://www.quebec.ca/en/family-and-support-for-individuals/financial-assistance/temporary-aid-for-workers-program/

https://www.saskatchewan.ca/government/health-care-administration-and-provider-resources/treatment-procedures-and-guidelines/emerging-public-health-issues/2019-novel-coronavirus/covid-19-information-for-businesses-and-workers/support-for-workers/self-isolation-support-program

https://yukon.ca/en/your-government/find-out-what-government-doing/paid-sick-leave-rebate-employers#apply-for-a-paid-sick-leave-rebate-for-employers

https://ambm.ca/en/covid-19-en/

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Health/COVID19Resources

http://www.ayc-yk.ca/resources/c_o_v_i_d19

https://auma.ca/business-services/employee-benefits/employers/covid-19

https://fpeim.ca/is-your-municipality-ready-for-coronavirus-covid-19/

https://www.fqm.ca/etat-des-lieux/

https://municipalnl.ca/covid-19/

https://suma.org/news/covid-19-resources-for-municipalities

https://covid19.toolkitnwtac.com/

https://www.nsfm.ca/covid-19.html

https://rmalberta.com/about/covid-19-response-hub/

https://sarm.ca/about-sarm/news/item/?n=214

https://www.ubcm.ca/EN/meta/news/news-archive/2020-archive/covid-19-and-local-government-preparedness.html

https://umnb.ca/covid-19-information-resources/

https://umq.qc.ca/covd19/



Canadian Federation of Agriculture

Business and the economy

Canadian Chamber of Commerce – Pandemic preparedness for businessCanadian Construction AssociationCanadian Labour CongressRetail Council of Canada

Cyber security

Canadian Anti-Fraud CentreCanadian Centre for Cyber Security

COVID-19 guidance, with links to other cyber security resourcesReal-time alerts and advisories

Royal Canadian Mounted PoliceTechnation

Health

Canadian Institutes for Health ResearchCanadian Medical Association – COVID-19 information for physicians andthe publicWorld Health Organization – Global updates and guidance on theCOVID-19 outbreak

Housing and homelessness

Canadian Alliance to End HomelessnessCanadian Mortgage and Housing CorporationCanadian Network for the Health and Housing of People ExperiencingHomelessness (CNH3)

Social support and services

https://www.cfa-fca.ca/resources/resources-on-covid-19/

http://www.chamber.ca/resources/pandemic-preparedness/

https://www.cca-acc.com/covid-19-resources/

https://canadianlabour.ca/supporting-workers-time-crisis-key-steps-governments-employers/

https://www.retailcouncil.org/coronavirus-info-for-retailers/

https://www.antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca/features-vedette/2020/covid-19-eng.htm

https://cyber.gc.ca/en/news/staying-cyber-healthy-during-covid-19-isolation

https://cyber.gc.ca/en/alerts-advisories

http://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/covid-19?fe

https://itac.ca/blog/covid-19-cybersecurity-vigilance/

https://cihr-irsc.gc.ca/e/51917.html

https://www.cma.ca/CMA-update-physicians-public-coronavirus

https://www.who.int/

https://caeh.ca/homelessness-sector-covid-19-information-exchange/

https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/media-newsroom/coronavirus-update

http://cnh3.ca/resources/



Food Banks CanadaUnited Way

Transit and transportation

Canadian Urban Transit Association – COVID-19 guidance for the publictransit industry

24 Clarence StreetOttawa, OntarioK1N 5P3T. 613-241-5221F. 613-241-7440

Email: [email protected]

Follow Us

Focus areas

Programs

Funding

Resources

Events & training

News & media

About FCM

https://www.foodbankscanada.ca/COVID-19.aspx

http://www.unitedway.ca/blog/covid-19-information-sources-for-canadian-residents/http:/www.unitedway.ca/blog/covid-19-information-sources-for-canadian-residents/

https://cutaactu.ca/en/covid-19


https://fcm.ca/en/focus-areas

https://fcm.ca/en/programs

https://fcm.ca/en/funding

https://fcm.ca/en/resources

https://fcm.ca/en/events-training

https://fcm.ca/en/news-media

https://fcm.ca/en/about-fcm

https://twitter.com/FCM_online

https://www.facebook.com/FederationofCanadianMunicipalities

https://www.linkedin.com/company/federation-of-canadian-municipalities

https://www.youtube.com/user/FCMChannel

http://feeds.feedburner.com/RssFcmNews

06/04/2020 AMO - Queen’s Park Update

www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/Queen’sParkUpdateMuchActivityandNewLegislationofMu 1/3

QUEEN’S PARK UPDATE

MUCH ACTIVITY AND NEW LEGISLATION OF MUNICIPAL

INTEREST

March 13, 2020

COVID-19 UPDATE

The COVID-19 outbreak continues to evolve in Ontario and globally. It is a dynamic situation and the Ontario

government is updating its coronavirus website twice daily. For the most up-to-date and accurate information about

coronavirus in Ontario, please use this Government of Ontario site and work with your local public health unit for

best available information and required local action. AMO will continue to monitor the situation as we can (see

COVID-19 Resources) and may provide updates to municipal governments if requested by the Province.

EXTENSION OF PUBLIC HEALTH MITIGATION FUNDING TO 2021

Linked with yesterday’s provincial announcement on enhanced COVID-19 measures, was notice that Ontario is

extending the one-time 2020 mitigation funding of 10% to 2021. This is in recognition of the resources need of

public health units to be able to respond to COVID-19 and to keep the 2021 funding at the same level of 2020

funding. This funding is in addition to yesterday’s announcement of up to a $100M COVID-19 Contingency Fund.

Further details on this public health funding are expected.

AMO Contact: Monika Turner, Director of Policy.

2019-20 ONTARIO GAS TAX FOR TRANSIT ALLOCATIONS ANNOUNCED

On Thursday, March 12, 2020 the Honourable Caroline Mulroney, Minister of Transportation announced the 2019-

20 Ontario Gas Tax for Transit Fund Allocations. The Fund will provide $365.3 million to 111 municipal governments.

Last year, the Ontario Gas Tax for Transit provided $364 million to 107 municipal governments. Along with the

announcement of the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) allocation of $200 million for municipal

infrastructure on January 17, 2020, Ontario has provided $565 million in provincial infrastructure funding to

municipalities this year.

The Ontario Gas Tax for Transit supports investments in municipal transit capital and operations, providing 2

cents/litre of gas sold in Ontario. In addition to the funding allocations, the Minister announced adjustments to the

program including the elimination of the minimum spend threshold to allow smaller municipalities with transit to

access funds; acceptance of scanned documents; and access of regional governments to funding unused by lower-tier

municipalities in their region to ensure the funding does not go unspent. Municipal council members should contact

their transit managers for more information on their allocations and priorities.

http://amo.informz.ca/z/cjUucD9taT0xMTgwMzM2JnA9MSZ1PTkwMTMwMjU0MiZsaT0xNzgxNzEwMA/index.html


mailto:[email protected]?subject=Extension%20of%20Public%20Health%20Mitigation%20Funding%20to%202021

https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2020/03/more-municipalities-will-benefit-from-transit-funding.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p

https://news.ontario.ca/mto/en/2020/03/2019-20-gas-tax-funding-by-municipality.html



AMO Contact: Craig Reid, Senior Advisor.

BILL 184, PROTECTING TENANTS AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY HOUSING ACT, 2020

Status: First Reading Carried

This Act amends three pieces of legislation related to the Ontario Building Code, community housing, and landlord-

tenant relations. It also introduces legislation to repeal an existing act maintaining the Ontario Mortgage and

Housing Corporation (OMHC).

The Housing Services Act, 2011 would be amended. A new legislative framework is timely and necessary. Further

analysis will determine how the changes will ensure the long-term viability and sustainability of the community

housing system. AMO will continue to work with the government to propose to �nd solutions that make sense for

families, local communities, and the Province.

As well, the Act would amend the Residential Tenancies Act, 2006 in various ways. AMO’s position is that the

government needs to balance interests to both encourage landlords to create new rental housing supply and also to

protect tenants at the same time.

Further, the Ontario Mortgage Housing Corporation Repeal Act, 2020 is enacted. It would dissolve the Ontario

Mortgage Housing Corporation and transfer its assets, liabilities, rights, and obligations to the Crown. An analysis of

the impact of this transfer of functions from the OMHC to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is underway.

The proposed amendments to the Building Code Act, 1992 would allow the government to establish a not-for-pro�t

corporation as a future administrative authority (AA) which would streamline and modernize building delivery

services. At this time, the Province has not identi�ed the services that the AA may provide in the future and has

clari�ed that they will not be moving forward with the use of certi�ed professionals. The Province will consult with

partners and stakeholders, including AMO, to further de�ne the AA’s accountability and governance requirements,

the AA’s funding model, and the services that they may be responsible for delivering.

More information about the proposed Bill 184 legislation is found on the government website including the Ontario

Newsroom release.

AMO Contact on Housing: Michael Jacek, Senior Advisor

AMO Contact on Building Code: Masi Naserie, Policy Advisor

BILL 175, CONNECTING PEOPLE TO HOME AND COMMUNITY CARE ACT, 2020

Legislative Status: Passed Second Reading, referred to Standing Committee on Social Policy

The Ministry is seeking to modernize home and community care through new legislation and regulations. If passed,

the legislation will allow Ontario Health Teams to deliver new models of home and community care. Regulations have

been posted concurrently for public comment until April 14. AMO is planning to make a submission to the Standing

Committee and respond to the regulatory posting based on the advice of AMO’s Health Task Force and with approval

from the Board at its March meeting. More information about the proposed legislation and regulations is found on

the government website including the Ontario Newsroom release.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=2019-20%20Ontario%20Gas%20Tax%20for%20Transit%20Allocations%20Announced

https://www.ola.org/en/legislative-business/bills/parliament-42/session-1/bill-184

https://news.ontario.ca/mma/en/2020/3/ontario-strengthening-protections-for-tenants-and-landlords.html

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Housing

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Building%20code


https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=31727&language=en

https://news.ontario.ca/mohltc/en/2020/2/ontario-modernizing-delivery-of-home-and-community-care.html



Proudly serving Ontario municipalities since 1899

Related Sites | Programs | Connect | Contact Us | Newsroom |

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of Ontario

AMO Contact: Michael Jacek, Senior Advisor

CONTACT

AMO Policy

[email protected]

T 416.971.9856

TF 1.877.426.6527

F 416.971.6191

https://www.instagram.com/amopolicy/

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mailto:[email protected]?subject=Housing

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06/04/2020 AMO - New Provincial Legislation to Allow Virtual Municipal Council Meetings

www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/NewProvincialLegislationtoAllowVirtualMunicipalCou 1/2

QUEEN'S PARK UPDATE:

NEW PROVINCIAL LEGISLATION TO ALLOW VIRTUAL

MUNICIPAL COUNCIL MEETINGS

March 19, 2020

During today’s emergency legislative session at Queen’s Park, the province introduced the Municipal Emergency Act,2020 to assist municipal governments and local boards during the COVID-19 emergency. This legislation, and the

Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020, have received unanimous consent and

are now in force as Royal Assent received.

Top of mind for municipal governments has been the ability to ensure councils, council committees and municipal

boards can meet virtually to make key decisions without needing to meet physically- given societal necessity for

social distancing and isolation.

The Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006, has been amended to provide that, during municipal or

provincial emergencies, members of councils, local boards and committees who participate electronically in open and

closed may be counted for the purposes of quorum. Use of this emergency provision will be at each municipal

council’s discretion. At this point, today’s legislation has not been publicly posted

“Municipalities have a key role to play in COVID-19 response, management and recovery. If passed, this legislation will ensuremunicipal councils can continue to conduct the important business of municipal government and maintain the local andregional services Ontarians rely on most.” Jamie McGarvey, AMO President, and Mayor, Parry Sound.

AMO would like to thank the province and the three opposition parties for their leadership for today’s legislation

which is needed at this time.

Also, under the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 is an amendment to allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council (i.e.

Cabinet) to make regulations imposing limits and conditions on the powers of a municipality with respect to s. 129 of

the Municipal Act. This will allow the province to make a regulation that enables 24-hour delivery of critical goods

throughout Ontario for up to 18 months. It is expected that this regulation will be revoked after the end of this

COVID-19 emergency. This will support our grocery stores’ and pharmacies’ supply chains which will allow everyone

to be less nervous about �nding the supplies and goods they need to keep their families healthy at this time.

We also understand that many previously stated deadlines for current provincial consultations are being

reconsidered in light of the COVID-19 emergency, such as an extension of the DC/CBC consultation. We know that

most of the Ontario Public Service is working from home and those who are not involved directly in COVID-19

emergency activities, are continuing to work on their regular items. As AMO learns of consultation extensions of

municipal interest, we will update members.

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-supporting-workers-municipalities-and-retailers-in-response-to-covid-19.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p



06/04/2020 AMO - New Provincial Legislation to Allow Virtual Municipal Council Meetings

www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/NewProvincialLegislationtoAllowVirtualMunicipalCou 2/2





of Ontario

AMO will continue to work closely with the provincial government to make sure municipal governments have the

ability to respond effectively to the COVID-19 and keep their communities safe and healthy. The province today has

dealt with the priority municipal concern, and they are aware of other municipal concerns such as the need to pause

the statutory clocks under some provincial legislation at this time. Please continue to make us aware of any

provincial legislative or regulatory barriers municipalities may be encountering that inhibit your ability during this

emergency.

Ontario Supporting Workers, Municipalities and Retailers in Response to COVID-19

Bill 187, Municipal Emergency Act, 2020

Bill 186, Employment Standards Amendment Act (Infectious Disease Emergencies), 2020

LINKS

CONTACT

Monika Turner

Director of Policy

[email protected]

T 416.971.9856 ext. 318

TF 1.877.426.6527

F 416.971.6191

















https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-supporting-workers-municipalities-and-retailers-in-response-to-covid-19.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p




06/04/2020 AMO - AMO Providing New Resources for Municipal Councils - COVID-19

www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/AMOProvidingNewResourcesforMunicipalCouncilsCOVID1 1/2

AMO PROVIDING NEW RESOURCES FOR MUNICIPAL

COUNCILS - COVID-19

March 22, 2020

AMO is developing additional resources for municipal councils as they respond to COVID-19.

Two new resources available now are:

Meetings Guidance for Heads of Council

Council’s Role of Communicating during COVID-19

Ontario’s new Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 provides �exibility in running Council meetings, presenting new and

unanticipated considerations on leading and managing meetings. In collaboration with experts Nigel Bellchamber and

Fred Dean, AMO has developed what this means for Councils and Heads of Council providing key considerations and

strategies to guide you through enacting By-laws and managing under new and evolving conditions.

The second resource, developed for AMO by Redbrick Communications, highlights important reminders and

strategies on how to lead an effective crisis communications.

Coming this week:

AMO On Topic Podcast: AMO will be releasing a PODCAST of important Q and A’s to supplement these resources in

the coming days.

Question Box Panel: AMO is assembling a panel of municipal experts to create a virtual Question Box for AMO

members on the key issues facing municipal government. Details to follow.

Visit AMO’s COVID-19 webpage for up-to-date information and resources.

Email us at [email protected] with questions, ideas, feedback and suggestions.

AMO COVID-19 Resource Page

LINK

CONTACT

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/COVID19/AMO_MeetingGuidance_Mar21.aspx

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/COVID19/AMO_CouncilRole_Mar21.aspx



mailto:[email protected]?subject=COVID-19


Council’s Role in Communicating COVID-19

Your Role as LeaderLife has become more complex.As the Head of Council you are required to lead. You are expected to provide leadership to Council and your community every day. This is even more true in times of crisis. Members of Council and those in your community are looking to you for thoughtful and effective leadership in this time of crisis. You lead by example; you lead by decisive action to protect your residents; you lead by getting people working together.

Brief Summary of the LegislationThis week the Province has enacted Bill 187, Municipal Emergency Act, 2020. This legislation makes changes to the quorum requirements in the Municipal Act. It authorizes every municipal council to amend its Procedure By-law after an emergency has been declared under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The changes permitted will allow members to electronically attend council, committee and local board meetings and be counted in quorum.

This quorum provision will remain in effect for the duration of the declared emergency. Council has the discretion as to whether it intends to amend its Procedure By-law. Once amended, members may attend meetings electronically and be counted in quorum as your amended by-law permits. This applies to both open and closed meetings.

Your role as Chair of the meeting will change in some significant ways. Meetings will feel very

different. Keep in mind that these changes will apply to council, its committees and some local boards.

What is an “emergency”? The definition is in the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It reads,

“emergency” means a situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise;”

What other rules change?Bill 187 impacts the quorum requirements. Rules in the Municipal Act and the Procedure By-law continue. The expectation is the council will continue to be transparent in its decision-making.

Technological and Location Challenges with Electronic ParticipationThere is wide variation in technological capacity in Council Chambers, or other public locations where a meeting may be held.

Please note, the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 does not change the location of your meetings nor the ability of the public to attend. It primarily provides for local discretion to deal with quorum provisions for the duration of the declared Emergency.

Meetings Guidance for Heads of Council

The Procedure By-law still governs the location of the meeting, and the Municipal Act 2001 the ability of the public to attend and observe. You can change the location by amending your procedure by-law, but the Act still prevails with respect to public attendance and notice of all meetings, open or closed.

Some Council Chambers, or other locations, will have the capacity for audio and video conferencing already. On the other hand, some may be limited to a single speakerphone. Most municipalities will be somewhere in between.

Practically, the meeting will at least have the Chair and the Clerk present in the Council Chambers.

All members of Council need to be able to participate equally, and the public in attendance (practicing appropriate distancing in accordance with local Board of Health guidelines) needs to be able to observe all that Council members can hear and see at the meeting. This Act does not change transparency requirements.

Any technology should be tested prior to a meeting and simplicity of operations for members is essential. The best advice is to start simple and as time passes, add sophistication if you can be sure the technology is reliable.

While audio recordings of meetings may not be a current practice, consider creating them and making them available on the municipal webpage in the spirit of transparency.

Your First Meeting with an Electronically Achieved QuorumThis meeting will require all of the formality provided by your procedure by-law if it is to be effective.

Members need to be recognized by the chair, speak within time limits and Council should not be debating or discussing matters without a motion duly moved and seconded before them. Your Clerk will be able to provide you with the relevant sections of your by-law.

Staff recommendations, crafted in the form of motions, should be presented for every issue that Council needs to consider and circulated in advance.

The Chair and the Clerk should rehearse as to how it is going to work. In a crisis, leaders need to be prepared and seen to be prepared.

Prepared for AMO byNigel Bellchamber and Fred DeanMarch 21, 2020

COVID-19

For more COVID-19 resources and guides, go to:


Your Role as LeaderLife has become more complex.As the Head of Council you are required to lead. You are expected to provide leadership to Council and your community every day. This is even more true in times of crisis. Members of Council and those in your community are looking to you for thoughtful and effective leadership in this time of crisis. You lead by example; you lead by decisive action to protect your residents; you lead by getting people working together.

Brief Summary of the LegislationThis week the Province has enacted Bill 187, Municipal Emergency Act, 2020. This legislation makes changes to the quorum requirements in the Municipal Act. It authorizes every municipal council to amend its Procedure By-law after an emergency has been declared under the authority of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. The changes permitted will allow members to electronically attend council, committee and local board meetings and be counted in quorum.

This quorum provision will remain in effect for the duration of the declared emergency. Council has the discretion as to whether it intends to amend its Procedure By-law. Once amended, members may attend meetings electronically and be counted in quorum as your amended by-law permits. This applies to both open and closed meetings.

Your role as Chair of the meeting will change in some significant ways. Meetings will feel very

different. Keep in mind that these changes will apply to council, its committees and some local boards.

What is an “emergency”? The definition is in the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. It reads,

“emergency” means a situation or an impending situation that constitutes a danger of major proportions that could result in serious harm to persons or substantial damage to property and that is caused by the forces of nature, a disease or other health risk, an accident or an act whether intentional or otherwise;”

What other rules change?Bill 187 impacts the quorum requirements. Rules in the Municipal Act and the Procedure By-law continue. The expectation is the council will continue to be transparent in its decision-making.

Technological and Location Challenges with Electronic ParticipationThere is wide variation in technological capacity in Council Chambers, or other public locations where a meeting may be held.

Please note, the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 does not change the location of your meetings nor the ability of the public to attend. It primarily provides for local discretion to deal with quorum provisions for the duration of the declared Emergency.

The Procedure By-law still governs the location of the meeting, and the Municipal Act 2001 the ability of the public to attend and observe. You can change the location by amending your procedure by-law, but the Act still prevails with respect to public attendance and notice of all meetings, open or closed.

Some Council Chambers, or other locations, will have the capacity for audio and video conferencing already. On the other hand, some may be limited to a single speakerphone. Most municipalities will be somewhere in between.

Practically, the meeting will at least have the Chair and the Clerk present in the Council Chambers.

All members of Council need to be able to participate equally, and the public in attendance (practicing appropriate distancing in accordance with local Board of Health guidelines) needs to be able to observe all that Council members can hear and see at the meeting. This Act does not change transparency requirements.

Any technology should be tested prior to a meeting and simplicity of operations for members is essential. The best advice is to start simple and as time passes, add sophistication if you can be sure the technology is reliable.

While audio recordings of meetings may not be a current practice, consider creating them and making them available on the municipal webpage in the spirit of transparency.

Your First Meeting with an Electronically Achieved QuorumThis meeting will require all of the formality provided by your procedure by-law if it is to be effective.

Members need to be recognized by the chair, speak within time limits and Council should not be debating or discussing matters without a motion duly moved and seconded before them. Your Clerk will be able to provide you with the relevant sections of your by-law.

Staff recommendations, crafted in the form of motions, should be presented for every issue that Council needs to consider and circulated in advance.

The Chair and the Clerk should rehearse as to how it is going to work. In a crisis, leaders need to be prepared and seen to be prepared.

Prepared for AMO byNigel Bellchamber and Fred DeanMarch 21, 2020

We would appreciate your feedback as to what worked and didn’t work in your first meeting(s) under the new rules so that we can reference them in future materials that we might send out. Email us at [email protected].

For more COVID-19 resources and guides, go to:


Council’s Role in Communicating COVID-19

Stay focused on the main problem. There are two of them. The first problem is the need to keep people safe and healthy. That includes the public and your employees. The second problem is managing the economic challenges that COVID-19 presents. There will be many discussions about the many aspects of those two challenges. The more you stay focused on how all discussions relate to those core challenges, the more successful you will be.

Respond quickly. Last week, the World Health Organization’s leading Ebola outbreak manager gave this advice on COVID-19, “Be fast. Have no regrets… Perfection is the enemy of the good when it comes to emergency management.” If your communication is getting held up over debates about precise wording, or you’re struggling to create infographics, you’re wasting precious time. Two rookie communicators used Twitter to evacuate Fort McMurray safely, when everything around them was on fire. Use the tools you have, and the tools you know. A 60-second video can be shot and posted on social media in minutes. Facebook Live can deliver a virtual town hall from your desk, using a phone. Internally, you may need to look at ways to streamline approvals.

Frame and contain the crisis. In Canada, leaders are doing a great job of explaining what needs to be done and why: ‘Practice social distancing. Just stay home. Wash your hands. Flatten the curve. We need to help our health care system manage the demand. Grocery stores will be open

and stocked.’ When people are self-isolating in their homes, the crisis is contained. When they are panic shopping for toilet paper, it is not. Don’t let side issues become the story. Frame and contain.

Provide clear and reliable information. Municipal leaders have significant local networks. They should be using them to amplify and share messages from your municipality and other official sources. Retweet or share messages from your local health unit, your municipality, from the Ontario Government’s official social media feeds, and from the Federal Government. Rumours, news reports, and public debates are unhelpful distractions. When Facebook pages get messy, sharing the latest quality information is far better than engaging in debate.

Demonstrate leadership and compassion. The cooperation that we are seeing across Canada is actually amazing – and it is inspiring public confidence. Councils should take care to maintain that sense of teamwork. When you disagree, disagree well. When someone is yelling at you on Facebook, ask yourself what they are afraid of. Bad behaviour is often rooted in fear. Listen for it. Be helpful if you can. Find a way to be inspiring when disagreements arise.

Speak to what you know. Resist the urge to be all-knowing. There is a lot that we do not know. Share the information that you have confidence in. Direct people to the right experts. Make promises that you can keep (or beat).

Council’s Role in Communicating Actions speak louder than words. Be consistent, to be credible. If the message is, ‘remain calm, follow expert advice, and check in on neighbours,’ your actions should include remaining calm, endorsing the advice of public health officials, and being good to your Council colleagues.

Expand your communications team. Your regular communications team was not made for this. They will be overwhelmed. Pull other resources to divide the load. If the library is closed and a librarian is great on Facebook, deputize that employee to monitor Facebook. Someone has to tackle Twitter, and Instagram, and media inquiries, content creation, and questions like ‘what do we do next?’ Depending on the size of your municipality, a properly resourced communications team requires about 3-10 people – times two or three shifts. Lots of services are shut down. Pull from that pool of available employees. No one will ever regret the communications skills they pick up and refine while helping to manage COVID-19.

Provide a clear spokesperson. The Head of Council has the role of being the voice of Council. They need to be listening carefully to make sure they are representing their Council well. Councillors should be sharing, supporting and amplifying those clear messages.

Plain language works best. Complicated, precise or technical language may give municipal managers comfort, but comfort usually comes at the expense of speed, clarity and effectiveness. You want messages that will easily ripple through family chats and Facebook groups.

Use positive language. Instead of, “I know you are scared. You are out of work and you are worried about how to pay rent.” Say, “Stability is good right now. We want to help you if we can. Home is a good place for you right now and we are working to make staying at home easy for you.”

Tend to internal needs and pressures. There is a risk in believing your staff are awesome. They may be awesome at their jobs, but they are human. They have their own things to worry about right now. Tend to their needs, and they will do a better job of looking after others. Make a priority of communicating with them on a regular basis. That means talking, listening and taking good care of the team.

Avoid a defensive, “bunker” mentality. People will lash out at you and be critical. They will expect you to deliver more than you possibly can. You will be second guessed and challenged. There will be long hours and frayed nerves. You must resist the temptation to be defensive, or to point fingers at others. Hunkering down and squabbling are terrible places to be.

Think about how you want to be remembered. Someday COVID-19 and your leadership will be a faint memory. Most people will want to be remembered for being calm, helpful, caring, responsive, effective, decent, and well-coordinated. How do you want to be remembered? Write those words down and post them beside your phone. With respect to COVID-19, you will add ‘kept people safe and healthy,’ and ‘helped our economy recover.’ Those words should guide what you say and do today.

Prepared for AMO by Redbrick CommunicationsMarch 21, 2020

Communication with the public and municipal employees is important right now. Good communication keeps people safe and healthy, it keeps your municipality functioning well, and it keeps your community calm and confident in your abilities.

For more communications advice, see AMO’s Social Media Webinars:

http://www.amo.on.ca/Training/webinars

COVID-19

Stay focused on the main problem. There are two of them. The first problem is the need to keep people safe and healthy. That includes the public and your employees. The second problem is managing the economic challenges that COVID-19 presents. There will be many discussions about the many aspects of those two challenges. The more you stay focused on how all discussions relate to those core challenges, the more successful you will be.

Respond quickly. Last week, the World Health Organization’s leading Ebola outbreak manager gave this advice on COVID-19, “Be fast. Have no regrets… Perfection is the enemy of the good when it comes to emergency management.” If your communication is getting held up over debates about precise wording, or you’re struggling to create infographics, you’re wasting precious time. Two rookie communicators used Twitter to evacuate Fort McMurray safely, when everything around them was on fire. Use the tools you have, and the tools you know. A 60-second video can be shot and posted on social media in minutes. Facebook Live can deliver a virtual town hall from your desk, using a phone. Internally, you may need to look at ways to streamline approvals.

Frame and contain the crisis. In Canada, leaders are doing a great job of explaining what needs to be done and why: ‘Practice social distancing. Just stay home. Wash your hands. Flatten the curve. We need to help our health care system manage the demand. Grocery stores will be open

and stocked.’ When people are self-isolating in their homes, the crisis is contained. When they are panic shopping for toilet paper, it is not. Don’t let side issues become the story. Frame and contain.

Provide clear and reliable information. Municipal leaders have significant local networks. They should be using them to amplify and share messages from your municipality and other official sources. Retweet or share messages from your local health unit, your municipality, from the Ontario Government’s official social media feeds, and from the Federal Government. Rumours, news reports, and public debates are unhelpful distractions. When Facebook pages get messy, sharing the latest quality information is far better than engaging in debate.

Demonstrate leadership and compassion. The cooperation that we are seeing across Canada is actually amazing – and it is inspiring public confidence. Councils should take care to maintain that sense of teamwork. When you disagree, disagree well. When someone is yelling at you on Facebook, ask yourself what they are afraid of. Bad behaviour is often rooted in fear. Listen for it. Be helpful if you can. Find a way to be inspiring when disagreements arise.

Speak to what you know. Resist the urge to be all-knowing. There is a lot that we do not know. Share the information that you have confidence in. Direct people to the right experts. Make promises that you can keep (or beat).

Actions speak louder than words. Be consistent, to be credible. If the message is, ‘remain calm, follow expert advice, and check in on neighbours,’ your actions should include remaining calm, endorsing the advice of public health officials, and being good to your Council colleagues.

Expand your communications team. Your regular communications team was not made for this. They will be overwhelmed. Pull other resources to divide the load. If the library is closed and a librarian is great on Facebook, deputize that employee to monitor Facebook. Someone has to tackle Twitter, and Instagram, and media inquiries, content creation, and questions like ‘what do we do next?’ Depending on the size of your municipality, a properly resourced communications team requires about 3-10 people – times two or three shifts. Lots of services are shut down. Pull from that pool of available employees. No one will ever regret the communications skills they pick up and refine while helping to manage COVID-19.

Provide a clear spokesperson. The Head of Council has the role of being the voice of Council. They need to be listening carefully to make sure they are representing their Council well. Councillors should be sharing, supporting and amplifying those clear messages.

Plain language works best. Complicated, precise or technical language may give municipal managers comfort, but comfort usually comes at the expense of speed, clarity and effectiveness. You want messages that will easily ripple through family chats and Facebook groups.

Use positive language. Instead of, “I know you are scared. You are out of work and you are worried about how to pay rent.” Say, “Stability is good right now. We want to help you if we can. Home is a good place for you right now and we are working to make staying at home easy for you.”

Tend to internal needs and pressures. There is a risk in believing your staff are awesome. They may be awesome at their jobs, but they are human. They have their own things to worry about right now. Tend to their needs, and they will do a better job of looking after others. Make a priority of communicating with them on a regular basis. That means talking, listening and taking good care of the team.

Avoid a defensive, “bunker” mentality. People will lash out at you and be critical. They will expect you to deliver more than you possibly can. You will be second guessed and challenged. There will be long hours and frayed nerves. You must resist the temptation to be defensive, or to point fingers at others. Hunkering down and squabbling are terrible places to be.

Think about how you want to be remembered. Someday COVID-19 and your leadership will be a faint memory. Most people will want to be remembered for being calm, helpful, caring, responsive, effective, decent, and well-coordinated. How do you want to be remembered? Write those words down and post them beside your phone. With respect to COVID-19, you will add ‘kept people safe and healthy,’ and ‘helped our economy recover.’ Those words should guide what you say and do today.

Prepared for AMO by Redbrick CommunicationsMarch 21, 2020

For more communications advice, see AMO’s Social Media Webinars:

http://www.amo.on.ca/Training/webinars

We welcome feedback. Let us know what assistance we can provide, and let us know what communications approaches have worked well for you, so that we can share best practices and helpful approaches. Email us at [email protected].

06/04/2020 AMO - March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update

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MARCH 2020 ECONOMIC AND FISCAL UPDATE

March 25, 2020

Today the Minister of Finance, the Honourable Rod Phillips, delivered an economic and �scal update at Queen’s Park.

The Minister noted this is a starting point; more will need to be done. At this time the government is responding to

the immediate circumstances created by COVID-19. Longer term impacts on municipal governments and others are

not yet fully understood.

In general, the government has outlined a $17 billion plan to support Ontario’s response to COVID-19. This includes

$3.3 billion for health care and $3.7 billion for people and jobs in new direct spending. It also includes province-wide

cash �ow measures totalling $10 billion in deferrals for provincial taxes and charges. This includes $6 billion in

deferral for business, $1.9 billion in WSIB deferrals for employers, and $1.8 billion in deferrals for the remittance of

municipal education property tax payments. (See details below).

Highlights of a municipal interest include the following:

Property Taxation

Property Assessment Postponed – The provincial government is postponing the assessment update for 2021.

Assessed values for 2021 will be based on the same valuation date as they are for 2020. There will be no �nancial

impact for municipalities as a result of this postponement. MPAC will continue to update assessment rolls to re�ect

new construction. Technical details related to this postponement will be determined in the months ahead.

Education Property Tax Remittance Deferral – The provincial government is deferring the required municipal

quarterly remittance of education tax collections by 90 days. The current remittance due March 31 remains

unchanged. This will affect two future quarterly payments. The remittance which would have been due on June 30 is

now due on September 30. The payment which had been due September 30 is now due December 30. This measure

supports single and lower tier Council decisions on property tax deferrals and the waiving of late penalties.

Health Care and Social Services

The government response includes an additional $3.3 billion in funding for the health care system including $75

million for personal protective equipment and critical medical supplies. Of municipal interest, this includes:

Municipal Service Managers and DSSABs – As previously announced this week, the government is providing $200

million of assistance for homeless shelters, food banks, emergency services, other community services, and expanded

discretionary to those receiving social assistance. As part of the $200 million, emergency assistance will be provided

to individuals not eligible for other income support programs.

Paramedic Services – Approximately $80 million for ambulance and paramedic services.

Public Heath –Recently announced increases to public health will now be extended into 2021. In total, the statement

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of Ontario

includes an additional $100 million for public health.

Additional dollars are being provided to long-term care home for emergency capacity and virus containment.

Other - For municipalities responding to inquiries from business, the province has launched a toll-free line for

questions related to workplaces and the province’s emergency orders following recommendations by Ontario’s Chief

Medical Of�cer of Health. That number is 1-888-444-3659.

WSIB- Providing up to $1.9 billion in �nancial relief by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) allowing

employers to defer payments for up to six months.

AMO’s COVID-19 Resources page is being updated continually so you can �nd critical information in one place.

Please send any of your municipally related pandemic questions to [email protected].

CONTACT

Matthew Wilson

Senior Advisor

[email protected]

T 416.971.9856 ext. 323

TF 1.877.426.6527

F 416.971.6191




















06/04/2020 AMO - Ontario Extends COVID-19 Emergency and Closes Outdoor Recreational Amenities

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AMO COVID-19 UPDATE:

ONTARIO EXTENDS COVID-19 EMERGENCY; CLOSES OUTDOOR

RECREATIONAL AMENITIES


March 31, 2020

On March 30, 2020 Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced that the Province had extended the March 17 Emergency

Declaration under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. Emergency declarations under the Act are for

two weeks with two-week extensions. Extended also are all associated orders including the closure of non-essential

workplaces and limiting social gatherings greater than �ve people.

In announcing the declaration, the Premier announced new orders to close outdoor recreational amenities such as

sports �elds, playgrounds, basketball courts, picnic areas, park shelters, community and condo gardens, and others.

The order builds on local municipal government action and makes it consistent across Ontario.

Green spaces in parks, trails and ravines can remain open for pass-through access, but visitors must continue to

practice social/physical distancing. Enforcement of these closure orders can be carried out at the discretion of

municipal by-law of�cers.



CONTACT

AMO COVID-19

[email protected]

T 416.971.9856

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-extends-emergency-declaration-to-stop-the-spread-of-covid-19.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p





06/04/2020 AMO - Ontario Releases COVID-19 Projections and New Emergency Orders

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AMO COVID-19 UPDATE:

ONTARIO RELEASES COVID-19 PROJECTIONS AND NEW EMERGENCY

ORDERS

April 3, 2020

Ontario released its of�cial COVID-19 projections that the provincial government is using to respond to the

pandemic. The assumptions are stark; however, they also suggest that distancing measures and other actions taken,

including those managed by municipal governments across the province, have been effective to manage the virus’

spread.

Ontario has tracked 3,255 cases up to April 2, 2020 and 67 deaths with mortality rates being signi�cantly higher in

older age groups, particularly those over 80 years old. The projections suggest Ontario may have between 3,000 –

15,000 deaths over the course of the current outbreak if current and new measures are adhered to by all the public.

The modelling suggests that this is signi�cantly better than the 100,000 deaths which could have been experienced if

no actions were taken to contain COVID-19.

Current effective containment measures include school closures, physical/social distancing, self-isolation, limited

public gatherings, closing of non-essential workplaces and parks and recreational areas. The brie�ng suggests that

future measures under consideration may include enhanced enforcement, physical distancing guideline updates,

better support for elderly, homeless and vulnerable populations, and potential entry restrictions in certain

communities, in addition to recently announced additional workplace closings.

The brie�ng also noted that projections for Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds show that there are a current 410 beds

available with a further 900 able to be brought on stream relatively quickly. Ontario’s modelling assumes that

suppression measures will ensure that current and new ICU beds will adequate to demand.

New Orders Under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMCPA)

Ontario revised its list of essential services today. The order shuts down all non-essential services not included on the

list. These include private, commercial and institutional construction sites – exempting critical health care sector,

transportation, petrochemicals and re�nery projects – starting on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at 11:59 p.m. Shops and

services not deemed essential are able to go on-line.

Operation or delivery of services of any publicly funded agency or organization that delivers or supports government

operations or services are not affected. Essential municipal services such as water, sewer, transit, critical

infrastructure repair and maintenance including roads and bridges are explicitly named.

On April 2nd, the provincial government announced that it was making an order to allow Public Health Units (PHUs)

to more �exibly manage staff re-deployments within the unit and to more easily allow units to access volunteer

medical students and retired health care workers on the province’s volunteer list. The order supersedes any

https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces


https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20116?_ga=2.220468304.933175452.1585925225-1667185902.1585064466

06/04/2020 AMO - Ontario Releases COVID-19 Projections and New Emergency Orders

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of Ontario

negotiated collective agreements. It should be noted that there may some potential that redeployed municipal

workers affected by the current shutdown/ working from home directives could also be included in this re-

deployment- subject to PHU needs.

Orders made under the EMCPA are for 14 days and may be renewed for a subsequent 14 day period at a time.



CONTACT

AMO COVID-19

[email protected]

T 416.971.9856




















06/04/2020 AMO - COVID-19: AMO Update

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COVID-19: AMO UPDATE

March 23, 2020

While it is only week-two of the declared state of emergency in Ontario, municipal councils and staff have been

responding to, and preparing for COVID-19 for weeks and months, through the work of public health units,

emergency planning, and the preparedness of front-line public safety and emergency responders.

AMO will continue to support its members by keeping you up-to date on available information, sharing and creating

new resources, by helping to shape government policy and responses to the emergency, and by advocating for

support for municipal government.

There were many important developments last week, including the passage of the Municipal Emergency Act, 2020 to

permit virtual participation in council meetings, and support supply chain effectiveness.

These follow important government action the previous week to stabilize public health �nding.

On March 25, Finance Minister Rod Phillips will deliver an economic update rather than a provincial budget, and

AMO will provide an immediate analysis for members.

AMO is focused on critically important issues that require urgent action. In the wake of forgone tax, fee and transit

revenues, municipalities will need adequate and timely �nancial assistance. Municipal employees, critical for many

core functions, and to the response and management of the emergency, need support and protection. Municipal

human services account for the most vulnerable and susceptible populations in the province and are under extreme

pressure. Municipalities stand ready to channel needed federal and provincial economic stimulus into the economy

through infrastructure investments and other means. Seasonal residents are putting pressure on small urban and

rural resources. Broadband gaps challenge business continuity, enterprise and new education measures.

AMO is also looking at resources and potential collaboration to ensure municipal governments are ready to play their

indispensable role in the economic recovery, and rebuilding prosperity in Ontario.

AMO is using strong, existing networks to stay on top of this emergency. We will make rapid adjustments to respond

to quickly evolving situations. Our policy and membership teams are working directly with your subject matter

experts and professional associations, coordinating critically important advice, information and action. Thank you for

your Council’s leadership, and the support of extraordinary municipal public servants.

We are keeping our COVID-19 webpage current and focusing on what’s most relevant. AMO’s [email protected]

email will manage your questions, take your ideas, and facilitate your feedback.

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/AMOProvidingNewResourcesforMunicipalCouncilsCOVID1

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/NewProvincialLegislationtoAllowVirtualMunicipalCou



06/04/2020 AMO - Revised Essential Services List and Other New COVID-19 Related Items you need to know

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AMO COVID-19 UPDATE

REVISED ESSENTIAL SERVICES LIST AND OTHER NEW COVID-19

RELATED ITEMS YOU NEED TO KNOW

March 25, 2020

The province has updated its order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, (EMCPA), s. 7.0.2 (4) –

Closure of Places of Non-Essential Businesses. This order, Ontario Regulation 82/20, now has the addition of 1 (5)

which provides clari�cation for municipal governments. This is:

5) Nothing in this order precludes operations or delivery of services by the following in Ontario, regardless of

whether or not they are listed in Schedule 2:

1. Any government.

The province has con�rmed that “any government” includes municipal governments and their operations and delivery

of services. This inclusion and clarity has been sought by AMO and the municipal sector over the last 48 hours so that

municipalities can continue to provide the broad array of essential public services that the public depends upon

during this emergency.

Additionally, the province has launched a toll-free line 1-888-444-3659 to provide support to Ontario businesses

who have questions about the province's recent emergency order to close at-risk workplaces following

recommendations by Ontario's Chief Medical Of�cer of Health.

COVID-19 RELATED PROCEEDING SUSPENSIONS

Under EMCPA, the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) has frozen all proceedings; the Local Planning

Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) will not have hearings until June 30th and all proceedings suspended. AMO’s COVID-19

resource age will be adding other proceeding suspensions as they become known. Further work on clarifying Ontario

Regulation 73/20 is continuing.


Please send any of your municipally-related pandemic questions to [email protected].

CONTACT

AMO COVID-19

[email protected]

https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/r20082

https://www.ipc.on.ca/newsrelease/ipc-closure-during-covid-19-outbreak/

https://elto.gov.on.ca/tribunals/lpat/about-lpat/




06/04/2020 AMO - New COVID-19 Related Items You Need to Know Today

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AMO COVID UPDATE:

NEW COVID-19 RELATED ITEMS YOU NEED TO KNOW TODAY

March 30, 2020

New Ontario Emergency Order restricting public gatherings of more than 5 people

In the evening of Saturday, March 28, the Ontario government issued a new immediate Emergency Order under the

Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than

�ve people.

This order doesn’t apply to private households with �ve people or more. It also doesn’t apply to operating child care

centres supporting frontline health care workers and �rst responders provided the number of persons at each centre

does not exceed 50 people. Funerals would be permitted to proceed with up to 10 people at one time. This order

replaces a previous emergency order which prohibited organized public events of over 50 people.

Municipal bylaw of�cers may be used to enforce public safety and security orders

On March 27, the Solicitor General and the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing wrote to Heads of Council to

advise that authority has been granted to municipal bylaw of�cers or agents to enforce emergency orders.

Municipalities may provide direction to these of�cers regarding the exercise of these powers by establishing policies

or bylaws. These powers are for use where persons or businesses are found to be violating emergency orders.

Enforcement measures undertaken by of�cers could include public education measures or issuing tickets under the

Provincial Offences Act. Municipal bylaw enforcement of�cers may not arrest individuals. Further details and

information resources can be found in the materials (letter, Q and A) sent to heads of council and police service board

chairs.

In addition, Ministry of Transportation of�cers have been granted authority to direct traf�c, close highways, and

designate emergency parking locations. This authority is granted under Regulation 89/20 under the EmergencyManagement and Civil Protection Act.

Virtual Library Board meetings

The Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture Industries, who are responsible for library boards and services,

have clari�ed that yes, library boards can be virtual (video or teleconference) as long as all the other requirements

such as notice and open to the public are followed.

Time-of-use Electricity Pricing Suspended

As part of the Government of Ontario Emergency Order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Actstarting on March 24, 2020, residential and small business customers on time-of-use (TOU) pricing will pay 10.1

¢/kWh no matter what time of day the electricity is consumed. Peak price is currently 20.8 ¢/kWh. Peak hours are

during the daytime, but the actual peak hours vary by season. This means that TOU customers will be paying the off-

peak price throughout the day as long as the Emergency Order remains in place. The Government has indicated that

it intends to keep the 10.1 ¢/kWh pricing in place for 45 days.

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-prohibits-gatherings-of-five-people-or-more-with-strict-exceptions.html?utm_source=ondemand&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=p

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/COVID19/Province/Letters/Joint-Minister-Letter-to-Municipalities_March-27-2.aspx

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/COVID19/Province/Letters/Qs-and-As-for-Enforcement-Personnel_March-27-2020.aspx

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/COVID19/Province/Letters/FAQ-posting-Library-Board-meetings-during-COVID-em.aspx

https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/03/ontario-providing-electricity-relief-to-families-small-businesses-and-farms-during-covid-19.html

06/04/2020 AMO - New COVID-19 Related Items You Need to Know Today

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of Ontario

The 10.1 ¢/kWh pricing applies automatically – no customer action is required. Some customers may receive a bill

before their utility or unit sub-meter provider is able to implement the price change, in which case they will receive a

credit on the following bill.



CONTACT

AMO COVID-19

[email protected]

T 416.971.9856




















06/04/2020 AMO - AMO COVID-19 Update - April 3, 2020

www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/AMOCOVID19Update20200403 1/2

AMO COVID-19 UPDATE WEEK THREE

April 3, 2020

As week-three of the COVID-19 state of emergency concludes, AMO is working hard to assist its member municipal

governments in every part of the province. It has been a dif�cult week in communities everywhere, with many

important developments here in Ontario.

Since the onset of COVID-19 situation, AMO has been working in partnership with the Government of Ontario to

support rapid changes in provincial policies that are responding to public health and other needs of our communities.

We have been supported in this work by many extraordinary municipal public servants in your communities and the

professional associations to which they belong. The developments, policy changes and emergency orders have been

relayed to members on a near daily basis but there is much more work to be done, and many important matters that

will require collaboration in the weeks and months ahead.

Last week, Ontario delivered a �scal and economic statement that provided important �nancial measures as part of a

comprehensive provincial response to COVID-19. AMO applauded the measures that affect municipalities as an

important �rst step in dealing with �nancial and other pressures facing municipal government. AMO will continue to

work with members and the province to ensure immediate and longer term municipal �scal pressures are in focus.

Last Friday, the AMO Board held its March Board meeting virtually. The business conducted included a discussion

about what the organization has been doing to assist members, and what more can be done to ensure municipalities

have the resources and tools they need to respond to the COVID-19 emergency, to manage through it effectively, and

to support the economic recovery that will follow. The AMO Board and staff are committed to doing everything

possible to support members at this critically important time.

The Board also recognized the remarkable leadership demonstrated by Ontario municipalities from councils to front-

line workers in responding to the COVID-19 emergency. The municipal response re�ects outstanding leadership,

effective emergency planning, the critically important role of municipalities in public health and emergency health

services, and the important role of a wide array of municipal services that support healthy, safe communities, and

businesses large and small.

Thank you for the work you are doing under dif�cult circumstances.

We are keeping our COVID-19 webpage current and focusing on what’s most relevant.

AMO’s dedicated COVID-19 email account will manage your questions, take your ideas, and facilitate your feedback.

AMO’s policy and member services teams look forward to hearing from you at [email protected].



06/04/2020 AMO - AMO COVID-19 Update April 6, 2020

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AMO COVID-19 UPDATE APRIL 6, 2020

April 6, 2020

As we enter week four of the COVID-19 emergency, please know that AMO continues to bring critical municipal

issues to the province in real time seeking immediate and practical resolutions to manage during the emergency. We

are now in the depths of public health action to �atten the curve and we know that many communities are dealing

with dif�cult local challenges.

Revised List of Essential Services:

As was noted in AMO’s Friday Update, the Ontario government announced revisions to the essential services list that

limited construction (see Sections 27 - 31 of the updated essential services list) to critical provincial infrastructure,

including health, transport, energy and justice sectors – this includes construction projects and services required to

ensure the safe and reliable operations of these provincial assets.

With respect to private sector construction activities, various industrial activities related petrochemicals projects or

manufacturing of medical devices and other identi�ed products related to combatting COVID-19 also remain as

essential. Residential construction projects can also proceed if either a footing permit or above grade structural

permit have been issued or renovations were started before April 4, 2020.

In addition, construction and maintenance related to municipal government services are explicitly included on the

essential services list and activities related to their operation may continue. These include water, sewer, roads,

bridges, dams, waste and environmental management, emergency management, justice and policing. See section 34

for the entire list of essential community services.

For municipal governments, this means that works that support the delivery of services like sewage and drinking

water would remain as essential. Lastly, under section 20, the maintenance or repair works to maintain the safety,

security, sanitation and essential operation of institutional, commercial, industrial (ICI) and residential properties

remain essential. It is our understanding that the municipal projects beyond critical maintenance or repair (i.e. new

recreation hub) would fall under the closure order for the applicable period, with the possibility of extensions.

The provincial help line at 1-888-444-3659 is a resource for clari�cation on what municipal construction projects

could be considered to be on the revised services list. That said, it may be prudent for municipal governments to

consult with legal counsel for clarity on individual projects.

Ultimately, any of the workplaces that remain open must abide by the directives from the Chief Medical Of�cer or

local public health units and comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Further, the Ministry of Labour,

Training and Skills Development recently issued the revised guidelines for construction sites. Employers should know

that failure to comply with OHSA and its regulations could result in a stop work order.

Seasonal Trailer Parks:

Seasonal trailer parks and recreational campgrounds are not listed as essential businesses and, as such, were

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Policy-Updates/2020/OntarioReleasesCOVID19ProjectionsandNewEmergencyOr

https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces#section-12

06/04/2020 AMO - AMO COVID-19 Update April 6, 2020

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of Ontario

required to be closed as of midnight Saturday April 4, 2020.

Over the weekend, Minister Clark provided clari�cation (French) that for Ontarians whose only Canadian residence

is at one of these seasonal trailer parks or campgrounds, they are permitted to continue their occupancy.

As well, those who fall into this group will be returning from another country and must complete their mandatory

self-isolation as required by the mandatory isolation order made by the federal government under the Quarantine

Act which took effect on March 25, 2020.

Help to Serve Vulnerable Persons:

The province will provide up to $40 million to support organizations that provide residential services for children and

youth, people with developmental disabilities and emergency shelters for women and families �eeing domestic

violence.

The COVID-19 Residential Relief Fund will cover costs such as additional staf�ng, residential respite for caregivers;

personal protective equipment and supplies; initiatives to support physical distancing and transportation to minimize

client exposure.

Future Work:

AMO has been working with the Province to provide extensions of timelines for all administrative processes required

under all legislation obliging municipalities to process applications or materials, notify, report or hold public

meetings. With the focus and possible reassignment of duties to COVID related tasks, it is impossible for some

municipal governments (and in some cases applicants) to meet deadlines. As well, AMO is requesting that this

potential timeline pause, when restarted, should allow for a reasonable recovery period.

Municipal governments continue to deliver what is essential to our residents and business - a credit to both councils

and all staff. You are public service at its �nest.

We are keeping our COVID-19 webpage current and focusing on what’s most relevant.

AMO’s dedicated COVID-19 email account will manage your questions, take your ideas, and facilitate your feedback.

AMO’s policy and member services teams look forward to hearing from you at [email protected].
















https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/Letters/2020/Joint-Ministers-Letter_HOC_Campgrounds-English-202.aspx

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/Letters/2020/Joint-Ministers-Letter_HOC_Campgrounds-French-2020.aspx

https://www.mcss.gov.on.ca/en/mcss/crrf.aspx

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Health/COVID19Resources


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March 12, 2020

In This Issue- COVID-19 update.- Reminder - AMO President’s call for Blue Box resolutions. - Call for submissions: The P.J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award.- Main Street Revitalization Initiative coming to an end.- Managing Occupational Health & Safety easily and effectively.- eSCRIBE Lite: A digital meeting management solution for small municipalities.- Excess Soils/Brownfield webinar - back by popular demand. - Registration now open for OSUM 2020 Conference: Spring Time in Paris. - The AMO 2020 Conference is fast approaching!- Showcase your products at the AMO Conference - August 2020.- Only 1 session remaining in AMO’s popular social media webinar series.- BEACON Digital Therapy - Innovative mental health care support.- Municipal cybersecurity best practices development - EVENT CANCELLED. - Carbon tax one year later. - Spring is coming, are your culverts ready?- Facilities maintenance equipment webinar: Municipal Group Buying Program.- Resolution concerning violence against paramedics and health care workers.- Careers with AMO, World Council on City Data, Lakeshore and Guelph.

COVID-19 UpdateAs the COVID-19 outbreak increases internationally, the risk in Ontario continues toremain low. The Ontario government is now updating its coronavirus website twicedaily. For the most up-to-date and accurate information about coronavirus, thisGovernment of Ontario site is the place to find it.

AMO MattersA reminder that for municipalities with Blue Box programs, AMO’s President has calledfor resolutions on transition timing by June 30, 2020. Contact Dave Gordon or AmberCrawford if you require more information.

The P.J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award showcases projects implemented byOntario municipalities that point to tangible outcomes from new, more cost effectiveways of providing public services and facilities.

All Main Street projects must have all eligible costs spent by March 31, 2020. Oncespent, complete and submit the final report by May 15, 2020. Communication activitiesshould also be considered. Contact Adam Garcia with questions.

Managing Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) due diligence can be challenging,regardless of size of municipality. AMO’s partner, 4S Consulting Services Inc., offers aprogram tailored for smaller municipalities to ensure they are in compliance with OHSrequirements.


mailto:[email protected]?subject=Blue%20Box%20Resolution

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Blue%20Box%20Resolution

https://www.amo.on.ca/YourAssociation/Awards/PeterJMarshallAward

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Main-Street/Main-StreetRevitalizationInitiativeComingToEnd


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3_1ACfxIFU



eSCRIBE, AMO’s partner of cloud-based meeting management solutions for publicsector boards and councils, has unveiled eSCRIBE Lite. Learn how this program canhelp smaller municipalities cross the digital divide.

Provincial MattersMiss the recent MECP webinar about On-Site and Excess Soil ManagementRegulation and Amendments to Records of Site Condition (Brownfields) Regulation?MECP is offering another webinar - April 2, 1-4 pm - to provide municipalities anopportunity to learn more. Register here.

Eye on EventsSpring Time in Paris will be hosted by Brant County April 29 - May 1. Registration androom booking are now available. The OSUM Trade Show is a great opportunity tobuild lasting relationships with municipal decision makers - Reserve your booth today!

Join us in Ottawa from August 16 - 19 for AMO’s Annual General Meeting andConference. Visit the AMO website for details and registration information.

Are you a municipal supplier or vendor? Do you have a product or service that wouldbenefit the municipal sector? For AMO and municipal industry partners, thisConference is an unparalleled opportunity to make and solidify relationships with themunicipal sector. Showcase your products or services at the AMO Conference inOttawa, from August 16 - 19, 2020. Reserve your booth today!

As elected officials living in the spotlight, effective communication is essential!Designed to help you navigate social media effectively, these 1 hour lunch & learnworkshops provide the tactics to promote good news, manage issues professionally,and leverage traditional and social media. Register now for the last webinar on April 1.

AMO is exploring partnerships to provide innovative ways of helping members supportthe mental health of their employees. Join us on March 26 at noon for a webinarwhere we will demonstrate how you can help your employees, and their dependents,easily access effective mental health care through BEACON.

As a precautionary measure in response to COVID-19, Technation’s in-person eventscheduled for March 26 in Waterloo has been cancelled. Technation is exploring anonline/virtual alternative so municipal leaders can participate in developingcybersecurity best practices. Contact Randy Purse for more information.

LASNeed more information about the Carbon Tax? Read our latest blog for moreinformation on what municipalities can expect almost one year after the tax wasintroduced.

Get ready for spring with the LAS Culvert Offering. Armtec’s infrastructure productsare sure to save you time and money on your drainage, bridge and road constructionprojects. Contact Tanner (Southern Ontario) or Ainsley (Northern Ontario) to learnabout other exciting offerings in our Municipal Group Buying Program.

Webinar March 25 @ 10am – The Capital Purchasing offering under the popularGroup Buying Program includes solutions to keep your facilities running smoothly. Joinus to hear how Acklands Grainger can supply your maintenance and repair needssaving you time and operating dollars. Register here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhgvXsPkd7U&feature=youtu.be

https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/excess-soil-management-regulation-and-rsc-amendments-webinar-tickets-99026616275?aff=ebdssbonlinesearch

http://osum.ca/Events/2020OSUMConference/Registration.aspx

http://osum.ca/Events/2020OSUMConference/Hotels.aspx

http://osum.ca/Events/2020OSUMConference/Exhibitors.aspx

http://www.amo.on.ca/Events/2020AMOConference

https://www.amo.on.ca/Events/2020AMOConference/2020Exhibitors

https://www.amo.on.ca/Training/webinars

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_YSw-tEcCSoe7d6dwUcokBQ

https://www.mindbeacon.com/

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Technation

https://www.las.on.ca/learning/blog/federal-carbon-tax-update

https://www.las.on.ca/sites/default/files/assets/DOCUMENTS/Group%20Buying/Culverts.pdf

mailto:[email protected]?subject=LAS%20Culvert%20Offering

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Group%20Buying%20-%20Culvert%20Offering

https://www.las.on.ca/current-offerings/asset-services/municipal-group-buying-program

https://www.las.on.ca/sites/default/files/assets/DOCUMENTS/Group%20Buying/Capital%20Purchasing%20-%20List%20of%20Vendors%20-%20Feb%202020.pdf


https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fmFLyQfESP2A3U1UYQySMQ



Municipal WireA Peterborough County resolution resolves to support Bill C-211, an Act to amend theCriminal Code (assaults against health care professionals and first responders), andurges the Federal Government to pass Bill C-211.

Careers Events Intern - AMO. This is a temporary position of up to 12.5 weeks. Assisting theSpecial Events Coordinator, the successful candidate will be responsible for providingsupport for the development and delivery of AMO’s Annual Conference. The Intern willalso provide support for other AMO events and training. Please apply in confidence byMarch 20, 2020 at 12 noon.

Manager, Global City Relations and Business Development – World Council on CityData (WCCD). Reporting to the WCCD Senior Executive Team, the Manager of GlobalCity Relations and Business Development will have responsibilities across theorganization, including several direct reports who liaise daily with cities andstakeholders worldwide. Please send a CV and a one-page letter of motivation [email protected] by March 22, 2020. This position is based in Toronto.

Purchasing Specialist - Town of Lakeshore. Reports to: Manager of Financial Analysis.This position is being posted under the provisions of the Collective Agreementbetween C.U.P.E. Local 702.4 and the Town of Lakeshore. Qualified applicants areinvited to visit Town of Lakeshore Careers to view the full job description of theposition and to submit your application. The deadline to apply is March 23, 2020 at9:00 a.m.

General Manager, Planning & Building Services/Chief Planner - City of Guelph.Reports to: Deputy CAO, Infrastructure, Development & Enterprise Services. Qualifiedapplicants can apply using our online application system by Tuesday, March 31, 2020.All applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at thetime they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered. Please visitthe job posting listed on our careers page and click on the “Apply for this job” button.Instructions will follow.

About AMOAMO is a non-profit organization representing almost all of Ontario's 444 municipalgovernments. AMO supports strong and effective municipal government in Ontarioand promotes the value of municipal government as a vital and essential componentof Ontario's and Canada's political system. Follow @AMOPolicy on Twitter!

AMO ContactsAMO Watch File Tel: 416.971.9856Conferences/EventsPolicy and Funding ProgramsLAS Local Authority ServicesMEPCO Municipal Employer Pension Centre of OntarioONE InvestmentMedia Inquiries Tel: 416.729.5425Municipal Wire, Career/Employment and Council Resolution Distributions

*Disclaimer: The Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) is unable to provide any warranty regarding the accuracy or completenessof third-party submissions. Distribution of these items does not imply an endorsement of the views, information or services mentioned.

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/Resolutions/PeterboroughCoResolutionViolenceagainstParamedicsH.aspx

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/About/Careers/AMOEventsIntern2020posting.aspx

mailto:[email protected]?subject=AMO%20Events%20Intern%20posting

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/About/Careers/WCCD_MgrGlobalCityRelationsBusinessDevelopment2020.aspx


https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/About/Careers/LakeshorePurchasingSpecialist20200323.aspx

https://careers.lakeshore.ca/

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/About/Careers/GuelphGM_PlanningBldgServicesChiefPlanner20200331.aspx

https://guelph.ca/careers

https://twitter.com/#!/AMOPolicy

mailto:[email protected]?subject=AMO%20WatchFile


mailto:[email protected]?subject=AMO%20policy%20inquiry


mailto:[email protected]?subject=MEPCO

mailto:[email protected]?subject=ONE%20Investment%20Program%20-%20request%20for%20information

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Media%20Inquiry



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March 19, 2020

In This Issue- COVID-19 update.- Social Media in a Crisis webinar available free.- AMO President’s call for Blue Box resolutions. - BEACON Digital Therapy - Innovative mental health care support.- Cancellation Notice: OSUM 2020 Conference: Spring Time in Paris.- AMO Conference planning responds to COVID-19.- Showcase your products at the AMO Conference - August 2020.- Only 1 session remaining in AMO’s popular social media webinar series.- LAS Blog: COVID-19 - What it Means for AMO and LAS.- Facilities Maintenance Equipment webinar: Municipal Group Buying Program.- Capital Purchasing webinar: Municipal Group Buying Program.- ONE Investment - HISA rate update.- MEPCO Board meeting update.- County of Renfrew - Service Delivery Improvement Project RFP.- Careers with Bruce County and Burlington.

COVID-19 UpdateWith a provincial emergency declaration in place and municipal governments takingappropriate local emergency action, AMO will continue to keep you informed on themunicipal aspects of the COVID-19 pandemic. For the most up-to-date and accurateprovincial COVID-19 information about coronavirus, the best source is theGovernment of Ontario site. AMO has put together a one-stop COVID-19 page with allthe links and information you might need at this time.

AMO MattersTo support municipal communicators during the pandemic, AMO has made the recentone-hour Social Media Webinar, ‘Social Media Use During a Crisis,’ available to viewfor free via YouTube.

A reminder that for municipalities with Blue Box programs, AMO’s President has calledfor resolutions on transition timing by June 30, 2020. Contact Dave Gordon or AmberCrawford if you require more information.


Eye on EventsIn response to the current COVID-19 situation, the OSUM 2020 Conferencescheduled to have occurred in Brant County, April 29 - May 1 has been cancelled. TheOSUM Executive is currently considering next steps. For all refunds please contact



https://youtu.be/STcTO03bfw8

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Blue%20box%20resolution

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Blue%20box%20resolution





[email protected].

OSUM, FONOM, and NOMA conferences are cancelled. Planning for the AMOconference in August continues. If it proceeds as planned, lessons learned from theCOVID-19 pandemic will be a key topic of learning and discussion. Visit the AMOwebsite for details and registration information.

Are you a municipal supplier or vendor? Do you have a product or service that wouldbenefit the municipal sector? For AMO and municipal industry partners, thisConference is an unparalleled opportunity to make and solidify relationships with themunicipal sector. Showcase your products or services at the AMO Conference inOttawa, from August 16 - 19, 2020. Reserve your booth today!

As elected officials living in the spotlight, effective communication is essential!Designed to help you navigate social media effectively, these 1 hour lunch & learnworkshops provide the tactics to promote good news, manage issues professionally,and leverage traditional and social media. Register now for the last webinar on April 1.

LASLas Blog: AMO and LAS are adapting to ensure our work can continue as Ontariofaces COVID-19. Click here to learn what this means for the normal operations ofAMO and LAS.

Register for our Facilities Maintenance webinar to be held March 25 at 10am. Join usto learn how Grainger can supply for your building maintenance, repair and operationsneeds. Just one of the many categories under the popular Capital Purchasing offering!

Webinar April 8 @ 10am - All products under our Capital Purchasing offering areprocured through Sourcewell, North America’s trusted leader in municipal cooperativeprocurement. Find out about their processes and how your municipality can takeadvantage of national contracts on hundreds of pre-qualified products. Register today.

ONE InvestmentHISA Rate Update: Due to the Bank of Canada’s second interest rate cut in the monthof March in response to the coronavirus, the Bank has reduced Prime Rate to 2.95%.New effective rate for HISA is 1.415% (based on Bank Prime Rate less 1.535%) as ofMarch 17, 2020. For more information, click here.

Municipal Employer Pension Centre of Ontario (MEPCO)The MEPCO Board met this week and the newsletter is available now. It includesdetails of two plan changes being considered by OMERS, as well as highlights fromthe meeting.

Municipal WireRequest for Proposals are being accepted by the County of Renfrew for the servicesof a qualified consultant to undertake a comprehensive review of its services andorganization. Submission deadline: 12:00 p.m. EST, April 9, 2020.

Careers Corporate Communications Specialist - County of Bruce. Reports to: ChiefAdministrative Officer. Applicants should review the entire job posting, and then applyonline at County of Bruce, following the outlined process. Deadline for applications is12:00 midnight on Sunday, March 29, 2020.

mailto:[email protected]?subject=2020%20OSUM%20Conference%20cancellation



https://www.amo.on.ca/Training/webinars

https://www.las.on.ca/learning/blog/covid-19-what-it-means-amo-and-las

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_fmFLyQfESP2A3U1UYQySMQ



https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_OEzZ_B_lSnSRAUVahEi8IA

http://oneinvestmentprogram.ca/WhatWeOffer/HISA.aspx

http://mepco.ca/MEPCO-Content/Updates/2020/MEPCOMemberNewsletter20200318.aspx

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/About/Watch-File/Municipal-Wire/RenfrewCoRFPServiceDeliveryIP20200409.aspx

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/About/Careers/BruceCorpCommunicationsSpecialist20200329.aspx

http://www.brucecounty.on.ca/



Corporate Fleet Business Improvement Specialist - City of Burlington. EmploymentStatus: Contact position (8 months). Department: Roads, Parks and Forestry. Reportsto: Manager, Fleet Services & Operations Centre. Posting closes: April 1, 2020. Toapply, please visit Burlington Career Opportunities and click on "View Jobs". Pleasenote applications are only accepted online.




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March 26, 2020

In This Issue- COVID-19 related proceeding suspensions.- COVID-19 resources.- AMO Podcast: Discussing meetings with electronic attendance.- AMO Podcast: Communication guide for councils. - AMO Virtual Panel: Guidance for electronic meetings. - New AMO COVID-19 resource available.- Main Street Revitalization Initiative project extensions and final report.- Register for Blue Box Program update webinar - April 8.- BEACON Digital Therapy - Innovative mental health care support.- OSUM Annual Conference update.- 2020 AMO Conference.- Cancellation deadline extended for exhibitors to July 6 in response to Covid-19.- Municipal Group Buying Program webinar: Capital Purchasing.- Municipal Group Buying Program webinar: Procurement.- ONE Investment - HISA rate update.

COVID-19 UpdateUnder EMCPA, the Information and Privacy Commissioner (IPC) has frozen allproceedings; the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) will not have hearings untilJune 30th and all proceedings have been suspended. AMO’s COVID-19 resourcepage will be adding other proceeding suspensions as they become known.

AMO COVID-19 ResourcesAMO’s COVID-19 Resources page is being updated continually so you can find criticalinformation in one place. Please send any of your municipally related pandemicquestions to [email protected].

Building on AMO’s Meeting Guidance for Heads of Councils; AMO’s ExecutiveDirector, Brian Rosborough sits down with municipal experts to dig deeper into how toprepare for and manage electronic meetings.

AMO’s Executive Director Brian Rosborough speaks with Brian Lambie, President ofRedbrick Communications. AMO worked with Brian Lambie to create aCommunication Guide for Councils to assist in their response to COVID-19.

Join AMO’s municipal expert virtual Question Box Panel on Friday, March, 27 from2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern time) to discuss experiences and everything you need toconsider in planning for and hosting virtual council meetings.

Redbrick Communications and AMO are compiling COVID-19 infographics formunicipalities. Visit AMO’s COVID-19 Resources webpage to download.

https://www.ipc.on.ca/newsrelease/ipc-closure-during-covid-19-outbreak/

https://elto.gov.on.ca/tribunals/lpat/about-lpat/




http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/COVID19/AMO_MeetingGuidance_Mar21.aspx

http://amopodcast.libsyn.com/episode-12-exploring-bill-187-municipal-emergency-act-2020

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Podcasts/AMOONTOPICPODCASTS

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/COVID19/AMO_CouncilRole_Mar21.aspx

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-Content/Events/2020/AMOVirtualQuestionBoxPanelGuidanceforMeetingswithE




AMO MattersIn response to COVID-19 challenges, AMO may be able to provide project extensionsto MSRI-funded projects, if requested. If your projects are complete, please submit thefinal report by May 15, 2020. Contact Adam Garcia with questions.

Register today for an AMO Webinar Update on the Blue Box Program, Wednesday,April 8 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. For more information, contact Amber Crawford.


Eye on EventsThe OSUM Executive is pleased to announce that the this year’s OSUM Conferencehas been moved to 2021 and will be held in Brant County. OSUM 2020 - Springtime inParis - was cancelled due to COVID-19. Refunds for this year's event are beingprocessed. Contact [email protected].

AMO is monitoring all developments with COVID-19 and will be advising members ofnew developments if and when they emerge. Please contact Poonam Ruparelia withquestions. Visit the AMO website for updates, details and registration information.

Recognizing how quickly things are changing in the environment of COVID-19, and inappreciation of our valued exhibitors, AMO is extending the cancellation deadline forexhibitors. We are committed to taking every step necessary to ensure the health andsafety of those attending our conference. Exhibitor information can be found here.

LASWebinar April 8 @ 10am - Capital Purchasing using Sourcewell is part of theMunicipal Group Buying Program. This offering lets municipalities access everythingfrom heavy equipment to fire trucks to auction services. Join us to learn how thisoffering works on some of your biggest purchases. Register today.

Webinar April 22 @ 10am - Cooperative purchasing greatly benefits municipalities, butstaff need to be confident they are getting the best value for tax dollars. Join us for anin-depth conversation on the procurement processes that make up our MunicipalGroup Buying Program. Register here.

ONE InvestmentHISA Rate Update: Due to the Bank of Canada’s second interest rate cut in the monthof March in response to the coronavirus, the Bank has reduced Prime Rate to 2.95%.New effective rate for HISA is 1.415% (based on Bank Prime Rate less 1.535%) as ofMarch 17, 2020. For more information, click here.


AMO ContactsAMO Watch File Tel: 416.971.9856Conferences/EventsPolicy and Funding Programs

https://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/Main-Street/2020/MSRI-COVID-and-Project-Extensions-2020-03-24.aspx

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Main%20Street%20Project%20Initiative%20extension

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NKbY7rTkShOr6nTyvcG82g

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Blue%20Box




mailto:[email protected]?subject=2020%20AMO%20Annual%20Conference



https://www.las.on.ca/sites/default/files/assets/DOCUMENTS/Group%20Buying/Capital%20Purchasing%20-%20March%202020.pdf




https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_iAHdHxn9Qbmp4jV5uLkdEA

http://oneinvestmentprogram.ca/WhatWeOffer/HISA.aspx







LAS Local Authority ServicesMEPCO Municipal Employer Pension Centre of OntarioONE InvestmentMedia Inquiries Tel: 416.729.5425Municipal Wire, Career/Employment and Council Resolution Distributions










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April 2, 2020

In This Issue

- COVID-19 resources.- AMO communications and virtual attendance at council meetings webinars.- Remote electronic meetings.- Peter J. Marshall Municipal Innovation Award - Accepting submissions until May 1.- Reminder to register for Blue Box Program webinar - April 8.- Notarius electronic signatures: Business 5 promotion.- Extension of Aggregate Resources Act posting on Environmental Registry.- 2020 AMO Conference.- Cancellation deadline extended for exhibitors to July 6 in response to COVID-19.- OSUM Annual Conference update.- ONE Investment: New website and HISA rate update.- An easy way to reduce facility operating costs.- Who wants to go on an Energy Treasure Hunt?- This week’s LAS Blog: The Pollinators - A Superhero Story.- Municipal Group Buying Program webinar: Capital Purchasing & Sourcewell.- Municipal Group Buying Program webinar: Procurement.- Career with City of Brantford.

AMO COVID-19 ResourcesAMO’s COVID-19 Resources page is being updated continually so you can find criticalinformation in one place. Please send any of your municipally related pandemicquestions to [email protected].

Over the last few weeks, AMO has been hosting webinars to support members incommunications during COVID-19, and guidance for council meetings with electronicattendance. These are now available on AMO’s COVID-19 Resources page under theAMO Podcasts and Webinars tab.

AMO MattersMunicipal Act and the City of Toronto Act amendments now permit councils, councilcommittees, and local boards to meet virtually during a municipal or provincialemergency. Learn how AMO’s digital meeting management partner, eSCRIBE, canhelp your municipality implement electronic meetings so that elected officials and staffcan meet virtually and interact through the platform.

If your municipality has an innovative approach to service delivery and partnershipsthat have improved capital and/or operating efficiency, submit your Peter J. MarshallMunicipal Innovation Award entry by May 1 for committee review.

Register today for an AMO Webinar Update on the Blue Box Program, Wednesday,April 8 from 2:00 - 3:30 pm. For more information, contact Amber Crawford.




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS2osmQLMwc

http://www.amo.on.ca/AMO-PDFs/About/Awards/2020PJMarshallCallForSubmissions20200220.aspx

https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NKbY7rTkShOr6nTyvcG82g

mailto:[email protected]?subject=Blue%20Box



As COVID-19 impacts ways of working, Notarius’ electronic signatures are helpingmunicipalities ensure business continuity and work remotely efficiently. AMO memberscan try the Business 5 version of their e-signature platform ConsignO Cloud free for60 days. This includes 5 users, unlimited signature projects and signers. Contact MarcSt-Jacques for details.

Provincial MattersThe consultation period for MNRF’s Regulatory Proposal entitled Proposedamendments to O. Reg. 244/97 and the Aggregate Resources of Ontario ProvincialStandards under the Aggregate Resources Act on the Environmental Registry,number 019-1303, has been extended from March 30 to May 15, 2020.

Eye on EventsAMO monitors all COVID-19 developments and will advise members of changes to theAnnual Conference as they emerge. Please contact Poonam Ruparelia withquestions. Visit the AMO website for updates, details and registration information.

Recognizing how quickly things are changing in the environment of COVID-19, and inappreciation of our valued exhibitors, AMO is extending the exhibitor cancellationdeadline. We are committed to taking every step necessary to ensure the health andsafety of those attending our conference. Exhibitor information can be found here.

The OSUM Executive is pleased to announce that the this year’s OSUM Conferencehas been moved to 2021 and will be held in Brant County. OSUM 2020 - Springtime inParis - was cancelled due to COVID-19. Refunds for this year's event are beingprocessed. Contact [email protected].

ONE InvestmentAccess our brand new website with the latest information! HISA Rate Update: TheBank of Canada has made a third emergency interest rate cut in response to COVID-19 hit on the economy that has reduced the Bank Prime Rate to 2.45%. New effectiverate for HISA is 0.915% (based on Bank Prime Rate less 1.535%) as of March 30,2020.

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06/04/2020 Emergency Funding Available Through Ontario Works - County of Renfrew

https://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/news/emergency-funding-available-through-ontario-works.aspx 1/2

Emergency Funding Available ThroughOntario Works

Posted on Thursday, March 26, 2020

On Monday, March 23, 2020 In response to the continuing COVID-19 situation, theMinistry of Children, Community and Social Services has announced additionalmeasures to support those in need. Financial assistance can be provided toindividuals through local Ontario Works offices. Emergency funds are available forthose in financial crisis who have no access to other supports, including those whoare waiting for support from the Federal Government to become available.

Discretionary funds have also been made available for those currently in receipt ofsocial assistance. This funding can be used to meet a broad range of emergencyneeds, including cleaning supplies, transportation, food or clothing.

“We Feel Strongly that nobody should have to worry about providing for themselvesor their families at this difficult time. Our Social Services Manager and staff areworking with the Province to implement processes to make funds available to theresidents of Renfrew County as soon as possible”; said James Brose, Chair of theCounty of Renfrew Social Services Committee.

Individuals can apply online at Ontario.ca/community

Please contact your local Ontario Works office for more information.

Ontario Works Office Phone Numbers:Renfrew: 613-433-9846 (toll free 1-888-281-7526)Pembroke: 613-732-2601 (toll free: 1-866-897-4849)Arnprior: 613-623-5426 (toll free 1-844-623-5426)Killaloe: 613-757-0770

Media Contacts:Laura LePine Director of Social Services, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

https://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/index.aspx


New pandemic healthcare service: Renfrew County Virtual Triage and

Assessment Centre

March 27, 2020 - In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Renfrew County Virtual Triage

and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) has launched today to strengthen access to primary care for

all Renfrew County residents.

The RC VTAC is a collaboration between Renfrew County Primary Care teams, the County of

Renfrew Paramedic Service, Renfrew County Hospitals, and the Renfrew County and District

Health Unit, with the support of Ontario Health East.

The RC VTAC is a primary care solution to reduce the demand on Emergency Departments and

provide Renfrew County residents, who do not have a family physician or cannot access their

family physician, with the appropriate level of care when they have any health concerns

(including concerns related to COVID-19).

“The number of COVID-19 cases is increasing exponentially in Ontario,” said Dr. Jonathan

Fitzsimon, Chief of Medicine, Arnprior Regional Health. “We must slow this spread, protect our

healthcare professionals, and yet continue to provide care and advice for all residents of

Renfrew County. The RC VTAC will help enormously in our efforts to do this. The sheer hard

work, as well as the collaboration and cooperation between so many organizations in Renfrew

County, to develop this new service at lightning speed has been truly incredible.”

Through the RC VTAC, physicians and nurse practitioners will assess and manage health

concerns in multiple ways depending on the individual’s needs. This includes:

• Phone appointments

• Video appointments

• In-home assessments and diagnostic testing by community paramedics

• Remote monitoring and alerting and if necessary, escalation to a designated team of

physicians and allied health professionals for the management of patients with COVID-

19

• Referral to other services including mental health support

Paramedics will be integrated into the RC VTAC and work collaboratively with the nurse

practitioners and physicians. If a call is received for a patient who requires hands-on

assessment, a referral will be sent to the community paramedics and a care plan will be

developed.

“Community paramedics will be using the tools they have already found successful to apply an

extension of the model of care already being provided to the residents of the County of

Renfrew,” said Mike Nolan, Chief, The County of Renfrew Paramedic Service. “This new

approach allows the community paramedic a direct link to a physician for a patient who may

not be able to reach their family doctor, or who does not have a family doctor. Historically,

these would have resulted in 911 calls and transportation to Emergency Departments.”

Dr. Robert Cushman, Acting Medical Officer Health, Renfrew County and District Health Unit

added:

“This system will provide all residents, who must self-monitor for symptoms, quick access to

telephone assessments by highly-skilled healthcare professionals. Equally important, it will

reduce the number of people coming unnecessarily to clinics and hospitals, thereby reducing

the spread of infection. It is worth repeating that the primary duty of every citizen is to stay

home, and when out for only essential shopping or some fresh air, to keep more than six feet

away from others.”

The volume, type of intervention provided and wait times will be monitored closely and

reported to Ontario Health East to ensure the RC VTAC is meeting the needs of Renfrew County

and reducing the demands on hospitals.

“When the COVID-19 pandemic began, our shared regional goal was to create the Virtual Triage

and Assessment Centre,” said Eric Hanna, President and CEO, Arnprior Regional Health. “We

now have in place the best local solution to ensure all residents across our expansive, rural

geography have easy, safe access to primary care – and will only need to visit the Emergency

Department for true emergencies.”

For up-to-date information or general inquiries about COVID-19, visit the Renfrew County and District Health Unit website: www.rcdhu.com

If you live in Renfrew County, have a health concern (including a concern related to COVID-19) and need to speak to a physician, you should first call your family physician’s office.

If you do not have a family physician or cannot access your family physician, call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre at 1-844-727-6404. A medical receptionist will connect you with care and support from a nurse practitioner, family physician and/or community paramedic. This new service is covered by OHIP with a valid health card.

Learn more at www.rcvtac.ca.

Media contact:

Melissa McDermott

Manager, Communications and Community Engagement

Arnprior Regional health

[email protected]

06/04/2020 County of Renfrew Declares State of Emergency - County of Renfrew

https://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/news/county-of-renfrew-declares-state-of-emergency.aspx 1/2

County of Renfrew Declares State ofEmergency

Posted on Monday, March 30, 2020

Pembroke: At 2 p.m. today, Warden Debbie Robinson declared a state ofemergency due to the global COVID-19 pandemic across the entirety of the Countyof Renfrew under the Emergency Management and Protection Act.

The County of Renfrew along with local municipalities, and the Renfrew County andDistrict Health Unit are working collectively to ensure that all measures are beingtaken to protect our residents, staff and visitors during this difficult time.

“We know that this is a challenging time for County residents; as such thisdeclaration of an emergency allows the County of Renfrew to enact measures, makekey decisions, and access future funding from the Province,” Warden Robinson said.

This declaration of emergency will further assist the County of Renfrew inmaintaining essential services and addressing the increasing threat of the COVID 19outbreak in an effective manner. The declaration also evokes the County of RenfrewEmergency Response Plan and its Emergency Operations Centre.

The Warden acknowledged the “hard work done by so many to this point howeverbased on current information residents need to be vigilant.”

“I’m asking residents to stay at home, and follow the directions of the RenfrewCounty and District Health Unit, the Provincial and Federal Governments so thatCounty of Renfrew and its residents are best prepared to protect their own healthand that of the most vulnerable in our community,” Warden Robinson commented.“Today I have declared a state of emergency for Renfrew County, with the focus onsupporting local municipalities and residents that are being impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic here in the County. I would ask that residents continue to be vigilantabout their safety and of those around them in these difficult times. I also wantresidents to be assured that the County of Renfrew, along with all the localmunicipalities in the County, are making every effort to provide support where andwhen needed,” she added.

https://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/index.aspx

06/04/2020 County of Renfrew Declares State of Emergency - County of Renfrew

https://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/news/county-of-renfrew-declares-state-of-emergency.aspx 2/2

Rapidly changing conditions in relation to this pandemic continue to pose a threat toour healthcare system and with two long-term care homes under Countymanagement the County is taking all necessary measures to protect ourcommunities’ most vulnerable members. The Province of Ontario and many EasternOntario municipalities have also issued states of emergency. For safety, all residentsshould stay at home, monitor their health conditions, and check for updatedmessages, exercise caution and social distancing.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the Renfrew County andDistrict Health Unit website or the Province of Ontario’s site.

If you live in Renfrew County, have a non-emergency health concern (including aconcern related to COVID-19) and need to speak to a physician, you should first callyour family physician’s office.If you do not have a family physician or cannot access your family physician, pleasecall the new Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 to be connected to a family physician or nurse practitioner or visit RCVTAC website.

The County of Renfrew will continue to post all necessary and pertinent informationto the County’s website, Facebook and Twitter Feeds, and update the local media ona regular basis.Until further notice County of Renfrew Buildings will not be allowing public walk-inaccess, services are continuing to be provided. We are asking the public to conducttheir communications with us via telephone, or by email. For more information onCounty services and how to contact us please visit: Coronavirus Information AndUpdates web page

For Media Inquiries please call:

Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613 735-7288

Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

© 2020 County of Renfrew, 9 International Drive, Pembroke ON K8A 6W5, Phone:1-800-273-0183, Fax: 613-735-2081 | Staff Login | Staff Email

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Media Relations

_______________________________________________________________________________ NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

March 31st, 2020

County of Renfrew Notified of First Case of COVID-19 in Staff Member at Miramichi Lodge

Pembroke: The County of Renfrew has been notified of the first case of 2019 novel coronavirus disease (COVID-2019) involving a County of Renfrew employee who works at Miramichi Lodge. Laboratory testing was used to confirm this diagnosis.

“Regretfully, we must announce that an employee of our long-term care home in Pembroke has tested positive for COVID-19,” said Warden of the County of Renfrew Debbie Robinson. “This individual is isolated at their home to prevent the spread of infection to others.”

“Our best wishes go to the employee for a rapid and full recovery,” she added. “Every effort is being made by the County and Local municipalities to protect the safety of residents of our Long-Term Care Homes, members of our staff and our community.”

This individual has not been present in the County of Renfrew workplace for over a week. Residents and staff that were in contact with this individual are being notified and all appropriate measures are being taken to try and eliminate any potential spread of infection at the Home.

“After developing symptoms, the individual took the appropriate action and stayed home,” Director of Long-term Care Shelley Sheedy stated. “The County of Renfrew will handle each case with the utmost respect to privacy, while also informing potentially affected residents and staff; while taking swift measures to mitigate spread of the virus. Please understand that out of respect for individual privacy, there are details about this case (or others moving forward) that we will not be able to share.”

The health and safety of the County of Renfrew’s workforce and its residents are a top priority for County Council, according to the Warden. She said it is paramount that every effort be made to keep all essential services operating so the County can continue to meet the needs of residents.

9 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE PEMBROKE, ON, CANADA

K8A 6W5

(613) 735-7288

www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca

“The County of Renfrew is working closely with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, and has been, and will continue to follow the directives of the Provincial Medical Officer of Health in efforts to protect residents and staff in our Long-Term Care Homes from COVID-19 and other health risks,” Warden Robinson added. The County of Renfrew is taking all necessary actions to further protect the health and safety of its workforce. The County of Renfrew has been taking proactive steps to reduce the risk of infection among its workforce including the use of teleworking among staff, insisting sick employees stay home, increasing the frequency of cleaning County of Renfrew facilities, canceling large meetings and staff travel, closing facilities to public access, and using staff bulletins to encourage physical distancing and other preventive measures.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19, please visit the Renfrew County and District Health

Unit website at www.rcdhu.ca. or the Province of Ontario’s site at www.ontario.ca/coronavirus.

If you live in Renfrew County, have a non-emergency health concern (including a concern related

to COVID-19) and need to speak to a physician, you should first call your family physician’s office.

If you do not have a family physician or cannot access your family physician, please call the new

Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 to be

connected to a family physician or nurse practitioner or visit www.rcvtac.ca

The County of Renfrew will continue to post all necessary and pertinent information to the County’s website, Facebook and Twitter Feeds, and update the local media on a regular basis. Until further notice County of Renfrew Buildings will not be allowing public walk-in access, services are continuing to be provided. We are asking the public to conduct their communications with us via telephone, or by email. For more information on County services and how to contact us please visit: https://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/covid-19.aspx For Media Inquiries please call: Paul Moreau Chief Administrative Officer/Clerk, County of Renfrew 613 735-7288 Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

http://www.rcdhu.ca/


http://www.rcvtac.ca/

https://www.countyofrenfrew.on.ca/en/covid-19.aspx

Media Relations

____________________________________________________________________________________________

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7th, 2020

Community Financial Support Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic

To all our community partners, organizations, non-profit agencies and to those who support the most vulnerable in our community, we would like to hear from you as to how the County of Renfrew can assist you in accessing Provincial program funding in order for you to continue to offer the best support to our community in these trying times. On March 23, 2020, the Provincial Government announced a $200-million province wide investment in social services for relief funding to help protect the health and safety of the province’s most vulnerable people in response to the outbreak of COVID-19. If you are providing new or enhanced support or service(s) for vulnerable persons in Renfrew County with respect to homelessness, shelter, food security, seniors, youth, etc., as a result of COVID-19, we would ask that you submit your request by Friday, April 17, 2020, by providing us with the following information:

Full name of the Agency or Organization

Primary Contact (Name, Telephone, E-mail);

Brief description of the community service or support you provide;

Value of financial aid request as well as a brief description of how funds would be utilized to address needs during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Please send your request to the attention of Laura LePine, Director of Social Services, at [email protected] For any questions, call 613-735-7288. Please note that submission of a request does not guarantee funding assistance from the Province in part or in full. Media Inquiries Please Contact: Laura LePine Director of Social Services, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288 Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

9 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE

PEMBROKE, ON, CANADA

K8A 6W5



Media Relations

____________________________________________________________________________________________

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7th, 2020

PROVINCE and COUNTY of RENFREW WORKING TOGETHER to SUPPORT FRONTLINE WORKERS County of Renfrew to open child-care centre for essential and core service workers

The Province of Ontario has recently announced a strategy to support essential and critical service workers during this COVID-19 outbreak. Ontario has exempted certain child-care centres from the order to close all licensed child-care centres pursuant to the declared state of emergency. The County of Renfrew in cooperation with the Province of Ontario will open a licensed child-care centre to provide care for children of healthcare and front-line workers at no cost to families. The County of Renfrew is partnered with the Renfrew County and District Health Unit to ensure the protection and safety of the children, parents and staff in these centres.

Children’s Garden in Pembroke will begin to operate at cathedral catholic elementary school by the end of next week and will have five spaces available for children aged 3 years 8 months (44 months) to age 12 inclusive. The application for a space at the centre will be made available at the County of Renfrew Website at 9:00 am on April 8th, 2020 at this link https://bit.ly/2JOBBuO Chair of the County of Renfrew Social Services Committee James Brose said, “The County of Renfrew is committed to supporting our healthcare and frontline workers by having child-care in place for these essential workers, so those that care for us can feel assured that their children are being looked after. Working with our licenced child-care providers in Renfrew County, and our partners at the Province.” Emergency child care services are identified in the Province of Ontario's "List of Workers Eligible for Emergency Child Care” The County of Renfrew will continue to work closely with our Provincial and community partners to determine if this service can be expanded. Media Inquiries Please Contact: Laura LePine Director of Social Services, County of Renfrew 613 735-7288 Michael Barber Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288



K8A 6W5


https://bit.ly/2JOBBuO

https://bit.ly/3dZCY7P

https://bit.ly/3dZCY7P

Media Relations

__________________________________________________________________________________________ NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7, 2020

Renfrew County Economic Task Force to Guide COVID-19 Response and Recovery

Pembroke ON: In an effort to ensure the future sustainability of the County of Renfrew’s

business, agriculture, tourism, commercial and manufacturing sectors, an economic task force

has been created by the County’s Development and Property department.

As part of the County of Renfrew’s declaration of an emergency, the Renfrew County

Economic Task Force was created to engage business, community and political leaders to

begin the essential task of mitigating the financial implications Coronavirus is having on

people, businesses and municipalities.

“The health and safety of residents and staff has been our first priority as the COVID-19 crisis

deepens,” states Warden Debbie Robinson. “We must now also direct our efforts at

addressing the economic impacts to individuals, businesses and communities created by this

Pandemic, to ensure our economic sustainability as we navigate through the crisis and

afterwards.”

Business sector representatives will be recruited from across the County including

manufacturing, retail, tourism, agriculture and forestry. Local municipal, business and

community organization representatives and provincial and federal resources will also be

engaged as required to assist the Task Force.

“We must develop strategies and action plans now to ensure an economic future for residents,

businesses and institutions and for our youth,” says Robert Sweet, Chair of the Development &

Property Committee and a member of the Task Force.

According to Task Force Chair and the appointed Economic Recovery Coordinator, Craig Kelley,

Director of Development and Property, the Task Force will consider three phases of efforts to

guide our economic future: Stabilization, Rebuilding and Growth.

“County Economic Development staff continue to assist and advise businesses and are

maintaining information and links to government support programs available to businesses

and individuals at the County Economic Development website



K8A 6W5

(613) 735-7288

Toll Free: 1-800-273-0183

FAX: (613) 735-2081


www.InvestRenfrewCounty.com.” Mr. Kelley advised. “While many of these programs have

been announced, very few are presently taking applications as government works through the

details of program deployment.”

“County Economic Development staff recommend that you check the website regularly for

updates,” he added. Businesses will soon receive a survey to assist economic development

services providing the Renfrew County Economic Task Force vital information in order to do

the first assessment of the economic impact of the COVID-19 crisis. The business impact

survey will also be available on www.InvestRenfrewCounty.com and all business owners and

managers are encouraged to respond to the survey.

For more information:

Alastair Baird, Manager of Economic Development, County of Renfrew 613-732-0354 Email: [email protected]

Craig Kelley, Director of Development & Property, County of Renfrew 613-735-3204

Michael Barber, Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

http://www.investrenfrewcounty.com/

http://www.investrenfrewcounty.com/


____________________________________________________________________________________________

PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 7th, 2020

Rotary Clubs Donates Over $10,000 in Gift Cards to Help Local Families Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic

On Thursday, March 27th, 2020 the Rotary Club of Arnprior donated $10,700, in the form of food, gas and supply gift cards to the County of Renfrew Ontario Works office. The Rotary Club began fundraising last spring to raise money for flood victims in Renfrew County – they provided $3,050 in gift cards at that time to help victims of flooding.

“We want to extend our sincere thank you to Gerhard Peters and all Rotary Club members within the 7040 District Rotary Clubs. These funds come at a time where they will be most needed within our communities. The number of families in need of assistance right now is growing and we are grateful for all of the help we receive,” said James Brose, Chair of the County of Renfrew Social Services Committee.

This initiative was spearheaded by Gerhard Peters of the Arnprior Rotary Club and the money comes from all District 7040 Rotary Clubs. The Club requested that the cards be distributed to residents in need across the County at this time. Gift cards are from Canadian Tire, President’s Choice, Ultramar, Esso, & Home Hardware to help residents in financial crisis to purchase food, gas, and other essential supplies during the pandemic.

For information on how to access emergency financial supports, residents can contact their local Ontario Works office or apply online at ontario.ca/community.

Ontario Works Office Phone Numbers:

Renfrew: 613-433-9846 (toll free 1-888-281-7526)

Pembroke: 613-732-2601 (toll free: 1-866-897-4849)

Arnprior: 613-623-5426 (toll free 1-844-623-5426)

Killaloe: 613-757-0770

Media Inquiries Please Contact:

Laura LePine, Director, Social Services, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

Michal Barber, Media Relations/Grants Coordinator, County of Renfrew 613-735-7288

9 INTERNATIONAL DRIVE PEMBROKE, ON, CANADA

K8A 6W5 (613) 735-7288


Media Relations


Visit our website at www.rcdhu.com “Optimal Health for All in Renfrew County and District”

Renfrew County and

District Health Unit

FACT SHEET

COVID-19 Guidance

for Grocery Store

Shoppers

Guidance for Grocery Store Shoppers

Grocery shopping is one of the few essential

outings left, so it is important to protect store

employees, yourself and your family.

Currently, we have no evidence of food or

food packaging being linked to the spread of

COVID-19.1,2 COVID-19 is spread by:

• An infected person coughing, sneezing or

talking.

• Personal contact such as shaking hands.

• Touching a surface or object that has the

virus on it, and then touching our face.

Stores are making important changes to protect

the public from COVID-19. Following the tips

below will help reduce your exposure in the

grocery store and protect the workers providing

this vital service.

Decide on Who Goes Shopping

• Choose a person in good health to be the

main grocery shopper. Shop only if you feel

well and can be reasonably sure that you

have not been in contact with someone

who has COVID-19 or is showing symptoms.

• Do not go out and shop if you are:

→ Sick or living with someone who is sick

→ Just home from travelling

→ Over 70

→ Living with a weakened immune system

or chronic health condition

• Plan your shopping list carefully so that you

can buy enough food and other supplies to

last at least a week. Buy more and aim for one

trip a week.

1https://www.inspection.gc.ca/covid-19/questions-and-answers/eng/1584648921808/1584648922156#q1b

2 https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/newsletter/food-safety-and-Coronavirus.html

https://www.inspection.gc.ca/covid-19/questions-and-answers/eng/1584648921808/1584648922156#q1b

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/newsletter/food-safety-and-Coronavirus.html


• Shop at a less busy time. Be cautious about

store hours set aside for “‘seniors-only”

shopping. They can be busier than if you

went at an off-peak hour on a different day.

• Be respectful of store employees. They are

doing their best in a difficult situation.

Keep Clean

Keeping your hands, surfaces and objects clean

is simple:

• Clean the handle of your cart.

• Bring your own wipes and hand sanitizer;

although the stores have been trying hard to

keep a public stock, the supplies are short.

• Wash or sanitize your hands as you enter and

after to get into your car.

• Handle only the items you intend to buy.

• Use clean carry-out bags for purchased

food and grocery products. Use your

own bags or reusable containers ONLY if

you can clean and sanitize them

between uses. Pack your own reusable

bags to protect the cashier.

• Use a credit or debit card to avoid handling

money or receiving change.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Know that gloves are not necessary and

offer no added protection. Frequent

handwashing is key.

• Once home, wash your hands well before

and after handling food packaging, after

removing food from the packaging, before

you prepare food for eating, and before you

eat.

• Clean counters and other surfaces you’ve

touched after you've put away the groceries.

Regularly clean surfaces and cooking

equipment that may come in contact with

food.

Keep Your Distance

• Avoid shopping in large groups – this should not

be a family outing. Leave children at home.

They are more likely to touch products and

touch their faces.

• Keep your distance from others while in the

store. Staying 2 arms-length (6 feet) apart is an

easy way to measure your distance.

• Avoid common greetings, such as

handshakes. A simple wave and a friendly

smile work. This is not the time to stand around

and chat with friends.

• If the grocery store seems busy, come back

another time to prevent larger gatherings.

• Offer to shop for those who are self-isolating or

those who may be at higher risk, such as older

adults and those in poor health.


Keep Safe

• Follow all the everyday food safety

practices. Handle and prepare food safely

such as separating raw meat from ready-

to-eat food in your cart and in your fridge.

Refrigerate perishable foods. Cook meat to

the right temperature.

• Wash fruits and vegetables well under

running water when arriving home and

before eating. Scrub those with a hard skin.

Don’t use bleach or other strong chemicals

on any produce.

• As a precaution, it is okay to wipe down

non-porous cans and boxes with soap and

water or disinfectant wipe.

Delivery and Take-Out Tips

• Follow the drop-off or pick-up instructions

given by the restaurant or grocery store.

• Minimize contact with employees. Stay 2

metres (6 feet) apart from the delivery

person.

• If picking up groceries, consider opening

the car door or trunk latch yourself so the

person loading does not touch your car

handles.

• Avoid a direct hand off by asking for food

to be left on the doorstep.


• COVID-19 Information on Produce for Consumers

• rcdhu.com

• ontario.ca/coronavirus

• canada.ca/coronavirus

Adapted from materials produced by Leeds, Grenville, Lanark District Health Unit. Current as of April 1, 2020.

• Use touch-free or cashless payments.

• Prepay via the internet or telephone for

your delivery order.

• Remove your food from the external

packaging and dispose of it in the

garbage or recycling right away.

• Avoid touching your face.

• Wash your hands well for 20 seconds after

touching packaging and before eating.

https://cpma.ca/docs/default-source/covid-19/covid-19_information_for_consumers.pdf

http://www.rcdhu.com/


http://www.canada.ca/coronavirus


Renfrew County and

District Health Unit

FACT SHEET

HEALTHY EATING DURING

A PANDEMIC

Why is healthy eating during a

pandemic important?

Healthy eating will keep you well-nourished

during the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it is

important to have enough food if you are

required to stay home and self-isolate for 14

days. There are some basic food staples you

can stock to keep your family well.

Try the tips below to purchase wisely and be

prepared:

1. Plan meals:

Canada’s food guide advises us to eat a

variety of healthy foods every day.

• Make half your plate vegetables and fruit.

• Choose whole grain foods.

• Include protein foods, emphasizing those

that come from plants more often.

• Make water your drink of choice. For

children, include a glass of milk at meals.

Think about what you will serve for breakfast,

lunch and dinner each day. What do you

need, and how much for each person? Do you

need any special diet foods? Your meals will

likely be simpler, prepared from pantry staples

and perishable foods with a longer shelf-life.

Make a meal plan listing the food items that

you would serve at each meal, including

snacks. Consider making a few items to freeze

such as chili, spaghetti sauce or soup for easy

meals.

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/


2. Minimize trips to the grocery store:

Reduce the number of trips, so stores will be less

crowded. This can decrease the risk for COVID-19

for everyone, including staff.

Make a shopping list based on your menu plan. Go

through your pantry, freezer and fridge to see what

items you already have on hand. Gradually buy the

items you need to have a two-week supply of food.

Only buy what you need. Don’t hoard food. It is

important to be reasonable and leave adequate

food for more vulnerable community members,

including older adults, those with limited access to

transportation and those who do not have the

money or storage space to stock up. Think about

friends and neighbours, especially older adults or

those with health conditions. Could you pick up a

few items to save them a trip?

3. Buy nutritious foods based on

Canada’s food guide:

Vegetables and Fruit

• Fresh vegetables that last longer: beets,

carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, turnip, potatoes,

sweet potatoes, yams, cabbage, squash,

onions, garlic, ginger

• Frozen and canned vegetables: peas, corn,

tomatoes, and tomato or pasta sauces

• Fresh fruits that last longer: apples, melon,

oranges, grapefruit, avocado

• Frozen fruit packed without sugar, fruit

canned in water, unsweetened applesauce

blends, dried fruit

Whole Grains

• Cold and hot cereals, pasta, rice,

breads/bagels (with a longer shelf life),

English muffins, couscous, quinoa, crackers,

frozen whole grain waffles or pizza crust

• Words such as whole grain whole wheat,

whole rye, whole spelt, whole grain oats

and flaxseed indicate whole grains. Look

for ‘whole grain’ as the first ingredient in

the list.

• Enriched wheat flour, enriched flour,

wheat flour, unbleached wheat flour

and untreated wheat flour are refined

grains, without the bran and germ layers.

Protein Foods

• Nuts and nut butters such as peanut,

almond, cashew

• Seeds such as sunflower

• Canned and dried beans (black, navy,

kidney, bean mixes); brown, green or

red lentils; peas such as chick peas or

split peas; beans in tomato sauce, pea

or lentil soups

• Hummus

• Frozen ready-to-cook fish fillets, canned

tuna, salmon, and sardines

• Meat to freeze

• Eggs

• Yogurt, cottage cheese, hard cheese,

fresh or non-refrigerated milk, milk

powder, evaporated milk

• Fortified plant-based beverages

Other Longer Shelf-Life Items

• Coffee, tea

• Flavourings such as dried herbs and

spices, vinegars

• Canned soups, broths and stocks

• Oils, salad dressings and condiments


4. Be mindful of your eating habits

Healthy eating is more than the foods you eat. It

is also about where, when, why and how you eat.

• Stay tuned to your body’s hunger and fullness

cues. It is easy to eat for reasons other than

hunger such as feeling stressed or anxious.

Make food choices that support your health,

taste good and make you feel good. You

don’t have to eat “perfectly” to be healthy.

Healthy eating is an overall pattern over time;

no one food or meal defines our habits.

• Set a regular schedule for meals and snacks

to keep everyone from grazing all day.

Reduce boredom by involving kids in meal

preparation. They can chop vegetables,

grate the cheese, set the table, and pour the

water.

• Make a new recipe together. Find a simple

recipe with only a few ingredients.

• Sit down at the table together to enjoy a

family meal. Use this time to reconnect and

plan the next day’s schedule. Brainstorm

physical activities you can do to reduce

screen time, such as a backyard scavenger

hunt, skipping, and dog walking.

For more information on COVID-19, nutrition

and healthy eating visit:

• www.dietitians.ca

• www.unlockfood.ca

• www.food-guide.canada.ca

Adapted with permission from Timiskaming Health

Unit, March 2020.

http://www.dietitians.ca/

http://www.unlockfood.ca/

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/

06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health takes new measures to help protect community against COVID-19 – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-takes-new-measures-to-help-protect-community-against-covid-19/ 1/2

613-623-3166 Emergency Services What’s New @ARH Contact Us

Arnprior Regional Health takes newmeasures to help protect communityagainst COVID-19Home What's New Media Releases Arnprior Regional Health takes new measures to help protect community against COVID-19

Arnprior Regional Health takes new measures to help protectcommunity against COVID-19

March 13, 2020 – Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) has taken preventative steps to help slow down the

spread of COVID-19 in the hospital, Grove Nursing Home and the broader community.

As a result, ARH has cancelled Seniors Active Living Centre programming (including the Men’s Shed) and

the Adult Day Program inde�nitely for the safety of members, clients and sta�.

The visitor hours have not changed at this time; however, ARH has implemented active screening at the

Grove entrance for sta�, family and visitors and, in the coming days active screening will be in place at

the hospital with the number of entrances limited.

ARH continues to operate all of its clinical services and will regularly assess operations as the situation

evolves.

“While our Emergency Department remains open, we advise the community to consider where they will

get the most appropriate medical care and to avoid the Emergency Department if it is not necessary,”

said Eric Hanna, President and CEO, ARH. “As a �rst phase to lessen the burden on our hospital, we are

currently working with the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service on implementing community

paramedics to test individuals in their home. In preparation for when testing demand grows, we’ve

begun planning with the Town of Arnprior and our health partners for a potential local assessment

centre. In the meantime, if you suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, please self-isolate and contact

Renfrew County Public Health.”

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Thank a Sta� Member

Send a special thank you message to

one of our departments, sta� members,

physician’s or volunteers.

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you had while accessing our services, we

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06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health takes new measures to help protect community against COVID-19 – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-takes-new-measures-to-help-protect-community-against-covid-19/ 2/2

ARH physicians (family practice, Emergency Department) are not providing medical notes related to

COVID-19 required by insurance or employers. Community members will be directed to call Renfrew

County District Health Unit at 613-735-8653 for follow-up.

“The COVID-19 situation is evolving rapidly, and we will continue to make the best decisions based on

the expertise of Public Health and our provincial health partners,” said Hanna. “Our priority is the health

and safety of our patients, residents, clients, families, sta� and broader community.”

About Arnprior Regional Health

Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) is a progressive 105-bed organization that includes a fully accredited

community hospital, nursing home, primary health care centre and extensive community programs.

ARH is a regional hub with a strong history of providing exemplary care to the residents of West Ottawa,

McNab/Braeside, Arnprior and Mississippi Mills. As your partner in health, ARH is committed to listening

to and responding to meet the needs of those we serve, because together, we create a healthy

community.


Melissa McDermott

Communications Manager, Arnprior Regional Health

[email protected]

Together, we create a healthy community.

QUICK LINKS

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Visitor Information

Volunteer Opportunities

Contact a Patient

CONTACT US

Arnprior Regional Health

350 John Street North

Arnprior, ON, Canada K7S 2P6

Tel: 613-623-3166

© 2017 Arnprior Regional Health, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Web Design by ABORG.

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06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health restricts visitor access, implements active screening and limits building entrances – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-restricts-visitor-access-implements-active-screening-and-limits-building-entrances/ 1/2


Arnprior Regional Health restricts visitoraccess, implements active screening andlimits building entrancesHome What's New Media Releases

Arnprior Regional Health restricts visitor access, implements active screening and limits building entrances

Arnprior Regional Health restricts visitor access, implements activescreening and limits building entrances

March 14, 2020 – Today, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) has

implemented new preventative measures. This includes a new temporary policy that restricts visitor

access to the Grove Nursing Home and the hospital, active screening at the hospital of all visitors,

patients, and sta�, and reduced open entrances at the hospital.

The Ontario Chief Medical O�cer of Health has directed all long-term care homes to only allow

essential visitors. Essential visitors are family members of a loved one who is very ill or dying.

In order to best protect ARH patients, residents and sta�, the Grove and the hospital will now only allow

essential visitors and the restriction of two essential visitors for a resident/patient at one time.

“We understand how di�cult this change will be for our residents, patients and their families,” said Eric

Hanna, President and CEO, ARH. “Our priority continues to be the health and safety of everyone we care

for and this new additional measure will help slow the spread of COVID-19 in our facilities.”

While visitor access is restricted, ARH will not charge patients to have a telephone in their room to help

make it easier for them to stay connected with friends and family.

With active screening now in place at the Grove and the hospital, the hospital has reduced the number

of open entrances to accommodate this new preventative measure.

Open entrances on the weekend:

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06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health restricts visitor access, implements active screening and limits building entrances – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-restricts-visitor-access-implements-active-screening-and-limits-building-entrances/ 2/2

Entrance D (opened from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.)

Entrance E (Emergency Department)

Open entrances Monday to Friday:

Entrance A (opened at 8 a.m.)

Entrance B (opened from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.)

Entrance D (opened from 7 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.)

Entrance E (Emergency Department)

Individuals who come to the hospital must only use Entrance E if they need to access the Emergency

Department or if another entrance is not open.







community.


Melissa McDermott

Communications Manager, Arnprior Regional Health

[email protected]


QUICK LINKS


Visitor Information


Contact a Patient

CONTACT US




Tel: 613-623-3166


Board Member Login









https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-restricts-visitor-access-implements-active-screening-and-limits-building-entrances/

06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health postpones non-urgent clinical services in response to COVID-19 – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-postpones-non-urgent-clinical-services-in-response-to-covid-19/ 1/2


Arnprior Regional Health postpones non-urgent clinical services in response toCOVID-19Home What's New Media Releases Arnprior Regional Health postpones non-urgent clinical services in response to COVID-19

Arnprior Regional Health postpones non-urgent clinical services inresponse to COVID-19

March 19, 2020 – Based on the recommendations of the Ontario Medical Association, Arnprior Regional

Health (ARH) has put in place a planned approach to postpone non-urgent surgeries, procedures, clinics

and diagnostics e�ective March 20 until April 3, 2020.

This is a preventative measure to protect patients and sta� against COVID-19.

“Careful planning was done to allow for a ramping down period of services this week,” said Eric Hanna,

President and CEO, ARH. “The clinical team created a criterion to guide our physicians and sta� to

determine whether delaying a surgery, procedure, appointment or diagnostic test would medically-

compromise a patient. If a delay would result in compromising a person’s health, then the medical

intervention will proceed.”

The postponement of non-urgent clinical services will be revisited closer to April 3, 2020.

Currently, ARH and its Renfrew County health partners are �nalizing plans to set up a Virtual Triage and

Assessment Centre (VTAC). Renfrew County community members who do not have access to a family

doctor will be able to call a toll-free number to have their urgent health concern triaged and if needed,

they will be connected to a family doctor or nurse practitioner virtually. More details will be shared

soon.

Patients are reminded to contact their family physician for non-urgent health matters to help ensure

ARH maintains the Emergency Department’s capacity. If a community member has a question or

concern about COVID-19, contact Renfrew County District Health Unit at 613-735-8653 ext. 555.






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06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health postpones non-urgent clinical services in response to COVID-19 – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-postpones-non-urgent-clinical-services-in-response-to-covid-19/ 2/2


community.


Melissa McDermott

Communications Manager


[email protected]


QUICK LINKS


Visitor Information


Contact a Patient

CONTACT US




Tel: 613-623-3166


Board Member Login









https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-postpones-non-urgent-clinical-services-in-response-to-covid-19/

06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health expands visitor restrictions to the Emergency Department – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-expands-visitor-restrictions-to-the-emergency-department/ 1/2


Arnprior Regional Health expands visitorrestrictions to the EmergencyDepartmentHome What's New Media Releases Arnprior Regional Health expands visitor restrictions to the Emergency Department

Arnprior Regional Health expands visitor restrictions to theEmergency Department

March 20, 2020 – Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) has expanded its visitor restrictions to include the

Emergency Department as a preventative measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. Visitor

restrictions were previously put in place, and remain in e�ect, for the Grove Nursing Home and

Inpatient Unit.

As directed by the Chief Medical O�cer of Health, ARH will only allow essential visitors for the Inpatient

Unit, Emergency Department, and the Grove Nursing Home. An essential visitor is a family member of a

patient or resident who is very ill or dying; or a guardian of a patient who is a child or youth.

The Emergency Department will allow up to only one essential visitor if a patient meets the criteria.

“We understand how di�cult this temporary restriction is for our patients, residents and their families,

but ARH’s top priority remains protecting the safety of everyone at the hospital and Grove Nursing

Home,” said Eric Hanna, President and CEO, ARH.

All essential visitors (in addition to anyone else coming to the hospital or Grove Nursing Home) are

actively screened before entering the ARH facilities. If an essential visitor does not pass the screening,

they will not be allowed to visit and will be instructed to self-isolate and contact Renfrew County Public

Health immediately for further directions.

In an e�ort to keep residents connected to their loved ones, the Grove Nursing Home has started

coordinating Skype video chats and window visits so residents and loved ones can see each other while

they chat on the phone. At the hospital, each inpatient has been given free access to an in-room

telephone during the COVID-19 pandemic.





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06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health expands visitor restrictions to the Emergency Department – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-expands-visitor-restrictions-to-the-emergency-department/ 2/2



community.


Melissa McDermott



[email protected]


QUICK LINKS


Visitor Information


Contact a Patient

CONTACT US




Tel: 613-623-3166


Board Member Login









https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-expands-visitor-restrictions-to-the-emergency-department/

06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health accepting donated medical supplies from the community – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-accepting-donated-medical-supplies-from-the-community/ 1/2


Arnprior Regional Health acceptingdonated medical supplies from thecommunityHome What's New Media Releases Arnprior Regional Health accepting donated medical supplies from the community

Arnprior Regional Health accepting donated medical supplies fromthe community

March 26, 2020 – Arnprior Regional Health (ARH) is now accepting donated medical supplies from local

businesses and the broader community in order to ensure the Hospital and Grove Nursing Home have

a longer-term supply during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We currently have su�cient supply to provide safe care; however, we are asking the community to

donate available supplies to help ensure we meet the increased future demand as the pandemic

continues,” said Eric Hanna, President and CEO, ARH.

ARH is now accepting donations of unopened, unexpired medical supplies.

Items include:

Surgical masks

N95 masks

Latex-free gloves

Non-permeable protective gowns (disposable or reusable)

Protective eyewear (face shield, safety googles)

Disinfectant wipes

Hand sanitizer (alcohol content of 70% concentration or higher)

Battery-operated medical thermometers

Alcohol wipes (70% isopropyl)

“Our community has already begun reaching out to us with generous donations of medical supplies and

other items,” said Hanna. “We are incredibly thankful for the overwhelming community support during

this challenging time.”

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06/04/2020 Arnprior Regional Health accepting donated medical supplies from the community – Arnprior Regional Health

https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-accepting-donated-medical-supplies-from-the-community/ 2/2

If you would like to make a donation of medical supplies, please contact John Gruno at

[email protected].

Arnprior Regional Health Foundation is also accepting donations of non-medical supplies to help

support ARH during the pandemic.

If you would like to make an in-kind donation of non-medical supplies, please contact the Arnprior

Regional Health Foundation at [email protected].







community.


Melissa McDermott



[email protected]


QUICK LINKS


Visitor Information


Contact a Patient

CONTACT US




Tel: 613-623-3166


Board Member Login











https://www.arnpriorregionalhealth.ca/arnprior-regional-health-accepting-donated-medical-supplies-from-the-community/

105 Elgin St. West Arnprior, ON K7S 0A8

tel 613 623 4231 fax 613 623 8091

[email protected] www.arnprior.ca

Release Date: March 13, 2020 Town of Arnprior Closures Amid COVID-19

Arnprior, ON. The Town of Arnprior and the Emergency Management Team continues to work closely with the Renfrew County Health Unit and community partners to monitor the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and respond appropriately. For the most up-to-date information and news, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website here.

Residents are encouraged to follow the guidance and protocols of our local experts in Public Health. The Town is taking actions to help protect the health of our community and prevent the spread of the virus.

Effective immediately the Nick Smith Centre, the Arnprior and District Museum, the Arnprior Library and the Stanley Tourangeau Fire Services Building are closed to the public until further notice. All programing including exhibits, drop-in programs and March Break programs are cancelled. The regularly scheduled Council meeting of March 23rd, 2020, including a Planning Act Public Meeting, at 6:30 pm has also been cancelled. All essential services will continue to be offered and Town Hall remains open to assist residents in person at reception. Staff at any facility can be contacted by phone or e-mail for assistance or questions. Please find contact information on the Town of Arnprior website’s contact us page. Due to the closure of the Nick Smith Centre spring program registration has been postponed from March 16th until further notice. If you or a family member suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, please self-isolate and contact the Renfrew County District Health Unit at 613-735-8653 ext. 555 as soon as possible. We appreciate your cooperation and understand as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please monitor www.arnprior.ca or the Arnprior App for updates. Media Contact: Lindsay Wilson, MEDO 613-623-4231 x.1829 [email protected]


https://arnprior.ca/town/contact-us/

http://www.arnprior.ca/


tel 613 623 4231 fax 613 623 8091


Release Date: March 17, 2020 Town of Arnprior Closures Amid COVID-19 Update #2

Arnprior, ON. The Town of Arnprior and the Emergency Management Team continues to work closely with the Renfrew County Health Unit and community partners to monitor the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and respond appropriately. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information and news, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website here.

Residents are encouraged to follow the guidance and protocols of our local experts in Public Health. The Town is taking further actions to help protect the health of our community and prevent the spread of the virus.

Effective at 4:00 pm, Wednesday March 18th, 2020 the Arnprior Town Hall and landfill will be closed to the public until further notice. Even though the facilities remain closed to the public, all essential services continue to be offered and all departments are open for business. Please contact staff by phone or email, contact information can be found on the

contact us page.

For any payments owing to the Town, options include online or telephone banking, mailing a cheque to the Town Hall or dropping a payment off in the secure mail slot at Town Hall located at 105 Elgin Street W. We encourage residents to use these means of payment if at all possible.

At this time, we have been advised by our garbage/recycling contractors that there are no anticipated impacts to curbside collection activities. Any updates will be provided as they become available. The Town s landfill will be closed to the public as of Wednesday, March 18th, at 4:00 pm until further notice.

As previously announced the Nick Smith Centre, the Arnprior and District Museum, the Arnprior Library and the Stanley Tourangeau Fire Services Building remain closed to the public until further notice. All programing including exhibits, drop-in programs, March Break programs and program registration is cancelled. The regularly scheduled Council meeting of March 23rd, 2020, including a Planning Act Public Meeting, at 6:30 pm remain cancelled. If you or a family member suspect you have symptoms of COVID-19, please self-isolate and contact the Renfrew County District Health Unit at 613-735-8653 ext. 555 as soon as possible.



We appreciate your cooperation and understand as we work to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community. Please monitor www.arnprior.ca or the Arnprior App for updates. Media Contact: Lindsay Wilson, MEDO 613-623-4231 x.1829 [email protected]



tel 613 623 4231 fax 613 623 8091


Release Date: March 20, 2020

Town of Arnprior COVID-19 Update 3

Arnprior, ON. The Town of Arnprior Council and Staff are working closely with the Renfrew County Health Unit and community partners to monitor the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and respond appropriately. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information and news, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website here.

Council and Staff would like to thank residents and businesses for the many displays of a community coming together and supporting each other even while social distancing. We know that this is a time of change and uncertainty and we appreciate your cooperation and understand as we all work together to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

At this time there are many updates and programs being released from all levels of government to assist residents and businesses alike. The Town continues to update the Town COVID webpage with links to resources as they become available at www.arnprior.ca/covid.

Hydro rates have been a large concern for residents with higher uses during peak hours with many citizens home during the day. Mayor Stack has contacted MPP John Yakabuski and was assured that the Province is aware of the concerns and are weighing options for modifications currently. We can expect further news to be forthcoming. As many residents are at home dealing with the effects of COVID-19, the Town of Arnprior has also lifted the winter on-street parking ban at this time. If the Town experiences a snowfall(s) between now and April 1, 2020, the ban will be re-instated to facilitate snowplowing and removal operations. Please watch for any notices regarding reinstatement through the Town’s social media platforms and website.

A reminder that although all Town facilities are closed staff can still be reached by phone and e-mail, contact information can be found at www.arnprior.ca/contact-us. As always residents are encouraged to follow the guidance and protocols of our local experts in Public Health.

Please monitor www.arnprior.ca/covid or the Arnprior App for updates. Media Contact: Lindsay Wilson, MEDO 613-623-4231 x.1829 [email protected]


http://www.arnprior.ca/covid

http://www.arnprior.ca/contact-us



tel 613 623 4231 fax 613 623 8091



Town of Arnprior COVID-19 Update 4

Arnprior, ON. The Town of Arnprior Council and Staff are working closely with the Renfrew County Health Unit and community partners to monitor the COVID-19 virus (coronavirus) and respond appropriately. For the most up-to-date COVID-19 information and news, please visit the Ontario Ministry of Health website here.

Federal and Provincial governments have made a number of announcements regarding support measures for individual and businesses with the intent of keeping people safe and helping support people and businesses experiencing financial hardship because of the outbreak. In order to provide additional support to individuals and businesses Council has authorized further measures to help alleviate financial stress on individuals and businesses.

Council has authorized these temporary financial measures for individuals and businesses in response to the Covid-19 crisis:

Waiving of penalty and interest for Water/Wastewater billings with due dates March 31, April 30 and May 31, 2020.

30-day grace period with deferral of property tax second instalment date from May 29, 2020 to June 30, 2020.

60-day grace period with deadline extension for properties with taxes two years in arrears prior to the issuance of a tax certificate.

Council will review timeframes for these measures as the situation evolves.

The Town continues to update the Town’s COVID webpage with links to resources and support programs for both residents and businesses as they become available at www.arnprior.ca/covid. A reminder that although all Town facilities are closed staff can still be reached by phone and e-mail, contact information can be found at www.arnprior.ca/contact-us. As always residents are encouraged to follow the guidance and protocols of our local experts in Public Health.

Please monitor www.arnprior.ca/covid or the Arnprior App for updates.

Contact: Jennifer Morawiec General Manager, Client Services/Treasurer [email protected] 613-623-4231 ext.1820


http://www.arnprior.ca/covid

http://www.arnprior.ca/contact-us




tel 613 623 4231 fax 613 623 8091



Mayor’s Message

To the residents of Arnprior:

COVID-19 is a concerning issue for all of us! It presents a first time challenge for

all levels of government and staff. I would like to speak to you specifically about

Arnprior.

I am sure you are aware of the measures we have taken in an attempt to

manage COVID-19 locally.

All town facilities are currently closed to the public, but communications are open

by email and phone to all departments. We have put plans in place to backup

and ensure all municipal services. Our public works group has ensured

continuous operations for water and wastewater plants, garbage and recycling

and all public works operations.

Staff are in the town hall and the Nick Smith Centre to respond to your enquiries.

Our emergency management team is meeting regularly, monitoring and

responding to all information as it becomes available - and it changes hourly.

Council meetings are cancelled, special meetings will be called as needed. We

are waiting for government legislation to allow meetings electronically.

Staff are working at home as much as possible and those in the offices are

rotating a week on and a week off. This ensures their health and safety and that

of their families. It further allows for the important practice of social distancing.

Please be sure to thank your staff as they are truly going above and beyond. On

behalf of council I want to take this opportunity to express our sincere

appreciation for their efforts.

I am communicating with council and staff regularly, Robin our CAO and I speak

numerous times a day. I am in constant communication with MP Gallant, Minister

Yakabuski, Eric Hanna of Arnprior Regional Health (ARH), Mike Nolan of the

County EMS and Public Health. Also Mayor Peckett and I speak frequently to

ensure the best for the greater community of Arnprior and McNab/Braeside. I

want to thank each of them for their extraordinary effort to ensure we have the

most recent information.

On behalf of our residents, council and staff I want to express our absolute

respect and gratitude to all front-line health workers in all the health services. We

wish them and their families well and please be safe.

I further want to express our gratitude to the complete retail community for their

continuous effort to ensure all important supplies such as medicine, food,

banking and many other needed services are available to our residents. Also to

all service clubs and organizations our community depend on for their

commitment to continue to serve, such as the food bank, TAP (Teachers Against

Poverty), the churches, etc.

You the residents of Arnprior have a huge responsibility in this challenging time!

Your efforts to protect our community by doing the right things is imperative to

help end this virus.

So please: Monitor any changes in your and your families' health and that of your

friends and neighbors. Please practice social distancing and self isolation when

needed - we can’t tell you how important they are. Watch our website and local

media for information and communicate to all others you can.

I want to thank the school kids out there. We know the fun part of no school can

fade quickly under these terms. You can do your part by helping your parents

and grandparents and by listening to them. You can go outside but you too must

social distance!

Thank you for your attention and please watch over each other, help a neighbour

and be safe.

Walter Stack

Mayor, Arnprior


tel 613 623 4231 fax 613 623 8091


Monday Message from the Mayor #2

March 30, 2020

To the residents and businesses of Arnprior:

I would first like to express the deepest condolences from the Council, staff and residents of Arnprior to the family and friends of the individual who died yesterday in Pembroke Regional Hospital as a result of COVID 19.

I want to recognize the hard work of our local health care providers including Arnprior Regional Health, public and private nursing home staff in our community, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service for their in-home assessments and Renfrew County District Health Unit for their guidance.

I also want to recognize and thank the businesses in our communities and their employees. I appreciate all the businesses that are insisting on, and making possible, physical distancing, and taking extra precautions while providing our residents with essential services. As well, I want to acknowledge and thank all of the businesses who have had to or have chosen to temporary close their business to assist in mitigating the spread of COVID-19 in our community.

This past week has seen a number of programs and support measures come forward from all levels of government and organizations to assist residents and businesses and we continue to provide a listing of these resources at arnprior.ca/covid.

One of these support measures is the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre which launched on March 27th to strengthen access to primary care for all Renfrew County residents. What this means is that if you live in Renfrew County, have a health concern (including a concern related to COVID-19) and need to speak to a physician, you should first call your family physician’s office. If you do not have a family physician or cannot access your family physician, call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre at 1-844-727-6404. A medical receptionist will connect you with care and support from a nurse practitioner, family physician and/or community paramedic. This new service is covered by OHIP with a valid health card. Learn more at rcvtac.ca.

https://rcvtac.ca/

The Town continues to maintain essential services as we continue to monitor the situation. Essential services, including administration, permits, curbside waste pick-up, fire response, water/sewer, and routine road maintenance, continue to operate. I would like to thank all of the Town staff that are ensuring these services are maintained. In the midst of the long hours and effort of the staff, I want to acknowledge the extraordinary commitment and leadership put forth by our Chief Administrative Officer, Robin Paquette. Robin is new in her position and is working 24/7 for our community. Her support to me as Mayor during this challenge has been invaluable. If you need assistance, please visit our contact us page for information.

Thank you to everyone making every effort possible to ensure the safety of our community by practicing physical distancing and staying home.

Walter Stack Mayor



tel 613 623 4231 fax 613 623 8091


Monday Message from the Mayor #3

April 6, 2020

To the residents and businesses of Arnprior:

I want to take this time to reassure our residents that the Town of Arnprior continues to maintain all essential services and we continue to monitor the situation with guidance from changes that came into affect for our residents this past week.

The Province of Ontario has issued a new emergency order to close all outdoor recreational amenities. This includes all play structures, the skate board park, ball diamonds, boat launch and gazebos. Trails are open and the parks are available for walk-through access. Please, as the weather improves with the welcoming of Spring, enjoy the outdoors with your family, while continuing to practice safe physical distancing. You will have noticed that garbage collection continues as usual with the following exception. As of the April 1st collection date, the Town has temporarily increased curbside collection garbage bag limits per household from 2 bags to 4 bags per week. This was implemented to recognize that many families are at home all week at this time and not able to purchase additional bag tags while the municipal facilities are closed to the public. The Landfill remains closed to the public at this time. Leaf and yard waste pick up will go ahead on May 13th, as planned.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) has implemented a Restricted Fire Zone (RFZ) across the entire legislated fire region of Ontario due to impacts related to the COVID-19 outbreak. By law, you cannot have an outdoor fire in a Restricted Fire Zone. This includes all burning, including grass, debris and campfires, even when using an outdoor fire grate, fire place or fire pit. Minimizing wildfires will ensure the province is able to address any emergency fire situations as well as will reduce necessary contact among staff, and between staff and the public. For more information on when a restriction is in place, please visit the MNFR website at https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions.

As reminder, Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) was launched to strengthen access to primary care for all Renfrew County residents. The RC VTAC is a collaboration between Renfrew County Primary Care teams, the County of Renfrew Paramedic Service, Renfrew County Hospitals, and the Renfrew County and District Health Unit, with the support of Ontario Health East.

If a person does not have a family physician or cannot access their family physician, they can call the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre at 1-844-727-

https://www.ontario.ca/page/outdoor-fire-restrictions

6404 for care and support from a nurse practitioner, family physician and/or community paramedic. Learn more at http://www.rcvtac.ca

On March 30, 2020, Renfrew County Warden Debbie Robinson declared a state of emergency due to the global COVID-19 pandemic across the entirety of the County of Renfrew under the Emergency Management and Protection Act. This declaration of emergency will further assist the County of Renfrew in maintaining essential services and addressing the increasing threat of the COVID 19 outbreak in an effective manner. The declaration also evokes the County of Renfrew Emergency Response Plan and its Emergency Operations Centre.

I also want to add my sincere thanks at this time to all in our community who are making the effort to stay home and social distance. I have driven around town and noticed the effort made to social distance when people are out. We are truly all in this together and we will win this fight as a team. I am very proud of the way are residents are doing the right things and being considerate of others around them. Thanks for doing so.

Please when you have to make a purchase buy local! The next big step in this will be the economic comeback for our businesses and the jobs they provide.

Further I want those who are working so hard under such tough conditions to know we see them and know their efforts and are grateful. To all the front line workers --- all of you in the retail outlets, pharmacies, restaurants, our Police Officers, Fire staff full time and volunteers, the doctors, nurses, support staff, kitchen, maintenance, laundry, delivery personnel and cleaning staff –THANKS!!!!!

If you need something picked up or an errand run please do not hesitate to call me at 613-218-2157 and I will arrange for assistance. Thank you to everyone making every effort possible to ensure the safety of our community by practicing physical distancing and staying home. Walter Stack Mayor

http://www.rcvtac.ca/

arnprior.ca · 2020-04-14 · town of arnprior correspondence package no. i-20-apr-06...

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