Here are today’s new developments:
- Canada’s emergency wage subsidy — criticized by small business owners for not giving help to a wide enough range of employers — will expand its eligibility criteria.
- Criteria will also broaden for businesses applying to the Canada Summer Jobs program.
- Reports that Ontario is severely lagging in the number of COVID-19 tests it does daily have raised alarm bells amongst health experts— while the province's labs can accommodate 13,000 tests per day, Ontario has only been doing about 3,500. We want testing dramatically increased, including regular testing for all health care workers, first responders and seniors in long-term care.
- In his press conference today, the Premier did not say why Ontario has fallen behind on testing, but stressed that 13,000 tests per day is the goal, and said Ontario has the capacity.
Here are some concerns the we are working on, and solutions we’re pushing for:
- Amid reports that Ontario is woefully behind on COVID-19 testing, the official opposition is calling on the government to immediately increase testing to include regular tests for frontline health workers and seniors in long-term care.
- We also believe the government should require auto insurance prices give everyone a 50% discount for three months, and that insurance companies must offer a deferral for those experiencing income loss due to COVID-19. With fewer cars on the road, and fewer accidents, drivers should get the benefit of that – not insurance companies.
- Official opposition leader Andrea Horwath released a list of recommendations for Ontario to better protect and support seniors during COVID-19.
Here are some things we’re hearing from our community members:
- Families with relatives in long-term care may be grappling with the decision to remove their loved one from care.
- With Ontario limiting prescription refills to 30-day supplies during the pandemic, some Ontarians--seniors especially--are worried about being able to afford more frequent dispensing fees. We are calling on the government to cancel and cover the prescription drug co-payments required of seniors during the pandemic.
Email me to let me know how you’re doing, what you’re concerned about: [email protected]