QUEEN’S PARK — Mike Schreiner made the following statement regarding the new State of Emergency:
“Delay in implementing strong public health measures have led to this point.
And yes, we all need to do our part to reduce the spread of Covid-19.
That means the provincial government needs to do their part too. For too long this government has been dithering.
Today’s announcement does not change this. Yes, I support a stay at home order, but it is hard to stay at home if you cannot afford to.
The Premier must act to help Ontarians stay at home by:
- restoring paid sick leave,
- reducing class sizes to allow a safe return to school when public health measures allow
- providing rent relief, and
- increasing staffing and resources in long term care homes.
The Premier needs to provide us with a concrete goal that people can get behind for what lockdowns will achieve and metrics for additional restrictions and the lifting of restrictions.”