Andrea Horwath wants COVID-19 legislation beefed up

Premier Doug Ford and other ministers of the provincial government held a news conference this morning to address new legislation in the wake of the novel coronavirus. After the conference, Andrea Horwath addressed the legislation, but said more needs to be done.

“We are pleased that the government has agreed to provide some job security, and prevent employers from requiring sick notes during this pandemic, but that alone falls well short of what folks need now,” said Horwath. “My office has contacted the premier’s office to offer our help to add additional measures to this legislation. The federal and provincial governments simply have to do better to protect people financially.”

Horwath is still concerned that people are not protected from losing a paycheque. She wants to ensure that no one can be punished in any way for missing a rent or mortgage payment. She is concerned that they didn’t address financial support for Ontarians not covered by EI, especially those working in the gig economy, there is no immediate financial support for small and medium-sized businesses so they can continue to pay employees without becoming insolvent and they didn’t address specific supports for vulnerable people, including seniors, so they can buy groceries and medications.

She also wants a plan for already crowded hospitals and help with childcare for healthcare and public service workers.

“People are doing their part by washing their hands, staying home if they can and practicing social distancing,” said Horwath. “Now, the provincial government needs to do its part by ensuring a safety net is there to save families and small businesses from financial burden.”