Ford government rejects NDP motion for paid sick leave

The Ontario government has voted against a series of Opposition motions aimed at supporting essential workers.

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath presented several motions Monday morning, including paid sick leave and shutting down non-essential workplaces, but the government voted against the measure.

LIVE – Andrea Horwath moves motions for strong public health measures to replace Ford’s police state: paid sick days, paid vaccine time off, cancel extraordinary police powers, shut down non-essential workplaces, new supports for local biz & workers. https://t.co/0WDNGTSQRh

— Andrea Horwath (@AndreaHorwath) April 19, 2021

Premier Doug Ford was not in attendance.

Government House Leader Paul Calandra says he anticipates the federal government will announce further enhancements to their sick-day program.

READ MORE: Trudeau government set to unveil federal budget Monday

The province has thus far rejected calls for a provincial program saying it would be needless overlap of federal supports.

This despite the fact that members of the Ontario COVID-19 Science Advisory Table have said paid sick leave would help support essential workers during the pandemic.