Save workers to save Ontario: Horwath calls for non-essential business to close, support for local companies and workers

QUEEN’S PARK — Experts have been clear that much of the spread of COVID-19 is happening in workplaces. Official Opposition NDP Leader Andrea Horwath says the Doug Ford government must stop workplace spread by temporarily closing workplaces that aren’t truly essential, supporting impacted businesses and workers, and giving all workers paid sick days and paid time off to get their vaccine.

“ICUs are overflowing and COVID patients are being cared for in waiting rooms and crowded hospital hallways. The spread is out of control, and the experts have been clear that we can’t get it under control until we stop it from tearing through workplaces and making workers and their families sick,” said Horwath.

“Doug Ford marched us right into this devastating, disastrous and deadly third wave by ignoring the scientists, and ignoring what was going on in workplaces. Now, we have no choice — we have to ask non-essential businesses to pause in order to save the lives of workers, their families, and the community around them.”

Horwath cited businesses that should be designated non-essential like factories that produce goods like cosmetics, condo construction and office workers in non-essential fields. Horwath has also led the fight for paid sick days and paid time off to get a vaccine — both critical in the effort to stop the spread in workplaces.

Before question period on Tuesday, Horwath and Ontario’s New Democrats will again call on all MPPs to give unanimous consent to five motions that would:

• Give Ontarians paid sick days by passing Bill 239
• Give workers paid time off to get a vaccine
• Cancel the extraordinary police powers completely
• Shut down non-essential workplaces
• Give impacted local businesses and workers a new package of financial supports

On Tuesday, Peel’s medical officer of health announced any workplace in that region with an outbreak involving five or more cases will be ordered to close for a period of 10 days. Horwath said Peel Public Health is trying to stop the spread where Ford refuses.

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Dr. Danyaal Raza, member of the Decent Work and Health Network, a family doctor in Toronto and Assistant Professor at the University of Toronto
“Our healthcare system is on the brink of collapse. Communities are fighting for their lives. We need a response that is reflective of a true state of emergency we are in. This must include paid sick days that are permanent, adequate, seamlessly accessible and universal.”

Background

PAID SICK DAYS
The NDP will ask for unanimous consent to pass the Stay Home If You Are Sick Act, tabled by NDP MPP Peggy Sattler (London West). Sattler’s bill guarantees 14 government-paid sick days for during any infectious disease emergency, on top of permanent annual paid sick days for workers.

POLICE POWERS
The NDP will call for the unanimous consent of all MPPs to pass the following motion:
That, in the opinion of this House, the Ford government should immediately repeal the Regulation and withdraw the expanded powers granted to Ontario’s police services.

PAID TIME OFF FOR VACCINATION
The NDP will call for the unanimous consent of all MPPs to pass the following motion:
That, in the opinion of this House, the Ford government should, as part of its COVID-19 response, develop a provincially-mandated paid sick days plan that includes provisions for paid time off for the purposes of vaccination.

FULL SHUTDOWN
The NDP will call for the unanimous consent of all MPPs to pass the following motion:
That, in the opinion of this House, the Ford government should, as part of its COVID-19 response, implement a full shutdown of non-essential businesses with high rates of COVID-19 transmission as reported by municipal and provincial public health data, and extend adequate financial supports to workers and businesses impacted by the interruption.

LOCAL BUSINESS SUPPORTS
The NDP will call for the unanimous consent of all MPPs to pass the following motion:
That, in the opinion of this House, the Ford government should establish targeted COVID-19 relief programs for small and medium enterprises with an emphasis on businesses that do not fit current criteria to access existing provincial and federal initiatives, focus on adequate commercial rent and payroll supports directly accessible by businesses, and incorporate an arts sector strategy that preserves the viability of venues impacted by the pandemic.