Volume III - May 21, 2020
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Regular two-way communication is paramount as we manage the local impact of Covid-19. So to that end, today’s newsletter will touch on recent developments as we take careful steps to move forward in response to the pandemic. This update includes press releases I produced that outlines recent government announcements and an update regarding the first phase of safely reopening the province.
In the last newsletter, I was pleased to share that I've been asked to sit on the Jobs & Recovery Committee. Furthermore, I have now also been asked to be a member of the newly formed Modernization Committee and look forward to participating actively on both of these committees - naturally sharing Huron-Bruce’s perspective as well rural and small town priorities.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Warden Ginn, Warden Twolan, Dr. Klassen, Huron Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Arra, Bruce Medical Officer of Health, MP Ben Lobb and my provincial colleague MPP Bill Walker for their commitment and tireless efforts to collaborate and work together in the fight against Covid-19. We have met - virtually - at least once a week for the last 10 weeks. We are working with our colleagues in the Counties of Perth and Grey as well.
As usual, the Huron--Bruce constituency team and I remain available to help you. While our offices are physically closed to walk-in visits, we can be reached by email at
lisa.thompsonco@pc.ola.org
or by calling
519-523-4251
(Blyth) or
519-396-3007
(Kincardine). All calls and emails are monitored and will be answered as soon as possible.
Thank you for continuing to do your part to ensure we overcome this challenge safely and united.
To close, I would like to remind you to continue to show your support for our first responders and front healthcare workers they are without a doubt the true heroes in this fight - which is far from over. Also, now that our main streets are opening up in our communities throughout the riding let’s demonstrate how much our local businesses and vibrant main streets matter to us! I encourage you to shop local!
Take care,
Lisa
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Framework for Reopening - Stage 1
On Thursday, May 14th, the Government of Ontario launched Stage 1 of Reopening Ontario, which will come into effect on Tuesday, May 19th provided that public health metrics continue to trend in a positive direction.
Furthermore, additional seasonal services and activities were permitted to open as of Saturday on the Victoria Day long weekend. See the details on what will be reopening while carefully observing health guidelines
here.
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MPP Thompson urges support for rental markets
For immediate release:
April 27, 2020
{BLYTH} — Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson is urging the federal government to support to residential renters as well as the residential rental market as the deadline for the May 1st rent payment approaches.
Thompson is echoing Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Steve Clark’s letter sent to the federal government this week requesting support.
"Having a roof over your head is a vital part of everyone's well being," Thompson said. "With the current crisis, families should not be forced into a position of having to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table."
Thompson also noted that keeping families at home has been one of the key defences in the fight against COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic also impacts Ontario landlords and the future stability of the rental housing sector.
The MPP said that even with support from the federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Ontario’s support for families and households, including doubling the Ontario Guaranteed Annual Income System (GAINS) payment for seniors and expanding eligibility to the Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP), the reality for many households in Ontario is that they will need to make some difficult decisions with May rent approaching.
"That is why we are calling on the federal government to consider additional emergency financial assistance to support the resiliency of the rental housing market, now and in the future," Thompson said.
In his letter to The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Minister Clark wrote: “As we are all aware, housing is an important determinant of health. In this fight against COVID-19, keeping families at home has been our primary defence against its spread. The rental housing market in Ontario is made up of over 1.6 million households – over 30 per cent of all households in the province. When these families are forced to choose between food and rent, it also impacts Ontario landlords and the stability of our rental housing sector. With the May 1 rent payment due in a matter of days, we want to work with you to maintain the resiliency of the rental housing market now and in the future.”
-30-
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Ontario Economic Recovery Online Survey
The Ontario government wants to hear directly from people, businesses and organizations to help inform the reopening of our province and to set Ontario up for success once it’s safe to lift restrictions following COVID-19. If cases of transmission continue to decline we remain hopeful we will get direction from public health officials to continue our efforts to bring the economy back on track.
The government has launched the online survey part of our consultation, which seeks feedback on the impacts of COVID-19 on personal finances, business supports, and government relief measures. The survey will be open until June 2020 and the insights will be used by the members of the Ontario Jobs and Recovery Committee to help inform the province’s restart and recovery plan. Please share your perspective
here!
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Do you have symptoms?
If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has it, use this self-assessment to help determine how to seek further care.
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Autism Webinar for Families
Lisa's colleague, MPP Jeremy Roberts will be hosting an Autism Webinar for Families on May 26th at 8:00 PM. The theme of this webinar is "“ABA in Covid-19” alongside BCBA Amy Domitrovic. Log-on will be at 7:30PM, and all interested can register at this
link.
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Enhanced Worker Safety Guidelines
The Ministry of Labour released new safety guidelines to protect workers, customers and the general public from COVID-19 as we commence the gradual reopening of the provincial economy. These measures will provide direction to those working in the manufacturing, food manufacturing and processing, restaurant and food service and the agricultural sectors.
Read these guiding documents which are sector-specific
here.
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Long Term Care Action Plan in Place
To protect vulnerable Ontarians in our LTC homes, the government implemented the
COVID-19 Action Plan for Protecting Long-Term Care Home
. One measure included to contain and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in long-term care homes, is that all long-term care staff have been directed to only work in one home.
More details on this aggressive action plan can be found
here
. As well, the family support line for LTC is
1-866-434-0144
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The Life Science Scholarship Program
The application process is now open for undergraduate students across the province who are interested in the life sciences sector. Each successful recipient will received $3000 plus one-on-one mentoring from one of the sponsoring companies. If this would be a fit for someone you know, you can learn more
here.
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Mental Health Supports
Many Ontarians are facing mental health and addiction challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Canadian Mental Health Association is continuing to provide support to anyone who needs it - during these times and always. Learn more about your local CMHA supp
orts
here,
as well as a host of oth
er options
here.
As part of the efforts to expand mental health supports during this unprecedented time, our government is significantly increasing access to internet-based cognitive behavioural therapy (iCBT) programs to support thousands of Ontarians experiencing anxiety and depression, among other mental health and addiction challenges during the COVID-19 outbreak. Learn
more
here.
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Making Prescription Drugs More Affordable
Last week, the province announced that Ontarians using the Ontario Drug Benefit Program will not be required to pay any co-payment until July 1, 2020 for any prescription of 30+ days’ that is now being dispensed in instalments.
In addition, existing and new Trillium Drug Program households can apply
online for an income reassessment to help reduce the financial burden for families during the outbreak. Learn more
here.
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