Update from your Member of Provincial Parliament regarding COVID-19

Efforts and hard work continue to ensure we get through this pandemic that affects more severely seniors that are living in homes and residences, We see that all across the country, resources are being deployed to help them. On the brighter side we also see at this point in the crisis the light at the end of the tunnel and we should start to see some opening measures. Of course, this will have to be done gradually and with necessary precautions.

In these difficult times I remain active to represent you and bring to the attention of the government the challenges that our community is facing. That’s why I appreciate that you communicate with our office regarding the issues you are dealing with due to COVID-19.

If you need help finding food banks, mental health resources or financial relief programs, I invite you to dial 211 for useful information

Our demands

The Liberal caucus and I are working in collaboration and in consultation with experts to advocate for what needs to be done for Ontarians in this time of need. Together we urge the government to act and provide a number of relief measures for Ontarians. Here are the measures that we are currently working on:

Community Gardens:

We advocate for access to community gardens in our communities to ensure that Ontarians have access to fresh and affordable vegetables this summer. We requested that the government includes community gardens in the list of essential services.

French information:

Together with Amanda Simard, MPP for Glengarry-Prescott-Russell and Stephen Blais, MPP for Orleans we wrote a joint letter to Doug Ford to strongly urge him to add a French content component to his daily briefings.

Seniors and Long term care centres:

We had asked that workers not be allowed to work in multiple homes. This week, the government finally adopted this measure. However, more needs to be done. We must ensure that all frontline healthcare workers have access to the PPE and that they stay safe. We need to enhance wages of frontline workers in Long-Term care, group and retirement homes including PSWs/DSWS to stabilize the workforce

Measures for seniors

The government finally put in place an action plan for vulnerable people and those who look after them. It is regrettable that it took this pandemic to shed the light on the fact that we need to do better for the care of our seniors.

The proposed plan for long-term care homes is focused on a three-pronged approach:

1. Enhanced screening and reduced exposure to prevent spread.
2. Infection Control: Managing outbreaks and limiting spread with more testing; limit staff from working at more than one establishment; provide additional training and support to staff.
3. Sustaining staffing and managing staff shortages

Reinforcement of the message regarding the importance of social distancing

When going out in public, including grocery stores, keep two metres away from others.

Government services and help for citizens

Municipal services:

• General information
• Restrictions parks and green spaces 
• Self-isolation and physical social distancing
• Volunteer opportunities
• Crime prevention
• OC Transpo changes
• Support for Seniors 
• Human Needs Task Force 
• Mental Health Resources

Provincial services:

• General information
• Government of Ontario Action Plan
• Provincial Emergency Social Assistance
• Support for parents and students
• COVID Residential Relief Fund for Essential Services
• Matching available healthcare workers with employers
• List of essential workplaces 
• Rules on evictions
• Support for businesses

Federal services:

• General information
• Canada Emergency Response Benefit
• Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy
• Business Credit Availability Program
• GST/HST Remittance Deferral
• Canada Emergency Business Account loans

Let’s help our food banks

Food banks need our help more than ever. If you are able to contribute please use the following link to make a difference in our community for those in need: 
https://www.ottawafoodbank.ca/

We are all in this together.

Lucille Collard, MPP
Ottawa-Vanier