| Up date from your Member of Provincial Parliament regarding COVID-19 Over the past few weeks, members of our community have shown remarkable generosity, patience and creativity in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. The government has had to make difficult decisions and our effort must be continued if we want a return to normal as soon as possible. I thank the front line staff who are fighting the pandemic with courage and determination. All those who continue to work in their workplace to ensure our health, safety and the functioning of our society deserve our gratitude. Thank you also to each of you who observe the advice from our health authorities to control the spread. To address the various challenges associated with this crisis, the Government of Ontario has taken additional measures. |
| Mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces |
| Ontario had ordered the mandatory closure of all non-essential workplaces to help stop the spread of COVID-19. The list of essential workplaces can be found here: https://www.ontario.ca/page/list-essential-workplaces Call 1-888-444-3659 if you have questions about what will be open or impact to your business or employment. |
| Reinforcement of the message regarding the importance of social distancing |
| When going out in public, including grocery stores, keep two metres away from others. |
| Important information to residents returning home from abroad |
| Federal and provincial public health leaders have recommended that all travellers from outside of Canada self-isolate for 14 days. These efforts will contribute to slow the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in Canada. |
| Lower electricity costs |
| By Emergency Order, the Government of Ontario has set all time-of-use price periods to 10.1₵/kWh. Bills will be automatically adjusted. No customer action required. FAQ: https://www.oeb.ca/newsroom/2020/covid-19-peak-electricity-pricing-place |
| Government of Ontario Action Plan |
| The Government released an action plan to support people and the economy. For more information: https://budget.ontario.ca/2020/marchupdate/index.html |
| Provincial emergency social assistance |
| You may be eligible for an Ontario Works emergency benefit if you cannot receive Employment Insurance or other assistance. I you are already registered with Ontario Works or the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP), please contact your caseworker. If you would like to register, you can visit this link: https://www.ontario.ca/page/ministry-children-community-and-social-services |
| Ontario to Open Select Child Care Centres across the Province Childcare services |
| In order to support health care and frontline workers during this COVID-19 outbreak, Ontario plans to exempt certain child care centres from the order to close all licensed child care centres pursuant to the state of emergency declared earlier this week. This initiative is being done in partnership with service system managers and First Nations partners. For more information visit Ontario.ca |
| Update for parents |
| As we enter week two, trying to work and keep our children occupied is definitely challenging. There are a number of online resources that you can check out to offer new ideas for your children. The Ontario Government will also be launching an e-learning tool – for more information about this, please visit, Learn At Home The Ottawa Public Library has a new portal for Kids, visit Isolation Recreation for Kids – where you can find online books, music and movies. Student Portals – The schools have a number of online resources through their online student portals –Ottawa Carleton District School Board has resources HEREOttawa Catholic School Board has resources HEREEcole Catholiques Centre-East has resources HEREConseil des écoles publiques de l’Est de L’Ontario has resources HEREVisit the Government of Ontario Website for regular updates on the COVID-19 situation in Ontario : https://www.ontario.ca/page/2019-novel-coronavirus |
| Federal Government |
| For more information on available assistance from the Federal Government, visit this link: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/economic-response-plan.html |
| Ottawa Public Health |
| Stay informed: https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/index.aspx |
| Alert |
| If you get a text message saying you received a deposit for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit – it’s a scam! Don’t reply and don’t click on the link. |
| We are all in this together. Lucille Collard, MPP Ottawa-Vanier |