Dear Friends,  

I hope you’re all doing well as we head toward the long weekend.  

This week, I’ve heard from hundreds of residents who are demanding action to support our small, local businesses that have been hit hard by the pandemic. Yesterday, I sent a letter to the Premier outlining those concerns and calling for urgent action to prevent evictions, support commercial tenants with rent relief that works, and to ensure that businesses have the supports they need to safely operate at this time.  

Today, an easing of restrictions on businesses was announced (more info below), but the fact remains that we are not out of the woods when it comes to this deadly virus. My colleagues and I in the Official Opposition have repeatedly said that testing and tracing capacity needs to be dramatically increased to ensure the safety of Ontarians if we are to loosen restrictions. Workplaces need to know how to operate safely and workers need assurances that they will be protected. Many will be wondering what they are supposed to do if they are called back to work while child care centres and schools remain closed (we expect an announcement on the school year next week).  

We are all eager to get back to normal, and Ontarians have made immense sacrifices over these past few months. But that’s exactly why we need to do everything we can to limit and contain this virus so we don’t end up back where we started in a few weeks time. Officials are recommending that everyone maintain physical distancing, regular handwashing and limiting trips out in the community. 

What do you think of the government’s timeline and the loosening of restrictions announced so far? Let me know your thoughts anytime at MStiles-QP@ndp.on.ca.
It will help in my advocacy on behalf of our community.  

Thanks,  

Marit Stiles, MPP
Davenport
 

More businesses can re-open Tuesday

The provincial government announced that, effective Tuesday, May 19, more workplaces would be permitted to open, with workplace safety measures in place. These include: 

• Retail services that are not in shopping malls and have separate street-front entrances with measures in place that can enable physical distancing 

• Seasonal businesses and recreational activities 

• Animal services, specifically pet care services, such as grooming and training, and regular veterinary appointments. 

• Lifting essential workplace limits on construction. 

• Allowing certain health and medical services to resume, such as in-person counselling and some scheduled surgeries. 

For full details of the announcement, as well as links to provincial health guidance documents, visit the Ontario government website. 

Changes to prescription co-payments  

Starting now until July 1, people using the Ontario Drug Benefit program are no longer required to make a co-payment for any prescription of 30+ days that is now being dispensed in installments. 

Existing and new Trillium Drug Program households can apply for income reassessment to reduce the financial burden for the duration of the pandemic. 

Full details available here.

Thank you to everyone who wrote in to me about this issue. 

New provincial mask guidance 

Dr. David Williams, Ontario’s Chief Medical Officer of Health, has issued new guidelines on the use of non-medical face masks to stop the spread of COVID-19 when physical distancing is difficult. 

The use of non-medical face masks are not a replacement for staying home and physical distancing. 

Full guidelines can be found here. 

More updates from today:

• The City of Toronto announced new traffic calming measures and closures so that roadways can be a shared space for people who walk, run and bike. Learn more from the City website or read the Star article. 
   
• Justin Trudeau urged Canadians to buy from Canadian fisheries and farmers, and pledges support for fish harvesters who have lost income during COVID-19. 
  Ontario NDP Agriculture critic, John Vanthof, says the Ford government must do more to help the province's farmers, many of who are in crisis due to COVID-19.
   
• Some grocery chains, including those with locations in Ontario, are requiring customers to wear a face covering while inside their stores.
   
•  Some of Canada's national parks will reopen on June 1, with their use limited to day trips, excluding the prospect of camping. 

Community Updates

Mutual Aid Groups going strong 

One of the silver linings of this difficult time has been the growth of local, autonomous, neighbourhood support groups who are helping with everything from delivering groceries to lending supplies and connecting people with other resources.  

There is still a big need for help as the pandemic drags on and unemployment persists. If you are interested in helping out or starting a ‘neighbourhood pod’ you can find links to existing MA groups on my website at: www.maritstiles.ca/help 

Virtual Ramadan Gathering 

Davenport’s Islamic Information and Dawah Centre invited me to join their congregation for a Virtual Ramadan gathering earlier this week. It was a pleasure to share some words during this holy month and to take some questions about the provincial response to COVID-19. My thanks to Imam Shabir Ally and Illyas for your work and assistance.  

I also want to thank the members of the mosque for their efforts to deliver free Iftars and groceries across the entire west half of the city of Toronto in partnership with RamadanMealsTO. Thank you!

You can watch our discussion below: 

Youth in Care Day 

Today is Youth in Care Day in Ontario, and a chance to reaffirm our responsibility to support vulnerable children and youth. Our NDP caucus commemorated the day with special video messages that you can watch here.  

In case you missed it: Davenport Talks Education 

Last week, TDSB Trustee Stephanie Donaldson joined me for a great conversation about how we’re all adapting to emergency remote learning during the pandemic. You can watch our conversation on Facebook – and like and follow my page for more great conversations and virtual town halls in the coming weeks. 

Public Health Updates

Toronto.ca/coronavirus

Information from Toronto Public Health on local cases, how to protect yourself and where to seek further medical support.

Ontario.ca/coronavirus

Information from Ontario’s Ministry of Health and Long Term Care

Find out how to protect yourself, what to do if you’re sick and how to recognize possible symptoms. Updated twice daily, in 30 languages.

Canada.ca/coronavirus

Information from the Government of Ontario and the Public Health Agency of Canada

Updates on the national response and access to emergency support benefits.