Canada, Ontario, Toronto COVID-19 Updates
Canada, Ontario, Toronto COVID-19 Updates
As of March 27, 2020
(Source: website of MPP Jill Andrew, Toronto-St. Paul’s, March 25, 2020)
Federal Government Passes $107B in Financial Support
This afternoon the Federal government passed a financial support package allocating up to $107B in spending. This money will be used to support the increasing number of people who are now receiving EI and other financial assistance.
The Canada Emergency Response Benefit will provide Canadians $2000 a month for up to four months in financial aid for those who are unable to work because of the Coronavirus.
To see full details on the announcement, click here:
https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/news/2020/03/introduces-canada-emergency-response-benefit-to-help-workers-and-businesses.html
Returning to the Country? You must self-isolate
The Federal Health Minister has invoked the Quarantine Act.
What does this mean?
• If you are returning to Canada from another country – you must self-isolate starting at midnight tonight
• Violations of this Act can result in a fine of up to $750,000 and/or 6 months in prison
For more information on today’s announcement:
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/mandatory-quarantine-hajdu-1.5509508
To read the Quarantine Act for yourself:
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/q-1.1/index.html
Province announces $17B in Funding
This afternoon the Ontario government announced $17B in funding in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This funding will be used to support our health care system and our communities. Some of the funding breaks down as follows:
• $3.3B for the health care system
• $3.7B in economic support for Ontarians
• $10B in support for businesses ($6B in tax deferrals)
• Parents of children under the age of 12 will receive a one-time payment of $200 ($250 for children with special needs) per child
• And more
For the full announcement click here:
https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/03/ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19.html
City of Toronto Shelters
The City of Toronto has opened nine new shelters, with one more on the way right now. These will bring in over 350 spaces into our shelter system. It should be noted that many shelters and out of the colds have been forced to close, so at this moment it is not clear if is actually bringing any new additional spaces online. The City of Toronto is mobilizing their staff to open new spaces and I will keep you updated as that information becomes available.
City of Toronto News Release Here:
https://www.toronto.ca/home/media-room/news-releases-media-advisories/?nrkey=3FAD567B9D087A2785258535005E83B8
Playgrounds, Off-Leash Dog Parks and More Shut Down
Toronto’s Medical Officer of Health has announced the closure numerous City facilities, including:
• All city-owned playgrounds, sports fields, and basketball and tennis courts are closed
• Off-leash dog parks are closed
• Skate Parks and BMX parks are closed
• Parking lots attached to the park system are closed
You can read the full media release here:
https://www.toronto.ca/home/media-room/news-releases-media-advisories/?nrkey=D83999ADE9A50CCF85258536006C2605
Mental Health Supports
We are living through an incredibly difficult moment in history right now and that is particularly difficult for those who live with mental health challenges. For some, the conditions we are currently in may have even triggered those challenges for the first time.
If you find yourself in this situation this website provides resources that may be able to help:
https://www.ontario.ca/page/find-mental-health-support
Additional Support:
Big White Wall, an online peer to peer support community.
https://www.bigwhitewall.com/?lang=en-ca
Where to get updates on Coronavirus
For accurate information on COVID-19 – Public Health
Agencies are the best sources.
• Canadian Public Health
https://bit.ly/38UABiF
• Ontario Ministry of Health
https://bit.ly/2TVj45H
• Toronto Public Health
https://bit.ly/2Wl9rik
You can also find daily updates on: jillandrewmpp.ca/coronavirus
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