Dear Neighbours,
An epidemiologist I spoke with yesterday assured me that the physical distancing measures that we are taking is saving lives. Although the numbers are increasing, the rate of increase is slowing down. On Monday, the Public Health Agency of Canada added to those measures and is now recommending that people who go outside wear face masks. See more below.
In our office, we have been receiving calls about people receiving eviction notices and by residents in buildings where parties are continuing to take place in short-term rental units. If you receive an eviction notice, or are facing a problem with parties in short-term rentals, please contact my office immediately.
In the update below, you will find additional information about the CERB, construction noise and new measures to recognize healthcare credentials from overseas. I will continue to advocate for more support for you, and I ask you to direct your questions and concerns to my constituency office at 416-603-9664 or [email protected].
CERB
The Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) application is now available online. Amid criticism that this benefit doesn't cover enough workers, the program is expected to be adjusted in the coming days.
Construction
We have received several complaints about construction noise in condos which is particularly problematic while everyone is staying home. I have reached out to building managers and we are asking them to take measures to reduce the noise. While the province’s current list of essential services allows residential construction projects to continue that began before April 4th, we are advocating for greater safety measures for workers on sites and measures to mitigate noise impacts on residents.
Masks
The public health agency of Canada is now recommending that everyone who goes outside who cannot avoid being within six feet of other people should be wearing a mask. As they have learned more about the transmission of COVID-19, and with the experience of other countries such as the Czech Republic, more health agencies are recommending that everyone wear a mask when they go outside. Wearing a homemade mask (as opposed to an N95 mask reserved for frontline health workers) could be a good idea when in close contact with others, like at the grocery store or on public transit. Canada's top doctor said today -- this shouldn't replace social distancing and frequent hand-washing, and Canadians should continue staying home unless absolutely necessary.
Here is a link to one of the many sites offering tips on how to make your own mask. My office has reusable grocery bags that we’ve been told is a suitable fabric for the exterior of homemade masks. If you would like some, please contact my office.
Rent
We have received a number of concerns about people not being able to pay their April rent and people receiving eviction notices. If you receive an eviction notice please contact our office. Our advocacy to ensure that no one is penalized for late/missed rent or evicted also extends to commercial rents. We have created a petition calling for emergency income and a petition to make evictions illegal.
Need legal advice? Pro Bono Ontario is offering support for landlords and tenants at 1-855-255-7256 Monday to Friday, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
Health Workforce Portal
The Ontario government has launched a new Health Workforce Matching Portal that will enable retired or non-active health care professionals, internationally educated health care professionals, students, and volunteers with health care experience to join the province's response to COVID-19. The portal will efficiently match the availability and skillsets of frontline health care workers to the employers in need of assistance to perform a variety of public health functions, such as case and contact management.
Political Action
- The Save Main Street proposal is a plan to keep small and medium-sized businesses afloat, with greater supports for companies, charities and community-based nonprofits.
- Call to cancel and cover the prescription drug co-payments required of seniors during the COVID-19 crisis.
- Changes needed to Long-term Care Facilities