I applaud the Provincial Government for making significant investments where it matters most in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This local, national and global public health crisis has serious economic ramifications.
As part of the Economic and Fiscal Update, Rod Phillips, Ontario’s Finance Minister, announced $7 billion for healthcare and $10 billion in support for people and businesses.
I wrote to Premier Doug Ford last weekend asking for an immediate first step providing municipalities some relief by allowing us to defer the transfer of the education property tax. This gives municipalities flexibility in developing a local short-term financial response to the COVID-19 pandemic. While we understand that the priorities right now are investing in healthcare and supporting families and businesses, we will be asking the Province for additional financial measures to assist municipalities.
We support the investments made to the front lines that include $62 million for more doctors, nurses and support workers, $75 million in protective equipment for healthcare providers and $160 million for COVID-19 monitoring and testing. Significant investments are also being made in long-term care and mental health support.
At the federal level, the House of Commons has passed legislation to provide relief to families and businesses including emergency support for people experiencing financial hardship. I applaud the Federal Government for providing immediate assistance to small businesses and entrepreneurs. While Markham is home to ICT giants and multinational corporations, thousands of small businesses contribute to the strength of our local economy. These businesses need help, and I understand the Federal Government will soon release the process for small businesses to easily access those emergency funds.
I have long advocated for stricter measures at Canada’s airports and I welcome the Federal Government’s plan to impose a mandatory 14-day isolation period. All travellers who have returned recently should adhere to this and stay home.
The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged us all. We will continue to work together to address the needs of our communities.
-30-