Financial Relief for Ontarians
The Official Opposition provided the government with an Ontario Emergency Income proposal, along with a number of other emergency measures. We urged the government to provide $2,000 payments to those enrolled in Ontario Works, the Ontario Disability Support Program, Employment Insurance, and the federal Emergency Care Benefit, and distributed to everyone who needs them.
Rent Relief
My office keeps hearing from constituents who are worried about their lost income and are being threatened with eviction. The Ontario NDP is calling on the Premier to support renters with an 80% rent subsidy (up to 4 months) for residential and commercial tenants; and a freeze on increases. See the NDP plan to protect renters during this crisis.
Education
Parents need a long-term, concrete plan for the school year. We have a long list of questions about what will happen to Grade 12 students, what supports are being offered for special needs students, and will the government provide access to computers at home - especially to those families facing economic challenges. See our latest statement on this here.
Supporting small business
On Sunday, Andrea Horwath launched the NDP's Save Main Street proposal, a plan to keep small and medium-sized businesses afloat, with greater supports for companies, charities and community-based nonprofits. We have been working hard to bring forward concerns and proposals from our local businesses to address the absolutely devastating impact the pandemic is having on them.
Cancel and cover prescription co-payments for seniors
No senior in Ontario should have to skip their pills or skimp on food as a result of the pandemic. But if seniors have to pay for each prescription each month, some of them will be forced to make difficult choices. That’s why we are calling on the Ford government to cancel and cover the prescription drug co-payments required of seniors during the COVID-19 crisis.
The NDP believes the government should require auto insurance providers give everyone a 50% discount for three months, and that insurance companies must offer a deferral for those experiencing income loss due to COVID-19. With fewer cars on the road, and fewer accidents, drivers should get the benefit.
Cover accommodation costs for frontline workers
The NDP called on the Ford government to fund accommodation costs for frontline health workers afraid to go home after their shifts each day because of a loved one at home who is immunocompromised.
Stop the ODSP clawback on the Canada Emergency Response Benefit
Ontario's policy of clawing back supports like EI from a person's ODSP cheque means families who qualify for the Canadian Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will see their ODSP support wiped out. The NDP is calling on the government to stop Ontario's clawback policy.
More testing for health care heroes and seniors care residents
Amid reports that Ontario is woefully behind on COVID-19 testing, the NDP is calling on the Ford government to immediately increase testing to include regular tests for frontline health workers and seniors in long-term care.