May 11, 2021
QUEEN’S PARK — Doug Ford must act now to stop the rapid spread of COVID-19 at Rebecca Towers in Hamilton where there are more than 100 confirmed cases, said NDP MPP Monique Taylor (Hamilton Mountain) during question period Tuesday.
“Tenants at the Rebecca Towers in Hamilton are asking for urgent help,” said Taylor. “The high-rise building is home to seniors, essential workers, newcomers and working class families and it now has over 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19.”
The outbreak in the building has been growing since March and it is located in a community with a test positivity rate of 22 per cent. However, the Ford government has failed to declare the area a provincial hotspot.
“Why were the tenants of the Rebecca Towers left to get sick or die without the province acting to get this community more resources, more vaccines and urgent help?” Taylor asked during question period.
Tenants say they’re also fighting unfair above-guideline rent hikes, despite raising their concerns that there is only one elevator in service, and that common areas and elevators aren’t being cleaned regularly during the pandemic.
“Tenants are facing the consequences of this government’s terrible housing policies,” said Taylor. “Rebecca Towers tenants need a safe home, and the whole community need vaccines now.”