Hello <<First Name>>,
Today's update will be quick.
I know another weekend is here, and the weather will be warming up. As you consider your plans for the weekend, I would encourage you to think of ways you can support the effort to flatten the curve and help the vulnerable members of the community who need our support. Some of you are volunteering in the community or checking in on neighbours in need. If you speak to health care professionals, they will tell you that the best thing any person can do to support the cause is to stay home. As we struggle to contain the virus in our long-term care facilities, we can still see glimmers of hope. Our hospitals appear to have avoided some of the worst-case scenarios, but if we take our foot off of the gas pedal now, infection rates can rebound, and our efforts will be wasted.
Parents received some education news with today's provincial update. Although there is no word on plans for the remainder of the school year, the Ministry of Education has announced some additional measures. Emergency childcare will be expanded to workers in other essential roles such as homeless shelter staff and postal workers, among others. The province has also struck an agreement with Rogers to provide 21,000 iPads with free wireless data to families in need to help with at-home learning. Details are scarce, but you can read more about the agreement HERE.
I've heard from many on social assistance concerned about clawbacks to their benefits from the CERB. There is news on this front as well. In a memo to caseworkers, the province is indicating that the income from CERB must still be reported. However, caseworkers are being advised NOT to enter the amounts in the computerized system that would trigger automatic clawbacks. The ministry is continuing to work with the Federal Government on clarifying the situation. Nothing is officially settled on this front, but it is a positive sign.
As always, my office is here to help. Please call at 416-243-7984, or email us at fhassan-co@ndp.on.ca.
Take care, stay home, and wash your hands.
Best Regards,
Faisal Hassan
Member of Provincial Parliament
York South - Weston
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News Release
NDP Statement on loss of PSW due to COVID-19
QUEEN’S PARK — NDP Official Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath released the following statement regarding the death of a personal support worker (PSW) at Sienna Altamont Care Community in Scarborough:
“My heart is broken for this health care hero, her loved ones, and the warriors still battling COVID-19 at Sienna Altamont Care Community. During this incredibly difficult time, I’m sure the fact that her loved ones can’t gather to grieve only compounds their pain. I hope her family, friends and union sisters and brothers are able to find comfort in community, even when they’re apart.
This horrible tragedy is a reminder of the danger frontline workers are facing, and the support and protection they need. The province has a responsibility to ensure each and every frontline worker has access to personal protective equipment, using the precautionary principle. Every frontline workers’ life is valuable, and, even in these extremely difficult times, we should consider workplace illnesses and deaths preventable, and take every measure possible to protect workers.”
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Community News:
WARNING: We are hearing increasing instances of scams meant to capitalize on the crisis. Please remember. Whether it's the CRA or TCHC, you should never be asked for banking or credit card information over the phone. If you are a victim or wish to report fraud, please contact the Community Safety Unit at 416-921-2323.
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Chatting to Wellness is launching free Chatting Sessions for seniors across Canada to combat loneliness and isolation, which has increased during self-isolation as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local university students are available by phone every weekday evening to chat with seniors as part of this new volunteer-run phone-call program.
Seniors can either sign up directly, or have a family member sign up for a call on their behalf by visiting www.chattingtowellness.ca/online-chatting-sessions.
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The Weston Village BIA has announced that the Weston Farmer's Market's opening has been delayed until July 4th, or until social gathering restrictions are lifted by city.
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April is National Poetry Month. Please submit any personal works to our office. The best ones will be featured in future newsletters. In honour of National Poetry Month, please enjoy this poem from former Toronto Poet Laureate and Canadian Parliamentary Poet Laureate, George Elliott Clarke
Weathering
Spring brings the dash and splash of rain--
So leaves remodel all the trees,
And home can be outdoors again,
Our faces bared to kiss each breeze.
Winter's woeful, doleful weather
Made us standoffish, stand apart,
Fearing that to stand together
Would grant Disease no distant start.
Now willows dangle rambunctious
Tendrils--green fronds that vein the wind,
While pale trilliums jitter--conscious,
That Beauty and Peril come twinned.
From each sanctuary cocoon,
Let each citizen resurrect--
Feverish to touch, clutch, and swoon,
Ending forced, traumatic Neglect.
Uncompromising is Beauty--
And Love--while frost--to blossoms--melts.
To breathe is to love. Our duty?
To spy--past clouds--how light results.
George Elliott Clarke
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Federal support for small operations means many businesses will be unable to pay the rent and bills without sinking further into debt.
We must ensure that small and medium-sized businesses have the support they need now by subsidizing commercial rents, freezing utility payments, and offering support for setting up online retail operations.
Ontario's economy depends on small and medium-sized businesses, we must support these businesses during this global pandemic.
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In these unprecedented times we must place health above all else. No one should be choosing between buying medication and feeding their family and paying rent.
Families and individuals need immediate and direct payments to bridge the weeks-long wait for federal support. People need help before rent is due, before the cupboards are empty.
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