Greater Sudbury,
Thank you for continuing to do everything you can to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Your ongoing commitment to stay home and only going out for necessary trips will pay off. I hope you were able to connect with loved ones over this long weekend in new virtual ways.
Yesterday, the Legislature returned with a small group of MPPs for a brief sitting to extend Ontario’s state of emergency. My NDP colleagues in attendance voted in favour of the government's emergency legislation. But, we believe it falls short of what people need.
I am calling on the provincial government to help people where federal supports fall short. Provinces across the country have provided direct funds to fill the gaps, but Ontario has not. My colleagues and I will continue to push the government to provide people with the urgent assistance they need to avoid taking on debt and falling into poverty.
In this update you will find:
- An invitation to the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce Virtual Town Hall later today
- Stories of Sudbury organizations supporting our most vulnerable
- Updates on help for residents and workers in Ontario's Long Term Care homes impacted by COVID-19
Please note this newsletter is up to date as of the morning of April 15th.
If you know someone who may be interested in receiving these updates, please share the sign up page found here.
A detailed list of the supports for people impacted by COVID-19 can also be found at: JamieWestMPP.ca/Coronavirus
Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns to 705-675-1914 or JWest-CO@ndp.on.ca. My team and I are here to help.
Sincerely,
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Jamie West
MPP for Sudbury
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Chamber of Commerce Virtual Town Hall
The Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce is hosting an elected officials virtual Town Hall on Wednesday April 15th at 2:00pm.
I will be answering your questions about COVID-19, along with my colleague, MPP France Gélinas, and our federal and municipal elected representatives.
For more information or to register to watch the event live, visit the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce website here.
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Sudburians Supporting One Another
Even when we are physically apart, Sudburians are maintaining our sense of community by looking out for the most vulnerable.
Thanks to the efforts of the Sudbury based group, RV’s for Health Care Workers, health-care workers can have access to temporary housing to help keep their vulnerable family members safe from COVID-19. The group has secured three RV’s that health care workers can use as temporary homes to protect their vulnerable family members.
Sudbury YMCA is also re-opening its doors to support those who do not have access to essential services. Sudburians in need can go to the Durham Street YMCA to use washroom facilities, telephones, and computers to access available social services and supports. The YMCA is open every day from 12:00-5:00pm.
I am proud of these organizations, and all of you, for supporting one another, and ensuring our most vulnerable are safe and have access to the resources they need. If you have any other stories you that should be shared, please send us an email at JWest-QP@ndp.on.ca
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Here are some recent new developments:
- The eventual reopening of Canadian businesses will take a phased-in approach, but any ease on restrictions is most likely weeks away.
Here are some concerns the NDP is working on, and solutions we’re pushing for:
- For weeks, Ford has refused to mandate an end to LTC staff working at multiple homes, which has contributed to the wildfire-like spread of COVID-19 in long-term care. Tonight, his government is expected to announce an order to deploy more staff to LTC homes, and limit LTC staff to working at one facility.--The NDP looks forward to making sure this directive follows through, with no exceptions.
- But for many, this order comes too late. Many seniors have lost their lives, and so many families are grieving the loss of their loved ones. This practice has damaged many lives. It should not have been allowed to proceed for weeks.
- The NDP also believes the government still needs to increase wages for PSWs and RPNs. Many LTC workers are earning near minimum wage. They deserve better, and we want to make sure they have decent wages and full-time hours so they aren't forced to moonlight at various homes.
"It shouldn’t have taken weeks to put a stop to something that put vulnerable seniors in the crosshairs of COVID-19, and I am heartbroken knowing that this announcement is simply too late for some families," said Horwath.
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Thank you again Sudbury. Email me to let me know how you’re doing, what you’re concerned about: JWest-CO@ndp.on.ca
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