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Hello <<First Name>>,

Yesterday, the independent Office of the Auditor General released a report on the government pandemic response this past winter and spring. It was a clear-eyed, non-partisan account of some of the mistakes made early on as we responded to COVID-19. I would have expected some mistakes in the face of an unprecedented global pandemic, but what Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk found was far more troubling. She uncovered issues that go back to the government of Premier Wynne, and decisions from this government that placed politics ahead of public health.

Many of us can still recall the disruption caused by SARS in 2003. A result of that pandemic was the SARS commission, which presented a host of recommendations. At the time, the aim was to ensure that Ontario would be well placed to manage another global pandemic in the future. The Auditor General found an initial COVID-19 response that struggled with delays and lack of preparedness, largely associated with the previous government's failure to implement the SARS commissions' recommendations. Some of the problems included a lack of emergency management systems and shortages of PPE. That was followed by a series of decisions that placed politics ahead of public health.

The AG went on to highlight choices made by Premier Ford that throws into question the priorities of this government. Testing did not increase at the rate required due to the Premier's reluctance to pay hospitals. According to the report, the resulting failures on lab capacity resulted in an estimated 119,000 Ontarians contracting COVID-19 without ever knowing. To this day, we continue to see a stubborn unwillingness to ramp up testing in a real way. The report also found that they chose against recommending asymptomatic testing two months after the advice of an expert panel and continue to ration access to this important tool in our fight against the pandemic. Add the troubling insistence that public health experts sign non-disclosure agreements, and a refusal to release public health guidance provided by the planning table, and I'm left with some serious questions.

Local Schools:
The news of the class cancellations at St. Fidelis Catholic School related to COVID-19 was an unsettling experience for staff and parents. There is growing concern that it may not be the only school to experience cancellations in the coming days as more schools begin to encounter multiple cases of COVID-19. I continue to press for additional resources for schools in highly impacted communities like ours. The government announced today that "some" students in "some" regions will get greater access to asymptomatic testing. This amounts to a half-measure and another example of the government's eagerness to pinch pennies rather than respond appropriately.

Upcoming Testing:
A reminder that Unison will be holding a COVID-19 testing clinic at the Jane Street Hub (1541 Jane Street) this Saturday from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Appointments are not necessary, but individuals are encouraged to call for an appointment to avoid lineups. To setup an appointment, call 416-645-7575 ext. 3113. The Humber River Hospital site continues to take reservations as well. You can book a test online HERE.

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, wear your mask, and wash your hands.

Best Regards,

Faisal Hassan
Member of Provincial Parliament
York South—Weston

Faisal in the community:

MPP Hassan rose to ask the government why they aren't doing more to support small businesses during the second wave.

MPP Hassan rose in the legislature to echo concerns from local residents and groups affected by efforts to weaken conservation authorities in Ontario.

News Release

Health experts sidelined as delays and conflicts leave COVID-19 to spread

QUEEN’S PARK — A new report by Ontario’s Auditor General reveals unpreparedness, delays and conflicts as the Premier chose to have pandemic decision-making driven by politicians and bureaucrats while public health was pushed onto the sidelines.

“The Premier is responsible for putting us in longer and deeper shutdowns,” said MPP Sara Singh. “He stood up every day at 1 p.m. and lied. He told us that the decisions — often confusing, and contradictory — were being led by health experts. They weren’t.”

Auditor General Bonnie Lysyk’s report said the “Chief Medical Officer of Health and other public health officials did not lead Ontario’s response to COVID-19.” While a bloated army of political staff and bureaucrats called the shots, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams was sidelined. In her report, Lysyk calls on the government to “immediately assess the role and strength of the Chief Medical Officer of Health to lead Ontario’s response in addressing subsequent waves of COVID-19.”

“The Premier says Dr. David Williams is a perfect dance partner – but only because the Premier always gets to lead,” said MPP John Vanthof.

Lysyk found that Williams was barred from using the powers of his office to take actions that could have saved lives.

“This government has abused people’s trust,” said Vanthof. “The Premier lifted public health protections too soon because he wanted to save a buck. He didn’t increase testing capacity, and now we know it’s because his government didn’t want to pay hospitals. He released a framework that was downright dangerous. None of this was driven by health care. It was a scramble, driven by politicians and political staff.”

On Tuesday night, after seeing Lysyk’s report, the government tried until about midnight to ram through a quick re-appointment of Williams.

Community News:

For individuals following the story of Eva Batista, our toughest little resident has reached an important milestone! We are pleased to report that Eva received Zolgensma yesterday. It is the crucial, life-saving medication her family has worked so hard to fundraise for. Thank you again to all of the local community members who supported this family and their tireless effort to get Eva the treatment she needed.

Unison Health & Community Services is supporting the community with virtual mental health programming. Surviving the Holidays, Mind Body and Yoga, or Soca are just some of the offerings. For a list of virtual programs click HERE [PDF].

Do you know someone between 15 and 30 years of age, out of school and able to commit to a paid 13-week full-time program? Youth Employment Services is launching job central. Email kirsten_toney@yes.on.ca or call (416)-656-8900 for further details, or visit https://www.yes.on.ca/

The Career Foundation is currently accepting applications for "Completing the Circle". The program offers career and professional development training, paid training and work experience as well as other opportunities. For more information, visit www.CareerFoundation.com/CTC or call 416-645-1113 ext. 267.

Weston Area Emergency Services at 1 King Street (across from the library) has seen increased demand for their food bank, and they need your support. You can help by dropping off non-perishables at the Weston UP station Nov. 30 to Dec. 5, or at Weston Park Baptist Church on Dec. 7. You can also support their Gofundme campaign HERE.

Mount Dennis Community Association’s AGM will be held on-line via webex – December 9th at 7pm. Details on how to connect will be available at www.mountdennis.ca/2020-AGM. If you are interested in joining the Board, please contact Simon Chamberlain 416-614-3371 or simon@mountdennis.ca.

Our friends at Community Place Hub have a great deal on beautiful, reusable handmade masks. For only $5 ($2.50 for children), pick from a variety of styles and sizes. Swing by the hub to get a look at their offerings at 1765 Weston Road between 11:00am to 4:00pm.

The Toronto Black Farmers Collective is now taking orders for 2021. Support local, organic, urban farming and food insecurity by ordering today! Get a copy of the order form HERE.

The Youth Job Connection (YJC) program serves youth aged 15-29 experiencing multiple barriers to
employment. Eligible participants will be entitled to paid training and job placements. To learn more, visit www.costi.org or email employ@costi.org

The Syme 55+ Seniors' Centre continues to serve the community with a weekly food bank in partnership with Syme Woolner Neighbourhood and Family Centre and the Daily Bread Food Bank.

Join them every Wednesday from 2:00pm-4:00pm at 33 Pritchard Avenue. For more information, phone 416-766-0388 or email syme55@syme55.com

Copyright © 2020 Former Member of Provincial Parliament - York South-Weston, All rights reserved.

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