This week, the Ontario government announce it would be providing over $12 million to add new mental health beds in hospitals and to expand programs that support the mental health and well-being of seniors across the province. This was great news here in Eglinton-Lawrence, as it includes an additional $1.1 million to support the operations of the Baycrest Hospital Behavioural Neurology Unit, which provides 20 in-patient mental health beds for individuals diagnosed with dementia and who have exhibited significant behavioural symptoms. This program also includes supports for families and caregivers, in addition to facilitating a patient's smooth transition from the hospital back into their community.

These important investments will ensure Ontarians continue to receive the much-needed care they deserve. 

Applications are now open for the Ontario Small Business Support Grant, which provides eligible small businesses facing public health restrictions a one-time grant of up to $20,000. To date, more than 42,000 applications have been received for the Grants, and businesses that have been approved can expect to receive payment within about 10 business days. This grant  provides small business owners the opportunity to spend however it makes the most sense for their businesses (e.g. paying rent, paying employee wages, maintaining inventory, etc.) and is in addition to other supports offered by the federal and provincial governments, including rent and wage assistance programs, energy and property tax rebates, and personal protective equipment grants.

Businesses can apply at: www.ontario.ca/COVIDSupport

ntario has reached a key milestone in the fight against COVID-19, completing the first round of vaccinations ahead of schedule in all long-term care homes in Toronto, Peel, York and Windsor-Essex, the four regions with the highest COVID-19 transmission rates. The first round of vaccinations has also been administered at all long-term care homes in the Ottawa Public Health Region, Durham Region and Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit.  

As part of Phase One of its vaccine implementation plan, Ontario will continue to focus on vaccinating vulnerable populations, and those who care for them, as more supply becomes available.

On January 15, the province was alerted by the federal government that due to work to expand its European manufacturing facility, production of the Pfizer-BioNtech COVID-19 vaccine will be impacted and Canada's allocations of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for the remainder of January and early February will be reduced.  To respond to this change in supply of the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine, Ontario's Chief Medical Officer of Health has provided updated direction on the administration of second doses.