Doug Ford says schools will remain shut as Ontario extends its state of emergency to May 12

Thestar.com
April 15, 2020
Robert Benzie

Ontario will be on coronavirus lockdown for at least another four weeks with school remaining out for millions of students.

MPPs on Tuesday unanimously voted to extend the province’s state of emergency until May 12, forcing most businesses to stay closed and keeping nearly every Ontarian at home to contain the pandemic.

Schools that have been shut since March 23 -- and were scheduled to reopen May 4 -- will be out for the foreseeable future, meaning students will continue to learn from home.

Premier Doug Ford stressed “that does not mean the (school) year is cancelled” and said Education Minister Stephen Lecce would have more details later this week.

“COVID-19 is the greatest threat we’ve seen in decades. It’s an invisible enemy, a deadly enemy,” a sombre Ford told a 124-member chamber that was limited to 28 MPPs to maintain safe physical distancing.

“The fight against this enemy is the test that will define our generation. It’s the test that will define us as a people and as a province. When they look back on this time, we will be judged on how we looked out for each other,” said the premier, who declared a state of emergency on March 17 and could not rule out another extension into June.

“Our enemy is ruthless. It preys on our seniors and most vulnerable, and we must protect them.”

NDP Leader Andrea Horwath backed the Progressive Conservative government’s move, but urged Ford to do more to help families struggling because of the economic impact of the pandemic.

“Provinces across the country have provided direct funds to fill the gaps, but Ontario has not and the urgent economic crisis people are facing is causing suffering that will only get worse if the province doesn’t do its part,” warned Horwath, who wants Queen’s Park to provide a $2,000 monthly cheque for needy people affected by the pandemic.

“There are essential workers earning too little to pay the rent. Folks who can’t afford their medications on their support cheque alone. Students whose OSAP funds are nearly gone, and summer job prospects are nil. And many folks who still do not qualify for federal benefits.”

In a session that lasted less than two hours, MPPs also passed the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Support and Protection Act, a piece of legislative housekeeping.

The bill enables school boards and municipalities to continue collecting development charges despite the moratorium on construction as well as suspends Ontario Student Assistance Program loan repayments, and extends the deadline to next Jan. 1 for new civic community safety plans.

Members also rubber-stamped the appointment of lawyer Patricia Kosseim as information and privacy commissioner, effective July 1. Kosseim will succeed Brian Beamish.

His voice tinged with emotion, Green Leader Mike Schreiner implored the Tories to do more to help small businesses.

“I want our downtowns to survive this crisis,” said Schreiner, urging rent relief for small businesses at risk of going under.

“I am disappointed the government is doing the bare minimum to help Ontarians at this critical time. At a time of crisis, we should not be nibbling at the edges.”

John Fraser, the Liberal leader in the house, agreed the Tories must step up to help.

While Fraser praised Ford for his efforts on securing Ontario additional supplies of personal protective equipment, he emphasized “not everyone has what they need yet.”

Because the declaration of emergency has been extended under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act, only businesses deemed essential can operate, such as supermarkets, pharmacies, LCBO, and Beer Stores.

Bars and restaurants must stay shut except for takeout service, though liquor licensing laws have been loosened to allow them to sell beer, wine, and spirits to go.

All recreational facilities are closed and gatherings of more than five people -- unless they reside in the same household -- are prohibited. Scofflaws face fines ranging from $750 to $100,000 plus one year in jail.