Cut the confusion and consult with us on COVID-19 pandemic regulations, GTA mayors tell Ford

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 10, 2021

Let small businesses open by appointment-only, mayors urge premier

Faced with confusing information regarding pandemic regulations in the past, the provincial government needs to consult with mayors before issuing future rules affecting their communities.

That’s the message the Small Urban GTHA Mayors delivered to Premier Doug Ford and Deputy Premier and Health Minister Christine Elliott during a discussion on Feb. 4.

The group is a coalition of mayors representing towns in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, including Aurora, Newmarket, Georgina, East Gwillimbury, Whitchurch-Stouffville, King Township and Bradford.

The mayors called on Ford to consider vetting proposed regulation changes with mayors “as there is often confusion as to what is and is not permitted, such is the case with outdoor recreational activities,” the mayors said in a statement Feb. 5.

They also reminded Ford of the toll the pandemic has taken on small businesses and urged him to consider allowing them to reopen by appointment only as long as they comply with safety measures.

The mayors reiterated their commitment to supporting the province on vaccine rollouts and said they will work with public health units to ensure residents are immunized as quickly as possible as soon as vaccines are available.

“There will be no shortage of staff to help administer the vaccines in a timely and organized manner and it is imperative that we reach everyone, including those living in group settings,” the mayors’ statement said.

“Rapid testing is available to these groups and testing should be done each and every day to stop the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.”

The mayors said they agree with the decision to test and screen incoming travellers for the virus and support Ford in urging the federal government to implement changes to paid sick leave to help stop community spread of the virus