Guelph MP Lloyd Longfield works a ways from the Royal City, but he’s still working for the people in his riding. So what has he been up to lately? This is “This Week in Lloyd.”

Innovation Investments from National Defence (?)

Lloyd Longfield took part in an announcement from the Ministry of National Defence, new funding in support of research and development efforts related to COVID-19 at two different Guelph institutions. The University of Guelph will receive $169,050 to look at low cost ways to sterilize and re-use protective equipment, and EnvisionSQ Inc. will receive $200,000 to develop a self-disinfecting coating that can used in workspaces.

“We are committed to doing what it takes to face down the challenge of COVID-19. These
investments will support important work right here in Guelph that brings us closer to that goal,” Longfield said. “I look forward to seeing the outcomes of these investments and how they will benefit not only the Canadian Armed Forces, but all Canadians into the future,” added Defence Minister Harjit Sajjan.

Money for Long-Term Care Homes

On Friday, Lloyd Longfield joined St. Joseph’s Health Centre President David
Wormald to announce $1.5 million to replace the rooftop unit on the northwing of the building. By doing this, air quality will be improved for the building occupants, it will reduce the spread of viruses by improving the air filtration, provide additional control capabilities for heating/cooling the space, eliminate the risk from infection transmission and help maximize patient care quality and comfort. It’s part of nearly $100 million being being made available to improve sprinkler systems and ventilation in long-term care homes across Ontario.

“We have been working closely with LTC facilities locally throughout the pandemic as they have been going above and beyond to provide support for our seniors, who have been disproportionately impacted,” Longfield said in a statement. “I am so pleased to provide federal support for ventilation systems, to improve air quality for staff and residents now and in the future that will lead to improved patient care and outcomes.”

Money for Health and Safety Improvements at Schools

Lloyd Longfield took part in a funding announcement this week that will see $10,969,000 go to the Upper Grand District School Board, and $1,999,490 for the Wellington
Catholic District School Board in combined Federal and Provincial funding. The money will cover upgrades to ventilation systems, improvements to plumbing that will allow for
better hand hygiene and touchless water refill stations as well as partitions and HVAC improvements, with immediate emphasis going to those ventilation improvements. The Federal money comes from the $180 billion Investing in Canada infrastructure plan.

“Students, teachers, and staff deserve to learn and work in safe, modern learning spaces, and these investments will improve the safety of schools and classrooms in Guelph-Wellington and across Ontario by improving air quality and the touchless water fountains that will help to reduce the airborne and surface transfer of COVID-19,” Longfield said in a statement.