Just over two weeks from the second anniversary of the first COVID-19 lockdown, the Government of Ontario will take its next, great leap back to normalcy with the lifting of COVID-19 proof of vaccination mandates. While some places will have to decide for themselves whether they’re ready to roll without mandates, our different levels of government are now looking to the light at the end of tunnel. Continue reading “ICYMI: Proof of Vaccine Mandates Lift Tomorrow”
Ontario businesses locked down for the last three-and-a-half weeks were finally allowed to re-open up to 50 per cent capacity on Monday, so problem solved, right? Not so fast, says Guelph MPP Mike Schreiner. Joined by Dufferin-Caledon Green Party candidate Laura Campbell, who owns a restaurant in downtown Orangeville, Schreiner said that there’s still a role for government to play as businesses try and get back on their feet. Continue reading “Schreiner Says Small Businesses Still Need Help as Provincial Re-opening Begins”
After being teased through several media sources of Wednesday night, Premier Doug Ford announced (on time) on Thursday morning that the re-emergence from lockdown will begin on January 31. The phased approach will see three-weeks between the initiation of each part of the plan, which Ford and company believes will give Ontario the best strategy to manage both the virus and the economy. Continue reading “New Framework Alert: Ontario Starts Re-Opening on January 31”
During his usual Thursday press briefing, Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore tried to offer assurances about the re-opening of schools next week and the potential re-opening of the provincial economy the week after. Meanwhile, teachers and public health units still have concerns about what’s coming, and whether teachers and parents have everything they need when the bell rings on Monday morning. Continue reading “Moore Gets Questioned About the Future As Schools Have Concerns”
In terms of breaking news, it wasn’t that surprising when it was announced Wednesday afternoon that Ontario’s school kids are going back to in-person learning on Monday. Instead, Minister of Education Stephen Lecce and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Kieran Moore were pressed for some assurances: Will schools be safe when the children return on Monday, and are school’s prepared if they’re not? Continue reading “Lecce and Moore Acknowledge Uncertainty, But Schools Will Still Open on Monday”
Say goodbye to the colour system, and hello to the three-step program! In advance of the long-weekend, Premier Doug Ford, Health Minister Christine Elliott, and Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. David Williams made an announcement meant to offer a “transparent and predictable plan” that will guide the province’s re-opening starting this weekend with the re-opening of outdoor recreational amenities. Continue reading “Ford Announces New Three Stage Re-Opening, Outdoor Rec is Back this Weekend”
Ontario was getting back to work on Tuesday. From regions of the province approved for re-opening, to the first day of the new session of the Legislature, returning to some degree of normalcy was the order of the day. At Queen’s Park, Guelph MPP and Green Party of Ontario leader Mike Schreiner got back to work with a media availability, and the announcement of a safe back-to-work plan for everyone. Continue reading “Schreiner Introduces Work Safe Plan Just in Time for Provincial Re-opening”
It’s the news everyone wanted to hear! (Sort of.) On the same day that most of Ontario’s school students returned to in-person learning, the Government of Ontario announced their intention to end the state of emergency and start the gradual re-opening of the province this week. Don’t celebrate yet though because all of this is still kind of tepid. Continue reading “Back to the Colour Code: Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph to Reopen February 16”
There are too many unanswered questions, no idea about how to increase safety precautions, and decisions about re-opening schools are happening in such a way that parents, teachers and school administrators can’t do any long-term planning. The Upper Grand District School Board heard again on Tuesday night that Ontario needs more action and less reaction, and they’re going to take that fight to the Government of Ontario. Continue reading “Upper Grand School Board to Demand More Clarity About Province’s School Re-Opening Plan”
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