Words From Eastern Toronto

Dear Ward 4 Neighbours,   While not really my area of responsibility I did want to make sure you know what other levels of government are doing to assist people in these very trying times. This letter is mainly update you on the latest developments on COVID-19 and the Government of Canada’s response. What’s New: Ministers provide update on Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy  Yesterday, Bill Morneau, Minister of Finance, and Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, provided Canadians with an update and more details on the 75% Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy. Here are the key points: The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy will apply at a rate of 75% of the first $58,700 normally earned by employees.For workers: if you work for a company that has been impacted by COVID-19, the Government will cover up to 75% of your salary on the first $58,700 that you earn. That means up to $847 a week.The program would be in place for a 12-week period, from March 15 to June 6, 2020.Businesses will be eligible for the wage subsidy if their gross revenues suffer a drop by at least 30% in March, April or May, when compared to the same month in 2019. The wage subsidy will be available to companies both big and small and across all sectors of the economy, with the exception of public sector entities.For non-profit organizations and registered charities similarly affected by a loss of revenue, the Government will continue to work with the sector to ensure the definition of revenue is appropriate to their circumstances. The Government is also considering additional support for non-profits and charities, particularly those involved in the front line response to COVID-19. Further details will be announced very soon.An eligible employer’s entitlement to this wage subsidy will be based entirely on the salary or wages actually paid to employees. All employers would be expected to at least make best efforts to top up salaries to 100% of the maximum wages covered.Eligible employers would be able to access the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy by applying through a Canada Revenue Agency online portal. More details regarding how to apply for the program will follow. The government knows for workers, businesses and entrepreneurs, the last few weeks have been difficult, and you have had to make some incredibly hard decisions.   You have been forced to make those hard decisions because the business you have built has seen operations slow down or even have to close in some cases. And you have had to make those gut-wrenching decisions because you don’t want to let people go who have helped make your business a success, but you cannot afford to keep them on payroll.   As your City Council I will keep fighting for workers and businesses so that we get through this difficult time. We will do this together. Canadians will be able to apply for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit from April 6 Canadians need help during this unprecedented and challenging time. No one should worry about putting food on the table or keeping a roof over their heads. As only one part of our COVID-19 Economic Response Plan, the Federal government recently introduced the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit, which will provide Canadians who have lost their income because of COVID-19 $2,000 a month for up to 4 months in direct support.   Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, along with Jean-Yves Duclos, President of the Treasury Board, announced that Canadians will be able to start applying for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit starting April 6, 2020.  Applications for the CERB will open on April 6, 2020 at Canada.ca/coronavirus. Applicants for the CERB will be directed to apply through one of two service options: Canadians who would generally be eligible for Employment Insurance benefits will be directed to apply through Service Canada through Appliweb (a Service Canada specific web application tool for EI applications); orCanadians who would generally not be eligible for Employment Insurance benefits will be directed to apply through the Canada Revenue Agency’s MyAccount or CRA’s automated toll-free line at 1-800-959-2019. The CERB will be available to workers:   residing in Canada, who are at least 15 years old; who have stopped working because of COVID-19 or are eligible for Employment Insurance regular or sickness benefits;who had income of at least $5,000 in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to the date of their application; and who are or expect to be without employment or self-employment income for at least 14 consecutive days in the initial four-week period. Please note that: The income of at least $5,000 may be from any or a combination of the following sources: employment, self-employment, maternity and parental benefits under the Employment Insurance program.The Benefit is only available to individuals who stopped work as a result of reasons related to COVID-19.  If you have stopped working for reasons not related to COVID-19, you are not eligible for the CERB.

Please note, below is information on other very recent developments and announcements made in just the past few days.

Canada providing $2 billion to purchase more protective personal equipment On March 31, the Federal government announced they are investing $2 billion to purchase more protective personal equipment, including things like more masks and face shields, gowns, ventilators, test kits and swabs, and hand sanitizer to help ease the pressure on our health care facilities. Some of the key details: The Government has ordered 60 million N95 masks – a type of mask designed and fitted to filter out particles that carry the COVID-19 virus. These masks are expected to begin arriving this week. The Government has also ordered an additional 1,570 ventilators – a crucial piece of equipment to help patients with COVID-19, a respiratory disease, and having difficulty breathing – and is working to secure 4,000 more. We have also ordered more than a million COVID-19 test kits. And more supplies are coming. Since the Federal government launched Canada’s Plan to Mobilize Industry to Fight COVID-19, Canadian businesses and manufacturers have been stepping up to fight the pandemic. They are working with these companies to ensure our health care workers have the tools they need to care for Canadians across the country.  Some of the key developments: The Government has spoken directly with almost 3,000 Canadian companies that have offered their expertise and capacity to meet the country’s need for personal protective equipment and critical health supplies. They have signed new procurement agreements with Canadian companies Thornhill Medical, Medicom, and Spartan Bioscience to purchase and boost capacity to manufacture equipment and supplies including portable ventilators, surgical masks, and rapid testing kits. They have signed letters of intent with five companies – Precision Biomonitoring, Fluid Energy Group Ltd., Irving Oil, Calko Group, and Stanfield’s – to produce additional test kits, hand sanitizer, and protective apparel including masks and gowns. Canada Announces Major Increase in Emergency Support for Businesses On March 27th, Canada announced it is increasing its emergency support to businesses to help alleviate the pressure they are facing.  Here are some of the key features from the announcement: Increasing the temporary wage subsidy businesses to 75%, up from the previously announced 10%. This subsidy will be backdated to March 15. This subsidy is meant to help companies keep people on the payroll, so that workers are supported and the economy is positioned to recover from this.Launching the Canada Emergency Business Account. With this new measure, banks will soon offer $40,000 loans, which will be guaranteed by the government, to qualifying businesses. The loan will be interest free for the first year, and if you meet certain conditions, $10,000 will be forgivable.The Government will also provide an additional $12.5 billion through Export Development Canada and the Business Development Bank to help small and medium-sized businesses with their operational cash flow requirements.Deferral of GST/HST payments, as well as duties and taxes owed on imports, until June. This is the equivalent of giving $30 billion in interest free loans to businesses.   I hope every finds this information useful and informative.  If you have any issues or concerns please contact my at 416-396-7222 or email councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca All my Best, Paul

April 1st End of Day Update: COVID-19

April 1, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Please see the following update regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) from the City of Toronto: 

City taking unprecedented action to stop COVID-19 and save lives, the healthcare system and the economy

The City of Toronto announced strong measures today to halt the spread of COVID-19. Three key objectives for the City and its emergency response to COVID-19 include reducing the loss of life, preserving capacity in the healthcare system and minimizing social and economic impacts. As Toronto’s case numbers continue to increase (there’s been a 500 per cent increase in cases over past two week), Medical Officer of Health, Dr. de Villa is using every power available under the Health Protection and Promotion Act to implement stronger measures to help achieve the three objectives. Mayor Tory is also in the process of drafting bylaw to promote physical distancing on City property. More details here: https://bit.ly/2wbepDO 

Physical distancing at City parks

Toronto parks are only open for walking, cycling and running. Using amenities in parks or congregating in groups is not permitted. City staff together with the Toronto Police Service are prioritizing the patrol of hot spot parks. While education is the first line of enforcement, the fines range between $750 to a maximum of $5,000. City staff are re-installing signage, locks and caution tape at parks where these have been removed. Additionally, the City’s Parks Ambassadors have begun a downtown hot spot education blitz and electronic portable signs will display messages near some busy parks. More information is available here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/?accordion=parks 

The TTC has implemented changes to not only protect operators but riders as well. 

These include:

·         Increase in daily disinfecting of touch points in stations and on vehicles.

·         No longer accepting cash, tickets or tokens on TTC buses.

·         TTC employees may choose to wear their own masks while working.

In addition to safe physical distancing and to help stop the spread of COVID-19, please follow the advice of Toronto Public Health, including:

·         Avoiding non-essential trips in the community

·         Limiting, postponing or canceling gatherings

·         Working from home, where possible

·         Keeping kids away from group settings

·         Staying in your home if you are ill

·         Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces

As well, if you have travelled anywhere outside Canada, please to self-isolate (i.e. stay at home and avoid close contact with others, including those in their home) for 14 days after your return.

COVID-19 legal information for Steps to Justice 

CLEO’s Steps to Justice website, is a site is updated on a daily basis, gives answers to more than 50 legal questions, including questions about emergency benefits assistance, Employment Insurance, getting evicted for non-payment of rent, and what to do about family law matters in the midst of the closure of the courts. Access CLEO’s Steps to Justice website here: www.stepstojustice.ca/covid-19 

Scarborough Health Network’s (SHN) Stroke Centre

Scarborough Health Network is proud to announce they are opening a new Stroke Centre of Excellence at their Birchmount hospital on April 8. For the first time, patients will have access to seamless stroke care services here in Scarborough. 

SHN will begin delivering care through the new Stroke Centre, which will include: 

• Integrated Stroke Unit: A 22-bed unit is best practice for treating stroke patients who have been hospitalized – providing medical care and rehabilitation services all within the same space. 
• Stroke Prevention Clinic: SHN’s outpatient clinic will now be located at Birchmount, providing support and follow-up care for patients in managing their risk factors for stroke. 

Find more information here: https://shn.ca/stroke-centre-of-excellence/ 

Toronto Police clarify social-distancing enforcement measures

The Toronto Police Service is reminding people that travelling, or being parked in a car, with five people or less – including individuals from different home addresses – is not against the law. 

Members of the public are reminded that government directives apply to “organized public events and social gatherings” of more than five people, as well as the ordered closures of the following locations:

·         All facilities providing indoor recreational programs

·         All public libraries

·         All private schools as defined in the Education Act

·         All licensed child care centres

·         All bars and restaurants, except to the extent that such facilities provide takeout food and delivery

·         All theatres including those offering live performances of music, dance, and other art forms, as well as cinemas that show movies

·         Concert venues

·         All City-owned playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor exercise equipment and other parks amenities, as well as parking lots attached to its parks system

Questions about organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people or open businesses that should be closed, can be addressed by calling 311.

City of Toronto bylaw officers will be monitoring and providing information and education to non-compliant individuals and businesses. In some cases, the Toronto Police are contacted to conduct enforcement actions under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act. 

The Toronto Police Service continue to conduct proactive enforcement, when necessary, and officers will use their discretion to determine the proper action. 

For more news, visit TPSnews.ca.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Checkhttps://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best,

Paul

April 1, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Please see the following update regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) from the City of Toronto: 

City of Toronto taking unprecedented action to stop COVID-19, save lives, the healthcare system and the economy

Today, Mayor John Tory announced that the City of Toronto, under the strong advice of its Medical Officer of Health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, is taking action to aggressively halt the spread of COVID-19 in Toronto.

Just two weeks ago, on March 18, Toronto had 145 COVID-19 cases, with 10 people in hospital. Four were in intensive care, there were no outbreaks and there were no COVID-19-related deaths.

As of March 31, Toronto has 763 cases of COVID-19, with 66 in hospital and 33 in intensive care. There are now 11 outbreaks reported and, tragically, eight deaths.

In the last two weeks alone, the economic loss to the retail sector is estimated to be $291 million.

To arrest COVID-19 more quickly, and to save lives, protect the healthcare system and ensure the economy and society can rebound more quickly, the following measures will take effect immediately for up to 12 weeks:

• All individuals with COVID-19 are ordered by the Medical Officer of Health to stay home, under the Health Protection and Promotion Act for 14 days
• All individuals who have had close contact with someone who has COVID-19 are also ordered to stay home by the Medical Officer of Health for 14 days
• Anyone who is not ill or has not travelled, is strongly directed to stay home except for the following reasons:

• accessing healthcare or medication
• shop for groceries once per week
• walk their dogs
• get daily exercise while maintaining physical distancing of at least two metres

• People returning from international travel must stay home, already a federal order
• Anyone over the age of 70, as the province announced this week, is strongly encouraged to stay home as much as possible
• Increased supports for self-isolation for those experiencing homelessness
• Only essential businesses remain open, and those businesses maximize physical distancing and infection prevention and control practices, and limit in-person access to those businesses, as much as possible
• Increased cleaning and active screening of employees at all businesses.

The City, under the guidance of the Medical Officer of Health, will monitor cases and community transmission of COVID-19, adjusting the timing and measures as appropriate. If we do not take these actions today, the city will see substantially increased loss of life, and may not begin to recover, economically and as a society, until the end of 2020.

Mayor Tory strongly supports these unprecedented measures to save lives, protect health and give residents their lives back at the earliest possible date. The Mayor urged all residents to follow the guidance of public health officials to reduce substantial loss of life in Toronto, to protect the healthcare system, and to minimize the significant social and economic disruptions that will occur if new measures are not taken, noting these new measures will require tremendous sacrifice by the people of Toronto.

The City is asking residents to adhere to these orders and strong recommendations in the interest of public health and safety. While informing and educating the public in understanding why these measures are important, additional orders could be issued by the Medical Officer of Health, and in some cases, fines could be issued where there is non-compliance. City bylaw enforcement officers and the Toronto Police Service will work together to enforce the provincial Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act and the orders issued by the Medical Officer of Health under the Health Protection and Promotion Act.

The City of Toronto is compiling a comprehensive list of resources and critical information to ensure businesses, the city’s most vulnerable, community groups and the public are kept informed during this unprecedented time. The City’s website is being updated and revamped with new information, daily. A public information campaign, in multiple languages, will help ensure a full understanding of what the public is being asked to do and, importantly, why.

The City’s Emergency Operations Centre remains fully activated at a Level 3 and will continue to respond and coordinate all activities associated with keeping Toronto safe. City staff are working in parallel on a recovery plan to ensure the City’s finances remain stable, as well as ensuring the stability of the Toronto Public Service. Later this week, the City will provide an update on its finances and workforce deployment.

By following the direction of public health officials and limiting COVID-19 exposure to essential and critical workers that keep the city functioning, we can ensure that emergency services, garbage collection, water, gas, electricity, public transportation, emergency daycare, and support for our most vulnerable can continue to function.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice, and information about City services and social supports. Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best,

Paul

March 31, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Please see the following update regarding the Novel Coronavirus (COVID19) from the City of Toronto: 

Cancellation of mass events through to June 30 

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic the City of Toronto will cancel all mass participation events through to June 30. This includes City-led major mass participation events, festivals, conferences and cultural programs, as well as all City permits for major mass participation events organized by external groups at civic centres and squares, parks, public spaces, City-operated museums and cultural centres. This decision was made in consultation with major event organizers and supports the directive that physical distancing is critical to stopping the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The full news release here:  

Childcare centres open today 

The City of Toronto opened four emergency licensed child centres today for the children of eligible, essential and critical service workers. As announced last week, Toronto is the first municipality to open emergency child care centres that will operate, as the need demands, on a 24 hours per day, seven days per week basis to support critical, frontline workers. As of this morning, approximately 487 families, representing more than 705 children, have applied. The full news release here:  

Keep in mind: 

Do your part to stop the spread of COVID-19. Stay home as much as possible, if you need to go out remember to practice physical distancing and keep 2 m away from others, and wash your hands often. It is crucial that everyone cooperates. All outdoor recreational amenities have been closed including beaches, sports fields/courts, picnic areas, community and condominium parks. You may walk through green spaces that aren’t already closed, but please avoid groups. 

Please dispose of masks, gloves, wipes, tissues, sanitary napkins and personal hygiene products in the garbage. Remember to bag all garbage. Only put waste bins out for collection when full and do not put out any unnecessary waste. Read more https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/?accordion=garbage-recycling-and-organics

Are you a tenant looking for more information on housing and income support? Find a list of resources here: https://www.toronto.ca/home/covid-19/covid-19-social-support/?accordion=housing-support-for-tenants

Ontario Works monthly payments will be issued as usual by direct bank deposit, reloadable payment card, or mail by April1. If you normally pick up your monthly Ontario Works payment at an office or need a new replacement card, remember to practice physical distancing. Office hours and locations have been updated. More information at: toronto.ca/home/covid-19/affected-city-services/

Check https://www.toronto.ca/covid-19/ for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311. You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best,

Paul

March 30, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

As the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, please see the following information and resources regarding our community.

Please click here for the updated list of food banks in Ward 24.

Unfortunately the food bank at 202 Markham Road was forced to close due to the size of the location. Agincourt Community Services continues to update their website with changes to services.

Scarborough Good Neighbours Drop-In at 193 Markham Road continues to serve the area on Fridays. Please remember to call ahead to book to ensure they are properly stocked. For those interested in volunteering, food banks are always looking for volunteers, so please feel free to save and share this information.

Physical distancing at City parks

Parks are only open for walking, cycling and running. Amenities in parks or congregating in groups is not permitted. Starting today, March 30, City staff together with the Toronto Police Service are prioritizing the patrol of hot spot parks. While education is the first line of enforcement, there are fines, which range between $750 to a maximum of $5,000. City staff are re-installing signage, locks and caution tape at parks where these have been removed. Additionally, the City’s Parks Ambassadors have begun a downtown hot spot education blitz and electronic portable signs will display messages near some busy parks. More information is available on the City’s website.

Physical distancing and self-isolation at home

There are provincial and federal mechanisms in place related to gathering of people or self-isolation:

• On March 28, 2020, the Ontario government issued a new emergency order under the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act to prohibit organized public events and social gatherings of more than five people, effective immediately.
• On March 25, 2020, the federal government announced an Emergency Order under the Quarantine Act that requires any person entering Canada by air, sea or land to self-isolate for 14 days whether or not they have symptoms of COVID-19. They should monitor for symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days. Following this Order is mandatory.

Toronto Police Service FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

Toronto Police Service’s website has responses to Frequently Asked Questions relating to COVID-19 concerns. Check out their website if you have any questions about police services, protecting yourself, and more.

Canada’s Economic Response Plan

The Federal Government’s Economic Response Plan lists a number of economic supports for businesses and individuals. Read more about ithere.

This information was shared by M.P. Hon. John McKay’s Community Update. To sign up for his updates, or if you have any questions regarding the below federal programs, please contact his office by phone at 416-283-1226 or by email at John.McKay.c1@parl.gc.ca.

EI Support 

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) 

·         The Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) will provide $2,000 per month to workers impacted by COVID-19 for up to 4 months.

·         The CERB benefit will be paid every 4 weeks and will be available from March 15, 2020 until October 3, 2020

·         The benefit will be accessible through a secure web portal starting in on April 6th. Applicants will also be able to apply via an automated telephone line or via a toll-free number.

Regular EI Program 

·         Canadians who are already receiving EI regular and sickness benefits as of today would continue to receive their benefits and should not apply for the CERB benefit.

·         Learn more about eligibility and apply here

Support for Seniors 

·         reducing the required minimum withdrawals from Registered Retirement Income Funds (RRIFs) by 25% for 2020

·         Learn more about this benefit here 

Support for Families

·         Increasing the Canada Child Benefit by an extra $300 per child for 2019-20

o    This benefit will be delivered as part of the scheduled CCB payment in May and current recipients do not need to re-apply to receive this.

·         Increasing the Special Goods and Services Tax credit payment one time in early May for low- and modest-income families.

o    The average additional benefit will be close to $400 for single individuals and close to $600 for couples and current recipients do not need to re-apply to receive this.

·         The new filing due date for 2019 tax returns for individuals is June 1, 2020.  

o    Learn more about this extension here

·         Canadian banks have committed to work with their customers on a case-by-case basis to find solutions to help them manage hardships caused by COVID-19. Please contact your financial institution if you are experiencing financial hardship.

o    Learn more about mortgage support here

·         Effective March 30, those with Canada Student Loans will have a 6 month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of those loans. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time.

Support for Small Businesses

·         As previously announced, a 75 per cent wage subsidy for qualifying businesses, for up to 3 months, will be retroactive to March 15, 2020.

o    More details on eligibility criteria will start with the impact of COVID-19 on sales, and will be shared before the end of the month.

·         The maximum duration of the Work-Sharing program will be extended from 38 weeks to 76 weeks. The program is offered to workers who agree to reduce their normal working hours because of developments beyond the control of their employers.

o    Learn more and apply to this program here

·         The Canada Emergency Business Account – a new loan program, will provide interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to small businesses and not-for-profits that paid between $50,000 to $1 million in total payroll in 2019, to help cover their operating costs during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced.

o    Additional details on accessing this program will be available soon.

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Checktoronto.ca/covid-19  for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul 

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours,

I wanted to provide you with a few reminders about garbage pick-up. In particular, I have been asked what people should do with used medical masks and gloves.

• Collection of garbage, Blue Bin (recycling), Green Bin (organics), and oversized and metal items is not impacted and will continue as scheduled.
• All personal hygiene/sanitary products, including tissues, wipes, masks and gloves should be disposed of in the garbage.
• Please ensure that all material placed in garbage bins is bagged, specifically cleaning products such as wipes, tissues/napkins and other sanitary/hygiene products.
• Bins should only be placed out for collection if they are full.
• Garbage Tags are still required for excess garbage/bag-only collection and can be bought online and mailed to your home.

Suspended Services

To ensure health and safety, support the continued functioning of Solid Waste Management Services’ operations and allow for physical distancing:

• Seasonal yard waste collection is suspended. Residents are asked to store yard waste on their property until the service resumes.
• Drop-Off Depots (Transfer Stations) are closed to the general public. Garbage, recycling, organics and yard waste from residents will not be accepted. Only those with an existing registered account can continue to bring material to Drop-off Depots (Transfer Stations). No new account requests will be processed at this time. Drop-Off Depots will not operate on Saturdays.
• Toxic Taxi services and Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) drop-off are suspended. Hazardous waste should be safely stored until services resume.
• Bin deliveries and bin exchanges are suspended. Existing service requests will be completed once service resumes.
• All Community Environment Days scheduled in April have been cancelled.

If you have any further questions or concerns please feel free to call my office at 416-396-7222 or by email councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca

May you stay safe and well.

All my Best,

Paul

March 27, 2020 

Dear Neighbours, 

Today, Premier Doug Ford addressed the province with an emergency alert warning to travellers returning to Ontario urging them to comply and self-isolate for 14 days and to not visit stores, family or friends. The Premier placed emphasis on the high risk of those travellers returning and to stay home to stop the spread of COVID-19. 

Additionally, the Ontario Government announced additional supports to businesses and workers to help get through this crisis. An allocation amount of $10 billion in tax deferrals to improve cashflow including:

• $6 billion in tax deferrals from a 5 month penalty-free period to make payments on majority of provincially administered taxes; 
• $1.9 billion in WSIB payment deferrals for up to 6 months; and 
• Deferring property taxes to school boards by 90 days

See more details in Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19, accessed here:  

Additionally, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced this morning that the government is to cover 75% of wages for qualifying businesses. This is an update to the original response measure of a small business subsidy to cover 10% of wages for qualifying businesses. 

The City of Toronto’s inviting business owners to complete a City survey to share how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their business, and what information or supports they need. The survey can be accessed here:  

The City of Toronto is urging Landlords and Condo Boards to adopt new health and safety measures to protect residents from COVID-19. Large residential buildings with a high number of units require new practice and a rigorous cleaning routine to prevent viral spread. The full news release can be accessed here:

Earlier this week the Government of Canada announced the new Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), which provides workers affected by COVID-19 crisis $2000 a month for up to four months. 

The CERB replaces two previously announced measures, the Emergency Care and Emergency Support Benefit, both of which were dependent on the Employment Insurance (EI) system and application. Find more details and how to qualify and apply for CERB here:

For more COVID-19 response supports, please visit this website:  

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul 

Dear Ward 24 Residents,

Toronto has announced business owners are invited to complete this City survey to share how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their business, and what information or supports they need. The survey being sent to more than 20,000 businesses and the Business Improvement Associations.

Link here:

https://s.cotsurvey.chkmkt.com/?e=192083&d=e&h=C10B481F4DB6030&l=en

All my Best,

Paul

March 26, 2020

Dear Ward 24 Neighbours, 

I’m writing today to give you a further update on the City’s ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

City staff in the Emergency Operations Centre and all essential and critical services are working around-the-clock to respond to this crisis to keep us safe. 

These are unprecedented times and I am continuing to receive multiple updates each day on the City’s response and I am committed to sharing this information with you through my social media channels and in email updates like this. I have included the latest important information from the City below. 

Right now, I can’t express enough how important it is to stay home, practise physical distancing, work from home where possible and only go out for essentials. These actions, which many of you are already doing, will help to protect you but also your family, friends and all those who work in essential services. 

Thank you for everything that you’re doing to help stop the spread and please continue to urge others to do the same.

Please see the following Key Messages for the day on COVID-19 updates from the City of Toronto:

Mayor John Tory announced today that business owners are invited to complete this City survey to share how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting their business, and what information or supports they and their employees need. The survey will also be sent to more than 20,000 businesses as well as Business Improvement Associations.

If you have a complaint about a business still operating, whether is it a non-essential business still running, or an essential business running without taking proper steps to protect its workers, please call (not email) 311. Please be patient and expect high call volumes. Complaints are logged and sent to a compliance team which will assign an officer to review and investigate.

The deadline to cancel the TTC’s 12 Month Pass plan and Autorenew for the TTC Monthly Pass have been extended until 11:59 p.m. on March 27, 2020. TTC will waive all cancellation fees, including any previous discounts received for the TTC Monthly Pass. Residents may still see a notification regarding cancellation fees on the PRESTO app or website, however, we ask that they please disregard this message. More information can be found here: 

Please see today’s update by the KGO for information regarding resources and supports available in the community including information on:

·         New Financial Supports: What you need to know

·         Worker’s Rights During COVID-19: Free webinar TODAY

·         Financial Resources for Business Owners

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Checktoronto.ca/covid-19  for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul 

March 25, 2020

Dear Neighbours, 

Please see the following today on COVID-19 updates from the City of Toronto 

As part of the City’s continuing efforts to stop the spread of COVID-19, all City-owned playgrounds, sports fields, basketball and tennis courts, off-leash dog parks, skateboard and BMX parks, picnic areas, outdoor exercise equipment and other parks amenities, as well as parking lots attached to its parks system, will be closed effective immediately. School playgrounds, fields and equipment will also be closed. Green spaces remain open for walking and jogging 

TCHC’s Our Client Care Centre received several reports yesterday from tenants who were called by someone claiming to a volunteers offering to deliver groceries to their homes, and then requesting their banking information. The following message has been shared with TCHC tenants.

FRAUD WARNING: 

Tenants: If you get a call from a “volunteer” offering to deliver groceries who then asks for your banking or credit card information, hang up. It’s a scam. If you’ve been the victim of fraud, report it to local police. Toronto Community Housing staff or first responders calling you during the COVID-19 emergency will never ask for your banking or credit information.

Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 

Today, Finance Minister Rod Phillips released Ontario’s Action Plan: Responding to COVID-19 (March 2020 Economic and Fiscal Update). 

The government’s action plan is a first step in its response to COVID-19 and includes $7 billion in additional resources for the health care system and direct support for people and jobs. It also will make available $10 billion in support for people and businesses through tax and other deferrals to improve their cash flow, protecting jobs and household budgets. Full news release can be accessed here:https://news.ontario.ca/mof/en/2020/03/ontarios-action-plan-responding-to-covid-19.html 

TCHC Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources

Actions being implemented by Toronto Community Housing in response to the COVID-19 outbreak include details on: 

• Rent flexibility
• Outreach to tenants
• Food security 
• Social distancing measures and more. 

All information can be found on the TCHC Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) support and resources page, accessed here:https://www.torontohousing.ca/residents/community-services/Pages/Novel-Coronavirus-COVID-19-information.aspx

Keep in mind:

There is no need to panic-buy and stockpile. Being prepared for emergencies is good advice but purchasing in bulk jeopardizes the ability for vulnerable people to get food and health supplies and other essential supplies. 

The City’s website is updated daily with the latest health advice and information about City services and social supports. Checktoronto.ca/covid-19  for answers to common questions before contacting the Toronto Public Health COVID-19 Hotline or 311.

You can also reach me by telephone at 416-396-7222 or email me at councillor_ainslie@toronto.ca 

All my Best, 

Paul