COVID-19 Update for June 1, 2020 – 2:10pm
Premier Doug Ford started his daily briefing by denouncing the act of violence and anti-black racism that has gripped the U.S in the last few days. “Racism and hatred have no place in our province,” he said. “As premier, I have absolutely zero tolerance for anyone targeting the black community or any minority group. I just won’t stand for it and we won’t stand for it as a province.”
COVID-19 Electricity Bill Support
The Premier also unveiled important details about a new electricity initiative to provide relief on hydro bills. Families, small businesses and farms will now pay a fixed rate of 12.8 cents per kilowatt hour – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, said Ford. This rate will remain in effect until October 31st.
The COVID-19 Recovery Rate will be followed by a new customer choice initiative. Beginning November 1, 2020, customers will be able to choose a plan that best suits their household and lifestyle with the option of either Time of Use electricity rates or tiered pricing, which will provide a set rate for electricity up to a certain level of consumption.
The Premier also noted that he is extending the ban on power disconnection for residential customers till July 31st. “No one will have their power cut off because they cannot afford to pay their hydro bill right now,” said Ford.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program
Ford also introduced a new $ 9-million dollar Energy Assistance Program to provide support to low income families who are struggling to pay electricity bills. “This will provide a one-time payment to cover the electricity debt incurred during the COVID-19 period,” He said.
COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program for Small Businesses
The Premier also announced $8 million for the COVID-19 Energy Assistance Program targeted specially to provide relief to Small Business. “Right now, every dollar counts and these hydro relief measures are just another way we are working to support you during this time,” said Ford.
Additionally, the Premier noted that the government will continue to subsidize electricity bills by 31.8 per cent through the Ontario Electricity Rebate to help ensure more affordable electricity bills for eligible residential, farm and small business consumers.
You can read the full release here.
Mobile Testing
Mobile COVID-19 testing will hit the road tomorrow, beginning in Scarborough. Ford urged anyone with or without symptoms in the Scarborough area to get tested. More details about the program are available here through the Scarborough Health Network.
Scaling Back Updates
Regular provincial health updates are being scaled back from the previous daily schedule to twice a week – on Mondays and Thursdays.
We hope you are finding these COVID-19 updates useful. In addition to trying to keep on top of the fast-changing situation, Enterprise is also working to support local charities during these challenging times. If you are able, your contributions to this effort would be deeply appreciated.
To donate, please click on the organization below:
- Toronto – Food Banks Canada
- Thunder Bay – Food Banks North West
- Hamilton/Niagara – Hamilton Food Share
- Alberta – Hope Mission
Many thanks.
Stay safe. Stay healthy.
The Enterprise Team